COVID-19 Business Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Guidelines for Businesses
OzSBI is dedicated to providing business counseling as well as resources and guidelines available for businesses during the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Please know the OzSBI community and our resource partners are here to support you during this unprecedented time. We will be sharing news and resources as information becomes available for businesses below.
The wellness and safety of our community, clients and guests are of the utmost importance to OzSBI. We are implementing precautionary measures to help us protect our community while continuing to help businesses grow. OzSBI's lobby is currently closed to the public. Staff members are available by phone during our normal business hours of 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
We stand ready to serve your business needs. To schedule a consultation or if you have questions, please call us at 417-256-9724. We’re here to support you.
Funding available to businesses impacted by COVID-19:
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)*
*On January 11, 2021, the SBA resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders with community financial institutions exclusively allowed to make first draw PPP loans. On Wednesday, January 13, 2021 second draw PPP loans will open. This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a second draw PPP Loan. First and second time PPP borrowers may receive a loan amount of up to 2.5 times their average monthly payroll costs (with a cap per employee of $100,000 annualized) in 2019, 2020 or the year prior to the loan.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight to twenty-four weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through March 31, 2021. Please check the following resources often, as updates become available.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) SBA Guide
First Draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Application Form
First Draw Paycheck Protection Progam (PPP) Overview
Second Draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Application Form
Second Draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Overview
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application Form
How to Get Full Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) FAQs for Small Businesses
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)*
*On January 12, 2021, the SBA announced the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the COVID-19 pandemic disaster declaration is extended to December 31, 2021. EIDL loans are offered at very affordable terms, with a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% interest rate for nonprofit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. Small business owners and qualified agricultural businesses in all U.S. states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to COVID-19.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is now offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Missouri small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Applicants will apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information here. After your application is successfully submitted through the streamlined, online application through the SBA's website, your screen will display an application reference number conifiming your applications was sent for processing. The first SBA processing contact will be by email from SBA inviting you to create a loan portal account to review your potential EIDL offer. Be aware of scams and groups posing as the SBA. The SBA will contact you via email in regard to your application, so be sure to check your spam and junk folders for their emails.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339.
Additional resources are included below.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Guidance and Resources
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan FAQ
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Agricultural and Farm Loan FAQ
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA's Office of Disaster Assistance. Eligible applicats may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees. Please check the following resources often, as updates become available.
SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
SBA Shuttered Venue Operators Grant FAQs Updates as of Jan. 27, 2021
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)
On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, reauthorizing the payment of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compenstation (FPUC) benefits. The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations' Division of Employment Security began processing $300 FPUC payments to eligible unemployed workers on Januaray 4, 2021. The FPUC benefits are only payable with the week beginning December 27. The last payable week for the $300 FPCU payment will be the week ending March 13, 2021. Through the FPUC program, those who are eligible for at least $1 of unemployment compenstation benefits during the week will receive an additional $300 per week as a federal supplement. Please check the following resources often, as updates become available.
New COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits: Answering Common Questions
U.S. Department of Labor Guidance on Unemployment Insurance Programs
For Employers: Filing a Contribution & Wage Report
For Employers: Shared Work Program
For Employers: Filing a Mass Claim
*Due to the high volume of Unemployment Insurance claims, if you do not currently have a Missouri Access Debit Card, it is strongly encouraged for any claimant with a bank account to select Direct Deposit as their benefit payment method. At this time, it is the most time-efficient method to receive payment. Due to extremely high call volumes, the Missouri Access card provider is experiencing longer than normal wait times to answer calls. If you need to check the balance on your MoAccess debit card, ask how to use the card, or have any other card-related questions, you can access your card account information at www.mo-acess.com. If you need to check the status of your unemployment claim, please access UInteract.labor.mo.gov. UInteract can quickly give you information about the status of you claim, weekly payments, claim balance, and much more.
Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program
The Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program is an alternative to layoffs for employers faced with a reduction in available work. It allows an employer to divide the available work among a specified group of affected employees instead of a layoff. These employees receive a portion of their unemployment benefits while working reduced hours up to 52 weeks. To participate, an employer must complete an application for the affected unit within the company, and submit it to the Division of Employment Security (DES) for approval.
Shared Work Program Overview - An Alternative to Laying Off Employees
Missouri On-site Safety and Health Consultation Program
The Missouri On-site Safety and Health Consultation Program is helping small businesses return to work. See if your business qualifies for a free COVID-19 mitigation or OSHA compliance consultation below.
Apply for a Safety Consultation
Legal Guidance to Navigate the New Workplace Health Guidelines
Understanding wellness and health guidelines as a result of Covid-19 is a challenge for many business industries. See the following resources for guidance on workplace policies relating to health and safety.
MO Enterprise Webinar: Legal Guidance to Navigate the New Workplace Health Guidelines
Stay at Home Order Guidance
Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced the first phase of the “Show Me Strong Recovery” Plan outlining how Missouri will gradually begin to reopen economic and social activity on Monday, May 4, 2020. Find information specific to businesses reopening below.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Guidance for Business Operations
Show Me Strong Recovery Plan FAQs
Additional COVID-19 Grants and Tools for Businesses
Check out some of these organizations who are contributing to ease the financial burdens many businesses are facing during the COVID-19 outbreak with funding opportunities and free or reduced pricing on products.
Free Amazon Small Business Academy Webinars
Free Reports with Bizminer's LOOK UP! Small Business Monitor
Small Business Relief Initiative - GoFundMe Grants
LISC Small Business Relief Grants
Phillips Media Group Small Business Marketing Grant Information
Thryv Small Business Adapt Program
Constant Contact Small Business Support Kit
Free eBay Store Setup with "Up & Running" Program (limited time)
Free Planning Shop Live Webinars
Google Ad credits for Small and Medium-sized Businesses
Additional COVID-19 Resources for Businesses
Many online platforms are offering guidelines and education on best practices for businesses amid COVID-19. See the online platforms below for more information.
Facebook Business Resource Hub
Finagraph CashFlowTool Business Resource Center
Google My Business Help Center
Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Relief Guide
Moody's Analytics COVID-19 Blog
COVID-19 Relief Legislation for Employees and Employers
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. The Department of Labor’s (Department) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers
COVID-19 FAQs for Business & Workers
MOSourceLink Portal for COVID-19 Business Updates
MOSourceLink, one of OzSBI's resource partners, is providing access to an online portal of information for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Use this portal to stay informed on updates regarding small business assistance, announcements and tips for disaster relief funding, workforce and HR concerns and more. If you are a business owner or entrepreneur, please help assess the needs of the small business community by completing the survey below from MOSourceLink. This data will help guide policy and decision-makers as funds become available.
Missouri Small Business and Entrepreneur Needs Assessment - COVID-19 Impact
USDA Rural Development Measures for Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19
USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
MO AgConnection Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers
AgButler is a gig economy platform that serves as a solution to a rural labor shortage in America. They provide on-demand jobs giving farmers and ranchers access to a high-quality labor force while boosting rural economies. This Missouri startup has recently partnered with the Missouri Farm Bureau to create MO AgConnection, connecting students who are home during COVID-19 with farmers and ranchers who need assistance maintaining critical food supplies.
Business updates available through Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (MO DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. Please see a guide of COVID-19 resources available to businesses from the MO DED below.
MO DED COVID-19 Business Resources
How can businesses prepare for the impacts of Coronavirus (COVID 19)?
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
Combating the Coronavirus - Resources, Response, Impact
How can business leaders and employees prevent spreading of the Coronavirus (COVID 19)?
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
The President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America - 30 Days to Slow the Spread
Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Prevention, Symptoms and FAQ
What should businesses know about making the transition to working remote?
How to Develop a Business Continuity Plan
Best Tips for Working from Home Effectively
What practices should businesses use when communicating with customers?
5 Ways to Retain Your Customers During the Coronavirus Outbreak
How is our region responding?
Area Cancellations, Closures, Postponements and Modifications
Additional Resources:
Missouri Department of Economic Development
Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
U.S. Small Business Administration
COVID-19 Information for Manufacturers