The last couple of weeks have been hard. The news seems to be change constantly and it’s been difficult to keep track of what’s real, what is happening and how we can stay up to date with information that pertains to the industry and the small business community. Here you will find a list of links, resources and even fundraisers that have been set-up to help people in our community. You can also check out this video about the Colombian Floriculture Industry and how this community needs it more than ever. If you have any other information that you think could be valuable, send it our way.
*Please note: this situation is fluid and changes in information and resources will be taking place, we will update this with the most current information as it becomes available.
Coronavirus Financial Help for Small Businesses:
If your business has been hurt by COVID-19, you may be able to get a loan through the Small Business Administration.
See how SBA & PPP loans are being distributed: https://www.covidloantracker.com
Coronavirus: Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act: Click here
The CARES Act and the Self-Employed: A Primer by The National Law Review: https://bit.ly/nlrcaresact
PPP Information Sheet: https://bit.ly/GFpppinfosheet
Paycheck Protection Program Borrower Application: https://bit.ly/GFPPPApp
SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help small businesses recover from declared disasters: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave
Save Small Business- An Initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation: https://savesmallbusiness.com
Facebook: $100 million program to help small businesses. Applications are expected to roll out in a few weeks: https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants
Business Resource Hub that includes free information for small businesses on how to deal with impacts from COVID-19, best practices, and a self-assessment tool that you can download: https://www.facebook.com/business
Other Tips:
- Contact your insurance company and ask about your business interruption coverage in order to know if there is a possibility of coverage due to COVID-19
- Contact your banker and inquire about a business line of credit (in some cases, these may provide better terms than the current loan and grant programs.)
Industry Resources:
SAF: SAF (the Society of American Florists) has a page dedicated to COVID-19 updates. You can check it out here https://safnow.org/covid-19-updates/
They have also created a state resource page so you can get up-to-date information on how your state is handling this situation and what information you need to know in regards to your business. Click here to be redirected to that page. https://safnow.org/covid-19-updates/state-resources/
If you haven’t already, sign up for their webinars to get more information on how to handle the crisis. You can also check out any of the previous ones if you missed them. https://safnow.org/events-education/webinars/#032320
Another resource that we found extremely helpful on the SAF page is their chat pop-up. If you go to their homepage, it will automatically pop-up and you can chat with an employee and they can redirect you to a page or a specific resource you are looking for. https://safnow.org
PMA:
The Produce Marketing Association has a created a landing page for all things COVID-19 pertaining to the floral industry. You can visit it here: https://www.pma.com/content/articles/2020/03/coronavirus-resources-for-floral
If you are a member, make sure to register for their virtual town hall meetings that will be taking place in the coming days.
You can also connect with other industry members by joining their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/focusonfloral/
They also have a LinkedIn group page you can join: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8741811/
