The Town of Barnstable is…
All In This Together
We understand that in this unprecedented time, our business community is facing fear and uncertainty. The goal of the Economic Development Division at this point is to gather and disseminate information that can be of help to our local businesses.
Please be aware this situation remains fluid and changes to local, state, and federal policies can happen at any time. We will update this website regularly as new information becomes available.
April 3, 2020
Dear friends,
Over the past few weeks, we have posted information and links to various resources and tools that small businesses can access during the COVID-19 emergency. In an effort to consolidate this information and make it easier for you to access, we’ve curated those resources below, with simple descriptions/summaries and links.
Again, as new information becomes available on this and other COVID-19 rescue programs, we will pass it along and ask you to share with your colleagues.
Stay well,
Gloria
DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:
SBA Disaster Loan Program
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (fact sheet here)are available for eligible Barnstable businesses and non-profits. Small businesses can apply directly to SBA and the application is processed online via https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Due to high volume, the SBA is experiencing difficultly setting up accounts, logging in, and submitting applications. For your convenience we have provided their Disaster Loan Application and associated documents below. These documents can be completed and submitted by mail, or simply completed in draft so that they are more easily submitted when you are able to login the SBA Portal. The Portal is available 24 hours per day and we have been informed traffic is significantly less between the hours of 8pm and 6am.
EIDL Supporting Information (P-019)
ELA0-Fee Disclosure Form and Compensation Agreement
ELA0-Personal Financial Statement
ELA0-Request for Transcript of Tax Return
Paycheck Protection Program
Under the CARES Act, Congress has appropriated $350 billion for SBA Paycheck Protection Loans to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 for up to eight weeks of cash-flow assistance. The funding covers a more restrictive set of purposes than the SBA disaster loan, which can cover most operating expenses; HOWEVER, the Paycheck Protection Loan can be forgiven if you follow the terms.
A company that already has an Economic Injury Disaster Loan may apply for a Paycheck Protection Loan PROVIDED THAT it will not duplicate the applicant’s use of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan. We are expecting further guidance on this issue.
The SBA itself doesn’t lend you the money, they just “back” the loan that the lender provides. You can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program through any SBA-approved lender.
Sole proprietorships can apply starting April 3. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply starting April 10. We encourage you to apply early as there is a funding cap for this program. You have until June 30 to submit an application.
Here is a link for a summary of the program.
Find an SBA approved lender here.
SBA $10K Advance on Economic Disaster Loans
Under the CARES Act, small business owners and non-profits may apply for up to a $10,000 advance on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). This loan advance may be available even if your EIDL application was declined or is still pending. Applying for the advance will not impact the status or slow your existing application. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid, even if the business is denied the loan.
If you wish to apply for am advance on your EIDL, please fill out the new, streamlined application. In order to qualify for the Advance, you need to submit this new application even if you previously submitted an EIDL application.
Information on applying for an Advance
MGCC
The Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation also offers a variety of financial products to meet the needs of small businesses, including emergency capital up to $75,000 to businesses impacted by COVID-19 with under 50 full- and part-time employees, including nonprofits.
MGCC services can be found here.
Additional links that may be helpful:
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Emergency Loans Small Business Guide & Checklist
Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act
Committee on Small Business Owners CARES Act Overview
Getting Cash for Your Small Business Through CARES Act (Forbes magazine)
BUSINESS INFORMATION:
Link to IRS on filing federal taxes – the federal tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15
Link to MA DOR on filing state taxes – the state tax filing deadline has also been extended to July 15
File Unemployment Claims online here between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Call Unemployment Insurance (UI) at 877-626-6800 if you are unable to access a desktop or laptop
SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers – guidance to help prevent workplace exposures to COVID-19 in non-healthcare settings; also provides planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks of COVID-19
Center for Disease Control Business Guidance – guidance for businesses and employers to plan, prepare, and respond to COVID-19
Coronavirus Guidance from the Department of Labor – resources to help workers and employers plan and respond to COVID-19
US Chamber of Commerce – strategies to protect their workforce while ensuring continuity of operations
IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief Updates
Nonprofit Resources for Remote Work
ZOOM offers tutorials and trainings to help you get up to speed on their services
MassHire Cape & Islands Workforce Board Resources
MassHire Cape & Islands Career Center Assistance
Free Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce Membership during COVID-19
Mass Small Business Development Center – Southeast Regional Office
LOCAL BUILDING PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS:
The Town of Barnstable’s Department of Inspectional Services is actively communicating with customers, issuing permits and conducting inspections. At least until May 4, 200 Main Street is by appointment only. The public may:
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- Reach the department by telephone at (508) 862-4038 for any questions or concerns.
- Make an appointment with staff, if face to face communications are necessary
- Make applications for building permits both online and using paper permits. Paper applications are located in the vestibule at 200 Main Street along with a drop box. Online applications can be found at the link below.
- Request inspections. As the Department does not have authority to unilaterally establish a virtual inspections or affidavit/photos policy, inspectors will, with personal safety measures, perform inspections in person.
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Here is the link to Inspectional Services.
Here is the link to instructions on submitting applications.
HEALTH INFORMATION:
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
World Health Organization (WHO)
FEMA has created this page to help members of the public distinguish between rumors and facts regarding the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis. You can do your part to the stop the spread of disinformation:
- Please remember to use critical thinking skills when evaluating information.
- Don’t believe rumors and don’t pass them along.
- Always go to trusted sources of information to get the facts about COVID-19, like those linked above