Author: Steve

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SBA to Make EIDL Available to U.S. Agricultural Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic

U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today that agricultural businesses are now eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs. SBA’s EIDL portal will reopen today as a result of funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act. The legislation, signed into law by the President one week ago, provided additional funding for farmers and ranchers and certain other agricultural businesses affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“For more than 30 years, SBA has been prohibited by law from providing disaster assistance to agricultural businesses; however, as a result of the unprecedented legislation enacted by President Trump, American farmers, ranchers and other agricultural businesses will now have access to emergency working capital,” said Administrator Carranza. “These low-interest, long-term loans will help keep agricultural businesses viable while bringing stability to the nation’s vitally important food supply chains.”

Agricultural businesses include businesses engaged in the legal production of food and fiber, ranching, and 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)). Eligible agricultural businesses must have 500 or fewer employees.

The SBA will begin accepting new EIDL applications on a limited basis only, in order to provide unprecedented relief to U.S. agricultural businesses. For agricultural businesses that submitted an EIDL loan application through the streamlined application portal prior to the legislative change, SBA will move forward and process these applications without the need for re-applying. All other EIDL loan applications that were submitted before the portal stopped accepting new applications on April 15 will be processed on a first-in, first-out basis.

For more information, please visit: www.sba.gov/Disaster.

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ICYMI: Re-Opening Toolkit

Download the GFDA’s Re-opening Toolkit from their website.

Th Re-Opening Toolkit is intended to help as you start to find a new normal. As you look to reboot your business, you’ll want to address four primary elements:

  1. Legal requirements
  2. Human resources and facilities
  3. Financial stability and liquidity
  4. Market demand

The toolkit is set up as a step-by-step guide with prompts, links to federal, state, and local guidelines, as well as business best practices.

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SBA Update – Monday, April 27 – PPP Additional guidance on calculating loan amounts, updated FAQ’s, EIDL Information

Via MEDA:

The SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 10:30am EDT. (8:30 in Montana)

PPP – How to calculate loan amounts document: (detailed answers to nine questions/scenarios on loan amounts)

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/How-to-Calculate-Loan-Amounts.pdf

PPP – Additional FAQ’s (questions 32-36 were published on 4/24 and 4/26) – Housing Stipends, Agriculture, US residency, Employee count, cooperatives)

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf

PPP – Updated docs loaded to SBA and Treasury websites (continue to check these sites for updates)

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares/assistance-for-small-businesses

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program

EIDL Information:

There have been some questions already as to the reopening of the EIDL portal.  The following has been provided by SBA headquarters as to the status of EIDL:

  • With the additional funding provided by the new COVID-19 relief package, SBA will resume processing EIDL Loan and Advance applications that are already in the queue on a first come, first-served basis.
  • We will provide further information on the availability of the EIDL portal to receive new applications (including those from agricultural enterprises) as soon as possible.

EIDL Updated Numbers – See attached for EIDL Advance and Loan numbers as of 4/24/20.

Montana

  • Loans:  114 for $20,068,200
  • Advances:  4450 for $17,863,000
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Save Small Business Fund Opportunity

Thanks to Cory at Two Medicine Dinosaur Center for sharing!

Via the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:

The Save Small Business Fund is a grantmaking initiative offering short-term relief for small employers in the United States and its territories

Small businesses are the foundation of our communities and our economy. Employing nearly half the American workforce, companies like yours keep our neighborhoods running and make them feel like home.

Funded by corporate and philanthropic partners, the Save Small Business Fund is a collective effort to provide $5,000 grants to as many small employers as we can. We hope these supplemental funds will help you get through the next days and weeks.

TO QUALIFY YOU MUST

  • Employ between 3 and 20 people
  • Be located in an economically vulnerable community editor’s note: (Choteau and the surrounding communities qualify)
  • Have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic

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Governor Bullock Announces Coronavirus Relief Fund Task Force


MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today announced the establishment of the Coronavirus Relief Fund Task Force to provide guidance and advice on how to best use $1.25 billion appropriated to Montana through the Federal CARES Act to assist workers, businesses, and sectors of the economy impacted by COVID-19.

“While we continue to prioritize the health and safety of Montanans, we know many residents are financially impacted by this crisis and need assistance now,” Governor Bullock said. “Today I’m establishing the Coronavirus Relief Fund Task Force to provide guidance and expertise on how to deploy $1.25 billion responsibly and quickly put Montana on a path toward economic recovery and meet the needs in our communities.”

“We will be using our experiences as business owners and community leaders to best support Montanans and businesses financially during this time and as we work towards rebuilding our economy,” said Larry Simkins, CEO of the Washington Companies. “The governor reaching out to the business sectors of the state is a smart move and one that will help to ensure this funding from the CARES Act is best invested in our communities.”

The task force includes 26 Montanans and seeks to represent the industries and sectors impacted by COVID-19 including small business owners, agriculture, nonprofits, economic development organizations, financial institutions, and others. 

Over the next two weeks, the task force will examine all sectors of the economy to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on Montanans and consider the unique needs of each region of the state and support a long-term path to economic recovery.

Montana and other states are still waiting on federal guidance on how the $1.25 billion can be spent. The Treasury is expected to release the approximate $1.25 billion appropriated to the state by April 24. The task force will provide its final recommendations to Governor Bullock on April 30.

Montanans can provide input on where the funds are needed at: https://commerce.mt.gov/Cares-Act and is also accessible through the covid19.mt.gov website.

The task force will be led by Larry Simkins of the Washington Companies. Members of the task force include:

  • Charlie Beaton – Big Dipper Ice Cream
  • Scott Brown – The Base Camp
  • Eric Bryson – Montana Association of Counties
  • Tim Burton – Montana League of Cities and Towns
  • Nick Checota – Logjam Presents
  • Randy Chesler – Glacier Bancorp
  • Bill Coffee – Stockman Bank
  • Colin Davis – Chico Hot Springs
  • Shalon Hastings – Fly FisHer Adventures
  • Jacquie Helt – Service Employees International Union
  • Mike Hope – Rockin R
  • Llew Jones – State representative, business owner
  • Tom Keneally – Town Pump
  • Casey Lozar – Federal Reserve Bank
  • Jim Markel – Red Oxx
  • Janice Mattson – Mattson Farms
  • Liz Moore – Montana Nonprofit Association
  • Jim Peterson – Rancher
  • Kevin Riley – 1st Interstate Bank
  • Mark Semmens – D.A. Davidson
  • Jon Sesso – State Senator, business owner
  • Larry Simkins – The Washington Companies
  • Jason Smith – Montana Office of Indian Affairs
  • Sarah Walsh – PayneWest Insurance
  • Joe Willauer – Butte Local Development Corporation
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Governor’s Office: COVID-19 Resources for Rural Montana

We understand that the impacts of COVID-19 are being felt throughout the state, and that the economic impacts of closures are going to be significant across the state, including for our rural communities. The intent of the Stay at Home Directive and all other directives is to limit exposure and flatten the curve of this virus. Although many rural communities have few cases, and the goal of all these measures is to keep it that way and reduce exposure as much as possible.

Below is a list of resources available for business, communities, and individuals during this time. We will continue to update this as more directives come out and we have updated information, including guidance regarding the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Please visit to State’s COVID-19 resource site for more information, as well as MT Department of Health and Human Services for updated information and current cases. You can also call the COVID Hotline at 1-888-333-
0461.

Economic and Business

  • The Coronavirus FAQ can also help answer questions regarding the directive and essential businesses.
  • If you still have business related questions, please call 1-800-755-6672
  • Keep an eye on the Governor’s Office of Economic Development Facebook page and the Montana Department of Commerce for updates regarding business assistance and other helpful resources.
  • SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance- are available for small businesses in all 56 counties in Montana. This program received a $10 billion expansion under the CARES Act and allows the SBA to provide a cash advance to the applying business. Businesses may now apply directly to the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
  • Paycheck Protection Program: The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Find out more information here and the FAQ here.
  • Non-Profit- For non-profit specific questions and resources go to the Montana Non-Profits Association Website for COVID-19 non-profit response, FAQ’s, and updates. MNA provides several resources for nonprofits, including daily townhalls and COVID-19 relief information.

Unemployment

  • Unemployment- Unemployment benefits will be available to all Montanans who are sick, quarantined, or laid off because of the COVID-19 outbreak. DLI has set up a streamlined process and is waiving the usual 1 week waiting period to receive benefits. Visit: www.montanaworks.gov or call 444-2545.
    • Note: DLI Unemployment is experiencing an unprecedented call volume to their unemployment insurance claims processing help line and the agency is working hard to provide service to everyone. Please be patient.
    • Unless you have received official notification from Unemployment Insurance that you must call the call center, please search for your answer at https://dli.mt.gov/employer-covid-19 in order to free up phone lines for folks who are required to call in.
    • If you are out of work or on reduced hours due to COVID-19, we encourage you to submit an unemployment insurance claim. Applicants can submit online at MontanaWorks.gov.
  • The Federal CARES Act will also allow eligible individuals collecting unemployment to receive an additional $600 per week. Please see at dli.mt.gov/cares-act for further guidance.
  • Self-employed, independent contractors, and others- Under the CARES Act will expand Unemployment Insurance Benefits to those not traditionally covered, including the self-employed, independent contractors, and others.
  • Note: DLI has received some guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor on the
  • administration of this new program and is awaiting complete details, but they are still working through details and implementing steps to process claims. They are prepared to backdate unemployment assistance claims authorized under the CARES Act.
  • Employers- If you have questions about unemployment as an employer, please visit http://dli.mt.gov/employer-resource-covid-19

Healthcare and Insurance

  • Uninsured Montanans will be covered for COVID-19 testing and treatment.
  • Governor Bullock has expanded access to telemedicine services for homebound Montana residents to help reduce visits to local hospitals and medical facilities, and for those who can’t make it out to facilities. For more information please see the Memo from DPHHS.
  • The Department of Public Health and Human Services offers an expansion of mental health services to help Montanans during COVID-19. See Resources listed below or visit the DPHHS Website
  • The Montana Warmline: The service provides early crisis intervention with emotional support that can prevent a crisis. The Warmline is available at 877-688-3377 or at Montana Warmline.
  • The Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) is also available.
  • The Montana Crisis Text Line, which can be accessed by texting “MT” to 741741.

Childcare, Schools, and Education

  • Please visit the Office of Public Instruction COVID site for information about closures, school nutrition, emergency funding, testing, and more. Additional guidance can also be found here.
  • Childcare- Childcare is an essential business, and the Governor has provided additional guidance on childcare facilities to ensure that Montana’s essential workers can receive access to childcare during the state of emergency
  • College resources and information from Montana University System.
  • For a comprehensive list of resources, children’s activities, and tools for the community, child care providers, families, and employers, go to the Montana Child Care Connections COVID-19 resource page.
  • No Kid Hungry is offering emergency grants to support local school districts and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to ensure kids get the nutritious food they need.

Homeowners and Rental

  • Limiting evictions, foreclosures, and disconnections for the duration of the Stay at Home Directive. See Directive.
  • Low-Income Rental Assistance- The Directive adds to Governor Bullock’s temporary suspension of certain evictions, foreclosures and service disconnections by creating a program to provide rental assistance to households experiencing substantial financial hardship due to COVID-19.
  • The Montana Department of Commerce shall administer a program to provide rent assistance to low-income Montanans who have suffered substantial financial hardship as a result of COVID-19
  • The program will also include relief funds specifically for households with children eligible for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
  • • Housing- Montana Housing Guidance

Local Governments

• The Governor issued a Directive to waive the current requirement that local and county governments implement a 2-mill emergency levy in order to access new funding coming to the

state through the federal CARES Act.

• Increase flexibility by providing measures for the operation of local government.

• Elections- allowing local governments to conduct mail ballot elections and expand early voting.

• Other resources and information can be found at Montana League of Cities and Towns and

Montana Association of Counties.

Community Resources

• The Montana Community Foundation and local community foundations have set up Local

COVID-19 Funds. Find out more about your local COVID-19 Fund.

• Community Service- Organizations that provide charitable and social services are considered an

essential business when ‘providing food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life

for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals, individuals who need assistance

as a result of this emergency, and people with disabilities’ per the Governor’s Directive. This

would not include regular church services or gatherings where social distancing would be too

difficult to maintain.

o Live stream/virtual church services are allowed. Limited staff may record services at the

church, but must follow social distancing.

• MSU Extension- Extension agents are in almost every county across the state and working online

to provide resources to help families, businesses, ranches and communities during this time.

Outdoor Recreation

  • Montanans are still allowed to recreate outdoors during the Stay at Home Directive. At this time, Montana State Parks, Fishing Access Sites and Wildlife Management Areas remain open to day-use. Social distancing applies, and respect for the resources is critical to keeping public lands open. Because travel exacerbates the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public should use public lands in their communities, and non-local travel to sites is strongly discouraged.
  • Check out Fish, Wildlife and Parks website for updates on closures, fishing, and hunting.
  • Remember, any person (resident or non-resident) coming to Montana from another state or country for a non-work-related purpose must immediately self-quarantine for 14 days. If a person will be present in Montana for fewer than 14 days, that person must self-quarantine for the duration of the visit.

Directives & More information:

You can view all Directives here.

  • Stay at Home & Extension
  • 14-day Quarantine for travelers
  • COVID FAQ
  • Joint Information Center
  • State General COVID-19 Hotline: 1-888-333-046
  • Tourism Informational Hotline: 1-800-847-4868
  • Website, details and maps: COVID19INFO@MT.GOV
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USDA’s COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today unveiled a one-stop-shop of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide (PDF, 349 KB) is a first-of-its-kind resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic.

USDA has taken many immediate actions to assist farmers, ranchers, producers, rural communities, and rural-based businesses and organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on these actions, visit http://www.usda.gov/coronavirus.

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USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19

USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.

Read the full announcement to learn more about the opportunities USDA Rural Development is implementing to provide immediate relief to our customers, partners, and stakeholders.