Sedona Chamber COVID Recovery News

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June 11, 2021

Governor Ducey Announces Reinstatement of “Work Search Requirement” to Help Ease Labor Shortage

The Order goes into effect the week of May 23.

Arizona’s labor force currently is 100.09% compared to pre-pandemic levels, however many businesses are struggling to fill positions, especially those in the restaurant and hospitality sectors.”

Restaurant Revitalization Fund Now Open

Applications for the SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund opened on Monday, May 3, 2021 Your business can apply here.

The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief legislation includes $28.6 billion for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, offering direct relief for independent restaurants. Eligible businesses include “food service or drinking establishments, including caterers, brewpubs, taprooms and tasting rooms, that are not part of an affiliated group with more than 20 locations.”

The funding is in the form of forgivable grants, and local independent restaurants can use the resources for payroll, benefits, mortgages, rent, utilities, maintenance, supplies, protective equipment, cleaning materials, food, paid sick leave and any other expenses deemed essential.

“SHUTTERED VENUE” GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.

Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.

These grants are for live venue operators or promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organizations, museums, motion picture theatre operators, and talent representatives including those owned by local governments or community colleges. This includes nonprofits and for-profits.

Must register in System of Award Management database before applying
Click here to apply
The Small Business Development Center can assist you

To prepare, in addition to registering in the System of Award Management database, you should reference the application checklist and eligibility requirements.

DUCEY ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDERS FOLLOWING MARCH ORDER TO RESUME “NORMAL OPERATIONS”

Since Governor Ducey issued an Executive Order March 25, 2021, announcing that Arizona businesses can resume normal operations, he has issued several additional COVID-related Executive Orders that include:

Reinstating a requirement that unemployment insurance recipients must actively seek work in order to continue to be eligible for benefits
Rescinding a requirement that all schools require facemasks
Prohibiting local jurisdictions from requiring an individual to document they have been vaccinated against COVID-19
Rescinding restrictions on healthcare institutions
Rescinding telemedicine-related Executive Orders due to passage of permanent legislation

You can view the Governor’s Executive Orders here.

COVID Relief Bill 2021

The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 Relief Package passed Congress on March 10, 2021. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 includes federal assistance and supports recovery of small business and the tourism industry. Here are some key points to know about the plan:

$350 billion to states and local governments, with explicit authority given to allow funds to aid the travel and tourism industry.
$3 billion for Economic Development Administration grants, with 25% ($750 million) set aside for communities affected by job loss in travel and tourism.
Extends the Employee Retention Tax Credit through the end of 2021 and adds enhancements for businesses experiencing at least a 90% decline in revenue.
$7.25 billion to the Payroll Protection Program and allows larger nonprofits to qualify.
Extends a $300 per week jobless aid supplement until Sept. 6. It also makes an individual’s first $10,200 in jobless benefits tax-free.
The bill includes $1,400 in direct payments to individuals and families. The amount begins to lessen at $75,000 in income for individuals, capped at individuals who make $80,000. The thresholds for joint filers are double those limits. Eligibility will be determined on most recent filed tax return.
$12.7 billion for a national vaccination program, which creates community inoculation centers nationwide along with mobile units for hard-to-reach areas.
$50 billion to improve testing and contact tracing capabilities.

You can read a comprehensive news report here.

Vaccine Distribution

Make an appointment and stay updated on vaccine allocations, administration and locations in Coconino County and Yavapai County Health Department websites. To find COVID-19 testing sites near you, put in your ZIP code at Arizona Department of Health.

Are your “Mask Up, Sedona” and Sedona | Safe.Clean.Ready messages readily visible to your customers? Now is a good time to check and if you need additional or replacement posters, you can download them here. Let’s not let our guard down.

COVID-19 Relief Bill Information

The SBA’s Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) is accepting first and second draw applications through Community Financial Institutions. You will find the list of lenders at this link.

The terms of the relief programs are complex and require study and preparation. Among the top-line features:

The Employee Retention Tax Credit has been broadened and extended to July 1, 2021.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications are extended through the end of 2021 and EIDL grants of up to $10,000 are available.
An SBA debt relief program goes into effect in February regarding SBA 7 (a), 504 and microloans.
SBA lending programs have received new funding.
SBA grants for “shuttered venues” such as cultural institutions are available.
The PPP program continuation has been extended to March 31, 2021.
New rules are in place for PPP loan forgiveness.
The Yavapai College Small Business Development Center has prepared an excellent synopsis.

If you are not a client of the SBDC, now is a good time to consider joining and receive free business planning, counseling, access to funding and other business assistance. To become a client, please register and a business analyst will contact you.

If you are interested in any of these resources, you should prepare your financial information prior to applying.

Financial Statements -Work on getting these up to date and in order. These will be needed for the application process.
Connect with your local banker to understand their process for applying for some of these funds as well.

If you are a client of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), reach out to your business analyst for assistance and any questions.

Take Advantage of Promotional and Marketing Opportunities

Please visit the Benefits of Partnership page to see all your Sedona Chamber benefits including ways to promote your business with free and paid opportunities.

Arizona Commerce Authority Small Business Webinars

The Arizona Commerce Authority is continuing its popular webinar series. Check out free webinars on a host of ways to improve your business performance.

Free Enhanced COVID AWARE Food Handler’s Certificate

Coconino County’s Health and Human Services and Northern Arizona University’s Economic Policy Institute are offering a FREE online Enhanced Food Handler’s Training and Testing program for food service employers and employees. The training teaches best practices as they relate to COVID-19. Upon completion, employees receive an Enhanced Food Handler’s Certificate. Businesses who complete employee training receive a Certified COVID AWARE decal to display on their business window.

Start the program here.

Sedona | Safe.Clean.Ready Campaign

Hundreds of businesses have volunteered to implement posted safety practices and are now listed on SedonaSafeCleanReady.com. We are also encouraging residents and visitors to practice the guidelines.

By signing on, you get immediate access to Sedona | Safe.Clean.Ready logos and posters letting customers know you are operating responsibly and educating them on interacting safely with you and your employees.

We are promoting Sedona | Safe.Clean.Ready through social media, blogs, free media and paid advertising.

The Arizona Office of Tourism Provides Guidelines for Tourism Industry Businesses

The Arizona Office of Tourism shared Travel-focused Pandemic Data Resources

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Apply for SBDC Small Business Makeover

The Small Business Development Center at Yavapai College is powering a Small Business Makeover for qualifying businesses in the area! Four businesses will be selected to receive a full business makeover, while 60 other businesses will be selected to receive a mini-makeover. Whether your business needs a website makeover, marketing and strategy overhaul or operations improvement, the SBDC will bring in a team of experts to help revitalize your small business.

To get started you must:

Have been in business for at least three years.
Must permanently reside in Yavapai County, not a subsidiary or a branch.
Have up to $15MM in annual revenues and/or less than 500 employees.
Describe how COVID-19 has impacted your business.
Not be involved in any legal proceedings.
Have not received ongoing coaching in the last five years from the Yavapai College SBDC.

Click here to apply! There is one more round left for May 31. After your application is received, members from the SBDC will reach out to confirm eligibility, discuss program details, guidelines and expectations.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) was awarded $289 million from the COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress. This funding will be used toward direct payments for rent, rental arrears, utilities, utility arrears, and other expenses related to housing stability incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning February 23, renters and landlords in the twelve Arizona counties listed will be able to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) using the online ERAP portal. Applications will be accepted through the program’s expiration on December 31, 2021 or until funding is exhausted. Click here to view the Emergency Rental Assistance Program details and eligibility requirements.

Arizona Community Foundation Non-Profit Support

The Arizona Community Foundation has established a COVID-19 Community Response Fund to help non-profit organizations who provide critical care and need emergency funding to meet the surge in demand. Apply for or donate to the fund at azfoundation.org.

SBA Disaster Loan Update

The SBA is accepting applications for the EIDL Loan and Advance Programs. Check it regularly. Non-profit organizations are also eligible for SBA Disaster Loans. Nonprofits should contact Northern AZ SCORE and United Way of Yavapai County for assistance.

Senior Core of Retired Executives Offer FREE Business Advice

Free SCORE business advisory services for COVID-19 business advice, and recovery planning. Contact Wade Bell at wade.bell@scorevolunteer.org

LOCAL ATTORNEYS EXPLAIN

Aspey, Watkins & Diesel PLLC explain topics to help businesses related to COVID-19

Some of the topics include:

Click here to view all topics

EMPLOYMENT & PAYROLL RELIEF

Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act from the US Senate

Click here for the Small Business Guide and Checklist, provided by the US Chamber of Commerce

US Senate Committee on Small Business provides Paycheck Protection Program FAQs for Small Businesses here.

CARES Act Eligibility Guide

CARES Act FAQs

New Guidance from Department of Labor on Leave Rules

The U.S. Department Of Labor just published guidance for explaining paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Relief for laid off and unpaid employees: Arizona@Work is a resource for temporary employment services. Your laid off employees should register at Arizona Job Connection. The Arizona@Work icon is on the upper left.

Here you will find the Sedona Emergency Community Resource Directory

Arizona Unemployment Insurance: The CARES Act includes additional funding for state unemployment insurance and may waive some restrictions such as waiting periods. Your laid off unpaid employees can begin the process of applying for benefits at AZUI.gov

NOTE – the Northern Arizona Council of Governments recommends entering COVID-19 as the ‘Reason for Separation.’

Your laid off employees can get help navigating the services above by calling NACOG’s West County One Shop at 928.778.1422 or 928.308.4832, or the East County One Stop at 928.649.6867 or 928.649.6868, or visit their websites: nacog.org and yavapaiatwork.com.