INFORMATION FOR EMPLOYERS

Guidance and resources for small businesses

Updates Posted Regularly

Check this page frequently to keep up to date with the latest COVID-19 news and information.

We're In This Together

Let’s keep calm, everyone. Be kind to one another. Take deep breaths. Go for walks. Shop local. Be safe. We’ll get through this.

Just the Facts

Don’t believe everything you read on social media. Don’t listen to rumors, and for goodness sake, don’t spread rumors.

We Can Do This

Our grandparents were called to war. We are simply being asked to stay home and avoid groups for a few weeks.

HELPFUL LINKS

  • Coronavirus Small Business Issues and Solutions Guide

  • COVID-19 Safety Posters for Local Businesses

  • Small Business Development Center (SBDC) On-Demand Business Seminars

  • Greater Houston Partnership's Work Safe Program Guidelines

  • COVID-19 Customizable Flyer

  • OSHA’s Response to Workplace Safety and Coronavirus Exposure

  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce Save Small Business Fund

  • America's SBDC: EIDL and PPP FAQs

  • 4/15/2020: COVID-19 Human Resources Dos and Don'ts 2020 Webinar

  • Coronavirus Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist

  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Certified Lenders

  • 4/8/2020: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Q&A

  • Texas Workforce Commission

  • OSHA: Preparing Your Workplace for COVID-19

  • U.S. Department of Labor: COVID-19 and the Workplace

  • SBA Disaster Assistance

  • COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application

  • Small Business Owners Guide to CARES Act

  • Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist

  • Federal Income Tax Return Filing and Payment Relief Info

  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

  • SBA/SCORE Houston (COVID-19) Information Webinar Dates

CORONAVIRUS STIMULUS BILL

On 3/24/2020, the US Senate approved a $2 trillion package with many provisions to assist families and businesses.

CLICK HERE to learn about the Senate CARES bill tax provisions.

CLICK HERE to learn about the Senate CARES bill unemployment provisions.

CLICK HERE to learn about the Senate CARES bill  small business provisions.

CLICK HERE to learn about the Senate CARES bill distressed industries provisions.

CLICK HERE for a topline summary of the Senate CARES Act

CLICK HERE for Senate CARES act summary of small business impact.

CLICK HERE for Senate CARES act questions and answers.

 

Additionally, the US Department of Labor published new guidelines explaining paid sick leave and family and medical leave (FMLA) and the Families Fires Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), a new law that goes into effect April 1st and may apply to businesses in Columbus. Business owners, take note!

CLICK HERE for a FFCRA fact sheet for employers.

CLICK HERE for a FFCRA questions and answers document.