COVID-19: Business Assistance & Resources

Another option for small businesses is the SBA’s existing Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which was expanded and simplified by the CARES Act. It provides for longer-term working capital loans with favorable borrowing terms, plus offers an emergency advance (grant) to provide immediate economic relief.

Program highlights

• • There is no cost to apply.
  • For loans approved starting the week of April 6, 2021: 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.
  • The application deadline is December 31, 2021.

Who is eligible?

Small business owners and qualified agricultural businesses in all U.S. states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to COVID-19.

Agricultural businesses with 500 or fewer employees are now eligible as a result of new authority granted by Congress in response to the pandemic.

Agricultural businesses include those businesses engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries (as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)).

Supplemental Materials

How much and what are the terms?

The SBA issues the EIDL loans directly at a low-interest rate (3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for nonprofits) for up to $2 million and a maturity of up to 30 years, depending on need. The first year of payments are deferred. Approval is based on the applicant’s credit score. Collateral is required for loans over $25,000. Personal guarantees are required for loans over $200,000.

What can I use the funds for?

EIDL loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other costs including utility payments.

Advance funds have been fully allocated and are no longer available.

How can I apply?

The SBA issues the EIDL loans directly. To apply online for a loan, click here. Applications must be submitted before December 31, 2021.

The CARES Act includes several changes to taxes and tax policies in order to ease the burden on businesses impacted by COVID-19. These changes include:

• Employee Retention Tax Credit - Small businesses may be eligible for refundable payroll tax credit for 50 percent of wages paid by employers to employees from March 12, 2020 to January 31, 2021. The credit is available to employers whose (1) operations were fully or partially suspended, due to a COVID-19 related shut-down order, or (2) gross receipts declined by more than 50 percent when compared to the same quarter in the prior year.
• Advanced Tax Credits for Paid Leave - The CARES Act allows employers to receive an advance tax credit for required paid sick leave (under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act) instead of having to be reimbursed.
• Delay of Payment of Employer Payroll Taxes - Employers and self-employed individuals may defer payment of the employer share of the Social Security tax they otherwise are responsible for paying.
• Net Operating Loss Modifications - The provision relaxes the limitations on a company’s use of losses. Net operating losses (NOLs) are currently subject to a taxable-income limitation, and they cannot be carried back to reduce income in a prior tax year. The provision also temporarily removes the taxable income limitation to allow an NOL to fully offset income. These changes will allow companies to utilize losses and amend prior year returns, which will provide critical cash flow and liquidity during the COVID-19 emergency.

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce – provides extensive resources and relief information for small businesses.
• SBA Express Loan – The CARES Act increased the maximum SBA Express loan—a loan whose application SBA will process in 36 hours—from $350,000 to $1 million.
• SBA Express Bridge Loan – This allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. It can be a term loan or used to bridge the gap while applying and waiting for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan.
• SBA Debt Relief – As part of SBA's debt relief efforts, it will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of six months. The SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – The IRS has established content to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. The federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15 to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed.
• SCORE – A resource partner of the SBA, SCORE is offering free, personalized assistance to help small businesses adapt their business models, navigate financial challenges and get help in applying for SBA disaster assistance loans.
• Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) – SBDCs are local offices sponsored by the SBA to help small businesses that are offering extensive help to small businesses throughout America.
• Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) – EXIM is offering a number of relief measures and financing flexibility for exporters, including a bridge financing program, supply chain financing guarantee program and a working capital guarantee program.
• Department of Agriculture – The Department of Agriculture offers loan guarantees for rural businesses.
• Commercial Programs – Some lenders are offering loan payment deferment or discounted loan programs to small businesses. Check with your business’s bank about your options. Also, several corporations are offering small business assistance programs, including Facebook’s Small Business Grant Program.

JobsOhio, Peoples Bank and First Federal/Home Savings Bank announced a partnership to support existing small business clients with maintaining operations and payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. JobsOhio has committed up to $50 million to assist with this. For information on how to apply for this lending support, businesses should visit one of these links:

PeoplesBancorp.com/Coronavirus

First-fedbanking.com/COVID-19

Homesavings.com/COVID-19

Loan Portfolio Interest and Payment Holiday  A program for businesses with a current JobsOhio’s existing loan only. Payment deferment (no interest and no principal payments) for the next six months. 

Program & Policy Adjustments A program for existing JobsOhio client businesses only. Expand allowable expenses and near-term relaxed compliance audit. Allows for expenses such as work from home technology and equipment and services to implement guidance associated with COVID-19. These are funded upfront versus reimbursed.

Workforce Retention Loan A program for existing JobsOhio client businesses only. Forgivable, six-month interest-free loan to companies who would use the loan to retain their workforce (this would act as a credit line for payroll). Targeted to medium size private companies with at least $50,000/month in hourly payroll workers. After six, if employees are still working the loan is forgiven.

Learn more about JobsOhio assistance by clicking here. 

All health insurers are required to provide the option of deferring premium payments, interest free, for up to 60 calendar days from each original premium due date. This means that employers can defer their premium payments up to two months, giving them some relief on costs, while keeping their employees insured. Learn more here. 

The TechCred Program can be utilized by Ohio employers to upskill their employees while they may be unable to perform their typical day-to-day duties. Many of these trainings can be completed online. More information is available on TechCred.Ohio.Gov. For questions, email Workforce@OWT.Ohio.Gov.

The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) has the SharedWork Ohio Program, a voluntary layoff aversion program. It allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity. More information on SharedWork Ohio, including employer FAQs, can be found on their website.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation is accepting and making determinations of eligibility on new claims during the state of emergency. They have canceled all Independent Medical Exams and have made the decision to continue payments for Temporary Total Disability and Wage Loss through April 30, 2020. A new policy directive enables employers to defer workers’ compensation premium payments until June 1, 2020. More information about the policy change can be found here. For additional information, go to Ohio's BWC Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions page here.

The Ohio Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide business counseling and assistance to individuals who are either starting or growing their business. Each center is staffed with Certified Business Advisors® (CBA) to help small businesses and entrepreneurs with development and growth to increase sales and create jobs in their local communities.

Services include:

•     Business assessment evaluation                            
•     Cash flow analysis                                                  
•     Financial projections development                          
•     Strategic business planning                                   
•     One-on-One business counseling 
•     Identifying sources of capital
•     Workshops and training programs
•     Marketing strategy development
•     Market feasibility and research
•     Export assistance     

For additional information visit the SBDC website here.

The one-time Liquor Rebate Program is designed to help Ohio bars and restaurants as they navigate reopening in the coming weeks.

Eligible permit holders can receive a $500 rebate to purchase high proof spirituous liquor at their assigned wholesale Contract Liquor Agency.

JobsOhio and the Ohio Department of Commerce are working together to assist businesses’ efforts to maintain operations as a result of the health crisis.

For program FAQs, to view qualifying permits and to apply, visit Wholesale.OHLQ.com

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program that provides eligible Ohioans assistance with their home energy bills. This one-time benefit is applied directly to the customer’s utility bill or bulk fuel bill.

Ohioans with a household income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the program. A household applying for HEAP must report total gross household income for the past 30 days (12 months preferred) for all members, except wage or salary income earned by dependent minors under 18 years old. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for assistance.

You can begin your application online at energyhelp.ohio.gov but will need to contact your local Energy Assistance Provider to complete your application.

To learn more call (800) 282-0880, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Press option 2 to be transferred to your local Energy Assistance Provider.

For the hearing-impaired dial 711.

The following counties have posted information on COVID-19 resources. Others will be added as they become available:

Allen

Athens

Ashland

Carroll  

Coshocton

Crawford

Delaware

Fairfield

Franklin

Gallia

Hancock

Hardin

Huron

Knox

Licking

Logan

Muskingum  

Perry

Richland

Ross

Stark  

Scioto

Tuscarawas

Wayne