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.
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
*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.
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.
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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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.