COVID-19 Resource Guide
Updated: 4/30/21, 3:14pm
We will be updating this page with links to resources for our small business members and community members as they become available, so please keep checking back for up-to-date information.
We will be updating this page with links to resources for our small business members and community members as they become available, so please keep checking back for up-to-date information.
PPE Supply Distribution For Small Businesses - Update
Small businesses and non-profits located in Southern RI with 50 or fewer employees that are open or are reopening are able to access these supplies:
- 5 cloth masks per employee
Even if you received the blue disposable masks from us during the first round, you are eligible to receive these reusable masks.
We also have PPE available specifically for businesses in the Personal Services industry in Southern RI. This business category consists of barbers/hair salons, manicurists, tanning salons, tattoo parlors and massage therapists. Doctors and dentists also qualify for this PPE.
PPE for participating Personal Service Businesses will be distributed as follows:
• Six KN-95 masks per employee
• Two eye protection units per business, except for a sole proprietorship
WE HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF SUPPLIES REMAINING.
Please give us a call at 401-783-2801 to reserve your supplies. You do not need to be a chamber member to reserve these supplies.
In exchange for these supplies, businesses are asked to show they’ve completed their COVID-19 control plan.
**********************************
SRI Chamber Member Business Updates
We have been busy compiling and sharing information on our social media channels and in our newsletters regarding whether our member businesses are open/in what capacity, and what the community can do to support them during this time. If you are an SRI Chamber member, please email communications@srichamber.com and provide as much detail as possible.
**********************************
Regulations from the RI Department of Health mandate that specific signage must be visible in all businesses that are open and operating. Rhode Island Commerce has created a poster that puts all the required messaging in one place. Once you hang up this poster, you will be in compliance and will be letting Rhode Islanders know how they can keep themselves and other safe while they are in your establishment. Download the poster in English or in Spanish.
****************************
CONTINUE TO SHOP LOCAL & SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ECONOMY
We all know that business can be challenging. The conditions that are present today increase the challenge. If we all do one small thing to help our members, collectively we can have a huge impact. Our members are hardworking people that are always there for us, let’s be there for them.
* Buy gift certificates today to use later or to give as gifts
* To avoid crowds at stores, order your products online or over the phone and have them delivered or request curbside pick-up if those services are available.
* Keep your subscription services or memberships (gyms, art classes, music lessons, dance, etc.)
*Leave positive reviews for businesses that you frequent on sites like Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Facebook.
* Reach out to local business owners that you know and ask them directly how you can help. They may have an idea specific to their business.
RI Commerce Corporation: COVID-19 Resources
RI Alliance For Business Resilience Resources
CDC: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses & Employers
OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration): COVID-19 Guide
Facebook For Business Resource Hub
Google For Small Business: Resource Page
RI Small Business Development Center
RICommerce Corporation: Emergency Grants and Funding
Federal Resources For U.S. Small Businesses
**********************************
A full list of Executive Orders from the Rhode Island Governor's office can be found here.
*******************************************
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
RI Small Business Relief Grant Program
The Rhode Island Small Business Relief Grant Program provides grants of $5,000 for Rhode Island small businesses that have suffered financially due to COVID-19. Grant funds may be used to pay for:
You can sign up now to receive program updates here.
Who is eligible?
This program is designed for Rhode Island small businesses. Applicants must:
**********
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
The U.S. Small Business Administration will reopen the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal tomorrow, April 24, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EDT for operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums and movie theatres, as well as live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives to apply for critical economic relief.
“We recognize the urgency and need to get this program up and running,” said Barb Carson, deputy associate administrator of SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. “With venue operators in danger of closing, every day that passes by is a day that these businesses cannot afford. We remain dedicated to delivering emergency aid as quickly as possible and will begin reviewing the applications on Saturday as they are submitted.”
While working with vendors to fix technology issues that occurred with the April 8 initial opening, the SBA identified and resolved other concerns and enhanced the applicant experience with the portal. The following updates have been made:
For more information and to view applicant resources, visit www.sba.gov/svogrant. For Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal technical assistance such as a password reset, browser suggestions, or how to use the multi-factor authentication with an app and the QR code, applicants can call 1-800-659-2955 or, for the deaf and hard-of-hearing 1-800-877-8339 and follow the prompts to SVOG assistance. The call center is open today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and, starting Saturday, April 24, the center will be open 24 hours a day through Monday evening at 8 p.m.
**********
Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) provides funding to restaurants and other eligible entities to help ensure their continued operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The RRF will begin accepting applications from all eligible applicants beginning at 12:00pm EDT on Monday, May 3rd.
Additionally, beginning at 9:00am today, April 30th, businesses that intend to apply may log into the portal to set up their credentials and profile ahead of time. All eligible applicants that plan to apply on May 3rd should complete this step before the applications begin to be accepted.
Click the link below to go to the portal.
Restaurant Revitalization Award Portal
**********
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced that the deadline to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the COVID-19 Pandemic disaster declaration is extended to Dec. 31, 2021. The deadline extension comes as a result of the recent bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill passed by Congress and enacted by President Trump on Dec. 27, 2020.
To date, the SBA has approved $197 bill ion in low-interest loans which provides working capital funds to small businesses, non-profits and agricultural businesses make it through this challenging time. Here in Rhode Island, 10,599 EIDL loans were approved for over 563 billion dollars.
EIDL loan applications will continue to be accepted through December 2021, pending the availability of funds. Loans are offered at very affordable terms, with a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% interest rate for nonprofit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. Every eligible small business and nonprofit are encouraged to apply to get the resources they need.
To apply for an EIDL loan click HERE or contact the District Office by email at RhodeIsland_DO@sba.gov.
**********
SBA Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll. Borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.
SBA is currently offering PPP loans until May 31, 2021. President Biden announced program changes to make access to PPP loans more equitable.
1. Find a lender:
Get matched with a lender
Search for lenders in your area
2. Identify a loan:
First Draw PPP loans: If you have not received a PPP loan before, First Draw PPP loans are available to you.
Second Draw PPP loans: If you have previously received a PPP loan, certain businesses are eligible for a Second Draw PPP loan.
**********
Microenterprise Stabilization Grant Program
Rhode Island’s microenterprise stabilization grant program is designed to assist small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and left out of federal stimulus programs to-date. The program will provide grants of up to $5,000 to qualifying microenterprises. Funds may be used for working capital to cover business costs, such as rent, staffing, utilities.
Eligibility
To qualify, you must be a bona fide business entity with between two and five employees in a participating municipality (below), and one or more of the business’s employees must be an owner. The business owner(s)’ total household income must be 80% or less of their area median income, based on family size. You can view 80% of the area median income for Rhode Island regions here.
All applications will be processed via participating municipalities, which are:
Barrington
Bristol
Central Falls
Cumberland
Hopkinton
Middletown
Newport
North Providence
North Smithfield
Smithfield
South Kingstown
Warren
West Warwick
Westerly
If your business is in one of the participating towns above, please reach out directly for more information on how to apply, view each town’s contact information here.
Don’t see the city or town in which your business is located listed here? Sign up to receive email updates on new additions to the program.
**********************************
OTHER RESOURCES
ReStart RI Initiative
Led by SCORE Rhode Island, the ReStart RI initiative launched to provide assistance to Rhode Island and South Coast Massachusetts small businesses and startups by providing the tools, techniques and business advice to get them back up and running successfully.
The best way for you to join the charge towards recovery is to register for their weekly web-based interactive workshops. They will focus on adapting business models to the challenges introduced by COVID-19 — from managing cash flow to the latest regulations.
Their calls will also include a live Q&A so experienced professionals can help you with your exact questions.
**********
Skills for Rhode Island's Future & EmployRI Initiative
Skills RI is partnering with the R.I. Department of Labor & Training to ensure we all get back on our feet and get back to work. For details, visit employri.org or check out the helpful resources link below.
Was your job affected by COVID-19? Your next opportunity is waiting.
Thousands of workers are needed for immediate hire.
**********
RI Superior Court Business Recovery Plan
Presiding Justice Alice B. Gibney has announced the start of a business protection program, the Business Recovery Plan, in response to disruptions caused by COVID-19. The court will provide supervised protections for Rhode Island businesses so they can remain operational, access new working capital, and pay debts.
The court will use a non-liquidating receivership model, which will keep the business and its assets intact. The court will appoint a receiver to oversee the preparation of an operating plan for businesses in the program. Once new working capital, such as disaster relief or small business assistance, is accessed by the business, it will be able to maintain operations, address its debts, and begin to generate revenues again.
The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting, and in some cases, forcing businesses to close which negatively impacts the state’s economy. Businesses that were not in default on its debts prior to the pandemic are eligible to file a petition with the Superior Court and will be assigned to the business calendar.
Administrative Order 2020-04, COVID-19 Business Recovery Plan
COVID-19 Business Recovery Plan FAQ's
**********
An Important Message From ServiceMaster By Mason
"Reduce exposure and the spread of harmful viruses, bacteria and germs at your business or home with this helpful HIGH TOUCH CLEANING CHECKLIST. And if you need sanitizing and disinfecting services at your facility, ServiceMaster By Mason can help! Our Electrostatic Spraying is 99.99% effective in killing harmful viruses, bacteria and germs such as Influenza H1N1, Norovirus, MRSA, C.Diff, Mononucleosis, COVID19, HIV, Blood-borne Pathogens, Hepatitis & more. ServiceMaster also uses EPA-registered disinfectants that have qualified under the EPA’S Emerging Pathogen standard for use against COVID19. Whether you need viral or bacterial cleanings from an office ravaged by flu, infectious disease cleanup, or taking preventative measures for employees, clients & guests, ServiceMaster By Mason has a proven technology and process to ensure your business or home is a clean & healthy environment. Call 800-934-5869 CT & RI.
Before a business hires a company to do the sanitizing and disinfecting needed, they should make certain that they are using EPA approved products and process, and following CDC guidelines, or they are spending money on a process & products NOT meeting their cleaning needs. They should ask any potential company for a product/process letter showing it’s approved."
SRI Chamber members: If you are offering a specific service like the one above that your fellow chamber members can utilize during this time, please let us know.
**********
Free Tech Support Services
SRI Chamber member, The Right Click, Inc., is one of several companies across Rhode Island that is offering free tech support sessions for small businesses in need. More information about the program can be found on the Rhode Island Commerce Corp website.
**********
If you or someone you know is 65 or older and has been laid off and needs help enrolling in Medicare, view this video and then call Tom Rolin at 401-255-1746 or contact him at trolin@WeCanHelpYou.org.
Small businesses and non-profits located in Southern RI with 50 or fewer employees that are open or are reopening are able to access these supplies:
- 5 cloth masks per employee
Even if you received the blue disposable masks from us during the first round, you are eligible to receive these reusable masks.
We also have PPE available specifically for businesses in the Personal Services industry in Southern RI. This business category consists of barbers/hair salons, manicurists, tanning salons, tattoo parlors and massage therapists. Doctors and dentists also qualify for this PPE.
PPE for participating Personal Service Businesses will be distributed as follows:
• Six KN-95 masks per employee
• Two eye protection units per business, except for a sole proprietorship
WE HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF SUPPLIES REMAINING.
Please give us a call at 401-783-2801 to reserve your supplies. You do not need to be a chamber member to reserve these supplies.
In exchange for these supplies, businesses are asked to show they’ve completed their COVID-19 control plan.
**********************************
SRI Chamber Member Business Updates
We have been busy compiling and sharing information on our social media channels and in our newsletters regarding whether our member businesses are open/in what capacity, and what the community can do to support them during this time. If you are an SRI Chamber member, please email communications@srichamber.com and provide as much detail as possible.
**********************************
Regulations from the RI Department of Health mandate that specific signage must be visible in all businesses that are open and operating. Rhode Island Commerce has created a poster that puts all the required messaging in one place. Once you hang up this poster, you will be in compliance and will be letting Rhode Islanders know how they can keep themselves and other safe while they are in your establishment. Download the poster in English or in Spanish.
****************************
CONTINUE TO SHOP LOCAL & SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ECONOMY
We all know that business can be challenging. The conditions that are present today increase the challenge. If we all do one small thing to help our members, collectively we can have a huge impact. Our members are hardworking people that are always there for us, let’s be there for them.
* Buy gift certificates today to use later or to give as gifts
* To avoid crowds at stores, order your products online or over the phone and have them delivered or request curbside pick-up if those services are available.
* Keep your subscription services or memberships (gyms, art classes, music lessons, dance, etc.)
*Leave positive reviews for businesses that you frequent on sites like Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Facebook.
* Reach out to local business owners that you know and ask them directly how you can help. They may have an idea specific to their business.
RI Commerce Corporation: COVID-19 Resources
RI Alliance For Business Resilience Resources
CDC: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses & Employers
OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration): COVID-19 Guide
Facebook For Business Resource Hub
Google For Small Business: Resource Page
RI Small Business Development Center
RICommerce Corporation: Emergency Grants and Funding
Federal Resources For U.S. Small Businesses
**********************************
A full list of Executive Orders from the Rhode Island Governor's office can be found here.
*******************************************
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
RI Small Business Relief Grant Program
The Rhode Island Small Business Relief Grant Program provides grants of $5,000 for Rhode Island small businesses that have suffered financially due to COVID-19. Grant funds may be used to pay for:
- Wages and/or salaries of employees to avoid furloughs or layoffs;
- Operational costs incurred to enable the business to remain open through the state of emergency; or
- Facilitating the reopening of the business if the business was unable to remain open for a portion of the state of emergency.
You can sign up now to receive program updates here.
Who is eligible?
This program is designed for Rhode Island small businesses. Applicants must:
- Be small Rhode Island-based for-profit businesses with less than $1M in 2020 gross receipts (revenue);
- Have received less than $25,000 in state COVID relief financial assistance from the following programs combined: (1) Restore RI Grants, (2) Pause Grants, and (3) Early Bar Closure Grants; and
- Demonstrate that they have a COVID-related net financial need of $5,000 or greater. This will be calculated by subtracting the total amount of COVID related grants or financial assistance received for 2020 from the total drop in gross receipts from 2019 to 2020. Businesses who do not meet the $5,000 requirement may also add COVID-related increased costs or expenses.
**********
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
The U.S. Small Business Administration will reopen the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal tomorrow, April 24, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. EDT for operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums and movie theatres, as well as live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives to apply for critical economic relief.
“We recognize the urgency and need to get this program up and running,” said Barb Carson, deputy associate administrator of SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. “With venue operators in danger of closing, every day that passes by is a day that these businesses cannot afford. We remain dedicated to delivering emergency aid as quickly as possible and will begin reviewing the applications on Saturday as they are submitted.”
While working with vendors to fix technology issues that occurred with the April 8 initial opening, the SBA identified and resolved other concerns and enhanced the applicant experience with the portal. The following updates have been made:
- Clarifying and making program documentation more user-friendly;
- Improving application portal security mechanisms;
- Adding an industry-standard waiting room technology to address the high interest in the program and provide an orderly application process for fair and smooth performance; and
- Updating application features, including: a new revenue chart, the ability to upload multiple attachments, and an improved application flow to match the eligible entity types and their respective required documentation.
- Register on the portal in advance. Applicants will need a smartphone and a multi-factor authenticator app to register and apply;
- Review the SVOG Frequently Asked Questions and Applicant User Guide; and
- Prepare required documentation, per the Application Checklist.
For more information and to view applicant resources, visit www.sba.gov/svogrant. For Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal technical assistance such as a password reset, browser suggestions, or how to use the multi-factor authentication with an app and the QR code, applicants can call 1-800-659-2955 or, for the deaf and hard-of-hearing 1-800-877-8339 and follow the prompts to SVOG assistance. The call center is open today from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and, starting Saturday, April 24, the center will be open 24 hours a day through Monday evening at 8 p.m.
**********
Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) provides funding to restaurants and other eligible entities to help ensure their continued operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The RRF will begin accepting applications from all eligible applicants beginning at 12:00pm EDT on Monday, May 3rd.
Additionally, beginning at 9:00am today, April 30th, businesses that intend to apply may log into the portal to set up their credentials and profile ahead of time. All eligible applicants that plan to apply on May 3rd should complete this step before the applications begin to be accepted.
Click the link below to go to the portal.
Restaurant Revitalization Award Portal
**********
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
The U.S. Small Business Administration today announced that the deadline to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the COVID-19 Pandemic disaster declaration is extended to Dec. 31, 2021. The deadline extension comes as a result of the recent bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill passed by Congress and enacted by President Trump on Dec. 27, 2020.
To date, the SBA has approved $197 bill ion in low-interest loans which provides working capital funds to small businesses, non-profits and agricultural businesses make it through this challenging time. Here in Rhode Island, 10,599 EIDL loans were approved for over 563 billion dollars.
EIDL loan applications will continue to be accepted through December 2021, pending the availability of funds. Loans are offered at very affordable terms, with a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% interest rate for nonprofit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. Every eligible small business and nonprofit are encouraged to apply to get the resources they need.
To apply for an EIDL loan click HERE or contact the District Office by email at RhodeIsland_DO@sba.gov.
**********
SBA Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll. Borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.
SBA is currently offering PPP loans until May 31, 2021. President Biden announced program changes to make access to PPP loans more equitable.
1. Find a lender:
Get matched with a lender
Search for lenders in your area
2. Identify a loan:
First Draw PPP loans: If you have not received a PPP loan before, First Draw PPP loans are available to you.
Second Draw PPP loans: If you have previously received a PPP loan, certain businesses are eligible for a Second Draw PPP loan.
**********
Microenterprise Stabilization Grant Program
Rhode Island’s microenterprise stabilization grant program is designed to assist small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and left out of federal stimulus programs to-date. The program will provide grants of up to $5,000 to qualifying microenterprises. Funds may be used for working capital to cover business costs, such as rent, staffing, utilities.
Eligibility
To qualify, you must be a bona fide business entity with between two and five employees in a participating municipality (below), and one or more of the business’s employees must be an owner. The business owner(s)’ total household income must be 80% or less of their area median income, based on family size. You can view 80% of the area median income for Rhode Island regions here.
All applications will be processed via participating municipalities, which are:
Barrington
Bristol
Central Falls
Cumberland
Hopkinton
Middletown
Newport
North Providence
North Smithfield
Smithfield
South Kingstown
Warren
West Warwick
Westerly
If your business is in one of the participating towns above, please reach out directly for more information on how to apply, view each town’s contact information here.
Don’t see the city or town in which your business is located listed here? Sign up to receive email updates on new additions to the program.
**********************************
OTHER RESOURCES
ReStart RI Initiative
Led by SCORE Rhode Island, the ReStart RI initiative launched to provide assistance to Rhode Island and South Coast Massachusetts small businesses and startups by providing the tools, techniques and business advice to get them back up and running successfully.
- Access to no-cost mentoring for business owners
- Continuing education to address the evolving times
- Assistance in sourcing and securing business financing
The best way for you to join the charge towards recovery is to register for their weekly web-based interactive workshops. They will focus on adapting business models to the challenges introduced by COVID-19 — from managing cash flow to the latest regulations.
Their calls will also include a live Q&A so experienced professionals can help you with your exact questions.
**********
Skills for Rhode Island's Future & EmployRI Initiative
Skills RI is partnering with the R.I. Department of Labor & Training to ensure we all get back on our feet and get back to work. For details, visit employri.org or check out the helpful resources link below.
Was your job affected by COVID-19? Your next opportunity is waiting.
Thousands of workers are needed for immediate hire.
**********
RI Superior Court Business Recovery Plan
Presiding Justice Alice B. Gibney has announced the start of a business protection program, the Business Recovery Plan, in response to disruptions caused by COVID-19. The court will provide supervised protections for Rhode Island businesses so they can remain operational, access new working capital, and pay debts.
The court will use a non-liquidating receivership model, which will keep the business and its assets intact. The court will appoint a receiver to oversee the preparation of an operating plan for businesses in the program. Once new working capital, such as disaster relief or small business assistance, is accessed by the business, it will be able to maintain operations, address its debts, and begin to generate revenues again.
The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting, and in some cases, forcing businesses to close which negatively impacts the state’s economy. Businesses that were not in default on its debts prior to the pandemic are eligible to file a petition with the Superior Court and will be assigned to the business calendar.
Administrative Order 2020-04, COVID-19 Business Recovery Plan
COVID-19 Business Recovery Plan FAQ's
**********
An Important Message From ServiceMaster By Mason
"Reduce exposure and the spread of harmful viruses, bacteria and germs at your business or home with this helpful HIGH TOUCH CLEANING CHECKLIST. And if you need sanitizing and disinfecting services at your facility, ServiceMaster By Mason can help! Our Electrostatic Spraying is 99.99% effective in killing harmful viruses, bacteria and germs such as Influenza H1N1, Norovirus, MRSA, C.Diff, Mononucleosis, COVID19, HIV, Blood-borne Pathogens, Hepatitis & more. ServiceMaster also uses EPA-registered disinfectants that have qualified under the EPA’S Emerging Pathogen standard for use against COVID19. Whether you need viral or bacterial cleanings from an office ravaged by flu, infectious disease cleanup, or taking preventative measures for employees, clients & guests, ServiceMaster By Mason has a proven technology and process to ensure your business or home is a clean & healthy environment. Call 800-934-5869 CT & RI.
Before a business hires a company to do the sanitizing and disinfecting needed, they should make certain that they are using EPA approved products and process, and following CDC guidelines, or they are spending money on a process & products NOT meeting their cleaning needs. They should ask any potential company for a product/process letter showing it’s approved."
SRI Chamber members: If you are offering a specific service like the one above that your fellow chamber members can utilize during this time, please let us know.
**********
Free Tech Support Services
SRI Chamber member, The Right Click, Inc., is one of several companies across Rhode Island that is offering free tech support sessions for small businesses in need. More information about the program can be found on the Rhode Island Commerce Corp website.
**********
If you or someone you know is 65 or older and has been laid off and needs help enrolling in Medicare, view this video and then call Tom Rolin at 401-255-1746 or contact him at trolin@WeCanHelpYou.org.
