Coronavirus updates

JOIN THE CHAMBER

This is an unprecedented moment in our history. COVID-19 has challenged us across all areas of our lives, impacting the health of our loved ones and the continuity of our business community with a wave that has been felt over the entire planet. 

Your Chamber of Commerce has served this community for over seventy years. We have weathered many economic storms. We will continue that legacy! Our focus will be providing our business community a voice, keeping you informed and providing opportunities for you to do business together. We will utilize the website and social media as well as continuing to send out critical updates through Constant Contact. Virtual tools will be vital to all of us to stay connected and engaged and relevant. 

If you have loss of income not related to COVID-19, and need help during this difficult pandemic, please visit our Family Success Division website to see what other resources may be available to you.

VACCINATION INFORMATION

https://www.broward.org/CoronaVirus/Pages/Vaccination-Sites.aspx
Vaccination Sites

COVID-19 Business Resources and Information

Center For Disease Control and Prevention Guidance for Businesses: The following interim guidance may help prevent workplace exposures to COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. (CDC has provided separate guidance for healthcare settings.) This guidance also provides planning considerations for community spread of COVID-19. For more information visit: https://bit.ly/2LeveBn

The City of Pompano Beach, the Economic Development Council (EDC), Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to provide support and recovery efforts for the business community of Pompano Beach. The Economic Response Team (ERT) will be led by the organizations mentioned as well as the City’s executive staff. The goal is to ensure support and resources to help our local businesses recover from this unprecedented crisis.

Please find important business sources below to assist businesses during this time.

Executive Orders and Press Releases

Pompano Beach

Governor

Broward County

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR BUSINESSES 

Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce serving Margate and Lighthouse Point

SBA Preferred Bank Lender Members


SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance Program Reopened to All Eligible Small Businesses and Non-Profits Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
WASHINGTON – To further meet the needs of 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 to COVID-19 today.
“The SBA is strongly committed to working around the clock, providing dedicated emergency assistance to the small businesses and non-profits that are facing economic disruption due to the COVID-19 impact.  With the reopening of the EIDL assistance and EIDL Advance application portal to all new applicants, additional small businesses and non-profits will be able to receive these long-term, low interest loans and emergency grants – reducing the economic impacts for their businesses, employees and communities they support,” said SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.  “Since EIDL assistance due to the pandemic first became available to small businesses located in every state and territory, SBA has worked to provide the greatest amount of emergency economic relief possible.  To meet the unprecedented need, the SBA has made numerous improvements to the application and loan closing process, including deploying new technology and automated tools.”
SBA’s EIDL program offers long-term, low interest assistance for a small business or non-profit.  These loans can provide vital economic support to help alleviate temporary loss of revenue.  EIDL assistance can be used to cover payroll and inventory, pay debt or fund other expenses.  Additionally, the EIDL Advance will provide up to $10,000 ($1,000 per employee) of emergency economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties, and these emergency grants do not have to be repaid.
SBA’s COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance
The SBA is offering low interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses and non-profit organizations that are suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19 in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories.
These loans may be used to pay debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact, and that are not already covered by a Paycheck Protection Program loan. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses.  The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
To keep payments affordable for small businesses, SBA offers loans with long repayment terms, up to a maximum of 30 years. Plus, the first payment is deferred for one year.
In addition, small businesses and non-profits may request, as part of their loan application, an EIDL Advance of up to $10,000. The EIDL Advance is designed to provide emergency economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue.  This advance will not have to be repaid, and small businesses may receive an advance even if they are not approved for a loan.
SBA’s EIDL and EIDL Advance are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response.
The SBA is also assisting small businesses and non-profits with access to the federal forgivable loan program, the Paycheck Protection Program, which is currently accepting applications until June 30, 2020.
For additional information, please visit the SBA disaster assistance website at SBA.gov/Disaster.

When you access the entry link above, you will be provided a choice – to install the WebEx plug-in for your preferred browser or to join the web conference using a temporary path. Either option is acceptable.

Need assistance with your audio? Please dial 888-796-6118. Need assistance with your Webex? Please dial 888-793-6118.

BROWARD COUNTY/AGENCIES

Broward County
https://www.broward.org/Coronavirus/Pages/default.aspx
Interested individuals can sign up for “Snapshot” updates from Broward County by emailing publicinfo@broward.org.

Broward County COVID-19 Hotline: 954-357-9500. 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development
https://www.broward.org/econdev
Includes Links to several business resources.

OESBD CARES Act Fact Sheet (3/31/20)

Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

https://www.sunny.org/healthadvisory/

Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport / FLL

STATE OF FLORIDA

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity ProvidesWeekly Reemployment Assistance Update – September 7
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) issued its weekly Reemployment Assistance updates. Daily updates can be found on the Reemployment Assistance (RA) Claims Dashboard

PAYMENT PROGRESS: As of September 6, DEO has paid 2,416,702 claimants more than $31.5 billion ($31,563,730,116). Over 5.6 million (5,652,901) unique claims have been processed, representing 99.2 percent of unique claims submitted. 97.7 percent of all eligible benefits requested prior to August 13, 2021, for state Reemployment Assistance, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) have been paid to claimants. Additionally, 99.9 percent of all eligible benefits requested by claimants for weeks of unemployment prior to July 25, 2020, have also received their corresponding Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) benefits for that week. DEO recommends that claimants and employers utilize the Reemployment Assistance Help Center—an online portal for claimants and employers to provide and receive additional information from DEO. This online resource continues to be updated with additional features for claimants and employers to notify DEO of instances of Reemployment Assistance fraud or identity theft, provide documentation to DEO, and has several resourceful materials for claimants or employers who have additional questions. To visit the Reemployment Assistance Help Center, click here.  

Updates

The Department understands the challenges many Floridians face with accessing the Reemployment Assistance system due to bad actors attempting to gain access to personal information and accounts. To alleviate these challenges and add an additional security measure to combat fraudulent activity, the Department implemented a new log-in method as part of the Reemployment Assistance account log-in process. All Reemployment Assistance claimants logging-in to their Reemployment Assistance accounts are required to set up multi-factor authentication in order to access their account. Multi-factor authentication is a common best-practice tool that is often required to securely access a variety of websites and software applications. For step-by-step instructions on how to access your Reemployment Assistance Account with multi-factor authentication, click here. This new log-in method will not affect a claimant’s ability to continue requesting or receiving Reemployment Assistance benefits.

Federal Unemployment Benefits

The federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) supplemental benefit programs expired on September 6, 2021.Claimants will have 30 days after the expiration date of September 6, 2021, to submit an application for PUA benefits. The Department will continue to pay eligible claimants the PUA and PEUC benefits they are owed for weeks of unemployment through the week ending September 4, 2021.Claimants will have the opportunity to request their weekly benefit payments when they become available and on the day they are advised to do so in their Reemployment Assistance account.  The state previously withdrew participation from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) and Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) programs effective June 30, 2021, as part of Florida’s ‘Return to Work’ initiative that was announced due to significant economic growth. Florida businesses and employers are hiring across the state and need unemployed Floridians to return to the workforce. There continues to be many job opportunities available for Floridians throughout the state, with more than 545,000 jobs posted online. The Department encourages Floridians in search of work to utilize the CareerSource Florida network or EmployFlorida.com for assistance in returning to the workforce.  

CONNECT Hours

DEO will be conducting nightly maintenance to the CONNECT system to process claims and payments. CONNECT’s regularly scheduled hours are from 8 a.m. to 7:59 p.m. daily, Monday – Friday. Beginning Saturday, September 11, through Sunday, September 12, CONNECT will be unavailable to claimants while DEO works to continue to process payments, and send necessary correspondence to claimants. CONNECT will be available Monday, September 13, at 8:00 a.m.This schedule does not affect individuals who wish to file a new claim. Individuals can file a new claim 24 hours a day, seven days per week at www.FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim.”  

Customer Service Centers

Reemployment Assistance Customer Service Centers are available this week Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for all account inquiries and questions. On Saturday, September 11, through Sunday, September 12, staff resources will be dedicated to processing claims and payments. The Reemployment Assistance Customer Service Center will reopen Monday, September 13, at 7:30 a.m. For additional questions, please visit the Reemployment Assistance Help Center. This online portal can assist claimants or employers provide additional information to DEO. Individuals can also notify DEO of suspected Reemployment Assistance fraud or identity theft. To access this new online portal, click here

Additional Resources

If an individual is not eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance benefits, there are additional resources readily available to Floridians and their families. DEO, in partnership with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), provide additional opportunities and resources for Florida families who need additional assistance. Resources include food assistance for low-income households, medical assistance, and temporary financial assistance to families who qualify. For more information, click here

Short Time Compensation Program


http://www.floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Center/reemployment-assistance/employers
Detailed Overview of Program

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT 

Daily webinars continuously posted

At this time, only agricultural business applications will be accepted due to limitations in funding availability and the unprecedented submission of applications already received. Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. For agricultural businesses that submitted an EIDL application through the streamlined application portal prior to the legislative change, SBA will process these applications without the need for re-applying.

Eligible agricultural businesses may apply for the Loan Advance here.

Department of Labor – Families First Coronavirus Response Act
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20200320
COVID-19 and the American Workplace Families First Coronavirus Response Act: FAQ’S – U.S. Dept. of Labor – Questions and Answers https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions

Internal Revenue Service
IRS Guidance on Tax Credits for Small Business Related to COVID-19 Paid Leave Requirements

SAFETY NET

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Aging and Disability Resource Center– Seniors age 60 and over as well as individuals who live with them who are spouses or caregivers, and individuals with disabilities 18 and over are eligible for free emergency meals during this COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible recipients can apply for the meals by calling 954-745-9779, the ADRC Helpline, or email us at communications@adrcbroward.org.  Any nonprofit who wants to recommend someone can also email me directly at mathertaylor@adrcbroward.org. Please include the person’s name, address, phone number, and email. In addition, any senior needing a health and wellness call can request one at the same phone number and email address. Our telephone reassurance program, ConnectingWithU, will provide seniors with a safe and friendly person to connect with each day. These calls will also help us to ensure our seniors are healthy and safe and allow us to check up on them to address any unmet needs.

United Way of Broward County COVID-19 Campaign
Click here to contribute to help those experiencing financial hardships due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Prosperity Broward Resource Links
https://prosperitybroward.org/covid-19/

HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS

Broward Health
https://www.browardhealth.org/pages/coronavirus

Henderson Behavioral Health https://www.hendersonbh.org/covid-19-information/

Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins University
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6

Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Dashboard
https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/

EMPLOYMENT

CareerSource

Click Here To Check Out Upcoming Dates & Time
For The Workshops 

EDUCATION

Broward County Public Schools
https://www.browardschools.com/coronavirus
Information on free Internet for students and other resources

GFLEDU.org Resources for Students Learning at Home 
https://gfledu.org/resources/

ADDITIONAL BUSINESS RESOURCES

FPL

Fast-tracking savings

FPL has taken the unprecedented step of asking the Florida Public Service Commission permission to fast-track fuel savings to customers through a one-time bill decrease of nearly 25% in May. Normally, Florida utilities spread these types of savings out over time. However, FPL believes it’s important to infuse customers with as much money in their pockets as quickly as possible. If customers are experiencing hardship as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, FPL has resources available at FPL.com/Help, in addition to those available from federal, state and local authorities.

To further assist customers, FPL has also implemented the same policies that it does during crises, which include: Suspending electrical disconnections, providing payment extensions, waiving certain late payment fees for customers in a hardship situation.

Becker
https://beckerlawyers.com/covid-19/

Comcast

Comcast has launched program enhancements to help students access the Internet during the Coronavirus crisis. Low-income families in Comcast service areas who sign up as new customers can receive 60 days of complimentary internet, access to more than 200,000 hot spots nationwide, and an increase in internet speeds from 15/2 Mbps to 25/3 Mbps for all Internet Essentials customers.  For questions please visit internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish. 

FAU Small Business Development Center
http://www.fau.edu/sbdc/

Florida Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Resource Center
https://www.flchamber.com/follow-facts-not-fear/

U.S. Chamber of Commerce
https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus

MUNICIPAL

City of Pompano Beach Coronavirus Information

City Of Margate Coronavirus Information

City of Lighthouse Point Information

The City recently launched a new initiative to support local Lighthouse Point businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, click the image to find out more.