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CARES Act and SBA Provide Assistance for Small Business

in Business/Coronavirus Updates/Government

Small Business Owners are eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) due to COVID-19 through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Business owners should make every attempt to apply online here. Businesses may be eligible to receive up to $2 million with no payments for 12 months at a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% for private nonprofits. Terms may be extended for up to 30 years. Small businesses, small ag cooperatives, and private non-profits are eligible. Funds may be used for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills affected by the disaster.

The CARES Act provides additional assistance for small business owners, including the opportunity to receive up to a $10,000 grant advance on an EIDL. The SBA is updating its system to implement this provision so small businesses can request an EIDL Advance when they apply for the loan. This update will be available in the coming days. In the interim applicants can still apply for a full EIDL but will need to reapply for the Advance when the system is updated with a streamlined application. Once the EIDL Advance is active, funds will be direct deposited into the applicant’s business account.

To find out more about the EIDL program, businesses are encouraged to join one of the four daily calls with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Houston District Office or contact the Orange County Economic Development Corporation. A webinar schedule is available on the OCEDC webpage under the Business Resources tab as well as here.

In addition to the EIDL, the CARES Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. The PPP funds are administered through third party lenders. For more information on the Paycheck Protection Program, contact your local lending institution or the Orange County Economic Development Corporation.

In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration has created a page with consolidated information for small businesses who need guidance and loan resources due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Small Businesses can find information concerning Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance, SBA Debt Relief, SBA Express Bridge Loans, and much more.
For additional information, please click here.

City of Orange Mayor Mandates Fines for Social Distancing Violators

in Coronavirus Updates/Government
City of Orange Applying for Additional Harvey Disaster Relief Funds

The City of Orange Mayor has issued the First Amended Emergency Order effective Monday, March 30, 2020, at 11:59 P.M.

In the mandate, City of Orange Mayor Larry Spears Jr. authorized the Orange Police Department to enforce the mandates for social distancing, Violators will face a fine of up to $1,000 with 180 days in jail. In the amended order, no more than one person in a family is permitted to enter a business. Exceptions are made for parents without child care or disabled individuals needing assistance.

Tanning salons and eight-liner game rooms were added to the list of businesses shuttered.

To review this document in its entirety, click here.

 

Governor Abbott Extends Quarantine to 10 States, Including Louisiana

in Coronavirus Updates/Government
Governor Abbott Extends Quarantine to 10 States, Including Louisiana

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has expanded previous travel-related executive orders to include more states and cities within the United States.

On March 26, Gov. Greg Abbott had instituted a mandatory self-quarantine period for people visiting from several areas hard hit by the coronavirus in the United States.

Under the original executive orders, airline travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the city of New Orleans into Texas would have to self-quarantine for 14 days. Abbott has now changed the mandatory self-quarantine to include travelers coming from Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Miami and the states of California, Louisiana, and Washington.

The Texas Department of Public Safety began administering the program Saturday at noon. Travelers must fill out DPS forms and be subject to follow-up check-ins from troopers. The quarantines are for 14 days, or the duration of the stay in Texas, whichever is shorter, Abbott said.

Violators face fines up to $1,000, up to 180 days in jail, “or both,” Abbott said.

The full executive order can be found here.

City of Orange Issues Declaration of Disaster and Emergency Orders

in Coronavirus Updates/Government
City of Orange Applying for Additional Harvey Disaster Relief Funds

A Declaration of Disaster and accompanying Emergency Orders have been signed by Mayor Larry Spears Jr. which will become effective at 11:59 pm, March 26, 2020.

The City of Orange feels fortunate that there are minimal positive cases of COVID-19 in Southeast Texas, but believes this declaration and emergency orders will assist in the area-wide effort to limit the public’s exposure to COVID-19. Citizens are encouraged to read the entirety of the Declaration of Disaster and Emergency Orders

>Additional information concerning the Declaration of Disaster and accompanying Emergency Orders may be found here.

Outlined are businesses that may be open and those that must close, a 24-hour curfew for youth under 17, and a prohibition against artificially raising prices on a set list of items.

>City officials and Emergency Management are continuing to monitor the situation and will post updates when available.

Work Safe, Play Safe Initiative Instituted

in Coronavirus Updates/Government
First Case of COVID-19 Reported in Orange County
The implementation of a Work Safe, Play Safe, Stay Safe Initiative has been instituted by County Judges in Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton, Orange, and Tyler counties.
This Initiative provides guidance to the public and retail service industry in areas such as what is, and is not, allowed during the COVID-19 crisis.
Financial institutions will continue to be able to operate with drive-through teller lanes and restaurants may continue to operate with pick-up and delivery services.
This Initiative will be observed until such time as the current crisis has been averted or until more stringent restrictions are needed. We are hopeful that adherence to the Initiative will alleviate the need for a more comprehensive Order that would include more stringent sanctions and penalties for violations.
Under this order:
YOU CAN:
  • Go to grocery, convenience stores or warehouses (LIMIT VISITS TO THESE LOCATIONS TO ONE FAMILY MEMBER PER HOUSEHOLD)
  • Go to the pharmacy to pick up medications and other healthcare necessities
  • Go to medical appointments (check with your doctor or provider first)
  • Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery or drive-thru
  • Care for or support a friend or family member
  • Go outside, take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog or exercise- just keep at least six feet between you and others
  • Walk your pets or take them to the veterinarian if necessary
  • Help someone get necessary supplies
  • Receive deliveries from businesses that provide delivery service
YOU SHOULD NOT:
  • Go to work unless you are providing essential services
  • Visit friends and family if there isn’t an urgent need
  • Maintain less than a 6-foot distance from others
  • Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility or other residential care facilities (unless the facility website provides limited exceptions)
Additional information concerning the Emergency Order Addendum may be found at http://www.co.orange.tx.us/. 
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