ACCD: Gatherings increased, travel expands, EIDL loans open
Submitted by tim
on
Capacity and Gathering Size Increases for Hospitality Sector and Events
Governor Phil Scott announced Friday that effective June 26, 2020, arts, culture, and entertainment venues, as well as restaurants, can expand capacity for events and dining to 50% of approved occupancy size with new maximum gathering sizes for 75 people for indoor events and 150 people for outdoor events. ACCD has also updated its Drive-in Operation guidance (Section 5.2)to make clear firework displays and parades can move forward as drive-in viewing events.
Cross State Travel Map Expands
ACCD and the Department of Financial Regulation released the latest cross state travel map today, which added 12 additional counties in New England and New York that can be traveled to or from without quarantine. Quarantine free travel to Vermont is now an option for 6.8 million people from 75 counties. That is a double the number of people able to travel since the launch of the metric and map two weeks ago.
New Course for Food and Beverage Manufacturers
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center is offering a new course for small food and beverage manufacturers focused on identifying existing barriers for business. The course will provide instruction for applying continuous improvement principals and problem-solving fundamentals. Three 2-hour live training sessions will be held on Wednesdays, July 15, 2020, July 29, 2020 and August 12, 2020 from 1:30–3:30 pm; three coaching sessions will be scheduled soon.
EIDL Loan Program Reopened for Small Businesses and Nonprofits
The US Small Businesses Administration has reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19. The EIDL program offers long-term, low interest loans for small businesses and nonprofits that can be used to cover payroll and inventory, pay debt, or fund other expenses. The EIDL Advance program will provide up to $10,000 of emergency economic relief grants to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.
PPP Funds Still Available
The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds for payroll costs and is taking applications until June 30, 2020. More than $100 billion in PPP funds are still available. Small businesses can use funds for up to 24 weeks and have the option of extending the life of the loan from two years to five. SBA will forgive loans if funds are used as intended.
Small Business Administration Webinars
The SBA Vermont District Office is hosting a free daily webinar at 9:00am Monday to Friday to discuss Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness and other changes. They are also hosting a free webinar at 9:00am Tuesdays and Thursdays to discuss the Paycheck Protection Program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance, and pertinent updates.
Business Impact
ACCD wants to hear from all Vermont businesses impacted by the response to the COVID-19 virus. Please share these impacts via the ACCD Business Impact Form, which will help us assess the full impact as we work toward solutions.
