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A large volume of information from a wide variety of sources is being circulated about the COVID-19 pandemic and various assistance programs.The Chamber and Economic Development Alliance will update information on this page to keep you up-to-date. Companies are encouraged to utilize the information below to help make the decisions that are best for their organization. If you have questions or specific needs, please do not hesitate to reach out to our staff.

IMPORTANT: For the most up-to-date information for federal assistance programs for local businesses, please continue to check the SBA website. The SBA has shared with us that there is some misinformation circulating and the best place to get the correct information is on their site.

June 15, 2020

United States Small Business Adminstration

Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance Program Reopened

To further meet the needs of the U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due ot COVID-19 today. For additional information, please click here.

As a reminder, small businesses and non-profits are able to apply for an EIDL Advance of up to $10,000. This advance is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This load advance will not have to be repaid.

EIDL applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

To apply, click here.

 

June 5, 2020

Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and Whitinger Strategic Services Partner to Provide Materials for Local Businesses

“Open for Business” Media Kits available

The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and Whitinger Strategic Services have partnered together to help our local business community successfully re-open their businesses and welcome back customers by developing an “Open for Business” campaign.

Whitinger Strategic Services has designed four (4) sets of materials that businesses can download and use for free. The “Open for Business” Media Kit can be downloaded fom the Whitinger Strategic website at www.whitingerstrategicservices.com/openforbusiness or by clicking below on the style that you like.


June 1, 2020

Restart and Grow Your Business with a Restart Loan

Micro-business restart loan fund available

Independently-owned for-profit businesses located in Delaware County, Indiana with a maximum of five (5) full-time employees may be eligible for a loan up to $2,500 through the Delaware County Micro-Business Restart Loan Fund. This program is presented by East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center and Muncie Innovation Connector. The Muncie Industrial Revolving Loan Fund Board has created the “COVID-19 Relief Loan for Small Business.” Additional loan information is below:

  • Loan Award Amount: Loans will be awarded in amounts from $1,000 – $2,500
  • Interest and Fees: No interest will be paid during the loan terms. An administrative fee of 2% of the loan amount is due at loan closing. (Ex: Loan amount, $2,000 x 2% Administrative Fee = $40.00)
  • Business Location: Business applicants must be located in Delaware County, Indiana, USA

Businesses must have been actively in operation with sales in January 2020 to apply. Businesses that received funds from either the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP), Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), or other major relief funding are not eligible.

The Delaware County Micro-Business Restart Loan Fund is made available by The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, Inc.

Find more information and the loan application here: www.innovationconnector.com/mbrlf

May 29, 2020

New Economic Recovery Initiatives Available

Three new programs announced

Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced several new economic recovery initiatives designed to bolster critical relief efforts while encouraging long-term planning and investments to stimulate Indiana’s economy well into the future. Through these initiatives, the state will allocate nearly $44 million to provide support and resources including approximately $37 million in direct funding through grants and investments to small businesses and manufacturers – two key drivers of the Hoosier economy.

Small Business Restart Fund: Gov. Holcomb approved $30 million in federal funding made available through the CARES Act to small business restart grants, helping accelerate the speed of economic recovery activity by providing working capital to cover certain expenses related to the global pandemic. Indiana small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and $5 million in annual revenue that have experienced a 40% drop in revenue will be eligible to be reimbursed for up to 80% of qualified expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, lease payments for real or personal property, and safety investments, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and infrastructure improvements.

Eligible small businesses that demonstrate a revenue loss of at least 40% will be awarded up to $2,500 for each month while small businesses that demonstrate a revenue loss of at least 80% will be awarded up to $5,000 for each month, with grants issued up to $10,000 per company. Of the $30 million allocated to the fund, at least $5 million will be reserved for certified minority- and women-owned businesses.

More information on the program, including additional eligibility requirements, is available here.

Small Business Relief & Planning Resources: The Indiana Small Business Development Center (Indiana SBDC) received nearly $3.7 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through the CARES Act to support increased resources for Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses over the next 18 months. The funding, which will nearly double the organization’s annual federal appropriations, will enable Indiana SBDC to increase no-cost services, such as counseling and training, for businesses that were in operation prior to and that have been impacted by COVID-19. Services will be available through the Indiana SBDC’s 10 regional offices across the state and are expected to focus on financial assistance, e-commerce, business adaptation and innovation, disaster resiliency and planning, and reopening plans.

More information on Indiana SBDC resources is available online; updates on new programs or initiatives that may be added with this funding will be forthcoming.

Manufacturing Support & Long-Term Growth: The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) board of directors approved $10 million to launch the Economic Activity Stabilization and Enhancement (EASE) program aimed at supporting technology and operational advancements in the manufacturing industry, which has long been a key driver of the state’s economy. EASE, which encompasses three complimentary initiatives, is designed to stimulate manufacturing investments that will position Hoosier operations, and the sector overall, for future growth and prosperity by prioritizing startup investment and resources, technology modernization and development, and training assistance.

The three EASE initiatives include:

  • The new Smart & Advanced Manufacturing (SAM) Focus Fund, which will make seed and early-stage investments and provide entrepreneurship resources to Indiana manufacturing-focused startups through Elevate Ventures, the state’s venture development partner;
  • Manufacturing Readiness Grants, administered in partnership with Conexus Indiana, will provide matching grants of up to $200,000 to companies committing to modernizing their operations or integrating smart technologies and processes in order to improve capacity, or to companies investing in health care manufacturing technology, providing financial assistance to manufacturers supporting critical COVID-19 response efforts; and
  • A planned Smart Manufacturing Studio Lab, which will provide lab space and access to state-of-the-art smart manufacturing equipment, enabling businesses to train employees, validate technologies for their business models, and conduct third-party pilot manufacturing.

Of these programs, the SAM Focus Fund will launch immediately while the Manufacturing Readiness Grant applications are expected to be available in July with initial grant recommendations beginning in August. The IEDC will partner with industry stakeholders to develop a project scope for the Smart Manufacturing Studio Lab, mapping out next steps and a plan to source and supply the equipment, working toward a studio launch in early 2021. More information on EASE, which is funded through the state’s 21st Century Research and Technology Fund, is available here.

To learn more about other COVID-19 resources, visit iedc.in.gov/response.

May 6, 2020

The Indiana Small Business PPE Marketplace Accepting Orders

Small Businesses can request PPE for their workplace

The Indiana Small Business PPE Marketplace is now live and small businesses can apply to receive PPE from the Marketplace. As of now, the state of Indiana is fulfilling orders at no charge, but that is subject to change. Additional information is available here. You can access the order form at the bottom of that page.

The Indiana Small Business PPE Marketplace will leverage PPE that is being manufactured and sourced by Indiana businesses across the state to help support supplies. In order to be eligible to utilize the Marketplace, an organization must:

  • Be a business or nonprofit organization registered to do business in Indiana with the Indiana Secretary of State;
  • Employ less than 150 associates; and
  • Be identified in the reopening plan as an entity that must use PPE as a condition of operating in order to comply with safe workplace standards.

The Marketplace should serve as a backup for employers, and businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to first source and procure PPE on their own.

May 4, 2020

Muncie Industrial Revolving Loan Fund Board Creates Relief Loan Fund

COVID-19 Relief Loan for Local Small Business

The Muncie Industrial Revolving Loan Fund Board has created the “COVID-19 Relief Loan for Small Business.” This loan is designed to provide aid to local small businesses who have felt the economic impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. The board has made $150,000 of City funds available, which it will be spread across 20 businesses; this allows for $7,500 to be allotted to each of those 20 businesses. The loan is non-forgivable, and will need to be paid back, however there are options on the terms. Below is listed the criteria for the loan:

  • The MIRLF will accept 20 applications beginning May 4th, 2020.
  • Businesses must be currently located within Muncie corporate limits.
  • Loans will be up to $7,500.
  • Interest rates will be 3.25% for 36 month loans, or 4% for 60 months.

Applications are available here. The applications will need filled out in entirety and emailed to “mayor@cityofmuncie.com.”

May 1, 2020

State of Indiana

Governor Announces Roadmap to Safely Reopen Indiana

Indiana Governor, Eric J. Holcomb announced the Back On Track Indiana plan to safely open the economy and remain vigilant about protecting Hoosiers’ health and wellbeing. Indiana Back On Track has five statges. Beginning Monday, May 4, nearly all of Indiana will move to stage 2 (including Delaware County). To continue protecting the most vulnerable to COVID-19, Hoosiers 65 and over and those with high-risk health conditions – who are the most vulnerable to the coronavirus – should remain at home.

With this order, the following changes will occur:

  • Essential travel restrictions will be lifted, and social gatherings of up to 25 people will be permitted following the CDC’s social distancing guidelines.
  • The remaining manufacturers, industrial and other infrastructure operations that had not been considered essential may open.
  • Hoosiers who can work from home are encouraged to continue to do so.

The Critical Industries Hotline continues to be available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to respond to business and industry questions about whether a business is considered esssential. The center may be reached by calling 877.820.0890 or by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov.

The Indiana Small Business PPE Marketplace Announced

In addition to the plan to reopen the economy, Governor Holcomb has announced there will be PPE Marketplace to allow small businesses in Indiana to sign up to receive personal protective equipment (PPE). The Indiana Small Business PPE Marketplace will leverage PPE that is being manufactured and sourced by Indiana businesses across the state to help support supplies. In order to be eligible to utilize the Marketplace, an organization must:

  • Be a business or nonprofit organization registered to do business in Indiana with the Indiana Secretary of State;
  • Employ less than 150 associates; and
  • Be identified in the reopening plan as an entity that must use PPE as a condition of operating in order to comply with safe workplace standards.

Additional information on The Marketplace will be forthcoming.

April 24, 2020

United States Small Business Adminstration

 

 

 

Update on the Paycheck Protection Program

With the passage of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, which provides critical additional funding for American workers and small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, additional money has been added to the PPP so that small businesses can keep hardworking Americans on the payroll. Here are a few things to note about this program:

  • Companies and organizations must apply through an SBA approved lender.
  • Applications wil begin being accepted on Monday, April 27th at 10:00 am.

Please refer to the SBA’s website for the most up-to-date information on this program.

April 15, 2020

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Save Small Business Grant Fund Announced

Applications will open on Monday, April 20th

As part of the U.S. Chamber’s Save Small Business Initiative, they have announced that the U.S. Chamber Foundation is launching a Save Small Business Fund. This grant is funded through corporate and philanthropic partners, is a collective effort to provide $5,000 grants to as many small employers as possible to assist businesses in the coming days and weeks.

To qualify you must:

  • Employ between 3 and 20 people
  • Be located in an economically vulnerable community
  • Have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic

What you can expect:

  • The application is short. It will take about 10 minutes to complete
  • All you need is your business’s W-9 form
  • Grants will be awarded on a weekly basis, but you only need to apply one time to be eligible for funding

For additional information, visit savesmallbusiness.com.

Note: Applications are no longer being accepted for this program due to the overwhelming number of applicants and the limited funding available.

April 3, 2020

 

United States Department of the Treasury

Further Guidance Released from US Department of the Treasury on the Paycheck Protection Program 

The United States Department of the Treasury released new regulations late on April 2, 2020 regarding the Paycheck Protection Program loans for those interested in applying for those.

As a reminder, some lenders will begin accepting applications on Friday, April 3rd for small businesses and sole proprietors. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals will be able to apply starting Friday, April 10th. Companies will apply through an SBA approved lender.

  • Click here for the Final Application Form for this program
  • Click here for the Interim Final Rule on this program

Please refer to the SBA’s website for the most up-to-date information on this program.

April 2, 2020

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

New COVID-19 Resources from the U.S. Chamber 

The U.S. Chamber has developed resources to assist businesses access resources created under the CARES Act (Phase III bill). This includes an update to guide previously released on the Paycheck Protection Program.

March 31, 2020

United States Department of the Treasury

How the Treasury Department is Taking Action 

The Treasury Department is supporoting American workers and businesses who are impacted by the coronavirus. They are working to provide direct, fast relief to American workers and businesses.

One program of particular interest to our local business community might be the Paycheck Protection Program, which is part of the CARES Act passed on March 27, 2020. This program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities – and this funding can be fully forgiven when certain criteria are met. Please refer to the above link or the sba.gov/coronavirus site for the most up-to-date information.

Small business owners are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. This also includes a loan advance of up to $10,000. This program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.

Eastern Indiana Works (WorkOne office)

TeleCoach Services are Available

Due to the state’s Stay-in-Place order, which has forced all WorkOne offices in the state to close, the staff of Eastern Indiana Works is working remotely. While working remotely, they continue to serve hundreds of clients each day. For example, yesterday the Indiana State Unemployment Insurance System was shut down by increased volume, but the team was able to assist clients throughout the day and will continue to do so as the need continues.

Another way that they continue to serve their clients is through their TeleCoach service. This TeleCoach service allows clients to access the EINWorks Career Coaches from anywhere via phone or video conference for FREE!

March 26, 2020

Eastern Indiana Works (WorkOne office)

FAQ: COVID-19 and Unemployment Insurance: Q &A Guide for Employers

As employment changes occur due to COVID-19 there are many questions you may be asking. Eastern Indiana Works has created a guide for local employers: Employer Frequently Asked Questions for COVID-19 Work-Related Inssues.

The above document answers commonly asked questions about COVID-19 and how it will impact Employers and Unemployment Insurance. This document was updated March 26, 2020. Eastern Indiana Works will continue to provide up-to-date information as it is received.

March 24, 2020

State of Indiana

Hotline opens Tuesday to help business and industry with Stay-at-Home Order

Indiana will open a call center to field industry questions about Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-08, which provides for essential and non-essential business operations, infrastructure and government functions while the state observes a stay-at-home order from March 25-April 7.

The Critical Industries Hotline will open Tuesday at 9 a.m. to help guide businesses and industries with the executive order.

This center, reachable by calling 877-820-0890 or by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov, is for business and industry questions only.

March 23, 2020

State of Indiana

 

Governor Orders Hoosiers to Stay Home in Fight Against COVID-19

Indiana Governor, Eric J. Holcomb orders Hoosiers to stay home in fight against COVID-19 effective March 24th, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Under this order, you must stay home unless you work for an essential business or are doing an essential activity.

Eastern Indiana Works (WorkOne office)

Department of Workforce Development Closes WorkOne Offices

Indiana Department of Workforce Development closing central office, all WorkOne centers until further notice. Unemployment Insurance applications remain available online for all Hoosiers. This announcement will impact all Eastern Indiana Works WorkOne locations. Addtional information on how Eastern Indiana Works is responding to the closures is available on their website. Click here for full release from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

March 19, 2020

Eastern Indiana Works (WorkOne office)

Communication Addressing Office Services and Unemployment Filing

All claims for Unemployment Insurance MUST be filed online at https://www.in.gov/dwd/3474.htm. Due to the spread of COVID-19, computer access/resources for filing for Unemployment Insurance at their local office are very limited. Individuals attempting to file for Unemployment Insurance at their locations will experience extended wait times. Click here for full release about this and other services offered locally.

March 18, 2020

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are now open for Indiana Small Businesses

What’s an EIDL?

  • The SBA EIDL program can provide low-interest loans up to $2M to businesses and private non-profits
  • EIDLs may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills.
  • The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
  • EIDLs have long-term repayment options, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on borrower’s ability to repay.

How do I apply?

What’s next?

Full release here: English / Spanish

March 17, 2020

Small Business Administration (SBA) Resources

For detailed information on SBA programs for the Coronavirus, visit www.sba.gov/coronavirus
For information on all federal programs, visit www.usa.gov/coronavirus or www.gobierno.usa.gov/ (en Español)

Counseling & Advice

For no-cost, one-on-one virtual or telephone business advice regarding COVID-19 and other matters find an SBA Resource Partners near you at www.SBA.gov/local-assistance

Funding

  • For capital needs, Lender Match is SBA’s free online referral tool that connects small businesses with participating SBA-approved lenders. Lender Match can be accessed by small businesses any time, regardless of if or when disaster loans become available.
  • Once a disaster declaration is made for Indiana, information on the application process for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance will be updated at www.SBA.gov/disaster. These loans up to $2 million may be used by small businesses as well as private nonprofits to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.
  • Full press release

Contracting

If a situation occurs that will prevent small businesses with federal government contracts from successfully performing, they should reach out to their contracting officer and seek extensions before they receive cure notices or threats of termination. SBA’s Procurement Center Analyst in Indianapolis can help affected small businesses engage with their contracting officer.

Other Resources

If you have any questions, the SBA Indiana District Office is standing by and can be reached at (317) 226-7272.

Additional Information and Guidance