https://gov.texas.gov/businesshe COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has had an effect on how business is conducted globally. The list of resources that may be useful to Benbrook businesses and organizations is provided below. 

Federal:

• U.S. Department of the Treasury:  Assistance to Small Businesses
• Small Business Association (SBA):  Ten Steps to Start Your Business
  • Dallas/Fort Worth District
• Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System:  Recent Developments
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS):  Helping People Understand and Meet Their Tax Responsibilities 
  • Coronavirus Tax Relief
  • Apply Online for A Payment Plan

State:

• Office of the Governor's (OOG):  Small Business Handbook
  • Texas Economic Development:  Visit the OOG website for a comprehensive list of resources and important COVID-19 updates.
• Texas Music Office:  Financial Resources for Artists and Music Industry Professionals
• Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
  • Employer Resources:  Employers and job seekers impacted by COVID-19 can find resources here.  The Commissioner for Employers’ legal team is available Monday through Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to answer employment law questions. Please contact them at 800-832-9394 or employerinfo@twc.texas.gov.  
  • Shared Work Program:  TWC encourages employers to enroll in the Shared Work Program.
  • Job Seekers & Employers
    • If an individual’s employment has been affected by COVID-19, they may apply for benefits either online by using the Unemployment Benefits Services or by calling TWC at 800-939-6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday.  Unemployment Benefits Services can be accessed at any time. For additional information, visit TWC’s website.
    • For questions about employment or unemployment insurance, call:  800-832-2829 or email laorinfo@twc.state.tx.us.   
• Texas Comptroller (CPA): Visit the CPA  website for tax-related information related to COVID-19.  
  • The agency is offering assistance in the form of short-term payment agreements, and in most instances, waivers of penalties and interest. To learn about options for remaining in compliance and avoiding interest and late fees on taxes due, contact the Enforcement Hotline at 800.252.8800. 
•  Texas Department of Insurance (TDI):  Visit the TDI  website for an overview of insurance-related questions related to COVID-19.  
• Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA):  Visit the TDA  website for an overview of information related to school meals, consumer protection, rural hospitals, weights and measures and licensing.  

Local: 

• Small Business Development Center (SBDC): The SBDC Tarrant County assists existing and prospective small business owners by offering a wide variety of services that include one-on-one advising, assistance with financing, accounting, market research, business plan development and marketing.
• SCORE has chapters throughout Texas and provides in-person and virtual counseling and mentorship. Visit SCORE Fort Worth website for more information.

Other:  

• Texas Restaurant Association: The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has brought upon the restaurant industry a challenge of catastrophic magnitude. To respond to this immediate financial need, the Texas Restaurant Association have established the Texas Restaurant Relief Fund through the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit focused on the education and development of the Texas’ restaurant industry workforce. 
• Consumer Data Industry Association provides guidance to those directly or indirectly impacted. 
• Community Development Financial Institutions Fund are an alternative source of finance for small businesses. For additional information, please visit with each organization:  
  • PeopleFund 
    • PeopleFund:  Coronavirus Resources
  • LiftFund
  • BCL of Texas:  Business & Community Lenders
  • Opportunity Finance Network:  CDFI Locator
• SBA:  Lender Match Connects You to Lenders
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce:  Pandemic 
  • Disaster Help Desk for Business 
  • Summary of Latest Congressional Action on Coronavirus Response 
  • Coronavirus Small Business Resources Guide 
• National Restaurant Association: Coronavirus Information and Resources 
• NFIB:  Small Business Resources in Response to COVID
• Texas International Produce Association:  COVID-19 Updates 
• American Farmland Trust
• Southern Smoke Foundation: The Southern Smoke Foundation is a crisis relief organization for people in the food and beverage industry.