Updated: 4/2/20
The Greater Omaha Chamber aims to support our business community in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak by providing access to up-to-date information from trustworthy sources. The resources below can help organizations stay informed and respond to the crisis.
Content provided here includes:
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The recently established $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program is designed to provide much-needed relief to millions of small businesses – allowing them to sustain their businesses and keep workers employed.
The program supports payroll and other business operating expenses. No collateral requirements, personal guarantees or SBA fees – all with a 100-percent guarantee from SBA. Loan payments will be deferred for six months. Most importantly, the SBA says it will forgive the portion of the loan proceeds that are used to cover the first eight weeks of payroll costs, rent, utilities and mortgage interest.
For additional information, contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail qvfnfgrephfgbzrefreivpr@fon.tbi.
Tax Relief & Legislation
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a $2 trillion economic relief plan designed to benefit individuals and businesses. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is providing updated daily documents on the CARES Act.
Among other economic provisions, the bill includes:
- A “recovery rebate,” provided as a refundable tax credit for individual taxpayers, as well as a $500 benefit for individual children
- Provisions for unemployment insurance
- A “Paycheck Protection Program” with $350 billion allocated to help businesses with fewer than 500 employees
Read the full text of the CARES Act (PDF).
Understanding the Legislation
The U.S. Department of Labor requires employers with fewer than 500 employees to comply with the Families first CARES Act by posting this notice. They also provide answers to FAQs in a Families First Coronavirus Response Act Q&A.
Guidelines for Employers
- Baird Holm: LLP COVID-19 Update for Employers (Video recording)
- Baird Holm: Update for Employers (PDF)
- Fraser Stryker: Families First Coronavirus Response Act Summary from Fraser Stryker (PDF)
The content and legal accuracy of this presentation is subject to change. We caution you that this information is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice as to any particular matter. The presentation and viewing of this webinar does not establish an attorney-client relationship between the viewer and Baird Holm or any of its attorneys.
Federal
State
- Deadline for Nebraskans to pay state income taxes has been extended to July 15, 2020.
- Request for Abatement of Penalty Form (PDF)
Caring for Employees
Your people are your greatest asset. Below are some resources to help care for your employees during this crisis.
Maintaining Your Workforce
- Nebraska Department of Labor: Short-Time Compensation helps employers prevent layoffs
- SHRM Guidance on Federal Relief Bills Providing Aid to Employers and Workers
Unemployment Insurance
- U.S. Department of Labor Guidance on Unemployment Insurance Related to Coronavirus
- SHRM Guidance on Furloughs, Layoffs or Pay Cuts Related to COVID
Health Insurance + COVID Coverage
Travel Guidance
General Business Resources
We’ve received a range of questions from business leaders recently. Below are our answers to the most common local questions along with some industry resources that offer guidance. If you don’t see your question below, check the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business FAQs.
Webinars & Networking
Check our events calendar.
SBA Paperwork Assistance
We suggest you consult your bank for help with SBA relief. The following organizations also offer guidance:
- UNO’s College of Business Administration, Nebraska Business Development Center offers business resiliency resources.
- Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development is working to inform and assist businesses during Nebraska’s ongoing response to COVID-19.
Legal Assistance
The Greater Omaha Chamber’s business directory includes attorneys.
For Events and Gatherings
For Food Establishments
For Retailers
Workplace Safety Guidance
We know you want to keep your workplace safe for your employees and your customers. Below are some resources we think will help.
Maintaining a Healthy Workplace
- CDC Guidance for Maintaining Healthy Businesses Operations
- OSHA Guidance for Control and Prevention
- Nebraska Safety Council Guidance for Cleaning and Sanitizing
- CDC Printable Coronavirus Fact Sheets in English, Spanish, Chinese
Recommended Cleaning Products
Disinfection After a Confirmed COVID Case
Scam Alerts
Cyber-threats and personal information breaches are increasing in the current, uncertain climate. The Nebraska Joint Information Center suggests all online users:
- Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment or hyperlink, and be wary of social media pleas, texts or calls related to COVID-19. (Tips for Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks)
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments. (Tips for Using Caution with Email Attachments)
Read more about COVID-19 related scams at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) resource.
NOTE: Resources are provided as information only and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. The Greater Omaha Chamber has not received compensation for inclusion of data, material, recommendations or web links related to COVID-19 or to any pandemic-planning strategies included herein.
If you have been exposed to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), or are experiencing symptoms of the disease, call your doctor/medical professional.
Consult an attorney if you have legal questions related to COVID-19. The Greater Omaha Chamber does not provide legal advice.