COVID-19 Business & Community Resources

Table of Contents

Note: We endeavor to include the most recent information, but new and updated program guidance are released daily.

New Grant Program for Middlebury Restaurants and Farms

Table 21 is a Middlebury non-profit with a mission to provide grants to local farms, restaurants and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Table 21 welcomes grant applications from any farm, restaurant, or small business in greater Middlebury, Vermont that has experienced a negative impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is the intention of Table 21 to prioritize grants that will strengthen the applicant businesses, strengthen and assist the Middlebury food network, and support the community. Initially, preference will be given to applications from restaurants located in Middlebury and farms in and around Middlebury. Future rounds may consider other types of small businesses within and around Middlebury. Applicants must use this application. Grant applications will be accepted through February 15, 2021, and grants will be distributed to selected recipients on or around March 1, 2021. Grants up to $25,000 will be awarded to eligible and selected applicants. GRANT CRITERIA FOR BUSINESSES:

  • must be a for-profit business entity;
  • must be headquartered in Vermont;
  • that is a farm must have a physical location in or around Middlebury and provide goods and services to greater Middlebury.
  • that is a restaurant or other type of small businesses must have a physical location in Middlebury, Vermont;
  • must be registered with the State of Vermont;
  • must not currently be in bankruptcy;
  • must have been established on or before March 15, 2020;
  • must be open at the time of grant distribution or have a plan to reopen in 2021; 
  • must be able to substantiate need due to a loss of business or other negative impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and must be able to demonstrate that the grant funds will be used by the applicant business to mitigate the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications will be accepted from any Middlebury area farm and Middlebury-based restaurant or small business. However, for initial awards, priority will be given to applications from restaurants and farms that:

  • Demonstrate that the funds will be used to mitigate negative COVID-19 pandemic impacts and strengthen or reopen the applicant business through, for example, expenditures on the cost of goods sold and/or wages and salaries of employees.
  • Demonstrate substantial community involvement such as volunteering, donations to non-profit organizations or community events, and efforts to buy local. 

Access the Table 21 Grant Application here.

Helpful Weekly COVID Business Webinars:

Weekly State Business Update:

Join the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development for a weekly webinar series focused on health and commerce pandemic updates for the business community. Decision-makers from the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, the Vermont Department of Health, and the Vermont Department of Public Safety will provide updates and be available to answer your questions. This webinar is designed for business owners and organizations that primarily serve businesses.

To help us serve you better during the webinar, please consider submitting your questions ahead of time. Businesses joining the webinar by phone must enter their questions using this link ahead of time, as only those participating via the Microsoft Teams online platform will be able to ask real-time questions. Participants can submit anonymous questions via the webinar’s online questionnaire.

To link to the weekly webinar, go here: https://accd.vermont.gov/calendar/list 

Weekly SBA PPP Webinars
The SBA Vermont District Office hosts free webinars from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays about the Paycheck Protection Program First Draw and Second Draw options. What is a PPP loan, terms, eligibility, and the application process? What is the difference between them? What has changed with the Economic Aid Act? Details on both programs will be presented. 

To access the webinar, click here. To access the webinar by phone, call 202-765-1264 and enter code 142 718 62#.

For more information, email susan.mazza@sba.gov.

PPP Forgiveness Webinars Tuesdays
The SBA Vermont District Office hosts free webinars from 11:30 a.m.  to 1 p.m. Tuesdays about Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness. Topics include criteria, the process, changes, and more.

To access the webinar, click here.  To access the webinar by phone, call 202-765-1264 and enter code 986 011 495#.

For more information, email susan.mazza@sba.gov.

Restart Vermont Information

The Governor's Stay Home, Stay Safe order remains in effect, but as modeling indicates continued progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19, Governor Scott is announcing incremental, evidence-based steps forward to put Vermonters back to work.

If able to comply with outlined safety measures, the Governor has issued orders allowing the phased expansion of the operations that may operate.

  • View Mandatory Health & Safety Requirements for All Business Operations and the Phased-in Work Safe Additions here.
  • View Agency of Commerce Restart Vermont Information, including information on Reopening and Training Plans, here
  • View VOSHA Required Training here
  • View required signage here 

Financial Resources For Small Businesses

Getting Prepared:

Preparing necessary financial information will enable you and your financial advisors to assess your options from the available loan/financing programs and to determine which is right for you and your business for the short- and the long-term. Some or all of these documents may be needed in various applications. Regardless, to make financial decisions now and after this crisis, and to prepare to apply for any loan/financing option, have the following prepared and ready to be uploaded electronically. 

  • A list (diary or narrative) of actions that you have taken in response to COVID-19, and the direct impact you have seen. For example, 3/17/20 “laid off two employees” {names, # of hours typically worked, and pay rate} and directed them to unemployment. Return to work date given with the date. This list will help identify economic impact.
  • Your most recent financial records:
    • Profit and Loss
    • Balance Statement
    • Sales records for 2019 and 2020 to date (this should come from QuickBooks or your POS or whatever system you use to capture daily income). Showing the actual impact on revenues is the basis of economic impact lending.
    • Three years of completed tax returns (personal and business). If 2019 is not complete, then a 2019 Profit & Loss Statement.
    • Up to date Accounts Payable.
    • Up to date Accounts Receivable.
    • An up to date list of your collateral (including your personal real estate) with item description and current replacement value.
    • Up to date schedule of current liabilities. Sample.
  • Projection of monthly expenses/revenues. These can be estimates and can have multiple scenarios depending on whether you are staying open at full capacity/reducing open hours/closing. At a minimum, project your Profit and Loss for the same months the previous year.
  • This self-guided assessment is meant to encourage you to take an objective look at your business and make the best decision, not just for the short-term but also for the long-term. 

We highly recommend that you discuss your situation with your business advisor or CPA before applying to debt programs. ACEDC and the Vt SBDC are also available to assist:

  • Sarah Kearns, Vermont Small Business Development Center, skearns@vtsbdc.org,  (802)771-5820
  • Fred Kenney, Addison County Economic Development Corporation, fkenney@addisoncountyedc.org, (802)777-8349

The Vermont SBDC has created a great tool called a Recovery Roadmap for small businesses.
The tool provides resources and support to help you respond to the continuing and ever-
changing business climate.  The Master Flowchart is designed to be a strategic framework to
help you navigate the next two weeks, 24 months and beyond. You’ll see a series of “Action
Items” that ultimately lead to decision nodes about your business in addition to “things to
consider” as you revisit your business model, marketing plan, budget, and financials. To view the
Recovery Roadmap, click here.

The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center also has created tools to help businesses of all
types through recovery. Click here for more information.

View the VtSBDC COVID-19 website here.

View the latest SBDC/RDC EIDL and PPP information here.

View VtSBDC Recovery Roadmap here 

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

Note: Congress passed additional funding for the EIDL program in December 2020, extending the application period through December 2021.

Summary: EIDLs are lower interest loans of up to $2 million in assistance per business, with principal and interest deferment available for up to 4 years, available to pay for expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred, including payroll and other operating expenses. EIDLs may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for private non-profit organizations. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay, up to a maximum of 30 years. Small businesses with credit available elsewhere may not be eligible.

Detail:

  • The SBA EIDL is applied for online via an SBA portal. 
  • Apply only using the SBA portal:  https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/. There are now many scammers online, so only use this site.
  • ALERT: If you are contacted by phone, fax, email or mail asking for additional financials to support your EIDL application, that person MUST have your application/confirmation number as evidence that they are from the SBA. Unfortunately, we are learning of entities and individuals posing as SBA affiliates and we want you to please be mindful. Learn more here
  • Available through December 31, 2021. 
  • A low interest, long-term loan. 

Step One: complete the EIDL Streamlined Application on-line: 

Please note: As a sole proprietor or LLC owner(s) that take an owners draw, you are allowed to count yourself as an employee for this streamlined application.

  • You will be asked for the ‘Business legal name and tradename.’ If you are an individual using a tradename (i.e. John Smith DBA Smiths plumbing), you must use the name that is on the 1st line of your bank statement (not your checks). In this example that would be John Smith.
  • The only financial info needed is:
    1. A calculation of Gross Revenues for period 2/1/19 – 1/31/20 or 2019 tax info.
    2. A calculation of COGS (Cost of Goods Sold) for the same period (if applicable), if your business does not have COGS, put '0’.
    3. If you are a non-profit you will also need Operating Costs for the same period.
    4. If your application is for lost rents, put the dollar amount of rents already lost as a result of the disaster (COVID Pandemic).
  • Note: there is a box at the top of the agent/owner page that asks if you are owned by an entity. If this box is not checked, you cannot proceed past this page. Unless you are owned by another company/business then you check “no.”
  • You will also certify to some basic questions about your business and personal situation and that you have represented the information truthfully.
  • At this point you will be asked for your BANKING Info:
    1. Bank Name
    2. Account Number
    3. Routing Number
  • Once you have completed the application you will have a chance to review.
  • Once you hit submit you will be given a confirmation page with an application number. Print this page and take a screen shot of it. Do not lose this number.
  • Begin a file of all the material regarding this process, including any information you provided and the application, numbers you received from the SBA (put the application number on the inside of the folder).

Step Two: Completing the EIDL Loan Application. 

Please note: the application process for the EIDL is a sliding scale offering the loan amount without any additional documentation required.  

  1. Within 7-10 days you will receive an email from the SBA that asks you to “Create your SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Portal Account”.
  2. Do not lose the account information that you create. Add this new portal password to your EIDL folder. You will need it to track the progress of your application.
  3. PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER frequently. Many businesses have reported that the email for creating the account has been landing in Spam folders instead of the main inbox.
  4. Once the portal is created you will see the sliding scale range of loan that you have been offered. 
  5. Remember that this is a loan…not a grant. You are incurring debt, so consider carefully if you want to accept any amount on the sliding scale that has been offered.
    1. We suggest using the SBDC’s “Debt Assessment” resource from the 2021 COVID-19 Roadmap which is a self-guided debt calculator to make sure you choose the correct amount for your business: https://www.vtsbdc.org/covid-19-roadmap/
    2. Below the scale, as you move it, you can see the monthly payment amount. This is helpful in your assessment of what level of debt you are willing to acquire.
    3. VtSBDC advisors can also provide assistance on how to evaluate your offered loan amount and whether it is the right choice for your business.
  6. We suggest that you take a screen shot of each page during the process as you move through the application. 
  7. Note that any loan over $25,000 will require collateral.
    1. In order for SBA to take collateral, a Uniform Commercial Code lien must be filed.  SBA will deduct a $100 this filing fee from the loan amount for this purpose. This is done for borrower’s convenience and allows the SBA to disburse the funds faster.
    2. SBA takes real estate as collateral when it is available. 
    3. SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral, but SBA will require the borrower to pledge collateral that is available.
  8. Note that the loan closing documents for this loan are complex. Review them carefully before you sign them.
  9. Also note that the EIDL is, according to the SBA, a loan which cannot be discharged by either business or personal bankruptcy.

Permitted Uses:

  • Accounts Payable
  • Inventory
  • Supplies and materials
  • Operating Expenses that would have been met prior to the crisis
  • Pay short term debt used in anticipation of disaster loan funding defined as follows: EIDL funds can be used to reimburse short term debt that was incurred while waiting for disaster assistance. Normal ongoing business expenses and debts incurred starting January 31, 2020 going forward until the disaster has been declared over, are eligible to be paid with EIDL money.
  • After PPP $ Spent or all the time if no PPP:
    • Payroll Expenses
    • Rent
    • Utilities
    • Interest on Debt

Non-Permitted Use of Funds:

  • Payment of any dividends or bonuses; 
  • Disbursements to owners, partners, officers, directors, or stockholders, except when directly related to performance of services for the benefit of the applicant; 
  • Repayment of stockholder/principal loans, except when the funds were injected on an interim basis as a result of the disaster and non-repayment would cause undue hardship to the stockholder/principal;
  • Expansion of facilities or acquisition of fixed assets; 
  • Repair or replacement of physical damages; 
  • Refinancing long term debt; 
  • Paying down (including regular installment payments) or paying off loans provided, or owned by another Federal agency (including SBA) or a Small Business Investment Company licensed under the Small Business Investment Act. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is not considered a Federal agency for this purpose; 
  • Payment of any part of a direct Federal debt, (including SBA loans) except IRS obligations.
    • If a direct Federal debt is delinquent, your recommendation must be based on independent documentation from the appropriate Federal agency explaining how the delinquency will be cured.
    • If a direct Federal debt is delinquent because of the disaster, you should make arrangements with that Federal creditor to have payments deferred on a similar action taken to bring the delinquency current prior to the approval of an EIDL. If you cannot or will not cooperate, the likely result will be a decline of the EIDL request. However, if you have other resources or recoveries, the Federal government will generally allow (and perhaps require) those resources to be applied first to ineligible needs, such as payment of direct Federal debt.
    • When processing during the injury period, it is generally appropriate for you to negotiate with Federal creditors to defer payments (or take similar action) until the end of the injury period. You must document why this was or was not imposed.
  • Pay any penalty resulting from noncompliance with a law, regulation or order of a Federal, state, regional, or local agency. 
  • Contractor malfeasance
  • Relocation.

Other EIDL Details:

  • You have 10 DAYS to complete the steps required to submit your loan application request (all of the steps required by the portal).
  • Once you have submitted the loan amount for processing you will be told that the loan is being processed. 
  • Once the loan is approved you will be provided with closing documents to sign.
  • If you did not receive the full $150,000 and you feel you still have unmet, need there is a process called “reconsideration”:
    • To begin that process email: PDC.Reconsideration@sba.gov
    • This process will require additional documentation and clear instructions will be provided by the loan officer you are assigned.
    • We have received information that the Reconsideration process is taking at a minimum 6-8 weeks.
    • You can check the status of your Reconsideration within your loan portal.
  • If you have questions about your loan AFTER you have received the funds you can contact the SBA Disaster Services Center @ 800-736-6048 or 800-659-2955.
  • If you believe you have not received either a request to open the portal to begin the loan process or did not receive the funds because of fraud you can contact the Fraud line @ 800-366-6303.
  • Payments on the EIDL are not due for the first 12 months. However, if you want to make an early payment, or return some of the funds the preferred payment protocol by the SBA is via the electronic payments. For more information: https://pay.gov/WebHelp/HTML/covid-2.html
  • You must pay your EIDL via Pay.gov. Read all instructions very carefully. Here is the link: https://pay.gov/public/form/start/3723407

If you have received a denial rather than an offered amount you can contact the VT SBA for details on the process of how to have the loan denial reviewed

Payroll Protection Program

The Payroll Protection Program is a forgivable loan offered by the U.S. SBA through local lending institutions. 
The new Payroll Protection Program (PPP) has two applications: 

  1. First Draw PPP for new borrowers.
  2. Second Draw PPP for any business that received a PPP in 2020.

See below for further clarification on which application is correct for you, the eligibility requirements, and the links to the applications.

Contact your lender about filing an application. If your lender is not taking new applications or cannot take applications at this time, contact: 

  • Vermont Community Loan Fund at 802-223-1448
  • VEDA (Vermont Economic Development Authority) at 802-828-5627 or https://www.veda.org/ppp-program
  • Opportunities Credit Union at 802-654-4540
  • Vermont SBA office at (802) 828-4422 (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm).

General information and eligibility requirements that apply to BOTH applications:

  • The application period is open until 3/31/21.
  • Loan Term is 5 years at 1% interest.
  • Your business must have been operational on 2/15/20.
    • A seasonal business will be considered to be in operation on 2/15/20 if the business was in operation for any 12-week period between 2/15/19 and 2/15/20.
  • No collateral will be required.
  • No personal guarantee will be required.
  • You must certify that the “uncertainty of current economic conditions makes necessary the loan request support ongoing obligations”.
  • A borrower that has temporarily closed or temporarily suspended its business but intends to reopen remains eligible for a PPP loan.
  • Entities that were previously not eligible to apply, but now are eligible are:
    • Entities taxed as 501(c)(6) by the IRS.
    • Housing Cooperatives
    • Destination Marketing Organizations
    • Broadcast News Organizations
  • You can choose your coverage period (use of funds) as either 8 weeks or 24 weeks.
  • The period for use of funds STILL begins when the loan money is deposited in your bank.
  • Application for forgiveness must STILL be done within 10 months of a business’s completed coverage period (8 or 24 weeks). 
  • No payments are required until the loan forgiveness process is completed and the bank has been reimbursed by the SBA for the forgiven portion. At that point the bank will notify you of your unforgiven balance and the date of your first payment.
  • Note the comment below in the PPP Loan Forgiveness section that the SBA has stated that there will be additional guidance coming on the Loan Forgiveness Application process.
  • IMPORTANT NOTE: if you have received an EIDL Advance (grant) amount (up to $10,000), it will no longer be subtracted from your forgiven amount. This is retroactive to First Draw PPP Loans received in 2020. 
    • If you have not already applied for forgiveness then you can simply use the EIDLEA money you received. 
    • If you have already applied for forgiveness and have been issued a loan that included the EIDL Advance amount, your lender will be in touch with you about how the monies will be returned. At this point the mechanism for that has not been defined so please wait until you are contacted by your bank.
    • If you currently have a loan with your bank for the unforgiven PPP amount that includes the EIDL Advance you should contact your bank before you make your next payment.
  • For purposes of reporting Number of Employees: sole proprietors, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors should include themselves as employees (i.e., the minimum number in the box Number of Employees is one).  
  • If your business received an EIDL Loan between January 31, 2020 and April 3, 2020 (before the Streamlined EIDL that capped at $150,000) there is the possibility of using the PPP refinance. If this time frame applies to you speak with your lender before you submit your application.
  • The SPLIT of use of funds is STILL 60% Payroll, 40% Allowable Expenses:
  • Payroll expenses are as follows:
    • compensation to employees (whose principal place of residence is the United States) in the form of salary, wages, commissions, or similar compensation; cash tips or the equivalent (based on employer records of past tips or, in the absence of such records, a reasonable, good-faith employer estimate of such tips)
    • payment for vacation, parental, family, medical, or sick leave (except those paid leave amounts for which a credit is allowed under FFCRA Sections 7001 and 7003)
    • allowance for separation or dismissal
    • payment for the provision of employee benefits (including insurance premiums) consisting of group health care coverage, group life, disability, vision, or dental insurance, and retirement benefits
    • payment of state and local taxes assessed on compensation of employees
    • for an independent contractor or sole proprietor, wage, commissions, income, or net earnings from self-employment or similar compensation.
  • The definition of allowable expenses has expanded (Expenses marked NEW are newly eligible):
    • covered mortgage interest payments
    • covered rent payments
    • covered utilities
    • interest payments on any debt incurred before 2/15/20
    • NEW: covered operations expenditures:
      • payments for any business software or cloud computing service that facilitates business operations
      • product or service delivery
      • the processing, payment, or tracking of payroll expenses, human resources, sales and billing functions, or accounting or tracking of supplies, inventory, records and expense
    • NEW: covered property damage costs (note this may not apply to any Vermont businesses because it relates to costs related to property damage and vandalism or looting due to public disturbances that occurred during 2020 that was not covered by insurance or other compensation)
    • NEW: covered supplier costs: expenditures made by a borrower to a supplier of goods for the supply of goods that are essential to the operations of the borrower at the time at which the expenditure is made; and is made pursuant to a contract, order, or purchase order:
      • in effect at any time before the covered period with respect to the applicable covered loan; 
      • with respect to perishable goods, in effect before or at any time during the covered period with respect to the applicable covered loan.
    • NEW: covered worker protection expenditure: operating or a capital expenditures to facilitate the adaptation of the business activities of an entity to comply with requirements established or guidance issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or any equivalent requirements established or guidance issued by a State or local government, during the period beginning on March 1, 2020 and ending the date on which the national emergency with respect to the COVID–19 expires related to the maintenance of standards for sanitation, social distancing, or any other worker or customer safety requirement related to COVID–19. Such expenditures may include:
      • the purchase, maintenance, or renovation of assets that create or expand:
      • a drive-through window facility
      • an indoor, outdoor, or combined air or air pressure ventilation or filtration system
      • a physical barrier such as a sneeze guard
      • an expansion of additional indoor, outdoor, or combined business space
      • an onsite or offsite health screening capability
      • or other assets relating to the compliance with the requirements or guidance described above, as determined by the Administrator in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Labor
      • the purchase of covered materials described in section 328.103(a) of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation
      • particulate filtering face piece respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, including those approved only for emergency use authorization
      • or other kinds of personal protective equipment, as determined by the Administrator in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Labor.
  • Your business is ineligible if:
    • You were not in operation on 2/15/20.
    • You or your business will receive a grant under the Shuttered Venue Operator Grant program (full guidance and the application for this program are not available as of this date).
    • Your business is in bankruptcy proceedings.
  • There are other ineligibility details for specific industries. See the regulation links below or speak with your lender to make sure that you are eligible.
  • All owners with more than 20% ownership or equity will be required to be named on the application.
  • Note that the 60% payroll expenditure is NOT a threshold for use of the funds but if a company spends less than 60% on payroll it will reduce forgiveness.
  • Employee and compensation levels must be maintained for full forgiveness.
  • The regulation dated 1/7/21 reiterates the following on misuse of funds: If you use PPP funds for unauthorized purposes, SBA will direct you to repay those amounts. If you knowingly use the funds for unauthorized purposes, you will be subject to additional liability such as charges for fraud. If one of your shareholders, members, or partners uses PPP funds for unauthorized purposes, SBA will have recourse against the shareholder, member, or partner for the unauthorized use.

Overall guidance for calculating a PPP loan amount. Also see specific new guidance from the SBA below in First and Second Draw information:

  • The basic calculation is the average monthly payroll (figured as below) x 2.5.
  • If your business operates within the NAICS Code that begins with 72 (the accommodation and food services sector comprising establishments providing customers with lodging and/or preparing meals, snacks, and beverages for immediate consumption) the calculation is average monthly payroll x 3.5.
  • Most businesses will use the average monthly payroll for 2019 or 2020, excluding any payroll/salary costs for any individual over $100,000, on an annualized basis, as prorated for the period during which the payments are made or the obligation to make the payments is incurred, for each employee. 
  • You can choose which year (2019 or 2020) to use so it would be worthwhile to do the calculations for both to see which gets the better results.
  • For seasonal businesses, the Applicant may elect to instead use average total monthly payroll for any twelve-week period selected by the Applicant between February 15, 2019 and February 15, 2020, excluding costs over $100,000 on an annualized basis, as prorated for the period during which the payments are made or the obligation to make the payments is incurred, for each employee.
  • For new businesses, average monthly payroll may be calculated using the time period from January 1, 2020 to February 29, 2020, excluding costs over $100,000 on an annualized basis, as prorated for the period during which the payments are made or the obligation to make the payments is incurred, for each employee.
  • For farmers and ranchers that operate as a sole proprietorship or as an independent contractor, or who are eligible self-employed individuals and report farm income or expenses on a Schedule F (or any equivalent successor IRS form), payroll costs are computed using eligible payroll costs for employees, if any, plus the lesser of $100,000 and the difference between gross income and any eligible payroll costs for employees, as reported on a Schedule F.  
  • For businesses that file IRS Form 1040, Schedule C, payroll costs are computed using line 31 net profit amount, limited to $100,000, plus any eligible payroll costs for employees. 
  • For Applicants that are partnerships, payroll costs are computed using net earnings from self-employment of individual general partners, as reported on IRS Form 1065 K-1, reduced by section 179 expense deduction claimed, unreimbursed partnership expenses claimed, and depletion claimed on oil and gas properties, multiplied by 0.9235, that is not more than $100,000, plus any eligible payroll costs for employees.

First Draw PPP for new borrowers: Additional Eligibility Requirements and information:

  • Did not receive a PPP Loan in 2020
  • Use Application 2483 – Note: READ all fine print so you understand exactly what is required and you are attesting to
  • SBA detailed guidance has been issued for computing the amount of your First Draw PPP Loan based on the type of business entity you are. We strongly suggest that you review this document before you submit your application and/or before you begin working with your Accountant/CPA or your bank. Look for the exact entity that describes your situation:

Second Draw PPP ONLY for businesses that received a PPP in 2020:Additional Eligibility Requirements:

  • You must have used all of your First Draw PPP Funds.
  • It Is not necessary to have applied for and/or received forgiveness on the First Draw Loan. 
  • You must have the SBA Loan number from your First Draw PPP in 2020 and your Borrower TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) to assure that the two loans can be matched in the SBA system.
  • You may not apply for more than one First Draw PPP Loan so when you apply (if you are eligible) for the Second Draw PPP loan you should consider applying for the maximum amount (Restated any borrower who received a PPP loan in 2020 received a First Draw PPP Loan and is not eligible to receive another First Draw PPP Loan, but may be eligible for a second draw PPP loan). An SBA Procedural Notice on this option has been released
  • If your First Draw PPP is currently under review by the SBA for any reason, including if information in SBA’s possession indicates that the borrower may have been ineligible for the First Draw PPP Loan it received or for the loan amount it received, the lender will receive notification from SBA when the lender submits an application for a guaranty of a Second Draw PPP Loan, and will not receive an SBA loan number until the issue related to the unresolved borrower’s First Draw PPP Loan is resolved.
  • SBA is working to improve the information provided to lenders about the issues and how lenders can help clear issues as expeditiously as possible.
  • You must meet the 25% REDUCTION in Gross Receipts as follows:
  • applicants must demonstrate that gross receipts in any quarter of 2020 were at least 25% lower than the same quarter of 2019.
  • alternatively, applicants may compare annual gross receipts in 2020 with annual gross receipts in 2019
    • Applicants choosing to use annual gross receipts must enter “Annual” in the 2020 Quarter and Reference Quarter fields and, as required documentation, must submit copies of annual tax forms substantiating the annual gross receipts reduction.
  • for entities not in business during the first and second quarters of 2019 but in operation during the third and fourth quarters of 2019, Applicants must demonstrate that gross receipts in any quarter of 2020 were at least 25% lower than either the third or fourth quarters of 2019
  • for entities not in business during the first, second, and third quarters of 2019 but in operation during the fourth quarter of 2019, applicants must demonstrate that gross receipts in any quarter of 2020 were at least 25% lower than the fourth quarter of 2019
  • for entities not in business during 2019 but in operation on February 15, 2020, applicants must demonstrate that gross receipts in the second, third, or fourth quarter of 2020 were at least 25% lower than the first quarter of 2020.
  • For the definition of what is considered Gross receipts see page 4 of the application 2483-SD.
  • Use Application 2483 - SD. READ all fine print so you understand exactly what is required and you are attesting to
  • for loans above $150,000 on the application you must identify the 2020 quarter meeting this requirement, identify the reference quarter, and state the gross receipts amounts for both quarters, as well as provide supporting documentation.
  • for loans of $150,000 and below, these fields are not required and you only must certify that the business has met the 25% gross receipts reduction at the time of application; however, upon or before seeking loan forgiveness (or upon SBA request) you must provide documentation that identifies the 2020 quarter meeting this requirement, identifies the reference quarter, states the gross receipts amounts for both quarters, and supports the amounts provided.
  • SBA detailed guidance has been issued for computing the amount of your Second Draw PPP Loan based on the type of business entity you are. This document also includes the documentation requirements needed to report the 25% revenue reduction. We strongly suggest that you review this document before you submit your application and/or before you begin working with your Accountant/CPA or your bank. Look for the exact entity that describes your situation

PPP Loan Forgiveness

Currently, there are three applications for forgiveness. However, it is anticipated that new rules and guidance will be forthcoming on the Loan Forgiveness process (potentially including a new application). We continue to suggest that businesses who have reached the end of their 2020 PPP wait until the full guidance has been received by the banks from the SBA. Remember that a business STILL has 10 months from the end of their covered period (8 or 24 weeks from the date they received the loan money) so there is more than enough time to wait for the full guidance and rules so that maximum forgiveness is possible.

It is crucial that whichever Forgiveness Application is relevant to your business that you carefully read both the APPLICATION and the matching INSTRUCTIONS for borrowers. The instructions contain all of the supporting documentation requirements that must be submitted with your application to the bank.

We recommend that you review the links below and discuss the forgiveness application with your lender.

PPP Links:

To locate lenders in Vermont, click here

US Treasury PPP Guidance

SBA Small Business Debt Relief and SBA Express Bridge Pilot Program

One step every business should take is to talk to their current lenders regarding the potential for current debt term modifications during this crisis. That includes any SBA loans you have through your local lender. The SBA Debt Relief Program provides immediate relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, including 7(a), 504, and microloans. Under the program, SBA will cover six months of loan payments on these SBA loans, including principal, interest, and fees. This relief will also be available to new borrowers who take out non-disaster loans (not the EIDL or PPP) within six months of March 27, 2020.
 

The SBA Express Bridge Pilot Program allows small businesses that currently have a relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can help small businesses 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 EIDL.

SBA Resource Page

SBA Lenders in Vermont

SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVO)

The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. 

General Eligibility Requirements

  • Live venue operators or promoters
  • Theatrical producers
  • Live performing arts organization operators
  • Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria
  • Motion picture theater operators
  • Talent representatives

Each business entity owned by an eligible entity that also meets the eligibility requirements

  • Must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020
  • Must NOT have received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020

Awards will be made to businesses in the following two categories

  • For an eligible entity in operation on January 1, 2019, grants will be for an amount equal to 45% of their 2019 gross earned revenue OR $10 million, whichever is less.
  • For an eligible entity that began operation after January 1, 2019, grants will be for the average monthly gross revenue for each full month you were in operation during 2019 multiplied by six (6) OR $10 million, whichever is less.

The program will roll out in the following rounds of priority

  • First Priority (1-14 days of application period {upon opening}): Entities that suffered a 90% or greater revenue loss between April 2020 through December 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Second Priority (14 - 28 days of application period {upon opening}): Entities that suffered a 70% or greater revenue loss between April 2020 through December 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Third Priority (beginning on day 28 of application period {upon opening} and First and Second Priority Awards are made): Entities that suffered a 25% or greater revenue loss between April 2020 through December 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Supplemental Funding Round will open for recipients of First and Second Priority (see above) who can demonstrate a 70% or greater revenue loss for the most recent calendar quarter (as of 04-01-21 or later).

Allowable use of funds

  • Payroll costs
  • Rent payments
  • Utility payments
  • Scheduled mortgage payments (not including prepayment of principal)
  • Scheduled debt payments (not including prepayment of principal) on any indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business prior to 02-15-20)
  • Worker protection expenditures
  • Payments to independent contractors (not to exceed $100K in annual compensation per contractor)
  • Other ordinary and necessary business expenses, including maintenance costs
  • Administrative costs (incl. fees and licensing)
  • State and local taxes and fees
  • Operating leases in effect as of 02-15-20
  • Insurance payments
  • Advertising, production transportation, and capital expenditures related to producing a theatrical or live performing arts production. (May not be primary use of funds.)

Non-allowable use of funds is currently defined as

  • Buy real estate
  • Make payments on loans originated after 02-15-20
  • Make investments or loans
  • Make contributions or other payments to, or on behalf of, political parties, political committees, or candidates for election
  • Any other use prohibited by the SBA.

Record-keeping requirements

  • Grantees will be required to maintain documentation demonstrating their compliance with the eligibility and other requirements of the SVO Grant program. 
  • And must retain employment records for four years following their receipt of a grant and retain all other records for three years.

LINK TO APPLICATION AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Unemployment Benefits

To file an initial unemployment claim for regular unemployment benefits, click here

For employee information regarding regular unemployment benefits, click here.

For employer information regarding unemployment benefits, click here.

Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed, Sole Proprietors, or Independent Contractors

PUA provides benefits to those not traditionally eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. On December 27, 2020, PUA was extended for an additional 11 weeks or until benefit week-ending March 13, 2021. Eligible claimants may experience delays, but will receive payment starting for the benefit week ending January 2, 2021. For information, eligibility requirements and instructions: https://labor.vermont.gov/PUA

Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family & Medical Leave

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) expired on 12/31/20 but here is the information that is still critical to have:

  • It is important to keep all of your records for 6 years which is the typical Federal requirement for maintenance of records.
  • Background: FFCRA Paid Sick Leave required covered employers to provide 80 hours of paid sick leave for COVID-19 related reasons, plus an additional 10 weeks of paid family and medical leave at 2/3 pay for employees needing to care for a child due to a school or childcare provider closure. These requirements expired on December 31, 2020.
  • The Consolidated Appropriations Act (2021), did not extend the requirement that employers make paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave available to employees.
  • However, it did extend the tax credit available to employers for payments made to employees as paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave through March 31, 2021. 
  • Thus, employers may voluntarily elect to provide paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave to employees and will receive tax credits for doing so through March 31, 2021. There is no legal requirement that they do so. 
  • Any paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave taken by employees up to December 31, 2020 must still be paid by employers despite the expiration of the FFCRA. 
  • For full FFCRA FAQ’s: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions

The US Department of Labor has issued guidance to implement the Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave provisions of the CARES act.

For legal guidance from Downs, Rachlin, and Martin on unemployment and FMLA matters, click here.

For guidance from the U.S Chamber of Commerce, click here

Tax-Related Provisions

Federal
The CARES Act contained several federal tax provisions. Businesses should seek advice from their payroll services and tax preparers regarding which provisions impact them immediately and when their 2020 tax returns are prepared.


Employee Retention Tax Credits:

The Employee Retention Tax Credits 2020:

  • The best way to know if you qualify is to speak with your Accountant/CPA.
  • Here are the existing rules for ERTC for 2020:
    • The credit is available to all employers regardless of size, including tax-exempt organizations. There are only two exceptions: State and local governments and their instrumentalities and small businesses who take small business loans.
    • Qualifying employers must fall into one of two categories:
      • The employer's business is fully or partially suspended by a government order due to COVID-19 during the calendar quarter.
      • The employer's gross receipts are below 50% of the comparable quarter in 2019. Once the employer's gross receipts go above 80% of a comparable quarter in 2019, they no longer qualify after the end of that quarter.
    • These measures are calculated each calendar quarter.
    • The amount of the credit is 50% of qualifying wages paid up to $10,000 in total. Wages paid after March 12, 2020, and before Jan. 1, 2021, are eligible for the credit. Wages taken into account are not limited to cash payments, but also include a portion of the cost of employer-provided health care.
      • Qualifying wages are based on the average number of a business's employees in 2019.
        • Employers with less than 100 employees: If the employer had 100 or fewer employees on average in 2019, the credit is based on wages paid to all employees, regardless if they worked or not. If the employees worked full time and were paid for full-time work, the employer still receives the credit
        • Employers with more than 100 employees: If the employer had more than 100 employees on average in 2019, then the credit is allowed only for wages paid to employees who did not work during the calendar quarter.
  • If you received a PPP in 2020 then you are not allowed to use ERTC.
  • The Complete 2020 Guidance 

The Employee Retention Tax Credits 2021

  • The Economic Aid Act of 12/27/20 does indicate that there will be changes to the ERTC but no guidance has been received as yet.
  • Please note the following statement on the IRS site: Note that the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, enacted December 27, 2020, amended and extended the employee retention credit (and the availability of certain advance payments of the tax credits) under section 2301 of the CARES Act. These FAQ’s do not currently reflect the changes made by Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020: however, please continue to check back on this page for any updates related to the change in law.
  • Again, the best way to stay abreast of the use of this program is to be in contact with your Accountant/CPA.

For IRS information on Federal tax changes, click here.

Click here for a summary of the tax provisions in the CARES Act.

ACEDC member Davis & Hodgdon has prepared a summary of the tax provisions here.

For guidance from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on the Employee Retention Tax Credit, click here

Business Assistance

Businesses should consult their CPAs and Attorneys for questions specific to their business and before any final decisions are made. There are several resources available to help you navigate the fast-changing assistance landscape:

ACEDC:  We are actively assisting any Addison County business. Call Fred Kenney at (802) 777-8349 or email fkenney@addisoncountyedc.org and see our COVID-19 Updates and Resource Page on our website.

VtSBDC: Contact the Small Business Development Center advisor for Addison County, Sarah Kearns at (802) 771-5820 or email skearns@vtsbdc.org and see the VtSBDC COVID-19 webpage.

SCORE: Volunteers are serving Addison County. See their website.

CWE: The Center for Women & Enterprise is assisting small businesses. See their website

Community Information

Health & Safety

Vermont Department of Health

VT Dept of Health Guidance for Businesses

US CDC

Porter Medical Center

To make donations, support health care staff, and assist patients at Porter Medical Center, click here.

 

Working Remotely and WiFi Connections

For support and resources to help you and your employees with the challenges of working remotely, join the Addison County Chamber of Commerce’s remote workers' support group.

ACEDC is offering space with WiFi connectivity to Addison County Businesses. We have space for four people to work separately with no in-person contact. Call Fred Kenney at (802)777-8349.

Find local WiFi hotspots throughout Vermont on the Public Wifi Hot Spot Map

 

Community Resources

  • Resources for Communities
  • Resources for Individuals
  • Town of Middlebury
  • Better Middlebury Partnership is providing a list of local businesses and their status. 
  • Town of Bristol
  • Bristol Core is providing a similar list, including what local businesses are doing to continue serving the public. 
  • City of Vergennes
  • Vergennes Partnership has a joint list of information with the City of Vergennes and a list of all local businesses with their phone numbers. 
  • The Addison Independent is providing COVID-19 updates to their email list and has taken down their paywall for all COVID-19 related articles. You can sign up for their COVID-19 related email list here.
  • Addison County Regional Planning Commission has a list of resources for municipal officials and first responders.- Vermont League of Cities & Towns information for municipalities.
  • ACORN has created an interactive online map that lists farmers and food producers in the Champlain Valley who sell food locally.  ACORN is also organizing a virtual farmers' market to encourage people to shop online using individual producer's websites. All payments are made online, and orders will be ready for curbside pick-up at one of two distribution sites beginning Wednesday, April 29:
  • Tandem, 26 Main St, Bristol on Wednesdays 4 pm-6 pm
  • Hannaford Career Center, 51 Charles Ave, Middlebury on Thursdays 10 am -12 pm
  • Age Well Helpline is available if you need help with getting on Meals on Wheels, Grocery Shopping, accessing 3SquaresVT Benefits, Options Counseling, Accessing Care Services, and Medicare Counseling. 
  • Addison County Worship Directory - while many websites are providing health and business support, during a crisis like this one, we can also use support for our soul. The Chamber is providing a worship directory as a resource for those seeking spiritual support, encouragement, and community.
  • Counseling Services of Addison County continues to provide essential services in mental health, substance use treatment, and developmental services to clients and the residents of Addison County. All therapists, psychiatric providers, case managers, community support staff, and others are equipped to offer telemedicine or telephone appointments and support. Their emergency crisis support is 24/7 and can be reached at 802-388-7641.
  • LoveVermont.org - Buy a gift card, shop their online store, pick-up take out or donate to them. Stay home while supporting your favorite local businesses throughout the COVID-19 crisis. You can also Sign Up to offer your business services on this site.
  • Click here for a list of area restaurants that are offering take out/delivery
  • United Way of Addison County has launched Addison County Responds to bring together people and resources to help our non-profit organizations respond to the crisis.
  • Local volunteers in each Addison County town have banded together to launch Addison County Mutual Aid to assist individuals in our region directly. 
  • The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) is organizing volunteers with farming skills to help any farms that lose workers during the COVID-19 crisis. Please respond to Bill Cavanaugh on the Farmer Services team.
  • The American Red Cross strongly urges healthy, eligible individuals who are feeling well to give blood to help maintain a sufficient blood supply and prevent shortages. As the number of coronavirus cases grows in the U.S., the number of people eligible to give blood for patients in need could decrease further. It is SAFE to Donate. They have implemented all types of safety precautions! Search for a local blood drive

Useful COVID-19 links

Federal Agencies

US Treasury

SBA

IRS

US Department of Labor

HUD

FEMA

CDC

Senator Leahy

Senator Sanders

Congressman Welsh

 

State Agencies

Governor Phil Scott

Agency of Commerce and Community Development

Department of Labor

Department of Taxes

Agency of Agriculture

Department of Health 

 

Regional Organizations

Addison County Economic Development Corporation

Addison County Chamber of Commerce

Addison County Regional Planning Commission

United Way of Addison County

 

Other:

US Chamber of Commerce

Vermont Chamber of Commerce

Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce

Vermont League of Cities & Towns

Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center

Vermont Small Business Development Center

 

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