COVID-19 Resource Guide
Updated: 1/14/21, 12:45pm
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.
CLICK HERE for a comprehensive list of all of our member restaurants, and whether they're open or not and in what capacity.
**********************************
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.
Commerce Rhode Island has also created a list of companies that currently have COVID-19 supplies available for sale for businesses.
**********************************
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 Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo can be found here.
*******************************************
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “CAA”), which provides $900 billion in new COVID-19 relief funding, was signed into law on December 27, 2020. Section 324 of Title III of the CAA, the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act (the “Hard Hit Act”), introduces a new $15 billion grant program through which the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) will provide aid to struggling live venue operators and related businesses. This program offers a critical lifeline from the Federal government for the nation’s performing arts venues, movie theatres and museums.
More details about the program will be available soon. Keep checking back here and the SBA website.
Eligible Entities:
**********
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 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. CDFI's are defined as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), Minority Deposit Institutions (MDI), Certified Development Company (CDC) or a Micro-lender intermediary.
Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
Key PPP updates include:
EZ Forgiveness Application
Full Forgiveness Application
**********
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.
**********
Small Business COVID-19 Panels With Lt. Governor McKee
Lt Governor McKee is holding small business conferences Tuesday at 12 Noon to 1PM until further notice.
New ways to participate:
Facebook Live: listen, watch, & comment in real time
(staff will be answering questions in the comments) (via computer or mobile device)
Search “Lt. Governor Dan McKee” on Facebook or click this link
You need an account to comment, but not to watch
YouTube: listen & watch (via computer or mobile device)
You will be able to listen & watch the Facebook Live through YouTube
Click this link
Zoom: listen (via phone-- traditional conference call option)
For those that just want to listen or might be unable to access a computer, you can call in via Zoom; you do not need the app or anything else
Dial number then enter meeting ID on any phone (also below)
+1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 923 4249 8919
This option is capped at 500 participants
Click here for past Small Business Conference Calls: Links to past audio, summaries, Facebook, YouTube and Zoom
**********
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.
**********************************
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.
Commerce Rhode Island has also created a list of companies that currently have COVID-19 supplies available for sale for businesses.
**********************************
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 Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo can be found here.
*******************************************
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “CAA”), which provides $900 billion in new COVID-19 relief funding, was signed into law on December 27, 2020. Section 324 of Title III of the CAA, the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act (the “Hard Hit Act”), introduces a new $15 billion grant program through which the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) will provide aid to struggling live venue operators and related businesses. This program offers a critical lifeline from the Federal government for the nation’s performing arts venues, movie theatres and museums.
More details about the program will be available soon. Keep checking back here and the SBA website.
Eligible Entities:
- Live venue operators or promoters
- Theatrical producers
- Live performing arts organization operators
- Certain museum operators, zoos and aquariums that meet specific criteria
- Motion picture theater operators
- Talent representatives
- Business entities owned by an eligible entity that also meets the eligibility requirements
- Must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020
- Venue or promoter must not have received a PPP loan
**********
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 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. CDFI's are defined as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), Minority Deposit Institutions (MDI), Certified Development Company (CDC) or a Micro-lender intermediary.
Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
Key PPP updates include:
- PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
- PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
- The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
- The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
- Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
- Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
- Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
- Has no more than 300 employees; and
- Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
PPP-Borrower-Application-Form.pdf (treasury.gov)
PPP-Second-Draw-Borrower-Application-Form.pdf (treasury.gov)
PPP-Lender-Application-Form.pdf (treasury.gov)
PPP-Second-Draw-Lender-Application-Form.pdf (treasury.gov)
SBA-Form-3506-PPP--Agreement-for-New-Lenders-Banks-Credit-Unions-FCS.pdf (treasury.gov)
SBA_PPP_User_Guide_1-10-21_F.pdf
Top-line-Overview-of-First-Draw-PPP.pdf (treasury.gov)
Top-line-Overview-of-Second-Draw-PPP.pdf (treasury.gov)
Guidance-on-Accessing-Capital-for-Minority-Underserved-Veteran-and-Women-Owned-Business-Concerns .pdf (treasury.gov)
EZ Forgiveness Application
Full Forgiveness Application
**********
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.
**********
Small Business COVID-19 Panels With Lt. Governor McKee
Lt Governor McKee is holding small business conferences Tuesday at 12 Noon to 1PM until further notice.
New ways to participate:
Facebook Live: listen, watch, & comment in real time
(staff will be answering questions in the comments) (via computer or mobile device)
Search “Lt. Governor Dan McKee” on Facebook or click this link
You need an account to comment, but not to watch
YouTube: listen & watch (via computer or mobile device)
You will be able to listen & watch the Facebook Live through YouTube
Click this link
Zoom: listen (via phone-- traditional conference call option)
For those that just want to listen or might be unable to access a computer, you can call in via Zoom; you do not need the app or anything else
Dial number then enter meeting ID on any phone (also below)
+1 646 876 9923
Meeting ID: 923 4249 8919
This option is capped at 500 participants
Click here for past Small Business Conference Calls: Links to past audio, summaries, Facebook, YouTube and Zoom
**********
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.
