Resources During COVID-19
Attention Small Business Owners - Take Advantage of SBA Loans During COVID-19 Pandemic
As a small business in our community, we recognize this COVID-19 outbreak is having a significant impact on your enterprise. PACT wants to share information that is important to you and your business.
As you know, during this unprecedented time, the national CARES Act was created to help small businesses get through the financial challenges caused by the pandemic. The federal government has designated $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses. This means there are loans specific to your business that you may be able to leverage to support you through these financially challenging times.
The CARES Act established several new temporary programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak. YOu will need to act quickly to take advantage of these financial support options.
Small Business Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to eight weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees. You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating.
The Paycheck Protection Program is implemented by the Small Business Administration with support from the Department of the Treasury. Learn more here. You can also reach out to your financial institution to see if they are a lending provider.
Other important information:
Overview of SBA Paycheck forgiveness loan
Information for a Borrower
Borrower Application Form
Other Small Business Support Opportunities
This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. Learn more.
Allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. Learn more.
The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more.
Finance Fund
The Finance Fund announced a new loan program intended to support organizations impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic. COVID-19 Response Loans through Finance Fund will be offered at a zero percent interest rate and use of proceeds will be unrestricted. Finance Fund's COVID-19 Response Loans will begin accepting applications immediately. Applications are available.
Office of Small Business Relief
Governor DeWine announced today the creation of The Office of Small Business Relief (OSBR) focused on identifying and providing direct support to the state's nearly 950,000 small businesses to help during the current public health crisis and to position them for a span rebound. Find more information here.
Ohio Primary, Mail-In Election
The Ohio Secretary of State announced that the Ohio Primary Election has officially moved to April 28. Only those registered to vote by the primary deadline of February 18th are eligible to vote. Eligible voters in Franklin County who have not already cast their 2020 primary election ballot can request a mail-in ballot by April 25, postmarked by April 27. Voters may also hand deliver their request to 1700 Morse Road or call the Board of Elections 614-525-3100 for assistance. Due to the ongoing public health crisis in-person voting will be limited to individuals with disabilities and lacking a home address.
You Can Still Respond to the 2020 Census
The 2020 Census is happening now. Taking the census is easy, fast and important. And you can take the 2020Census while you are at home – online, by phone, or by mail. Do your part and help Columbus and Franklin County get much needed funding for Medicaid, Medicare, Head Start, school lunches, hospital and medical support and more. Learn more here.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium needs your input!
It’s important that community stakeholders give input, so our perspectives are included in long range planning for the Columbus Zoo.
As you may know, the Columbus Zoo is one of the best in the nation and is home to nearly 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the globe. It is a recreation and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and the 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio.
Thanks to the generosity of Franklin County taxpayers, the Columbus Zoo is able to meet its mission to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. It receives a small tax ($21 per $100,000) of a homeowner's property value on an annual basis. This accounts for 20 percent of the Columbus Zoo's annual budget. The Zoo employs more than 275 full-time employees over 2,000 seasonal employees and more than 750 dedicated volunteers.
Please take a moment to fill out the survey; your feedback is invaluable! We ask that you complete the survey by Tuesday, April 21, 2020. Click here to take the survey.