COVID-19

It is uplifting to hear positive news in the midst of these concerning times. Two months after the SBA stopped accepting EIDL applications, they have opened them to the public once more. As of June 15, 2020 the SBA began accepting new EIDL applications which now include agriculture businesses.  Agriculture businesses are referred to as businesses engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries.  You can access the application and specific information here. If you are not familiar with the Economic Injury Disaster Loan, it is an existing program administered through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offering emergency relief to businesses. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has expanded. Previously, only small businesses in presidentially-declared disaster locations were eligible to apply for the loan. However, as of March 13, 2020 these locations have expanded to include the entire United States, its territories, and Washington D.C..   The SBA allows qualified small business owners and agricultural businesses to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). COVID-19 related loans [...]

Many of us have felt the negative impacts brought forth by the coronavirus. Although the continual effects of the coronavirus are still uncertain, some business owners are beginning to plan to reopen, or already have.  If you are in the planning process, what are the next steps to prepare for reopening.  What does that look like? Here are a few tips for business owners who are looking to reopen and resume business. Resume Social Distancing – As states and cities across America begin to lift quarantine, each region will have its own pace and restrictions. Make sure you are knowledgeable about the laws and restrictions that are relevant to your location, as well as your customers’ locations. If employees are returning to the office, make sure your business is in compliance with CDC standards to ensure the health and safety of your workers. Find more information from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html Continue Regular Cleaning – Consider adding more sanitation stations, such as installing sanitizer dispensers at your building’s entryways and bathrooms. Increase sanitation of high-traffic areas, such as doorknobs, desks, printers, [...]