Maryland Retailers Association COVID-19 Updates and Webinar Opportunities
Webinar Opportunities
RILA COVID-19 Webinar with Dr. Robert Schooley
The Retail Industry Leaders Association is hosting a webinar with Dr. Robert Schooley, an American infectious disease physician. Dr. Schooley will provide information and perspective on the global focus and domestic considerations related to COVID-19 as well as take your questions.
Date: Friday, April 3, 2020
Time: 12:00pm
###
NFIB COVID-19 Part IV: How to Apply for a Coronavirus Small Business Loan
NFIB will host its fourth COVID-19 webinar on Friday, April 3, 2020, at 12 pm ET, which will focus exclusively on small business loan programs that are now available. During this webinar, NFIB’s experts will provide additional information on the financing options for small businesses and:
- Outline funding sources available with the PPPL loans and SBA disaster loans and compare the two loan programs.
- Discuss the financial statements and other information needed to prepare to apply.
- Include information on how to apply for the two loan programs.
All business owners who anticipate a need for financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic should attend.
Date: Friday, April 3, 2020
Time: 12:00pm
Click here to register.
Economic Resources Available from the State of Maryland
Representatives from both the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Maryland Department of Labor will provide an overview of the state’s COVID-19 business relief programs, information and updates on applying for unemployment insurance, as well as existing programs and resources, as listed on the “Maryland Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Business” webpage.
Due to overwhelming requests for registration, this webinar is now closed and a recorded version will be provided.Click here to sign up to receive the recorded webinar.
Small Business Funding Opportunities
Apply now for an Advance on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
(Messaging from the SBA) We know you are facing challenging times in this current health crisis. The U.S. Small Business Administration is committed to help bring relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations suffering because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the CARES Act which provided additional assistance for small business owners and non-profits, including the opportunity to get upt to a $10,000 Advance on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). This Advance may be available even if your EIDL application was declined or is still pending, and will be forgiven.
If you wish to apply for the $10,000 Advance on your EIDL, please visit www.SBA.gov/Disaster as soon as possible to fill out a new, streamlined application. In order to qualify for the Advance, you need to submit this new application even if you previously submitted an EIDL application. Applying for the Advance will not impact the status or slow your existing application.
Daily EIDL Application Help
10:30am and 8:00pm. On the ZOOM call, the SBA agent will walk you through how to fill out the EIDL form. Have all your necessary documents ready. Download the ZOOM app. Free. Meeting # 6794772946
Daily SBA Conference Call
3:00pm Call – 202-765-1264, Conf Call ID# 827-299-626
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. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020.
Stay in the Know
A list of Maryland and Federal COVID-19 news updates and information is available on MRA’s resources for businesses page.
Please click here for Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance. The Departments of Commerce and Labor have confirmed that any small business receiving financial assistance via federal loan programs is NOT DISQUALIFIED from applying for the loans/grants being offered at the state level. The same can be said in reverse – if a small business is receiving state assistance they are NOT DISQUALIFIED from federal loans and grants.
Our expert benefit partners are available during this challenging time to assist with your business needs, including shipping, loans, job posting, legal advice and more. Please note you should consult industry experts with specific concerns, however we are here to connect you to, or help find answers to your questions.
While many retailers have been forced to make cuts to their workforce due to temporary or permanent closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, other retail companies and businesses are hiring thousands of workers to meet increased consumer demand. National Retail Federation has created an online resource for displaced workers to learn about job openings. If your company is hiring, please contact them to include your job openings.
With the closing of non-essential businesses, MEMA is reviewing businesses for consideration of essential/critical status in the case that Maryland experiences widespread business closure or shelter-in-place orders. Businesses that would like to be considered for this status can fill out this form. Do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions or concerns