Chamber Provides COVID-19 Resources for Businesses
Stay up to date as the coronavirus pandemic progresses
In addition to our coverage, the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce is actively monitoring key developments related to COVID-19.
As a resource to individuals and businesses, they’ve created a webpage to showcase local updates and information that can be of assistance to you and your employees. Visit their page for community updates, business preparedness tips, webinars and more which they will be updating regularly.
Financial Support for Businesses
Governor Ron DeSantis recently activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. These are short-term, interest-free loans for small businesses that have experienced economic injury from COVID-19. Applications will be accepted from March 17, 2020 through May 8, 2020.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is providing small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
The Short Time Compensation Program, through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity helps employers retain their workforce in times of temporary slowdown by encouraging work sharing as an alternative to layoff. The program permits prorated reemployment assistance benefits to employees whose work hours and earnings are reduced as part of a Short Time Compensation plan to avoid total layoff of some employees.
Supporting Others
As of March 17, Governor Ron DeSantis ordered all bars and nightclubs to close for 30 days. Restaurants are ordered to close at 10:00PM, operate at 50% capacity and are encouraged to move to takeout/delivery service going forward. You can find a compiled list of restaurants that are offering specialized services during the COVID-19 crisis. You can find this ongoing list here.
Leon County Schools
Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna, announced that the Florida Department of Education made the decision to wait until April 15 before students return to the classroom. All statewide assessments have been canceled, along with all extracurricular activities. As of now, the last day of the school year will be May 29.
Thanks to the support of the community and the partnership with the Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Leon County Schools is able to provide food for EVERY student (18 & under) in Leon County during the close of schools. Lunch and breakfast, along with a supplemental bag of food is available. Beginning on Monday, March 23, fourteen sites across the county will be open for drive-thru food pickup from 10:00am – 1:00pm. Pickup locations can be found here.
Additional information and resources:
- State Loan Program
- Analysis on Congressional Action on Coronavirus Response
- SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- White House: Avoid Groups of More Than 10 People
- 4 Key Coronavirus Insurance Coverage Battlegrounds
- Florida is First to Get Medicaid Flexibility for Coronavirus Treatment
- Trump to Seek $850 Billion Stimulus Package
- House Passes Corrected Coronavirus Bill
- Federal Reserve Slashes Interest Rates
- Gov. DeSantis Orders New Bar and Restaurant Guidelines
- Palm Beach Announces Curfew
If your business has a resource that you would like us to share, please contact us.
