CoronaVirus Business Info

This page contains CoronaVirus information pertinent to Copper Corridor businesses.

Go to the Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition Facebook page for the latest information.

May 2020 – Official reopening and cleanliness guides for different industries courtesy of Local First Arizona.

localfirstaz.com/covidresources

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May 6, 2020 -To support small businesses, the Arizona Small Business Association and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to create the CARES Act Readiness Program for Small Businesses.

This online training program helps small businesses access the capital they need, helping both novice and experienced borrowers successfully access relief funds.

The CARES Act Readiness Program for Small Businesses provides this individualized support for free. The program is customized to the business owner’s borrowing experience. It provides 2-5 online classes that will walk businesses through everything from the basics of finance to submitting loan applications.

The goal is to ensure small businesses in your communities are not only prepared to access the next phase of funds from the CARES Act but have individualized support to apply for loans.

The Arizona Small Business Association and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce are seeking assistance to share this information with small businesses in your community.

More information on the CARES Act Readiness Program for Small Businesses can be found at www.caresactaz.com

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April 19, 2020 – From Local First Arizona – NEW: The U.S. Small Business Administration sent out a revised list of banks, credit unions, and small business lending companies that will be processing Paycheck Protection Program applications in Arizona. 15 lenders are accepting new accounts. Click the link below for the full list.
*Please do not wait to get in touch with one of these lenders. We can very well expect a new coronavirus aid package passed in Congress early this week, which will result in more funds for this program
Please also continue to check in with banks that you have applied with and have not given you a formal denial.
Do not confuse your application still being in “queue” with denial. We are hoping to get more clarification on the process soon. We will be sharing more information as we get it.
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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Save Small Business” fund opens Monday, April 20, 2020. Funds will be available to impacted and eligible small businesses in the form of grant money. To be eligible, a small business must have 3-20 employees, be located in an economically vulnerable community (zip code lookup) and have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. Access the Save Small Business website. The grant application will be live Monday, April 20 at noon PT. The application will take about 10 minutes to complete and require only your business’s W-9 form and basic supporting information about your business.

For eligibility information, access the website information in the Eligibility section.

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Individuals who are self-employed and/or gig workers can apply for unemployment benefits through the Arizona Department of Economic Security through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (PUA).

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Paycheck Protection Plan: Guidelines for Sole Proprietors and Independent Contractors

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Here is the US Department of Agriculture COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide. It is a PDF file that links to resources from the USDA and from other agencies for rural business and communities. It divides resources into Technical Assistance, Financial Assistance and General State and Local Resources.

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Small Business Administration resource guide updated (4/13/20) to help you apply for loans and other assistance.

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Arizona Commerce Commission COVID-19 Arizona Business Resources Guide PDF file updated (4/10/20)

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US Treasury Coronavirus information page for small businesses and how to apply for relief. This has the interim final rule for the Paycheck Protection Program issued on April 3, 2020.

Additional Guidance Regarding the Paycheck Protection Program: Applicable Affiliation Rules  

·Paycheck Protection Program – Applicable Affiliation Rules

·Paycheck Protection Program – Interim Final Rule on Affiliation

For more information and updates, visit Treasury.gov/CARES and SBA.gov/PayCheckProtection.

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Here is a direct how to apply for the Small Business Authority Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (SBA-EIDL).

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Small, family-owned Arizona businesses with three or fewer employees can apply for mini-grants under a new effort to help those facing challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. Local First Arizona announced the initiative Friday that would cover costs such as employee payroll and rent.

Businesses wishing to apply for the grants must meet the following conditions to qualify:

  • Have 0-3 employees
  • Have less than $250,000 in annual revenue (approximately $35k-$45k in net profits)
  • Priority will be placed on business owners with children under 18 at home
  • Families reliant on the business as their sole income
  • Only one application per business will be accepted for the Small Business Relief Fund.

Local First Small Business Relief Fund application

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The UPS has a page with small business resources related to the coronavirus.Adjusting to the New Climate of Business: Resources for Small Business Owners

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The US Chamber of Commerce Info Guide on the CARES Act with major provisions, implementations and resources of the $2 trillion package and how it affects businesses.
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The Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program will start accepting application on April 3, 2020. This page has a sample application so you can see what information is required and be prepared.
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The entire CDC – Center for Disease Control CoronaVirus section is an excellent resource.
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The Arizona Small Business Development Center Network is a great resource for small businesses.
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The Arizona Commerce Authority CoronaVirus information page has links to additional Arizona State resources.
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March 24, 2020 – Governor Doug Ducey today launched the Arizona Together initiative to support Arizonans during the COVID-19 outbreak, connecting individuals and businesses to resources, raising money for community organizations and providing information on volunteer opportunities. A website, ArizonaTogether.org, serves as the centralized location for Arizonans to find help or provide support.
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https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2020/03/governor-ducey-issues-executive-order-detailing-essential-services
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A 211 Coronavirus Hotline has been started by the State of Arizona for information by phone.
 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2020

Governor Ducey Expands Access To Unemployment Insurance And Extends Income Tax Deadline

PHOENIX⁠ — Governor Doug Ducey today announced a forthcoming executive order and issued an administrative action aimed at providing certainty and economic relief to taxpayers affected by COVID-19. The executive order ensures those who are out of work or facing economic hardship because of COVID-19 have access to unemployment benefits. The administrative action issued by the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) extends the income tax filing deadline to July 15, 2020 to mirror the new federal deadline.

“The state of Arizona will continue to take proactive measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health,” said Governor Ducey. “These are important steps to get help to Arizonans out of work and struggling to make ends meet because of COVID-19. These are just some steps out of many we will continue to take to support Arizonans in need during this time — and Arizona will get through this together.”

Executive Order Ensuring Individuals Whose Employment Is Affected by COVID-19 Have Access to Unemployment

  • Waives the one-week waiting period after an employee loses a job before they apply for  unemployment benefits.

  • Waives work search requirements for those receiving unemployment benefits.

  • Adds people who work at a business that has been temporarily closed or has reduced hours because of COVID-19, who have to quarantine because of COVID-19, or who have to care for a family member with COVID-19 to the list of people eligible for unemployment insurance. The order also waives any increase in employer payments to the unemployment insurance fund for businesses whose employees receive benefits under this provision.


Administrative Action Extending Income Tax Deadline to July 15, 2020

  • Governor Ducey today instructed the ADOR to move the deadline for filing and paying state income taxes from April 15 to July 15, 2020.

  • This is consistent with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin’s announcement that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has moved the deadline for 2019 federal tax returns to July 15, 2020 and individual, corporate and fiduciary tax returns.

  • The new deadline means taxpayers filing state tax returns or submitting payments after the previous April 15 deadline will not be assessed late payment penalties or interest.

Actions Arizona Has Taken To Date

  • On January 27, 2020, the state activated the Health Emergency Operations Center to track suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the local, national and global level.

  • On March 2, 2020, Arizona became one of the first states in the nation to be certified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to test for COVID-19.

  • Arizona received $500,000 in federal funding to support COVID-19 Response, providing immediate access to resources for a limited number of states and local jurisdictions impacted by the outbreak.

  • On March 9, 2020, Governor Ducey met with CEOs and executives of facilities that provide services to the elderly, such as nursing homes, as well as senior care advocates to discuss the latest COVID-19 guidance from the CDC and to hear from local health care leaders serving vulnerable populations.

  • On March 11, 2020, Governor Ducey issued a Declaration of Emergency and an Executive Order to provide health officials and administrators with tools and guidance necessary to combat the continued spread of COVID-19 and to reduce financial burdens on Arizonans by lowering healthcare costs associated with the virus (more information provided below).

  • On March 11, 2020, Arizona received over $12.4 million from the CDC to support the public health response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Key funding priorities will include surveillance and investigation activities, laboratory testing, infection control supply procurement and distribution, and risk communication.

  • On March 12, 2020, Governor Ducey signed legislation to appropriate $55 million to Arizona’s Public Health Emergency Fund to support the state’s continued efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.

  • On March 12, 2020, Governor Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman held a conference call with more than 400 district, charter and private school administrators to brief superintendents, school leaders and educational organizations on the state’s latest efforts to respond to the global COVID-19 outbreak, and take their questions.

  • On March 15, 2020, Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman announced a statewide closure of Arizona schools from Monday, March 16, 2020 through Friday, March 27, 2020 to bring certainty and consistency in schools across Arizona.

  • On March 16, 2020, Governor Ducey met with representatives from private-sector testing labs to discuss efforts underway to expand public lab testing capacity for COVID-19.

  • On March 17, 2020, Governor Ducey met with hospital Chief Medical Officers in Phoenix to discuss their efforts to address COVID-19. That same day, he met with hospital leaders in Southern Arizona to discuss the latest information on COVID-19 and hear from them.

  • On March 17, 2020, the Arizona Department of Health Services issued new guidance related to dining establishments, child care providers, nursing homes, and additional social distancing measures. The guidance, which reflects recent recommendations from the CDC, recommends canceling or postponing gatherings of 10 or more people.

  • On March 18, 2020, Governor Ducey and Kristine FireThunder, Director of the Governor’s Office of Tribal Relations, held a conference call with Arizona’s Tribal Leaders to discuss emergency declarations being issued in line with the state declaration of emergency, as well as ongoing steps being taken to comply with recently released guidance from ADHS and CDC.

  • On March 19, Governor Ducey met with county and local health officials from across Arizona to build on the state’s efforts to address COVID-19.

  • On March 19, Governor Ducey activated the Arizona National Guard to assist grocery stores and food banks in the face of heightened demand.

  • On March 19, Governor Ducey issued three Executive Orders: limiting in-person Motor Vehicle Division visits for driver license renewals, limiting the operations of certain businesses to slow the spread of COVID-19 anddelaying elective surgeries to conserve personal protective equipment necessary to test and treat patients with COVID-19.

  • On March 20, Governor Ducey and Superintendent Hoffman announced a two-week extension of school closures through Friday, April 10, 2020.

  • ADHS is conducting regular briefings, webinars, and providing guidance to community stakeholders including, school administrators, healthcare providers, government officials and business leaders.
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Today, March 19, 2020,  the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for Arizona that will help small businesses here in the state impacted by COVID-19. Individual businesses can be eligible for up to $2 million through the program.  Please see below for details.
Here is an overview infographic of the SBA Disaster Recovery Loans:
SBA Disaster Loan Highlights
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Maricopa Small Business Development Center – SBA Disaster Loans
NANCY SANDERS
MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Regional Center Director / Maricopa SBDC
108 N. 40th Street, South Building, Phoenix, AZ 85034
P: 480.784.0596 | F: 480.784.0599
Your business may be eligible for loans up to $2 million through the program. The loans may beused to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid due to the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak.

We have prepared a COVID-19 Loans Fact Sheet. Once you are familiar with this information, you may apply online for  Disaster Loan Assistance through the SBA’s Application Portal.

We recommend that you assemble the documents listed on the COVID-19 Loans Fact Sheet and schedule an appointment (Zoom, Google Hangout, Skype or phone) with one of our counselors. We will review your financial statements and guide you through the application process.

Not every business is a good fit for the SBA COVID-19 loans. With our extensive network of traditional and alternative lenders, we will be able to introduce you to an appropriate banker.