COVID-19 Resources

Business Resources

Lending

Disaster assistance from the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, small business owners are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan 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.

Paycheck Protection Program from the SBA - The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.

Office of the Texas Governor announces $50 million in loans for Texas Small Businesses - Governor Greg Abbott announced Goldman Sachs and the LiftFund, along with other community development financial institutions (CDFIs), are partnering to provide $50 million in loans to small businesses in Texas that have been affected by COVID-19 as part of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.

The Save Small Business Fund initiative by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation - A grantmaking initiative offering short-term relief for small employers in the United States and its territories that can provide $5,000 grants to small employers harmed financially by the COIVD-19 pandemic.

Information about Telehealth Grants from the Health Resources and Services Administration.



Government Contracting

Search for federal contracting opportunities - Use the System of Awards Management to search for federal contracting opportunities. At the top of the page, click the box next to the search bar and select Contract Opportunities. Doing business with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - For those interested in supporting the government’s response to the COVID-19 with their company’s goods and/or services.

Contracting with the Department of Defense (DoD) - A guide to contracting with the DoD designed for those who have not partnered with the DoD in the past. Also includes information and guidance regarding COVID-19. Getting masks and respirators certified with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration - The FDA has issued guidance to provide a policy to help expand the availability of general use masks for the public and particulate filtering respirators for healthcare professionals. How to help the private sector - Guidelines to selling and donating medical supplies or equipment to the federal government. The COVID-19 Joint Acquisition Task Force



Scams and fraud

The Federal Trade Commission warns about COVID-19 scams - Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus, the FTC offers tips to avoid falling victim to a scammer.

United States Department of Justice information on COVID-19-related crime - This page includes further information as well as information to report fraud, price gouging, hoarding and more. Report unlawful sales of medical products to the United States Food & Drug Administration. Disaster Scams - Further information from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, as well as resources to report scams.



Additional resources

Simplified graphic on reopening for businesses by the Nacogdoches County Emergency Management Office. Texas Economic Development Council: Resources for Small Businesses and Economic Developers - This site includes recorded webinars, links to upcoming webinars, and many other resources specifically designed to assist small businesses and economic developers. Download COVID-19: Guidance for Employers, Employees, and Customers of Reopened Retail Services COVID 19: Guía para empleadores, empleados y clientes para la reapertura de tiendas minoristas Download the Texas DSHS guidelines on reopening retail businsesses. Essential Services Designation by the Texas Division of Emergency Management - A resource to determine if your business is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small business guidance from the SBA - Funding options, guidance for businesses and employers, local assistance and more. Resources for businesses and employers from the U.S. Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Sanitation recommendations and more. OSHA’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19. Credit bureaus’ response to COVID-19 from the Consumer Data Industry Association. Tax relief information from the IRS - The IRS is offering tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and others affected by COVID-19. Texas Workforce Commission COVID-19 information for employers. Employee Leave Rights - The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.



Childcare

Guidance for Child Care Programs that Remain Open by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention - This information is intended for childcare programs that remain open and should be used in conjunction with CDC’s guidance for administrators of childcare programs and K-12 schools. This guidance does not supersede applicable federal, state, and local laws and policies for childcare programs. Child care assistance information from Deep East Texas Workforce Solutions - Child care assistance from Deep East Texas Workforce Solutions has been expanded for essential workers to ensure that these critical workers can continue to complete their work while their children are receiving care. Information for childcare providers from Deep East Texas Workforce Solutions.