Updated: 5/14/20
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:
COVID-19 Updates
Nebraska Testing & Case Data
Iowa Testing & Case Data
Reopening & Recovery
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has provided reopening strategies for specific business types and industries. Find the guidance document for your business.
Additional Resources
Take the Pledge
The National Safety Council, Nebraska Chapter (NSCN), in collaboration with the Greater Omaha Chamber, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce has launched Be Safe Nebraska. Companies can voluntarily pledge to adopt best safety practices focused on keeping their employees, customers and partners safe during the COVID pandemic.
SBA Loan Programs
Small business who have been impacted by the pandemic may be eligible to apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan or loan through the Paycheck Protection Program. See a comparison of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) vs. the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
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.
Unemployed and need assistance?
Use our interactive guide to find local resources.
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
- Husch Blackwell: CDC Revises its ‘Return to Work’ Guidelines
- Baird Holm: New Guidance Regarding PPP Economic Need Certification
- Kutak Rock: Essential Facts for Small Business Owners about the Paycheck Protection Program
- Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance COVID-19 Consumer and Industry Guidance
- HHS Announces Additional Allocations of CARES Act Provider Relief Fund
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
- IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief
- U.S. Chamber Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit for COVID-19 Impacted Employees
- Information on Federal Tax Filing Extension
State
- Deadline for Nebraskans to pay state income taxes has been extended to July 15, 2020.
- Request for Abatement of Penalty Form (PDF)
Understanding Tax Relief
Looking for childcare solutions?
Explore options with our toolkit.
Caring for Employees
Your people are your greatest asset. Below are some resources to help care for your employees during this crisis. The Wellbeing Partners have created a variety of resources (video, posters, etc.) to help you and your employees maintain emotional wellbeing during this challenging time.
Remote Working
Maintaining Your Workforce
- Nebraska Department of Labor: Short-Time Compensation helps employers prevent layoffs
- Nebraska Department of Labor Frequently Asked Questions for Employers and Employees
- SHRM Guidance on Federal Relief Bills Providing Aid to Employers and Workers
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
- LinkedIn Learning “Finding a Job During Challenging Economic Times”
Unemployment Insurance
Any worker in a non-paid status due to COVID-19 may file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits. Unemployment claims in Nebraska are filed online at NEworks.nebraska.gov.
- 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
- Department of Homeland Security Travel Restrictions
- CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel
Helplines
- Nebraska Family Helpline: 1-888-866-8660
- Nebraska Rural Response Hotline: 1-800-464-0258
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
- Outlook Enrichment’s COVID-19 Help Line for the Visually Impaired: 531-365-5059
- Outlook Enrichment’s adaptive technology Help Line for the Visually Impaired: 531-365-5334
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.
General Assistance
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NDED) is offering assistance to organizations in need. Access the NDED staff directory and get in touch.
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 Banks and Lenders
- SBA & Treasury Guidance on PPP Loans for Borrowers & Lenders
- SBA Unilateral Action Matrix for 7(a) Loan Servicing
- SBA Bridge Loan Program Guide
For Events and Gatherings
For Food Establishments
- Nebrasak DHHS: Guidelines for restaurant re-openings in Cass, Douglas and Sarpy counties (En español)
- Food Industry Association Resources for Coronavirus and Pandemic Preparedness
For Manufacturers Able to Meet Medical Needs
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
- Husch Blackwell: Health Screening and Privacy Implications
- 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)
- The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office warns it has seen a reappearance of a popular “scare” scam.
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.