Help For Businesses During COVID-19 Situation

Governor Mike DeWine has announced that only essential businesses should remain operational and should be staffed only by essential personnel and employees whom can work from home during the COVID-19 containment effort. This guidance, which can be found HERE, and the governor’s Stay-At-Home Order, carry major implications for employers in Westlake and across the country, as well as their employees. 

Fortunately, numerous public and private organizations are working to provide aid in the form of tax relief, low income loans and suspended insurance payment plans. 

Below are useful links to available information and funding programs: 

U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Partner America program:

• In conjunction with American Management Services,  Inc., the USCM has launched a program called Partner America with the goal to help small businesses navigate the number of funding options available at the local, state and federal levels.
• www.partneramerica.us

U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Disaster Loan Assistance:

• Offering up to $2 million in low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.
• www.SBA.gov

U.S Chamber of Commerce:

• Working closely with the White House, US government agencies and foreign governments to inform and equip businesses with important information
• www.uschamber.com

IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief:

• The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by COVID-19. 
• Payment Deadline extended to July 15, 2020
• www.irs.gov

ODJFS COVID-19 and Unemployment Insurance:

• The Ohio Jobs & Family Services has created a page to answer questions about COVID-19 and Unemployment Insurance Benefits.
• www.jfs.ohio.gov

Economic & Community Development Institute Loan Program:

• Assistance for startups and small businesses
• www.ecdi.org

Utilities & Service Providers:

• FirstEnergy                 www.firstenergycorp.com
• Columbia Gas             www.columbiagasohio.com
• AT & T                       www.att.com
• Spectrum                    www.spectrum.com

Workforce Training Resources:

• Ohio Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation
• www.workforce.ohio.gov

From the Governor’s Office:

• Details for reopening businesses - Responsible Restart Ohio
• Stay Safe Ohio Order
• Guidance on essential businesses, employees
• Ohio Job Search Portal
• Stay-at-Home Order
• Help for adults coping with COVID-19 stress
• Ohio Department of Health - Coronavirus Portal

Find more COVID-19 resources HERE.