Covid-19 Business Resources

The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has impacted how business is being done throughout the world. Following is a list of resources that may be helpful to Benbrook businesses and organizations.

Small Business Resources

Federal:

U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship: Guide to the CARES Act
U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA Guidance for Businesses in Responding to COVID-19
Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Loan Advance - Update - (5/4: Notice: New Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance: SBA will begin accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications on a limited basis only to provide relief to U.S. agricultural businesses.) The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance (up to $10,000) provides economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The loan advance will not have to be repaid.

SBA Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program: This pilot program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loan or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for a decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.
SBA Debt Relief: The SBA Debt Relief program will provide a reprieve to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis. Under this program: the SBA will also pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020; and the SBA will pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months.
Paycheck Protection Program: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) 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 PPP will be available through June 30, 2020.
SBA Dallas/Fort Worth District Office

*If applying for an EIDL loan, the SBA recommends using Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge*

*Customer Service can be reached at 800.659.2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov*

Federal Reserve: Commercial Paper Funding Facility to support the flow of credit to households and businesses

FRB Press Release

Internal Revenue Service (IRS):

State:

Office of the Governor (OOG): Visit the OOG website for a comprehensive list of resources and important COVID-19 updates.
- The OOG website also has a list of waivers issued by the Governor.
- Texas Music Office: Assistance Information and Resources For Music Industry Professionals Affected by COVID-19.
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Visit the TWC website for resources available to employers and job seekers impacted by the COVID-19.
- Resources for Employers.
- 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.state.tx.us.
- Shared Work Program.
- Resources for Job Seekers
  - If an individual’s employment has been affected by COVID-19 they may apply for benefits either online by using the Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) or by calling TWC at 800.939.6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. UBS can be accessed at any time. For additional information, visit TWC’s website.
  - For questions about unemployment of employment insurance call 800.832.2829 or email laborinfo@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.
Texas Health and Human Services: COVID-19: Guidance for Employers, Employees, and Customers of Reopened Retail Services

Local

Benbrook Economic Development Corporation (BEDC):
- Temporary Sign Reimbursement Program - In an effort to assist Benbrook businesses and organizations through this difficult time, the BEDC is offering a special reimbursement program to pay for temporary signage.
- Disaster Relief Grant Program - The Benbrook Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) has created the Disaster Relief Grant Program to assist small businesses in Benbrook that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualifying businesses may receive up to $5,000 to assist them in paying their monthly mortgage or rent.
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. They have also published resources and information to support small business, including:
- The COVID-19 Economic Impact: Will Business Interruption Insurance Help (& What Are My Other Options)?
- How Small Businesses Can Prepare for the COVID-19

Other:

The Texas Restaurant Association (TRA): The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has brought upon the restaurant industry a challenge of catastrophic magnitude. To respond to this immediate financial need the TRA have established the TX 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 Texas’ restaurant industry workforce. To learn more on how to donate or apply for relief funding click here.
The Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) provided guidance to those directly or indirectly impacted.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are an alternative source of finance for small businesses. For additional information, please visit with each organization:
SBA Lender Match: Connects Small Business with Participating SBA-approved Lenders
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Combating Coronavirus
U.S. Chamber Disaster Help Desk
- Summary of Congressional Action on COVID-19
- Coronavirus Small Business Guide
National Restaurant Association: Coronavirus Information and Resources
- Texas Restaurant Relief Fund
National Retail Federation: Coronavirus Resources for Retailers
NFIB: Small Business Resources in Response to Coronavirus
Texas International Produce Association: COVID-19 Update
Texas Woman’s University - AssistHer Emergency Relief Grant
American Farmland Trust: Farmer Relief Fund
Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Fund: Southern Smoke is a crisis relief organization for people in the food and beverage industry.