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Our nation and our economy are facing an unprecedented crisis. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is marshaling all its resources to help companies stay afloat and keep paychecks flowing to American workers and families; mobilize the business community to combat the pandemic; and help companies prepare for a safe, successful, and sustainable reopening of the economy.
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Resources & Guidance | Policy & Advocacy | Business Community Response
Economic Impact | The Path Forward
RESOURCES, GUIDES & WEBINARS
Help for Small Businesses
For a full list of resources, webinars, research and advocacy for small businesses, and to find out how you can help small businesses in your community, visit the Save Small Business Initiative.
Todas las guías para pequeñas empresas están también disponibles en español. Presiones en cualquier enlace a continuación para acceder a la versión en español.
Delivering the latest resources, advice and information to help small businesses navigate this challenging time, including financial aid guides, remote working tips, best practices, links to webinars and townhalls, and much more. Follow @GrowWithCo for the latest.
Guide to Small Business Emergency Loans (PPP)
The CARES Act allocated $350 billion to help small firms keep workers employed. Called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans that can be forgiven if borrowers maintain or restore payrolls. Check eligibility, calculate borrowing limits, and apply using this guide.
PPP Loan Guide specifically for nonprofits
Guide to Small Business Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
The CARES Act expanded the SBA’s long-standing Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), which includes additional loan programs and $10,000 emergency grants. Check eligibility, calculate borrowing limits, and apply using this guide.
Main Street Lending Program Guide
As a result of the CARES Act, the Federal Reserve created the Main Street Lending Program to provide a total of $600 billion in financing for small and medium-sized businesses. Check eligibility, calculate borrowing parameters (loans start at $500,000), and learn how to apply for one of the program’s three new lending facilities using this guide.
CARES Act Relief for Independent Contractors
If you are an independent contractor or self-employed individual, you may be eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans/grants, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and/or Unemployment Compensation for lost income. This guide walks you through all the steps.
For Treasury Department guidance, visit the agency’s Direct Assistance for Small Businesses page.
Virtual Events and Webinars
National Small Business Town Hall Series
In partnership with Inc. Magazine and Comcast, CO— is hosting weekly virtual townhalls to help small business owners and sole proprietors navigate financial aid and support programs and answer common questions. Register to attend the next virtual town hall.
Workshop Wednesdays
CO— is hosting a weekly webinar series to help small businesses learn skills and new approaches to keep business going. Each week will feature a different, highly relevant topic and top experts. Register for the next webinar.
Sign up to receive new and updated COVID-19 resources and guides as they are released.
Additional Guides, Trackers, and Toolkits
Guide to Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC)
The CARES Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers of all sizes that are closed, partially closed, or experiencing major revenue losses as a result of COVID-19. Check eligibility and calculate your tax credit using this guide.
Guide to Temporary Paid Leave and Family Medical Leave
Congress has created new temporary paid sick leave and paid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) programs that are 100% reimbursable by the federal government. Check requirements, eligibility and exemptions using this guide.
State-by-State Essential Workforce Tracker
Tracks each state’s “stay at home” guidance and DHS guidance by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), providing insight on the various orders that have been issued and updates on critical infrastructure and critical functions.
Global Dashboard on COVID-19 Government Policy
Updates and direct links to COVID-19 related developments across 31 countries including issues such as government stimulus programs, guidance on critical infrastructure and workers, export restrictions, and data protection authorities.
Infographics, tip sheets, social media graphics and other visual resources to help you share important guidance, advice, and other information with businesses.
Health Coverage Options & Unemployment Insurance
News and Updates
The latest news and updates on the coronavirus pandemic, tailored to the business community.
Workplace Safety Tips
CDC Guidance Links
POLICY & ADVOCACY
We’re fighting hard every day to ensure businesses large and small have the support and financial assistance they need to continue operating and keep their workers employed.
Working with Congress
We are working with Congress to promote policies that will help businesses stay open and keep paychecks flowing to American workers. The Chamber strongly advocated for and supported all three phases of relief and continues to push for additional assistance for businesses and the families and communities that depend on them. Learn more.
Working with the Administration
The U.S. Chamber has been working with the Trump Administration and numerous federal agencies to promote swift action and clear guidance on how to access the funds, resources and other assistance programs that are now available under the CARES Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Learn more.
Working with Governors
At the state level, we are working with state and local governments to promote guidance on the essential critical infrastructure workforce that aligns with the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA). Learn more.
Working with International Leaders
We are working with international leaders and governments to ensure our trade relationships remain strong by discouraging policies that could further damage the economy and global supply chains. In addition, we are calling for the U.S. and global leaders to work together to lead a united global health response to the coronavirus pandemic. Learn more.
BUSINESS COMMUNITY RESPONSE
ECONOMIC IMPACT
The pandemic is having an extraordinary impact on the economy – locally, nationally and globally. Our researchers and economists are keeping their finger on the pulse with updates, polling, and forecasts.
In partnership with MetLife, we have transformed our quarterly survey into a monthly Small Business Coronavirus Impact Poll. The latest poll showed that 47% of small businesses report PPP funding is critical.
Read the full report
Growth of Unemployment Claims
Millions of American workers have filed unemployment claims in recent weeks. Use this interactive map to see just how quickly claims have skyrocketed in each state amid the pandemic.
VIEW THE INTERACTIVE MAP
For a broader look at the economic impact: Quick Take: Economic Impact of the Coronavirus.
RETURNING TO WORK
As public health authorities across the United States begin to control the spread of COVID-19, the country is bracing for a phased and gradual reopening of the economy that requires planning and support.
Path Forward
Our weekly virtual event series, Path Forward, explores the complex issues that must be considered as part of a responsible reopening strategy. Each week a panel of experts discusses topics like barriers to reopening, big questions about immunity and liability, and ways employers can use innovative approaches to ensure safety into the workplace.
Moderated by the U.S. Chamber president Suzanne Clark, Path Forward airs weekly on Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. EST.
Learn More Register for the next webinar
State-by-State Employer Reopening Guidance
Use this interactive state map to navigate the different guidelines, timelines, and other important information for businesses starting to reopen amid the pandemic.