| We’re Here for you. We will be updating this page frequently with additional helpful information as we are made aware of new info and resources. |
| May 29, 2020 Governor DeWine announced that the following orders have been signed by Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton: Director’s Updated and Revised Order for Business Guidance and Social Distancing (PDF>) Director’s Order that Rescinds the Director’s Order that the Sale of Spirituous Liquor be Restricted in Certain Instances in Certain Counties (PDF)> May 28, 2020 Help support local Loveland businesses by purchasing a t-shirt from Cincy Shirts! Order here > May 21, 2020 Below please find the signed Director’s Order that Rescinds and Modifies Portions of the Stay Safe Ohio Order, and the Urgent Health Advisory. Stay Safe Ohio (PDF) Urgent Health Advisory (PDF) These printable resources can be used by anyone in Ohio to display common symptoms, protocols, or guidelines during the reopening of business and services throughout Ohio during the COVID-19 pandemic. May 18, 2020 COVID-19 has impacted every business differently. Every business will face tremendous challenges as our nation begins to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. In this guide provided by the U.S. Chamber, you’ll walk through the steps your business will need to take to reopen as restrictions are lifted across the country and your business prepares for the “new normal.” Download Now (PDF) > May 8, 2020 Below are the updates from yesterday’s (May 7) press conference with Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Dr. Acton. There are no press conferences currently scheduled for today (May 8), Saturday, or Sunday. The normal press conference schedule will resume Monday. Here’s the news from the May 7 press conference: Governor DeWine announced when restaurants and bars in Ohio will be permitted to reopen. Outdoor dining may resume May 15th and dine-in services may resume May 21st. Here are detailed lists of guidelines and best practices as well as statements of support from the Ohio Restaurant Association and the National Federation of Independent Business- Ohio Chapter. (DOWNLOAD PDF HERE>) Governor DeWine also announced that personal services such as hair salons, barbershops, day spas, nail salons, and tanning facilities may reopen on May 15th. Here is a list of mandatory and recommended best practices for personal services. (DOWNLOAD PDF HERE >) For the week ending May 2, 2020, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) reported 61,083 initial jobless claims to the U.S. Dept. of Labor. The number of initial jobless claims filed in Ohio over the last seven weeks (1,118,569) is 1,112 more than the combined total of 1,117,457 for the last three years. Over these last seven weeks, ODJFS has distributed more than $1.9 billion in unemployment compensation payments to more than 536,000 Ohioans. Pursuant to an order from the U.S. Department of Labor order, Ohio will release unemployment numbers on a weekly basis as soon as the national report is released on Thursday. Ohioans can apply for unemployment benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. It is also possible to file by phone at 877-644-6562 or TTY at 888- 642-8203, Monday through Friday 7AM to 7PM, Saturday 9AM to 5PM, and Sunday 9AM to 1PM. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov. As always, Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov and the Department of Health hotline, 1-833-4-ASK-ODH are great resources for those who have questions. May 1, 2020 Just before midnight, the Ohio Department of Health issued a new stay-at-home order that extends until 11:59 p.m. on May 29. Read the official order here (PDF) April 28, 2020 Below are the updates from the April 27 press conference with Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and Dr. Acton. Governor DeWine announced the Responsible RestartOhio plan which aims to protect the health of employees and customers while supporting community efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, and responsibly getting back to work. A summary of the plan and reopening schedule is listed below. May 1, 2020: Medically necessary procedures that do not require an overnight stay in a healthcare facility or do not require inpatient hospital admission and minimizes use of personal protective equipment may move forward. This includes regular doctor visits, well-care checks, well-baby visits, out-patient surgeries, imaging procedures, and diagnostic tests. Dental services and veterinary services may also proceed if a safe environment can be established. May 4, 2020: Manufacturing, distribution, and construction businesses may reopen if these businesses can meet mandatory safety requirements for customers and employees. Additionally, general office environments may reopen if they can also meet mandatory safety requirements. May 12, 2020: Consumer, retail and services, may reopen if these businesses can meet mandatory safety requirements for customers and employees. All businesses must follow general safe business practices as they reopen. Those include requiring face coverings for all employees, and recommending them for clients and customers at all times; conducting daily health assessments or self-evaluations of employees; maintaining good hygiene and social distancing; cleaning and sanitizing workplaces; and limiting capacity to meet social distancing guidelines. Schools and daycares, dine-in restaurants, beauty businesses, older adult daycare and senior centers, adult day support or vocational rehabilitation services in group settings, entertainment, recreation, and gyms are all ordered to remain closed due to their increased risk of COVID-19 exposure. Because the danger of COVID-19 still exists, Ohio’s Stay at Home order will remain in effect to encourage Ohioans to continue making reasonable, rational decisions about leaving home. Large gatherings of more than 10 people are still prohibited. We would like to thank the following associations and companies for supporting Governor DeWine’s actions to begin reopening Ohio’s economy: The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Ohio Business Roundtable, National Federation of Independent Businesses-Ohio Chapter, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Township Association, Ohio Municipal League, Ohio Mayors Alliance, County Commissioners Association of Ohio, Ohio Bankers League, Ohio Credit Union League, Ohio REALTORS, Ohio Apartment Association, The Columbus Partnership, Ohio Grocers Association, Ohio Conference of AAA Clubs, and Marathon Petroleum Corporation. More detailed information on the Responsible RestartOhio plan can be found at www.coronavirus.ohio.gov/ResponsibleRestartOhio. Also attached are several documents that were previewed during the press conference. Ohioans can apply for unemployment benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. It is also possible to file by phone at 877-644-6562 or TTY at 888- 642-8203, Monday through Friday 7AM to 7PM, Saturday 9AM to 5PM, and Sunday 9AM to 1PM. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov. As always, Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov and the Department of Health hotline, 1-833-4-ASK-ODH are great resources for those who have questions. April 27, 2020 Coronavirus Funding Options Click here to learn more about available SBA loan and debt relief options. Our nation’s small businesses are facing an unprecedented economic disruption due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. On Friday, March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the CARES Act, which contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses. Additional Funding Notice: The SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 10:30am EDT. With the additional funding provided by the new COVID-19 relief package, SBA will resume processing EIDL Loan and Advance applications that are already in the queue on a first come, first-served basis. We will provide further information on the availability of the EIDL portal to receive new applications (including those from agricultural enterprises) as soon as possible. To learn more about the relief options available for your business, click here. April 24, 2020 A supplemental $484 billion Coronavirus aid bill, passed in the Senate on Tuesday, passed in the House of Representatives yesterday. This bill’s key features include: An additional $310 billion for the depleted Paycheck Protection Program, of which $60 billion is set aside for underbanked businesses. That includes community-based lenders, smaller banks and credit unions to assist smaller businesses that don’t have established relationships with big banks and had a harder time accessing the funds in the first round of loans. About $10 billion of that would also be allocated for administration fees. $60 billion in additional funds for the SBA’s disaster loans and grants programs (EIDLs); $50 billion in the form of loans and $10 billion in grants. $75 billion for hospitals $25 billion for coronavirus testing. Of that testing money, $11 billion will go to states and some will also go to the federal government. With the new appropriations approved to PPP and EIDLs. For those companies who are pursuing disaster loans, please read this Article that identifies potential stumbling blocks when applying for these funds. April 17, 2020 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Releases Guide to Help Tens of Millions of Independent Contractors Secure CARES Act Funding WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today (April 16) released a new guide to help independent contractors and self-employed individuals secure funding under the CARES Act. The guide, which was prepared after the Small Business Administration provided new guidance on Tuesday, is intended to assist millions of independent contractors including accountants, construction workers, musicians, real-estate agents, freelance writers, and gig workers. The guide provides step-by-step assistance to help individuals understand eligibility requirements, borrowing limits, and appropriate use of funds under the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. It also outlines the steps required to apply for Unemployment Compensation under a special program created by the CARES Act. The guide for independent contractors and self-employed individuals is available at uschamber.com/ICguide. The Spanish version of the guide can be found at uschamber.com/ICGuideESP “No self-employed individual, independent contractor or their families should go bankrupt because of the economic fallout from the coronavirus,” said Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “This guide will help our nation’s independent contractors across a wide spectrum of industries secure the funding they need to support themselves and their families during this difficult time.” 23 Million Independent Contractors According to IRS data from 2016, nearly 23 million Americans earn wages as independent contractors working either part or full-time. Of those 23 million independent contractors, less than 2 million (8.6%) earn wages as part of the on-demand economy. To help illustrate the depth and breadth of the nation’s independent workforce, the Chamber has posted data visualizations on a state-by-state and industry basis. The interactive map shows both the number of independent contractors in each state and the number of independent contractors in each state that work through online or app-enabled platforms in addition to the top 20 industries for independent contractors. Not surprisingly, the most populous states of California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois topped the list in terms of the most independent contractors per state, but it also showed that 13 states have more than 500,000 people working as independent contractors and 38 states have at least 100,000 independent workers. Further, the dataset shows the top five independent contractor industries: Professional, scientific, and technical services Other services Real estate, rental, and leasing Health care and social assistance Construction “Twenty-three million American support themselves and their families through work as an independent contractor. Whether it is in construction or real-estate, delivery services or entertainment, or the hundreds of other independent contractor occupations, these individuals are a critical element of our economy. We are pleased that Congress included support for them in the CARES Act,” Bradley said. Paycheck Protection Act Funding Beginning on April 7, independent contractors receiving 1099-MISC forms and self-employed individuals were eligible to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program loan as part of the $2 trillion CARES Act. While these loans are potentially 100% forgivable, loan commitments have reportedly reached the maximum total of $349 billion available in the Paycheck Protection Program. Earlier today, the Chamber urged congressional leaders to restore this needed CARES Act funding. “Today’s tragic and staggering unemployment figures underscore the dire need for bridge funding to keep more Americans on the job and more businesses afloat during the coronavirus economic crisis,” Bradley said. “There is absolutely no excuse for failing to get these funds approved immediately. American small businesses, self-employed workers, and independent contractors need and expect the type of bipartisan cooperation that led to the CARES Act to solve this immediate crisis.” The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping American businesses respond to the coronavirus so they can support their employees, customers, and communities. Our members and the state and local chambers, who are on the front lines of this pandemic, need us now more than ever to help them through this significant disruption. We will continue working every day to help our country’s people, businesses, and economy weather this storm and emerge stronger—just as we have at other challenging times in our nation’s history. Visit uschamber.com/Coronavirus for more information. —————- COVID-19 Update: On April 16, Governor DeWine Discussed State’s Plan for Reopening Businesses, Regional Coalition Formed (COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, provided an update on the number of COVID-19 cases in Ohio and discussed how the state will develop its plan to reopen the economy. “Ohioans have done a great job, a phenomenal job, fighting back, staying home, ensuring physical distancing. We’ve been doing all the things that needed to be done. I’ve never been prouder to be an Ohioan and I’m very grateful for what you have done. You have flattened the curve,” said Governor Mike DeWine. Beginning May 1st, the state will begin a phased-in reopening of the state economy. The plan will be fact-driven over a long period of time to minimize the health risk to business owners, employees, and their customers. In consultation with Dr. Acton, Lt. Governor Jon Husted will lead the governor’s board of economic advisors to identify best practices, similar to the current requirements on essential business operations to ensure Ohioans health and safety as businesses begin the process of reopening. REGIONAL COALITION Governor DeWine also announced he will work closely with the Governors of Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, and Kentucky to reopen the region’s economy in a coordinated way. The states will review four factors as they reopen their economies: the number of cases in the state and the number of hospital admissions, the amount of hospital capacity, the ability to test and trace cases of COVID-19, and best practices for social distancing in businesses. CURRENT OHIO DATA: There are 8,414 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and 389 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths. A total of 2,331 people have been hospitalized, including 707 admissions to intensive care units. In-depth data can be accessed by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov. Video of today’s full update, including versions with foreign language closed captioning, can be viewed on the Ohio Channel’s YouTube page. For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH. April 9, 2020 Here is an updated FAQ (PDF) on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), released today by the Dept. of the Treasury, which addresses many of the questions that have been raised. Here is updated information on the CARES Act for Non-profits. The CARES act is a $2.2 trillion bill that provides economic relief for individuals, small businesses, corporations, hospitals, state and local governments, and nonprofits. April 3, 2020 The Paycheck Protection Program 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 Paycheck Protection Program will be available retroactive from February 15, 2020, so employers can rehire their recently laid-off employees, through June 30, 2020. Small businesses and sole proprietors may begin applying on April 3, 2020. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply beginning April 10, 2020. For more information, visit SBA’s online resource. April 2, 2020 Below are updated guides from the US Chamber of Commerce for employers relating to the Paycheck Protection Program, SBA Emergency Disaster Loan, and Employee Retention Tax Credit. Small Business PPP Loan Guide (PDF) Small Business EIDL Guide (PDF) Employee Retention Credit Guide (PDF) March 26, 2020 Update on SBA Loan: Please note there have been changes to the Small Business Administration (SBA) loan process. We were notified today that the prior online portal is no longer accepting e-applications. Instead, businesses are to complete PDF forms offline and upload them to the website. Additionally, businesses will no longer be able to look up application status. The updated link is here: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/apply-for-disaster-loan/index.html March 25, 2020 Want to help out the populations in need? A few organizations have come together to provide resources to anyone in need, including: elderly, children on free & reduced lunch, and simply those unable to leave their homes. Those in need can call the Community Resource Line: 513-781-6345 if they have a need and they will be directed to a resource or we will create a way to assist them. This truly is community at work! Here is a link to the resources available. March 24, 2020 Here is a link to a video that outlines step by step how to apply for an SBA loan. March 23, 2020 Updated local guide to restaurants and businesses. Please use carry out as an option for food to keep these small businesses running! Download guide > Here’s our weekly email with more updates, helpful tips, and some action item ideas to help you feel productive this week. Read the Email > March 22, 2020 On Sunday, March 22, under the direction of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton, M.D., MPH issued a director’s order to require all Ohioans to stay in their homes to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 beginning at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, March 23, 2020 until 11:59 p.m. on April 6, 2020. This order prohibits holding gatherings of any size and closes all nonessential businesses. It does NOT prohibit essential activities like going to the grocery store, receiving medical care, or taking your pet for a walk. Residents can return home from out of state and can leave the state. The governor’s office has sent us official documentation on this policy. Download the FAQ on the Stay At Home Order PDF > March 20, 2020 The Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Ohio small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Official News Release (PDF) Loan Fact Sheet (PDF) ONLINE RETRAINING OPTIONS (info provided by Ohio Lt. Gov’s office) OHIO TECHNICAL CENTERS: https://www.ohiohighered.org/otc/locations Ohio Technical Centers provide post-secondary career and technical education (CTE) at 54 career centers across Ohio. These institutions offer programming in the skill trades (i.e., HVAC, Phlebotomy, Police Training, EMT, etc.) that prepare adult learners for certificates, industry-recognized certifications, and state licensures. Ohio Technical Centers are positioned to respond quickly to the needs of business and industry by providing customized trainings and business consultation services to companies in order to assist with meeting Ohio’s workforce goals. COMMUNITY COLLEGES: https://www.ohiohighered.org/campuses/map Ohio’s two-year college system is made up of 23 technical and community colleges. These institutions allow students to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree and/or pursue a technical certificate, Associate degree, or microcredential. At an affordable rate, employers can utilize two-year colleges for upskilling and retraining their employees in a variety of fields. Two-year colleges also offer certification prep and customized training in Ohio’s most in-demand industries. UNIVERSITIES: https://www.ohiohighered.org/campuses/map Ohio is a national leader in postsecondary education with 14 public universities and 51 private colleges and universities. Many universities offer certificate programs that can be completed in less than a year, giving employees the opportunity to upskill in the short-term. MICROCREDENTIALS Microcredentials indicate an understanding or mastery in a specific skill or set of skills. Most microcredentials can be earned online and in a self-paced format. Microcredentials provide an opportunity for employee development that leads to increased business productivity without the time commitment of other traditional educational programs. Through Ohio’s TechCred program employers can be reimbursed up to $2000 when employers complete these types of credentials. TECHCRED: techcred.ohio.gov TechCred reimburses Ohio employers when they invest in their employees by sponsoring them to earn tech-focused credentials. Employers can apply for the current round of TechCred, which runs through March 31st. TechCred offers employers up to $2,000 in reimbursement for every technology-focused credential earned by an employee, up to $30,000 per employer per round. Credentials can be offered by a provider of the company’s choice and many of these trainings can be completed online. OHIOMEANSJOBS CENTERS: jfs.ohio.gov/wioamap/ OhioMeansJobs centers are located within each of Ohio’s counties and assist job seekers, employers and youth with job search assistance, employee recruitment, job training, and more. Many OhioMeansJobs centers help subsidize the cost of employee training and upskilling through their Incumbent Worker Training and On-The-Job Training programs. Employers can connect with their local OhioMeansJobs center to connect with new talent or learn more about opportunities to upskill their current workforce. OHIOMEANSJOBS.COM: https://jobseeker.ohiomeansjobs.monster.com/ OhioMeansJobs.com provides all Ohioans with access to free online training and assessments. OhioMeansJobs.com has free online courses on business and computer topics, such as Microsoft and Adobe products. LINKEDIN LEARNING: linkedin.com/learning/ LinkedIn Learning is an online tool where users can take courses to earn business, creative, and tech skills. LinkedIn Learning has over 15,000 expert led courses. LinkedIn Learning is available for free to any Ohioan with a valid public library card. OTHER FREE ONLINE EDUCATION AND TRAINING In addition to the resources available through OhioMeansJobs.com and Linkedin Learning, there are a number of other online education and training providers through which part or all of their course content can be accessed for free. A few examples of the many great online resources include: Code.org, Coursera, edX, Udacity, and Khan Academy. Code.org: https://code.org/ Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/ edX: https://www.edx.org/ Udacity: https://www.udacity.com/ Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/ eBASEDACADEMY: http://www.ebasedacademy.org/learn The eBasedAcademy is an online learning platform hosted by OhioMHAS. From behavioral sciences to the science of addiction, eBasedAcademy offers classes from Ohio’s top educators, professors and professionals. Through the eBasedAcademy you can earn Continuing Education Credits in a variety of fields including psychology, nursing and social work. SHAREDWORK OHIO: SharedWork Ohio is a voluntary layoff aversion program. It allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity. Under a SharedWork Ohio plan, the participating employer reduces affected employees’ hours in a uniform manner. The participating employee works the reduced hours each week, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) provides eligible individuals an unemployment insurance benefit proportionate to their reduced hours. You can visit JFS.Ohio.gov/ouio/SharedWorkOhio for more information. March 19, 2020 A statement from Loveland Mayor, Kathy Bailey regarding COVID-19. Here are some additional resource links: Small Business Administration Disaster Resources: · U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program · SBA Disaster Assistance One-Pager · SBA Coronavirus Disaster Loans U.S. Chamber Resources: · U.S. Chamber Coronavirus Resource Website · U.S. Chamber Disaster Help Desk · Resources to Help Your Small Business Survive March 17, 2020 We know you’ve been inundated with messages from literally everyone you ever gave your email to. Please know that this is new territory for all of us. We will do all we can to support you, your staff, and your business. We are all getting a lot getting thrown at all of us. We’ll do our best to keep you up to date, but not add to the chaos. Here are some helpful links and information below. (Item 1 is in reference to the low interest loans shared yesterday on social media, Shared via Ott Huber and Nick Crossley, CEM, CPM | Director Hamilton County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency) 1. The Ohio Development Services Agency is preparing to submit an application in the coming week to qualify Ohio for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. This program provides low-interest loans up to $2 million in order to help businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue during the state of emergency. In order to complete the state’s application, businesses impacted by the current public health crisis should immediately send their contact information to BusinessHelp@Development.Ohio.gov. Additional information on the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program is available at SBA.gov/Disaster. 2. Here is an excellent resource for businesses to respond to the public from the Small Business Administration. 3. Information regarding BWC program via our Representative at Corvel 4.This document (PDF) explains social distancing and setting up on line ordering if you do not currently have this capability: contact, John Webb, John.webb@usbank.com or 937-671-1606. 5. A check list from on a 12 week small business plan is here to review. From City of Loveland: Loveland City Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. at the Loveland Museum Center’s JoAnn Richardson History House, located at 201 Riverside Drive. The purpose of the meeting is to consider legislation to declare a state of emergency in the City of Loveland due to the coronavirus disease outbreak. City Council will also consider any and all information or measures raised concerning the coronavirus pandemic and the delivery of municipal services, and any other business as may properly come before the municipal body at the meeting may be considered and acted on. |
Please note the following events have been postponed/cancelled:
March 18 Leadership Panel “An Appetite for Growth” (Postponed to later date TBD)
March 19 Loveland Young Professional Happy Hour (Cancelled)
March 26 and April 23 Morning Mixers (Cancelled)
March 31 Cybersecurity Lunch and Learn (Postponed to a later date TBD)
