This is an unstable time for many businesses and consumers, but there is hope in innovation and planning. Right now, much of your audience has a very singular focus. Take this opportunity to anticipate needs, attitudes, and reactions in the coming months.
Through planning, innovation, and cohesive messaging your business can continue reaching consumers, build increased trust, and benefit from a unified and supportive community. The information below is provided by the state of Vermont in order to offer relief and support for businesses in need of assistance during this time.

Guidance from the State of Vermont

We were provided the following information for businesses struggling as a result of COVID-19.

As a follow up to the Governor’s Executive Order, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) and the Department of Labor are assessing and responding to the community impacts of COVID-19 on Vermont businesses.

First and foremost, ACCD and the Department of Labor urge all businesses and their employees to follow the latest guidance from the Vermont Department of Health and US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Department of Labor Guidance

The Department of Labor will be issuing guidance for Employers and Employees, including information on the potential impact on unemployment insurance benefits, employee sick-time and other issues as a result of COVID-19. More information and further updates can be found at labor.vermont.gov/

email marketing on mobileBusiness Impact and SBA Loans

ACCD is asking any Vermont business impacted by the response to COVID-19 virus to share these impacts with the Agency through a dedicated email address: commerce.covid19@vermont.gov

In addition, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act recently passed by Congress expanded the Small Business Act’s definition of a disaster to include Coronavirus (COVID-19).  As a result, the SBA will be able to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) under a Governor’s Certification Disaster Declaration. For SBA to consider an EIDL declaration, the Governor must demonstrate that at least five small businesses in a disaster area have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of the disaster.

The Agency is working to identify businesses that meet the Small Business Administration’s threshold for SBA disaster loan assistance.  Businesses are asked to complete an assessment form (available on the ACCD website at https://accd.vermont.gov/content/sba-worksheet) and return it to commerce.covid19@vermont.gov as soon as possible to help us advocate for eligibility. Our goal is to gain information in each of the 14 counties across the state.

 

We are looking for data on impacts in the following areas:

  • Economic Injury
  • Supply Chain
  • Workforce (Including that caused by lack of childcare)
  • Business Travel
  • Visitor Travel and Tourism Activities
  • Remote Work Capabilities

The Agency has also established a hotline so that businesses may call to report impacts and be directed to resources: (802) 461-5143. The hotline will be staffed Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Stay Up to Date

ACCD and the Department of Labor are working to keep you updated whenever new information becomes available.  We encourage you to sign-up for our Business and Economic Response to COVID-19 Newsletter.

For more information on Unemployment Insurance:

UI Employer Services – 802-828-4344

Office of the Commissioner – labor.commissioner@vermont.gov

I hope this helps and encourages you to reach out to the email and numbers provided.