Business Owner CoronaVirus (COVID-19) Resources
W&D Coronavirus Resource Center
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is causing challenges for businesses across the U.S. We have compiled a list of resources to help business owners and management navigate this unprecedented situation.
This list will be updated regularly as the situation evolves and new relief initiatives are announced. Last Updated March 27, 2020 at 6:06 p.m.
Tax Resources
- NEW 3.25.2020 – Illinois Delays Tax Deadline to July 15th; Important Federal Reminders
- IRS Issues Guidance for COVID-19 Tax Relief and the April 15th Deadline
- IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief Center (IRS)
- AICPA Coronavirus Resource Center (AICPA)
Financial Resources and Loan Assistance
NEW 3.26.2020. We have compiled a comprehensive, summarized list of COVID-19 emergency business loan assistance and disaster relief assistance at the Federal, State and City level. VIEW HERE.
Loan & Disaster Relief Programs
- NEW: Illinois Department of Commerce Emergency Small Business Grants and Loans Assistance
- NEW: Disaster Assistance Loans from the Small Business Administration – SBA
- NEW: City of Chicago offering small business loan program – Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund
Lay-offs and Business Continuity Planning
- UPDATED WITH DOL GUIDANCE 3.26.2020: COVID-19 Employee Lay-Off Questions & Answers
- Business Continuity Planning (Provided by AON)
State Level Assistance
Since each state’s plan to assist businesses varies, the best thing business owners can do is check with their local governor’s office for the latest on state specific assistance, resources and updates. You can also check in with local small business organizations and agencies. Here is a list of state- and local-level small business resources to consult:
Unemployment Resources for Employees
- NEW: Illinois Emergency Unemployment Benefits for workers who unemployment is attributable to COVID-19 – IDES
- How to apply for Illinois unemployment
Federal Coronavirus Relief
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The $2 trillion CARES act includes thousands of dollars in direct payments to most Americans, and significant loan packages designed to help keep small businesses and corporations afloat.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA; “The Act”) was signed into law on March 18, 2020 and responds to the growing health and economic crises with provisions for paid sick leave, free testing, expanded unemployment benefits and more.
UPDATE: 3.26.2020 – DOL Issues Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) and Emergency Family Medical Leave Act (EFMLA) Guidance. DOL guidance provides good news for employers struggling with state ordered closures. It appears based on guidance points below that employers do NOT have to pay two weeks EPSLA due to lay-offs or state ordered closures either before or after FFCRA effective date (April 1, 2020). Instead, employees may be eligible for expanded unemployment benefits
- UPDATED: Business Owner Q&A – New COVID-19 Employer Requirements
- Highlights of Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Responding to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Guidance for Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease – CDC
- Coronavirus Q&A for Employers – MRA
- Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): What You Should Know – CDC
- US Chamber of Congress Coronavirus Response Tool Kit – UCC
Preparing Workplaces for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Compensation Guidelines During the Cornoavirus Pandemic – MRA
- COVID-19: Wage and Hour Questions and Answers – DOL
- Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 – OSHA
- Plan Now for Coronavirus to Avoid Disruptions and Promote Safe Practices – CCH Wolters Kluwer
- Our People – Resources for Employees (Link to Convergence Coaching Coronavirus Resource Center)
Midwest State Health Resources
- Illinois Department of Public Health
- Iowa Department of Public Health
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Minnesota Department of Health
This publication is distributed with the understanding that the author, publisher and distributor are not rendering legal, accounting or other professional advice or opinions on specific facts or matters, and accordingly assume no liability whatsoever in connection with its use. © 2020 All Rights Reserved.