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The Portland regional Chamber is committed to providing you with up-to-date information regarding this pandemic and the relief efforts available to small businesses. Choose from the menu above or scroll down for the latest developments on a city and state level. Please, do not hesitate to reach out to the Chamber with any questions or concerns.
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FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR:
On April 2, 2020, the Portland Regional Chamber hosted a virtual presentation and live Q&A session with U.S. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree to answer questions regarding small business options for financial assistance from the SBA. Watch the replay HERE.
On April 2, 2020, the Portland Regional Chamber hosted a virtual presentation and live Q&A session with U.S. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree to answer questions regarding small business options for financial assistance from the SBA. Watch the replay HERE.
Paycheck Protection Program
The CARES Act was signed into law on Friday, March 27th. The CARES Act includes the Paycheck Protection Program, an initiative that provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses, meaning financial institutions will be allowed to lend directly to businesses, and those loans will be backed by the Small Business Administration. A portion of these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward (details below under the “Loan Forgiveness" section, below).
Friday, April 3rd: The SBA and U.S. Treasury Department have issued an updated interim final rule for the Paycheck Protection Program. The updated regulation calls for an interest rate of 1% on PPP loans.
Governor Mills has encouraged Maine small businesses to apply for assistance through the PPP. Some helpful links:
Borrowers are required to utilize 75% of the PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs. In the interim final rule, the SBA released a step-by-step process for calculating payroll costs:
Who Can Apply?
When Can I Apply?
How to Apply
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating.
Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating.
All loans will have the same terms regardless of the lender or borrower. A list of participating lenders, as well as additional information and full terms, can be found at www.sba.gov.
What Can I Use These Loans For?
You should use the proceeds from these loans for:
How Much of My Loan Will Be Forgiven?
You will owe money when your loan is due if you use the loan amount for anything other than payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, and utility payments over the 8 weeks after getting the loan.
You will also owe money if you do not maintain your staff and payroll. This means;
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
The CARES Act was signed into law on Friday, March 27th. The CARES Act includes the Paycheck Protection Program, an initiative that provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses, meaning financial institutions will be allowed to lend directly to businesses, and those loans will be backed by the Small Business Administration. A portion of these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward (details below under the “Loan Forgiveness" section, below).
Friday, April 3rd: The SBA and U.S. Treasury Department have issued an updated interim final rule for the Paycheck Protection Program. The updated regulation calls for an interest rate of 1% on PPP loans.
Governor Mills has encouraged Maine small businesses to apply for assistance through the PPP. Some helpful links:
- Apply for the PPP and Find a Lender HERE
- More information on the Paycheck Protection Program can be found on the Chamber's Coronavirus Resources page
Borrowers are required to utilize 75% of the PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs. In the interim final rule, the SBA released a step-by-step process for calculating payroll costs:
- Step 1: Aggregate the total payroll costs from the last 12 months for employees whose principal place of residence is the United States.
- Step 2: Subtract any compensation paid to an employee in excess of an annual compensation (including salary, wages, and tips) of $100,000.
- Step 3: Calculate the average monthly payroll costs (divide the amount from Step 2 by 12).
- Step 4: Multiply the average monthly payroll costs from Step 3 by 2.5.
- Step 5: Add the outstanding amount of an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) made between January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020, after deducting the amount of any advance under an EIDL COVID-19 loan (since it does not have to be repaid).
Who Can Apply?
- Businesses that are:
- A small business with fewer than 500 employees
- A small business that otherwise meets the SBA’s size standard
- A 501(c)(3) with fewer than 500 employees
- An individual who operates as a sole proprietor
- An individual who operates as an independent contractor
- An individual who is self-employed who regularly carries on any trade or business
- A Tribal business concern that meets the SBA size standard
- A 501(c)(19) Veterans Organization that meets the SBA size standard
- Businesses in certain industries can have more than 500 employees if they meet applicable SBA employee-based size standards for those industries:
- If you are in the accommodation and food services sector (NAICS 72), the 500-employee rule is applied on a per physical location basis
- If you are operating as a franchise or receive financial assistance from an approved Small Business Investment Company the normal affiliation rules do not apply
- Click HERE for additional details
- For this program, the SBA’s affiliation standards are waived for small businesses
- (1) in the hotel and food services industries (click HERE for NAICS code 72 to confirm); or
- (2) that are franchises in the SBA’s Franchise Directory (click HERE to check); or
- (3) that receive financial assistance from small business investment companies licensed by the SBA. Additional guidance may be released as appropriate.
When Can I Apply?
- Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
- Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.
How to Apply
You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating.
Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating.
All loans will have the same terms regardless of the lender or borrower. A list of participating lenders, as well as additional information and full terms, can be found at www.sba.gov.
What Can I Use These Loans For?
You should use the proceeds from these loans for:
- Payroll costs, including benefits;
- Interest on mortgage obligations, incurred before February 15, 2020;
- Rent, under lease agreements in force before February 15, 2020; and
- Utilities, for which service began before February 15, 2020.
How Much of My Loan Will Be Forgiven?
You will owe money when your loan is due if you use the loan amount for anything other than payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, and utility payments over the 8 weeks after getting the loan.
You will also owe money if you do not maintain your staff and payroll. This means;
- Number of Staff: Your loan forgiveness will be reduced if you decrease your full-time employee headcount during the length of the loan.
- Level of Payroll: Your loan forgiveness will also be reduced if you decrease salaries and wages by more than 25% for any employee that made less than $100,000 annualized in 2019.
- Re-Hiring: You have until June 30, 2020, to restore your full-time employment and salary levels for any changes made between February 15, 2020, and April 26, 2020.
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
- View the FAQ Sheet on the Paycheck Protection Program from U.S. Senate Small Business Committee HERE
- View a Borrower Paycheck Protection Program Application Form HERE (and below)
- View an Overview of the Paycheck Protection Program for Small Businesses HERE (and below)
- View an Information Sheet for PPP Borrowers Here HERE (and below)
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Note for Sole Proprietors, Independent Contractors, and Self-Employed Individuals: Payroll Costs are defined as the sum of payments of any compensation to or income of a sole proprietor or independent contractor that is a wage, commission, income, net earnings from self-employment, or similar compensation and that is in an amount that is not more than $100,000 in one year, as pro-rated for the covered period.
Loan Forgiveness
Businesses may be eligible for all or a portion of their loan to be forgiven. The loan forgiveness is equal to the monetary amount spent on the items listed below during the 8-week period beginning on the date of origin of the loan.
The amount of loan forgiveness may be reduced depending on reductions in the number of employees or a reduction in salaries (see below for sample calculations).
Number of Employees:
Payroll Cost x Average number FTEs per month for 8 weeks of loan / Average number of FTEs from Feb 15 – June 30 OR Average number of FTEs from Jan 1 – Feb 29 OR Average number of FTEs from Feb 15-June 30.
For example: If your business had a total of 10 full-time equivalent employees during the period of January 1, 2020 – February 29, 2020, and after receiving the loan you only employ 5 full-time employees during the 8-week period, the amount that would be forgiven would be one-half of the amount expended for payroll, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities during that 8-week period (see below if you restored or plan to restore these employees/wages)
Reduction in Salaries:
Payroll Cost minus (-) the amount of reduction in wages greater than 25% compared to the most recent full quarter. (FTEs earning more than $100,000 not included)
If you bring back employees or restore their wages – Reductions in employment or wages dating back to February 15th and ending April 27th will not reduce the amount of loan forgiveness AS LONG AS by June 30th you have eliminated the reduction in employees or wages.
You can view the SBA’s guidance on the Protection Protection Program HERE
Additional Loan Options - Economic Injury Relief Loan
Apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan HERE
For Employers:
The CARES Act expands eligibility for entities suffering economic harm due to COVID-19 to access SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). In addition, businesses that apply for an EIDL will be allowed expedited access to capital through an Emergency Grant—an advance of $10,000 within three days to maintain payroll, provide paid sick leave, and to service other debt obligations. Businesses can request access to EIDL Emergency Grants through their lending institution.
The Act also:
For Individuals/Employees:
Loan Forgiveness
Businesses may be eligible for all or a portion of their loan to be forgiven. The loan forgiveness is equal to the monetary amount spent on the items listed below during the 8-week period beginning on the date of origin of the loan.
- Payroll costs
- Interest on the mortgage obligation accrued
- Rent
- Utility payments
- Additional wages paid to tipped employees (if applicable)
The amount of loan forgiveness may be reduced depending on reductions in the number of employees or a reduction in salaries (see below for sample calculations).
Number of Employees:
Payroll Cost x Average number FTEs per month for 8 weeks of loan / Average number of FTEs from Feb 15 – June 30 OR Average number of FTEs from Jan 1 – Feb 29 OR Average number of FTEs from Feb 15-June 30.
For example: If your business had a total of 10 full-time equivalent employees during the period of January 1, 2020 – February 29, 2020, and after receiving the loan you only employ 5 full-time employees during the 8-week period, the amount that would be forgiven would be one-half of the amount expended for payroll, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities during that 8-week period (see below if you restored or plan to restore these employees/wages)
Reduction in Salaries:
Payroll Cost minus (-) the amount of reduction in wages greater than 25% compared to the most recent full quarter. (FTEs earning more than $100,000 not included)
If you bring back employees or restore their wages – Reductions in employment or wages dating back to February 15th and ending April 27th will not reduce the amount of loan forgiveness AS LONG AS by June 30th you have eliminated the reduction in employees or wages.
You can view the SBA’s guidance on the Protection Protection Program HERE
Additional Loan Options - Economic Injury Relief Loan
Apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan HERE
For Employers:
The CARES Act expands eligibility for entities suffering economic harm due to COVID-19 to access SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). In addition, businesses that apply for an EIDL will be allowed expedited access to capital through an Emergency Grant—an advance of $10,000 within three days to maintain payroll, provide paid sick leave, and to service other debt obligations. Businesses can request access to EIDL Emergency Grants through their lending institution.
The Act also:
- Allows employers to defer social security payroll taxes, with half deferred until December 31, 2021, and the remaining half until December 31, 2022.
- Allows the SBA to increase the limit of their Express Loans from $350,000 to $1 million to help provide additional working capital to businesses.
- Provides a refundable payroll tax credit for employers whose operations were fully or partially shut down by COVID-19 or whose gross receipts declined by more than 50%.
For Individuals/Employees:
- The Act includes direct payments to individuals, with the following qualifications:
- $1200 for individuals making less than $75,000/year and $150,000 for couples.
- Those making more than these amounts (up to $99,000 for individuals and $198,000 for couples) will see a reduction in the payment.
- For every qualifying child age 16 or under, the payment will be an additional $500.
- If you filed a tax return in 2019 or 2018, no action is required. If you did not file a tax return in 2018 or 2019, you should file for 2019 as soon as possible. Find more info from the IRS HERE
- Individuals receiving unemployment benefits will be eligible for up to an additional $600 per week on top of state unemployment insurance. This added benefit will be available for up to 4 months.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor has released a Q&A page to address the changes to paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave included in Phase 2 of the federal Coronavirus relief package. This page has information for both employers and employees.
CLOSURES & GATHERINGS
Governor Mills Announces Statewide Stay Healthy At Home Order
The Governor’s Stay Healthy at Home directive requires people living in Maine to stay at home at all times unless for an essential job or an essential personal reason, such as obtaining food, medicine, health care, or other necessary purposes.
This order makes some changes to the March 24th Executive Order, including;
For businesses, there are limits to the number of people allowed in a building at one time. Under the Executive order, essential stores with retail spaces of certain square footage are limited to a certain number of people in the store at one time – these limits can be found here under “Restricting Number of People in Essential Stores.”
The Executive Order took effect at 12:01 a.m. on April 2, 2020 and will last until at least April 30, 2020.
The Portland Press Herald created FAQs related to the Governor's directive - read them HERE.
This order makes some changes to the March 24th Executive Order, including;
- For essential businesses and operations that remain open, limiting the number of customers in their buildings at any one time, implementing curb-side pickup and delivery options as much as possible, and enforcing U.S. CDC-recommended physical distancing requirements for their customers and employees in and around their facilities.
- Prohibiting the use of public transportation unless for an essential reason or job that cannot be done from home and limiting the number of people traveling in private vehicles to persons within the immediate household unless transporting for essential activities.
- Mandating the continued termination of classroom or other in-person instruction until at least May 1, 2020.
- Mandating that, when out of the home or when at work at an essential business, individuals shall maintain a minimum distance of six feet from other persons.
For businesses, there are limits to the number of people allowed in a building at one time. Under the Executive order, essential stores with retail spaces of certain square footage are limited to a certain number of people in the store at one time – these limits can be found here under “Restricting Number of People in Essential Stores.”
The Executive Order took effect at 12:01 a.m. on April 2, 2020 and will last until at least April 30, 2020.
The Portland Press Herald created FAQs related to the Governor's directive - read them HERE.
Governor Orders Travelers to Self-Quarantine, Suspends All Lodging Businesses
On Friday, April 3, 2020, Governor Mills announced an order mandating anyone entering Maine to self-quarantine for 14 days and abide by Maine’s Stay Healthy at Home Order.
Additionally, the Order instructs visitors not to travel to Maine if they are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 and advises them not to travel to Maine if they are arriving from cities or regions identified as COVID-19 hot spots.
To deter travel further, the Order also suspended lodging operations, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, inns, and short-term rentals such as those available through VRBO, Airbnb, RV parks and campgrounds, and all public and private camping facilities as well as online reservations.
However, the Order states that lodging can be provided for housing vulnerable populations – such as for children in emergency placements, persons at risk of domestic violence, and homeless individuals as permitted by the State – and as accommodations for health care workers or other workers deemed necessary to support public health, public safety, or critical infrastructure.
This Order will remain in effect through April 30th. Read the full order HERE
UPDATE: On Monday, April 6, 2020, Commissioner Heather Johnson of Maine Department of Economic and Community Development announced the following:
Maine DECD will issue further guidance this week.
Additionally, the Order instructs visitors not to travel to Maine if they are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 and advises them not to travel to Maine if they are arriving from cities or regions identified as COVID-19 hot spots.
To deter travel further, the Order also suspended lodging operations, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, inns, and short-term rentals such as those available through VRBO, Airbnb, RV parks and campgrounds, and all public and private camping facilities as well as online reservations.
However, the Order states that lodging can be provided for housing vulnerable populations – such as for children in emergency placements, persons at risk of domestic violence, and homeless individuals as permitted by the State – and as accommodations for health care workers or other workers deemed necessary to support public health, public safety, or critical infrastructure.
This Order will remain in effect through April 30th. Read the full order HERE
UPDATE: On Monday, April 6, 2020, Commissioner Heather Johnson of Maine Department of Economic and Community Development announced the following:
- Hotel owners can take online and phone reservations for May and beyond, effective immediately.
- April reservations can only be taken by phone for essential workers (no leisure or transient guests can stay in hotels or inns through April 30th).
Maine DECD will issue further guidance this week.
Governor Mills Mandates Closure of Non-Essential Businesses
Governor Mills announced on March 24th an order mandating that all non-essential businesses and operations in Maine close their physical locations that are public facing, meaning those that allow customer, vendor or other in-person contact.
In the Governor’s release, she lists businesses providing essential services. If the function of your business is not listed, but you believe that it is essential, you may request designation as an essential business at https://www.maine.gov/essentialservice.
The following is a list of essential services:
In the Governor’s release, she lists businesses providing essential services. If the function of your business is not listed, but you believe that it is essential, you may request designation as an essential business at https://www.maine.gov/essentialservice.
The following is a list of essential services:
- agriculture
- animal feed and supply stores
- auto repair
- banks
- behavioral health providers
- biomedical
- childcare providers
- construction
- food processing
- gas stations
- grocery and household goods (including convenience stores)
- hardware and home repair
- health care providers
- hotel and commercial lodging
- industrial manufacturing
- insurance
- laundromats
- pharmacy and other medical facilities
- post offices and shipping outlets/stores
- public transportation
- trash collection
- veterinary clinics
City of Portland Extends Stay At Home Order Through April 27
The Portland City Council voted on Monday, March 30 to extend the Emergency Stay At Home Order through April 27th. The emergency stay at home order continues to have measures that apply to both residents and businesses. In addition to extending the order, the Council also approved three amendments to the order, including;
View the full release on extending the order from the City of Portland HERE
- Requesting that residential and commercial landlords rescind or suspend evictions
- Prohibiting short-term rentals in Portland until the order is lifted (with some exceptions)
- Preventing a lapse in many City permits and licenses while the order is in effect
View the full release on extending the order from the City of Portland HERE
LEGISLATION & GUIDANCE
Governor Mills Announces Approval of Federal Disaster Declaration For COVID-19 Response in Maine
The President has approved Governor Mills’ request for a major disaster declaration for the State of Maine, specifically for public assistance.
What this means: State agencies and municipalities in all of Maine's 16 counties will be reimbursed for 75% of approved costs associated with their COVID-19 response.
The Governor’s other requests for disaster assistance, including additional resources for Maine people to support child-care, behavioral health, and legal services, among others, remain under review by the Trump Administration.
Stay tuned for more information on this as it becomes available.
What this means: State agencies and municipalities in all of Maine's 16 counties will be reimbursed for 75% of approved costs associated with their COVID-19 response.
The Governor’s other requests for disaster assistance, including additional resources for Maine people to support child-care, behavioral health, and legal services, among others, remain under review by the Trump Administration.
Stay tuned for more information on this as it becomes available.
Maine Legislature Passes Governor Mills’ Emergency COVID-19 Legislation
On March 17, 2020, the State Legislature approved emergency legislation responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation was submitted by Governor Mills and includes, among others, the following provisions:
- Establishing a consumer loan guarantee program through FAME, in partnership with financial institutions, to provide low- or no-interest loans for eligible people in Maine;
- Temporarily expanding eligibility for unemployment benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19 (see Unemployment Update below)
City of Portland Rental Guidance
On Monday, March 23, 2020, Portland Mayor Kate Snyder announced guidance for landlords and renters. Her guidance asks landlords to halt evictions and any rent increases for 90 days and work with tenants who are unable to pay their rent due to COVID-19.
You can learn more about the Mayor’s guidance HERE.
You can learn more about the Mayor’s guidance HERE.
UNEMPLOYMENT UPDATES
Updated Information From Maine DECD & Maine DOL
The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and the Maine Department of Labor each maintain websites with additional information on COVID-19 related resources related to small business financial assistance, essential and non-essential businesses, and unemployment insurance.
These websites are continually updated and are a great resource for Maine businesses as this crisis continues.
These websites are continually updated and are a great resource for Maine businesses as this crisis continues.
Information on Unemployment Insurance (UI) Temporary Flexibilities
Businesses that are temporarily closing their doors, drastically reducing services, and/or sending employees home (who are not working from home), should be clear with their employees that this is a “temporary layoff.”
Those temporarily laid-off employees are eligible to apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) through the State by visiting www.maine.gov/unemployment and filing a claim. An employee filing for UI, in this case, WILL NOT affect the employer’s experience rating record.* The work search requirement for individuals still connected to their employer but temporarily laid off is waived for this period.
Timeline: The 1 week waiting period for UI benefit has been waived, but there is still a process that usually takes roughly 10 days.
The Maine Department of Labor is continually updating its website to reflect the most recent UI eligibility requirements. Please visit this website for more information on UI and the latest changes.
The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development is also encouraging all employers to do the following:
From COVID Legislation FAQs (download complete FAQs HERE and below):
Q. Can an employer who needs to temporarily lay off employees because of COVID -19 continue to pay health insurance premiums for the employee during the layoff period or will that negatively impact the employees’ unemployment benefits?
A. Continuing to provide health insurance will not impact your employee’s ability to receive unemployment benefits.
Those temporarily laid-off employees are eligible to apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) through the State by visiting www.maine.gov/unemployment and filing a claim. An employee filing for UI, in this case, WILL NOT affect the employer’s experience rating record.* The work search requirement for individuals still connected to their employer but temporarily laid off is waived for this period.
Timeline: The 1 week waiting period for UI benefit has been waived, but there is still a process that usually takes roughly 10 days.
The Maine Department of Labor is continually updating its website to reflect the most recent UI eligibility requirements. Please visit this website for more information on UI and the latest changes.
The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development is also encouraging all employers to do the following:
- Sign up for the state information data exchange system, which is web-based and allows transmission. This portal can be found HERE.
- Contact your financial institution to inquire about the possibility of receiving a loan, restructuring current loans, delaying payments, receiving information on loans for employees, and other available support.
- Visit Maine Career Center and find your nearest center. Give them a call and they will help walk you through the programs and assistance available to you and your employees. They also have a chat function on their website. The offices are closed but the services are still available over the phone and online.
- Email business.answers@maine.gov with additional questions.
From COVID Legislation FAQs (download complete FAQs HERE and below):
Q. Can an employer who needs to temporarily lay off employees because of COVID -19 continue to pay health insurance premiums for the employee during the layoff period or will that negatively impact the employees’ unemployment benefits?
A. Continuing to provide health insurance will not impact your employee’s ability to receive unemployment benefits.
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*Important Information for Employers Regarding Unemployment Insurance
The Maine Department of Labor (DOL) is in the process of updating its system in accordance with the newly passed state and federal legislation. Emergency legislation passed by the Maine State Legislature includes a provision stating that, in the case of a temporary layoff due to COVID-19, unemployment benefits paid to an individual will not be charged against the experience rating record of any employer. Due to the number of unemployment claims and the need to update the system, employers may receive paperwork that has not been updated and states their experience rating will be charged. Please know this is in error and simply a result of the need for DOL to update their systems to reflect recent emergency legislation. Please visit the Maine DOL website for the most up-to-date information
The Maine Department of Labor (DOL) is in the process of updating its system in accordance with the newly passed state and federal legislation. Emergency legislation passed by the Maine State Legislature includes a provision stating that, in the case of a temporary layoff due to COVID-19, unemployment benefits paid to an individual will not be charged against the experience rating record of any employer. Due to the number of unemployment claims and the need to update the system, employers may receive paperwork that has not been updated and states their experience rating will be charged. Please know this is in error and simply a result of the need for DOL to update their systems to reflect recent emergency legislation. Please visit the Maine DOL website for the most up-to-date information
Resources Related to Health Insurance for Laid Off Employees
The Chamber recognizes that maintaining health insurance is a concern for any employee being laid off, as well as struggling employers, during this extremely challenging time for businesses. Included below are resources and information on health insurance from Maine Career Centers:
Health Care and Health Insurance is often a concern for someone who has lost a job. Consumers for Affordable Health Care is a consumer advocacy organization which can provide you with information on possible options for insurance and medical care through their ‘Helpline” at 1-800-965-7476.
Please refer to ‘Transitions’, a more comprehensive service guide (Download HERE and below).
It is also available online at www.mainecareercenter.gov. Click on the ‘Library’ tab to access ‘Transitions.’ Page 7 of this document has information on health insurance.
Additional information is available about a wide variety of state and local programs and services either online at www.maine.gov or by phone by calling ‘211’.If you have any questions about available services, please contact your local CareerCenter.
Greater Portland Career Center
1-877-594-5627 (career center offices are closed but services are available via phone and online)
www.mainecareercenter.gov
Health Care and Health Insurance is often a concern for someone who has lost a job. Consumers for Affordable Health Care is a consumer advocacy organization which can provide you with information on possible options for insurance and medical care through their ‘Helpline” at 1-800-965-7476.
Please refer to ‘Transitions’, a more comprehensive service guide (Download HERE and below).
It is also available online at www.mainecareercenter.gov. Click on the ‘Library’ tab to access ‘Transitions.’ Page 7 of this document has information on health insurance.
Additional information is available about a wide variety of state and local programs and services either online at www.maine.gov or by phone by calling ‘211’.If you have any questions about available services, please contact your local CareerCenter.
Greater Portland Career Center
1-877-594-5627 (career center offices are closed but services are available via phone and online)
www.mainecareercenter.gov
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STIMULUS, LOANS & GRANTS
Maine Financial Assistance for Businesses and Employees
Late last week, the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) announced additional resources for businesses seeking financial assistance in response to COVID-19.
For more information on the terms of these additional resources and how to apply:
FAME COVID-19 Relief Loan Programs (including programs for businesses, individuals/employees, and lenders)
For more information on the terms of these additional resources and how to apply:
FAME COVID-19 Relief Loan Programs (including programs for businesses, individuals/employees, and lenders)
- COVID-19 Relief Business Direct Loan Program (businesses) – APPLY HERE
- Loan details: Direct Loans of up to $50,000
- Requirements: Maine-based businesses experiencing interruption/hardship due to COVID-19
- COVID-19 Relief Interim SBA Finance Loan Program (businesses) – APPLY HERE
- Loan details: Direct Loans of up to $100,000
- Requirements: Available to Maine businesses who provide proof of commitment for SBA financing (loan covers the interim period between securing and receiving of funding)
- COVID-19 Relief Consumer Loan Program (individuals) – LEARN MORE HERE
- Loan details: No-to low-interest consumer loans through a loan guarantee program
- Offers loans of up to $5,000 (minus any unemployment benefits)
- Borrowers may apply for up to three (3) loans, one per each 30-day period
- Requirements: Interested borrowers should contact their local bank or credit union (not FAME) to see if the lender is offering this program and to apply
SBA Disaster Assistance Loan information
The SBA is now offering low-interest federal disaster loans to Maine small businesses
On Monday March 16th the U.S. Small Business Administration approved Governor Mills’ request to provide disaster assistance to Maine small businesses. More detailed information on these loans can be found on our Coronavirus Resources Page.
Businesses can apply, find more information, and download applications HERE.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The Deadline to apply for assistance is December 16, 2020.
Additional info from SBA:
Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
Click HERE for the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) - Need To Know Guide for SBA Disaster Loans
Additional Resources:
On Monday March 16th the U.S. Small Business Administration approved Governor Mills’ request to provide disaster assistance to Maine small businesses. More detailed information on these loans can be found on our Coronavirus Resources Page.
Businesses can apply, find more information, and download applications HERE.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The Deadline to apply for assistance is December 16, 2020.
Additional info from SBA:
Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
Click HERE for the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) - Need To Know Guide for SBA Disaster Loans
Additional Resources:
- https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-newsroom/press-releases-media-advisories/sba-provide-disaster-assistance-loans-small-businesses-impacted-coronavirus-covid-19
- https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/Index
- https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/4479
- https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19
Free PSA's for Businesses from WMTW
As part of their "Keeping Maine Strong" service initiative, WMTW, Maine’s CW, MeTV, and Heroes & Icons will be airing a series of local business PSA announcements both on air and online so businesses can communicate to area consumers how they can help, free of charge. Learn more and submit your clip HERE.
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Grants for Non-Profits
The Maine Association of Nonprofits (MANP) has been maintaining an extensive list of Financial Relief for Nonprofit Businesses and Employees. View that list HERE.
EMPLOYER TIPS
Tips for Employers & Business Owners
Employment and Business: Top Five Things to Consider
- Cancel all nonessential business travel and carefully consider whether “essential” business travel is truly essential.
- Impose a mandatory 14 day quarantine for employees returning from travel to Warning Level 3 Countries, known hotspots within the United States, and cruises.
- Encourage remote work for those employees who can do so (see Tips for Working Remotely section, below).
- Businesses should allow employees to take accrued PTO, sick or vacation time while out on coronavirus related absences, but also consider creating a paid Coronavirus leave bank for impacted employees who may not otherwise have accrued time.
- If a temporary shutdown occurs, employees should be able to utilize accrued PTO, sick and vacation time, but may also qualify for unemployment (the Governor has submitted legislation on this, more information is included above under State and Federal Emergency Legislation).
Resources for Maine’s Immigrant Community
The Maine Business Immigration Coalition (MEBIC) has put together a factsheet detailing best practices for Maine’s employers for communications to immigrant staff related to COVIVID-19. The factsheet also includes additional resources for Maine’s immigrant community from MEBIC, Catholic Charities, and others.
- Access the MEBIC Factsheet HERE (and below)
- Access the Catholic Charities Maine COVID-19 Fact Sheet HERE (available in 18 languages)
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The Verrill law offices have put together a COVID-19 Resources page for employers in various industries to help you address some of the challenges you and your business may be facing. We will update this page with changes in this rapidly evolving legal and regulatory landscape. You can access that page HERE.
REMOTE WORK TIPS
Tips for Working Remotely
Via flyte new media
| 10_things_to_when_working_away_based_on_awi_research__unbranded_.pdf |
Via Advanced Workplace Associates (AWA)
| telecommuting_tips_march_2020.pdf |
Via L.L.Bean
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
MaineHealth has created a "Healthy Communities: Coronavirus" website page which they will be keeping up-to-date. Access that website HERE.
Download a handy sign/graphic encouraging people to practice social distancing HERE and below.
Download a handy sign/graphic encouraging people to practice social distancing HERE and below.
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Additional Resources
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- U.S. CDC Guidance for Employers and Businesses
- Maine CDC
- Maine Department of Labor Resources
- City of Portland COVID-19 Resources
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- OSHA: Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- OSHA: Protecting Workers in a Pandemic
