The Rio Grande City EDC has put together the following list of websites to help small businesses navigate available resources* during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency.
SBA Announces Application Opening for $28.6 Billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund
Fund prioritizes direct relief to women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and includes $9.5 billion in set-asides for smaller businesses
Registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) will begin Friday, April 30 at 9 a.m. EDT and SBA will begin accepting applications via the application portal on Monday, May 3 at 12 p.m. EDT. The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.
Governor Abbott Lifts Mask Mandate
Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order (GA-34) lifting the mask mandate in Texas and increasing capacity of all businesses and facilities in the state to 100 percent.
View the Governor's Executive Order https://bit.ly/2O5mtir
U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program
Notice: SBA is currently offering PPP loans until March 31, 2021. President Biden announced program changes to make access to PPP loans more equitable.
Eligible underserved small businesses that didn't get a PPP loan before the program closed last August can now apply for relief through community financial institutions. Funds can be used for payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19 and more.
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance
Notice: New Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance
In response to COVID-19, small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).
SBA is currently accepting new COVID-19 EIDL applications from all qualified small businesses, including agricultural businesses, and private nonprofit organizations.
Starr County Curfew/Stay Safe Emergency Order Related to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Starr County Judge Eloy Vera signed New Orders on January 12, 2021 related to the COVID-19 public health emergency including every business establishment in Texas shall operate at no more that 50 percent of the total listed occupancy of the establishment, face covering requirements and curfew. http://www.co.starr.tx.us/upload/page/6463/docs/01122021EmergencyOrder.pdf
Eighth Amended Order of the Mayor Instituting Emergence Measures Related to COVID-19
Rio Grande City Commission Revises Several Emergency Measures Providing for Shelter at Home, City-wide Curfew, Public Gathering Restrictions, Face Covering Requirements, Extending Disaster Declaration Instituting Emergency Measures Due To COVID-19. https://www.cityofrgc.com/Order%20No%202020-1-H%20signed.pdf
Governor Abbott Takes Executive Action To Contain Spread Of COVID-19
Governor Greg Abbott today issued an executive order limiting certain businesses and services as part of the state’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.
“As I said from the start, if the positivity rate rose above 10%, the State of Texas would take further action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Abbott. “At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars. The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and enhance public health. We want this to be as limited in duration as possible. However, we can only slow the spread if everyone in Texas does their part. Every Texan has a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to wear a mask, wash their hands, stay six feet apart from others in public, and stay home if they can. I know that our collective action can lead to a reduction in the spread of COVID-19 because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”
View the Governor's Executive Order https://bit.ly/3dvdq0M
Sixth Amended Order of the Mayor Instituting Emergence Measures Related to COVID-19
Rio Grande City Commission Extends Disaster Declaration Instituting Emergency Measures Due To COVID-19. https://www.cityofrgc.com/Order%20No.2020-1-F.pdf
Rio Grande City Virtual Business Symposium https://bit.ly/2XIcL68
Third Amended Order of the Mayor Instituting Emergence Measures Related to COVID-19
Rio Grande City Commission Extends Disaster Declaration Instituting Emergency Measures Due To COVID-19. https://www.cityofrgc.com/Order%20No.2020-1-C.pdf
Virtual Town Hall With Mayor Villarreal: Reopening the Economy & COVID-19 Best Practices https://bit.ly/2xoqdTB
City of Rio Grande City Business Commitment to Keeping our Community COVID-19 Free
Businesses are required to fill out Business Commitment to Keeping our Community COVID-19 Free Form
Businesses in operation will continue to follow CDC guidelines. In order to ensure our community continues to stay free of COVID-19, the City of Rio Grande City is requesting every business to commit to social distancing and use of face covering both in and outside of the business. This is an essential step on ensuring we avoid this infectious disease from spreading within our community. Please email completed form to gmillan@cityofrgc.com
Emergency Measures Related to COVID-19
Rio Grande City Commission Extends Disaster Declaration & Extends and Amends Order of the Mayor Instituting Emergency Measures Due To COVID-19
Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott Coronavirus Resources and Response
Learn about what the state of Texas is doing in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Governor's Strike Force to Open Texas Report - Texans Helping Texans
Click on the link to access the Governor's Report to Open Texas issued April 27, 2020.
Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott Find COVID-19 Testing Sites
Click on the link to find the nearest COVID-19 Testing Site.
LiftFund Disaster Relief 2020 Loan Program
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, LiftFund has a disaster relief loan for small businesses up to $50,000 with up to 120-day payment deferment. They have a product for new clients and for current clients. https://www.liftfund.com/liftfund-disaster-relief-2020-loan-program/
U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program
Notice: PPP Resumes April 27, 2020
The SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 10:30am EDT.
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance
Notice: New Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories were able to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan 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 loan advance will not have to be repaid.
SBA has resumed processing EIDL applications that were submitted before the portal stopped accepting new applications on April 15 and will be processing these applications on a first-come, first-served basis. SBA will begin accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications on a limited basis only to provide relief to U.S. agricultural businesses.
SBA Express Bridge Loans
Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.
SBA Debt Relief The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of SBA's debt relief efforts, the SBA will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of six months.The SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
Governor Abbott Requests Emergency Designation for Small Business Disaster Loans
On March 17, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott requested designation from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Declaration in order to access the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the entire state of Texas. If granted, the SBA would provide long-term, low-interest loans to qualifying businesses across the state.
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
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.
5 Ways to Retain Your Customers During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Even if you need to close due to health and safety concerns, there are ways to keep serving your customers during the coronavirus outbreak.
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
This guide contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards. The recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content, and are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to comply with safety and health standards and regulations promulgated by OSHA or by a state with an OSHA-approved state plan.
Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19
Learn about what the U.S. government is doing in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Combating the Coronavirus
The U.S. Chamber is working closely with the White House, U.S. government agencies, and foreign government officials to inform and equip businesses with the most important and up-to-date information to prevent the spread of the virus and prepare businesses for the near and long-term impact.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy. https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
Temporary Rule: Paid Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
On April 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor announced new action regarding how American workers and employers will benefit from the protections and relief offered by the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, both part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/ffcra
The Office of the Governor has compiled a comprehensive list of resources and important Covid-19 updates. You can also sign up to receive email updates for business. https://gov.texas.gov/coronavirus
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Preparations
The Texas Department of Insurance has created a page to guide and update the industry on Covid-19 related matters. https://www.tdi.texas.gov/news/2020/coronavirus-updates.html
Office of the Texas Comptroller COVID-19 NEWS
The Office of the Texas Comptroller is available to offer assistance to those businesses that are struggling to pay the full amount of sales taxes they collected in February. contact the Enforcement Hotline at 800-252-8880 to learn about your options for remaining in compliance and avoiding interest and late fees on taxes due or visit https://comptroller.texas.gov/about/emergency/
Texas Department of Agriculture COVID-19 Coronavirus Response
The Texas Department of Agriculture has created a website to give the public Covid-19 updates on school meals, rural hospitals, licensing and more.
Workforce Resources in Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you are a business facing a layoff or closure as a result of COVID-19, Workforce Solutions can offer proactive, business-focused intervention and layoff aversion support at no cost*. Call us at 956-398-5613 for further assistance or visit https://www.wfsolutions.org/covid-19-resources.html
UTRGV Small Business Development Center SPECIAL NOTICE ON COVID-19
UTRGV SBDC is offering remote business advisement during the COVID-19 crisis. Go to www.utrgv.edu/sbdc/ and click on the "Business Advisement" tab to register on eCenter or call 956-665-7535 to set an appointment with a business advisor.
Texas Division of Emergency Management GA-14 Essential Services Designation
The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) coordinates the state emergency management program, which is intended to ensure the state and its local governments respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters, and implement plans and programs to help prevent or lessen the impact of emergencies and disasters. Follow these steps to determine whether your business is an “essential service” as defined by Texas Executive Order GA-14.
What’s in the $2 Trillion Senate Coronavirus Bill
A news summary of the $2 Trillion Dollar Coronavirus Bill: How households, businesses, taxes and more are affected by the package visit: https://www.wsj.com/articles/whats-in-the-2-trillion-senate-coronavirus-bill-11585185450
Update on Texas Resources & Other Services for Individuals and Small Businesses
Economic Development & Tourism staff and community partners are closely monitoring the situation and following the advice of health officials and government agencies.
House Sends $2 trillion Coronavirus Rescue Package to President
A historic $2 trillion economic recovery package will be sent to the president's desk for signature after House lawmakers passed the bipartisan bill Friday afternoon. The legislation, known as the CARES Act, is the third aid package from Congress during the growing coronavirus pandemic. This relief package includes direct payments to Americans, an aggressive expansion of unemployment insurance and billions in business loans and aid to hospitals.
For more details on assistance to small businesses:
Demand is ‘through the roof’ for farm-raised produce, meat, eggs and even backyard chickens amid coronavirus crisis North Texas farmers and ranchers are rushing to meet requests for produce boxes and delivery of local goods.
$1 Million Grant Program to Aid Women’s Businesses Hurt by COVID-19 - News & Events - Texas Woman's University
Women-owned small businesses in Texas suffering financial losses associated with the coronavirus pandemic were thrown a lifeline today after the Center for Women Entrepreneurs at Texas Woman’s University announced a million-dollar grant program to help get them back on their feet.
Facebook Provides Small Business Grants Program
Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits to small businesses experiencing disruptions resulting from the global outbreak of COVID-19.
Verizon and LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) Come Together to Support Small Businesses with COVID-19 Recovery Fund
An investment of $2.5 million from Verizon is making it possible for LISC to begin offering critical relief and resiliency-building support to small businesses facing immediate financial threat because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will go to make grants of up to $10,000, especially to entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically under-served places who don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital.
Yelp’s COVID-19 Response and Support for Local Businesses
Yelp announces $25 million in relief, primarily focused on supporting independent local restaurant and nightlife businesses, in the form of waived advertising fees, and free advertising, products and services, during this period.
GoFundMe Launches Small Business Relief Initiative
The GoFundMe.org Small Business Relief Fund will provide micro-grants to qualifying small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The James Beard Foundation launches the Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund
The James Beard Foundation is launching a fund that will be gathering support from corporate, foundation, and individual donors to provide micro-grants to independent food and beverage businesses in need.
*resource list will be continuously updated as soon as information is made available