Welcome to Disaster Assistance
We are here to help you navigate the complex maze of relief resources. Check the information below and meet with an SBDC advisor to go over financing options and resiliency strategies.
We are here to help you navigate the complex maze of relief resources. Check the information below and meet with an SBDC advisor to go over financing options and resiliency strategies.
Meet with an SBDC Advisor
Navigating the complex maze of relief resources can be overwhelming. Meet with an SBDC advisor to go over financing options and resiliency strategies. We are here working remotely 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Request free and confidential advising by clicking HERE
Remote Office Hours: Monday through Friday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Telephone: 302-831-1555
Email: Delaware-sbdc@udel.edu
Stay calm, do your research
If you are experiencing difficulty paying bills, reach out to your creditors, suppliers, and landlord to find out if they can enact their own relief measures to help. Some entities may offer deferred payment options, waive certain fees, or work with you to address your specific needs. Also, take a look at your insurance policy to understand the details of your business interruption coverage. Depending on the scope of your coverage, certain losses may be covered.
Be aware of scams and fraud schemes
Scams and Fraud Schemes
Grants
Loans
Phishing
Report any suspected fraud to OIG’s Hotline at 800-767-0385 or online at, https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-inspector-general/office-inspector-general-hotline.
Personal Assessment
As business restrictions begin to be lifted, it is important to assess your individual desires about your business. The SBDC is here to help you get back up and running, but it is important for you to know if that is your main goal. The questions below are a great way to start thinking about your personal goals and the main value to receive from being a business owner.
If you answer no to any of the questions, please click HERE to schedule a confidential, one-on-one session with an advisor. There are several important items to prepare if you consider closing your business. Click HERE to find more.
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
Business Assessment
It is important to look at the impact COVID-19 has had on your business and if you are prepared to move forward.
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
Cash Flow Assessment
Cash is the lifeblood of your business. Understanding your current cash flow is an incredibly important factor in assessing your business’s financial health. Begin by reviewing the questions below and then the topic-specific resources.
Below is a list of finance-related resource links:
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
Financial Future Assessment
New financial projections and assessments must be put together based on the current situation. Begin by reviewing the questions below and then the topic-specific resources.
Below is a list of finance-related resource links:
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
State Government – Enhanced Reimbursement Application for childcare providers
Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement – Emergency Funding for Nonprofits
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
Reopening Assessment
After looking at the entire picture, it is important to put all pieces together and make an informed decision about moving forward.
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
Reopening Plan
With the decision to reopen made, a detailed plan must be in place to account for the current situation. Because of the changes COVID-19 has brought about, it is important to not only think about reopening your business, but how to reimagine your business. Begin by reviewing the questions below and then the topic-specific resources.
Below is a list of government reopening links:
Delaware Governor’s Office – Delaware’s Economic Reopening
Delaware Governor’s Office – Reopening Guidance
CDC – Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting For a PDF version click HERE
CDC – Reopening Decision Tree for Businesses and Workplaces For a PDF version click HERE
CDC – Reopening Decision Tree for Restaurants and Bars For a PDF version click HERE
CDC – Reopening Decision Tree for Child Care For a PDF version click HERE
Below is a list of reopening best practices:
America’s SBDC health and safety-related resources
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
Staffing
Being able to reopen may depend heavily on your ability to have the staff available to meet demand. Begin by reviewing the questions below and then the topic-specific resources.
Below is a list of staffing-related resource links:
Department of Labor – Coronavirus Resources: Includes workplace safety and unemployment insurance flexibility, as well as several other topics.
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
Vendors and Suppliers
Understanding your supply chain is a critical factor in reopening and ensuring you can meet the demands of your customers. Begin by reviewing the questions below and then the topic-specific resources.
Below is a list of resource links on the supply chain topic:
FEMA – Supply Chain Resilience Guide
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
Inventory
Understanding your inventory is a critical factor in reopening and ensuring you can meet the demands of your customers. Begin by reviewing the questions below and then the topic-specific resources.
Below is a list of resource links on the inventory topic:
Square – Inventory Management 101: How to Manage Small Business Inventory
Shopify: You’re Losing Money By Not Using These 8 Inventory Management Techniques
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
Pricing
It is important to look at what the impact of the current situation will have on your pricing. You will need to assess how to set pricing that meets your needs, while also avoiding gouging. Begin by reviewing the questions below and then the topic-specific resources.
Below is a list of resources on the pricing topic:
ASBDC – Guide to Setting Pricing
SBA – Pricing Models for a Successful Business
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
Marketing and Communications
Marketing and communications are just as important now – if not more – than ever before. Begin by reviewing the questions below and then the topic-specific resources.
Below is a list of marketing-related resource links:
COMING SOON
Below is a list of communication-related resource links:
COMING SOON
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
Recordkeeping
Recordkeeping is always important, but current factors – like loan forgiveness – make it that much more important to stay on top of. Begin by reviewing the questions below and then the topic-specific resources.
Below is a list of recordkeeping-related resource links:
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
Technology
No matter how much your technology needs have changed (or will change) because of COVID-19, it is important to know what you need to move forward. Begin by reviewing the questions below and then the topic-specific resources.
Below is a list of cybersecurity-related resource links:
Delaware SBDC cybersecurity resources
America’s SBDC cybersecurity resources
Below is a list of other technology resource links:
COMING SOON
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
New Ideas for Moving Forward
As businesses reopen, several considerations must be made related to how you do business. Begin by reviewing the questions below and then the topic-specific resources.
Below is a list of innovation-related resource links:
COMING SOON
Below is a list of business model-related resource links:
COMING SOON
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
What If?
No one can predict the future, so it is vitally important – especially now – to be prepared for what may come next. Begin by reviewing the questions below and then the topic-specific resources.
Below is a list of planning-related resource links:
Restaurants
Restaurants have several industry-specific issues that need to be addressed as businesses reopen and/or return to serving customers on-site. It is important to understand the official government guidelines you will be required to follow and industry best practices for implementing those guidelines.
Reopening Guidelines Links
Delaware Governor’s Office – Reopening Guidance – See page 16 for Food and Drink Establishments
Delaware Division of Small Business – General and Industry Guidance: General and industry-specific guidance applicable to all individuals and businesses.
FDA – Best Practices for Food & Beverage Businesses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A good, authoritative source on health guidelines for Food & Beverage employers and workers
OSHA – Takeout and Curbside Pickup Guidance: These are being continuously updated, so this link is to OSHA’s Publications page where the latest document can be found.
CDC – Considerations for Restaurants and Bars: As bars and restaurants phase back into operations, the CDC has issued a series of guidelines and best practices, which they stress “are meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which businesses must comply”
Best Practices from Leading Industry Organizations Links
National Restaurant Association – COVID-19 Reopening Guidance: An in-depth review of best practices for all aspects of restaurant operations. Always look to official regulators for specific health-related guidance.
Delaware Restaurant Association – Restaurant Reopening Toolkit: A comprehensive, all-in-one document including operator information and guidance from all state agencies, plus a master checklist of critical steps needed to take before restaurant reopening can occur.
National Restaurant Association – ServSafe Coronavirus Primer: A thorough document with specific information on food safety issues (Bilingual document English and Spanish)
RestaurantOwner.com – Surviving the Coronavirus Crisis: This site covers a wide range of restaurant-specific resources, including a comeback webinar series
Retail
Below is a compilation of resources from the Delaware Governor’s Office, leading industry organizations, and others:
Reopening Guidelines Links
Delaware Governor’s Office – Reopening Guidance – See page 17 for Retail Establishments.
Delaware Division of Small Business – General and Industry Guidance: General and industry-specific guidance applicable to all individuals and businesses.
OSHA – Retail Workers Guidance: These are being continuously updated, so this link is to OSHA’s Publications page where the latest document can be found.
Best Practices from Leading Industry Organizations Links
National Retail Federation (NRF) – Coronvirus Resources for Retailers
National Retail Federation (NRF) – Operation Open Doors: A compilation of resources that includes an Operation Open Doors Checklist
Salons and Barber Shops
Below is a compilation of resources from the Delaware Governor’s Office, leading industry organizations, and others:
Reopening Guidelines Links
Delaware Governor’s Office – Reopening Guidance – See page 18 for Hair Salons and Barber Shops.
Delaware Division of Small Business – General and Industry Guidance: General and industry-specific guidance applicable to all individuals and businesses.
Best Practices from Leading Industry Organizations Links
American Barbers Association – Guidelines for Restarting a Barbershop or Salon
National Barber Board – Suggested Guidelines for Reopening Barbershops and Barber Schools
Fitness Centers
Below is a compilation of resources from the Delaware Governor’s Office, leading industry organizations, and others:
Reopening Guidelines Links
Delaware Governor’s Office – Reopening Guidance – See page 19 for Training Salons and Exercise Facilities.
Delaware Division of Small Business – General and Industry Guidance: General and industry-specific guidance applicable to all individuals and businesses.
Best Practices from Leading Industry Organizations Links
Childcare
Below is a compilation of resources from the Delaware Governor’s Office, leading industry organizations, and others:
Reopening Guidelines Links
Delaware Governor’s Office – Reopening Guidance – See page 22 for Childcare Facilities.
Delaware Division of Small Business – General and Industry Guidance: General and industry-specific guidance applicable to all individuals and businesses.
State Government – Enhanced Reimbursement Application for childcare providers
Entertainment Venues
Below is a compilation of resources from the Delaware Governor’s Office, leading industry organizations, and others:
Reopening Guidelines Links
Delaware Governor’s Office – Reopening Guidance – See page 15 for Arts and Cultural, Museums, Galleries, and Historical Attractions.
Delaware Division of Small Business – General and Industry Guidance: General and industry-specific guidance applicable to all individuals and businesses.
Best Practices from Leading Industry Organizations Links
Other Industries
Below is a compilation of resources from the Delaware Governor’s Office, leading industry organizations, and others:
Reopening Guidelines Links
Delaware Governor’s Office – Reopening Guidance – See page 23 for Other Industries Guidance.
Delaware Division of Small Business – General and Industry Guidance: General and industry-specific guidance applicable to all individuals and businesses.
Best Practices from Leading Industry Organizations Links
Tattoo Industry: Alliance of Professional Tattooists – COVID-19 Guidance
Construction Industry: Guidance for Employees and Employers & Exposure Control Plan
National Association of Realtors: Virtual Showing Guidance & Commercial Real Estate Guidance
Lodging Industry: Enhanced Hotel Cleaning Standards from the American Hotel & Lodging Association
Exit Strategy/Plan
If you are considering closing your business, there are several important areas to review and address. Below is a framework to get you started.
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
Action Items
Once you are ready to move to the next step, click the button below.
Cease Operations
Once you have thought about the items above, we recommend scheduling a no-cost, confidential one-on-one meeting with a local SBDC Advisor. Please click HERE to schedule an appointment.
State of Delaware Relief Grants
The State of Delaware Relief Grants are a joint effort between the State and New Castle County to assist Delaware small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds for the program come from the federal CARES Act.
All small businesses, based on the SBA definition, and many non-profits are eligible for a DE Relief Grant. All grants issued to for-profit businesses must be closed out in 2021. In order to close out the grant, a business must submit proof of all relevant expenditures along with federal tax returns for calendar year 2020 that show at least a 7.5 percent revenue decrease relative to 2019. If a decrease in this amount is not shown, the grant must be paid back to the state with interest applied.
The grant can be used for the following:
For more information, such as deadlines and qualifications, visit the website or view the webinar presented by the Division of Small Business: https://youtu.be/WNBMFeYAp7s
Read the FAQs at the website: https://business.delaware.gov/relief/
SBA - Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
LAST UPDATE: 10/11/2021
Delaware was approved for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan program by the U.S. Small Business Administration. These loans assist small businesses, nonprofits and more, in meeting ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as the result of COVID-19.
Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. It does not cover lost sales.
SBA - Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
LAST UPDATE: 09/14/2020
Notice: Paycheck Protection Program closed August 8, 2020
Current law dictates that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) close at the end of August 8, 2020. As such, SBA is no longer accepting PPP applications from participating lenders.
Loan Details and Forgiveness
The loan will be fully forgiven if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 60% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll).
Frequently Asked Questions about PPP Loan Forgiveness (08-11-2020)
Loan Forgiveness
Forgiveness is based on the employer maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels. Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease. The loan forgiveness form and instructions include several measures to reduce compliance burdens and simplify the process for borrowers, including:
Delaware Nonprofits Can Access Paycheck Protection Program Loan through NDC & Stepping Stones
When the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) relaunches, Delaware nonprofits will have exclusive access to $12 million in funds designated by the National Development Council (NDC), thanks to the generous underwriting of Longwood Foundation, Welfare Foundation, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund and with support from Discover Bank.
Delaware nonprofits will be able to apply for specifically designated funds through the NDC, a Community Development Financial Institution which has worked with Delaware nonprofits and foundations to increase the flow of capital to low-income communities. The NDC is partnering with Stepping Stones Community Federal Credit Union, a Delaware financial institution dedicated to serving limited income communities in Wilmington, to help Delaware nonprofits access the SBA PPP loan. Nonprofits are encouraged to prepare their applications by watching this detailed webinar (found here) that NDC created. Applications will not be processed unless they are completed correctly with all necessary signatures and documentation. The loan application will be available for nonprofits to apply on DANA’s website. Who can apply? Any Delaware 501c3 which is eligible to apply for the SBA PPP loan and has not yet received confirmation that it was approved by another financial institution. Note, the SBA will only offer one loan per organization. Because this funding is set aside for Delaware nonprofits, there is a smaller waiting list to the SBA. We do encourage nonprofits that if they find out they received an SBA approval through another lending institution, they notify NDC (and vice versa). Additionally, nonprofits are encouraged to apply to NDC, but also to continue to seek PPP funding at their banking institution. Need help with your application? NDC has provided a pre-recorded training webinar (41mins), a wage calculator and the SBA loan application which can be found here: https://delawarenonprofit.org/covid-19-related-funding/
DANA, the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, is offering support to nonprofits in the form of volunteers who will answer questions and walk nonprofits through filling out loan application. To request volunteer help, click here or visit the DANA website at https://delawarenonprofit.org/covid-19-related-funding/ See full press release HERE. APPLY HERE |
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SBA - Debt Relief
LAST UPDATE: 04/24/2020
The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic
SBA - Express Bridge Pilot Loan Program
LAST UPDATE: 04/24/2020
This pilot program allows SBA Express Lenders authority to deliver expedited SBA-guaranteed financing on an emergency basis for disaster-related purposes to eligible small businesses, while the small businesses apply for and await long-term financing.
STATE - H.E.L.P Loan (Hospitality & Personal Care Industries)
The Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP) provides financial relief for restaurants, bars and other hospitality industry businesses, as well as barbers, salons, etc. that employ thousands of Delawareans. See below NAICS codes that apply:
o 7225 Restaurants and Other Eating Places
o 7224 Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages)
o 7223 Special Food Services
o 7211 Traveler Accommodations
o 7139 Other Amusement and Recreation
o 7131 Amusement Parks & Arcades
o 7121 Museums and Historical Sites
o 7113 Promoters of Performing Arts
o 7112 Spectator Sports
o 7111 Performing Arts Companies
o 4855 Charter Bus Industry
o 4879 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Other
o 4872 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water
o 4871 Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Land
o 3121 Beverage Manufacturing
o 3118 Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing
o 8121 Personal Care
The no-interest loans are capped at $10,000 per business per month. The money can cover rent, utilities and other unavoidable bills but cannot be used for personnel costs. The loans have a 10-year term with payments deferred for nine months. Eligible businesses must have been in operation for at least a year, have annual revenue below $2.5 million and be in certain hospitality or personal care industries. Restaurants are now eligible for assistance if they have annual revenue under $15 million. Other eligibility guidelines apply. Email business@delaware.gov to learn if you qualify or call 302-739-4271 with additional questions.
Look at updated unemployment policies
If you need to reduce your workforce, or your staff is unable to report to work as a result of COVID-19 (i.e. medical issues, child care issues, etc.), help your staff understand how the Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) can help. Unemployment insurance guidelines are being adjusted to respond to this crisis, and new parameters may help with eligibility for benefits.
Although DOL offices will be closed to public access during this state of emergency, the department remains operational and offers the ability for Delawareans to file for unemployment benefits online at the following link: https://ui.delawareworks.com/. Questions can be answered via email at uiclaims@delaware.gov, via at 302-761-8446, or TEXT “UIFACTS” to 555888.
Here are the steps self-employed & independent contractors should take to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Follow this link: https://dol.delaware.gov/uifaqs/apply-for-pua.php
Find additional information HERE
Unemployment policies for self-employed and independent contractors
Updated 4/17/2020
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) provides unemployment assistance to independent contractors and those self-employed who have been affected by the Coronavirus.
Most state’s unemployment systems determine eligibility and process payments for workers whose wages are reported by their employers and verified through the Division of Unemployment Insurance (DUI). In order to begin processing claims for this new category of eligible individuals and prevent fraud, abuse and identity theft, the Federal US Department of Labor requires that states design new systems to pay benefits to independent contractors/self-employed and ensure the validity of their claims.
Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) is currently working with a vendor to design and test new technologies that will integrate with existing benefits claims system. This technology will allow the Division of Unemployment Insurance (DUI) to verify earnings reported to the IRS and determine the eligibility of independent contractors and the self-employed to apply for benefits under the (CARES) Act.
We anticipate that these workers will be able to apply through this new system within 3-6 weeks. Please look for updates on the Delaware DOL website HERE.
See the official news release from DE DOL HERE.
Emergency Child Care Application
On March 30th, 2020, Governor Carney modified the State of Emergency declaration, which, beginning April 6 and continuing until the State of Emergency is lifted, limits child care programs to only those designated as emergency child care sites. After April 6, child care may only be provided by child care centers and homes that have been designated as “Emergency Child Care Sites” by the Department of Services for Children, Youth & Their Families (DSCYF).
In order to be a emergency child care site, child care centers and child care homes must certify that they are only providing child care to the children of personnel working for essential businesses (as defined by Governor Carney’s State of Emergency) and cannot work from home.
APPLY HERE
CARES Act Overview
The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain nonprofits and other employers.
The CARES Act includes:
See more information HERE
Faith Based Organizations
The SBA issued guidance clarifying that all faith-based organizations impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) are eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, without restrictions based on their religious identity or activities, to the extent they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the CARES Act that was passed.
To find out more, CLICK HERE.
Research Retirement Clause
The Act contains a few key provisions designed to assist retirement plan participants who are struggling financially during these unprecedented times. Here is a quick summary of these key provisions. REMEMBER to check with your financial advisors, plan administrators or accountants before making any decisions.
Hardship Distributions
The CARES Act waives the Code Section 72(t) additional 10% penalty tax on early (pre-age 59 ½) withdrawals up to $100,000 from a retirement plan or IRA for an individual who:
A coronavirus-related distribution under the Act can be included proportionally in the qualified individual’s taxable income over a three-year period, unless the individual elects to have it taxed in the year of distribution. In addition, the distribution will not be treated as eligible rollover distributions, so the mandatory 20% withholding does not apply.
The Act also allows a qualified individual who takes a coronavirus-related distribution to repay that amount tax-free back into the plan within three years of taking the distribution. Such repayment would be treated as a rollover contribution and not subject to annual maximum contribution limits.
Plan Loans
For individuals who qualify for a coronavirus-related distribution, the CARES Act also doubles the current retirement plan loan limit to the lesser of $100,000 or 100% of the participant’s vested account balance in the plan. This increased loan amount is available for loans made during the 180-day period beginning on the date of enactment. In addition, the Act extends the due date of any qualified individual’s loan repayment that would otherwise be due during 2020 (but on or after the date of enactment) to one year after the otherwise applicable due date.
Plan Amendments
Retirement plans may choose (but are not required) to adopt these rules immediately, even if the plan does not currently allow for hardship distributions or loans. The plan amendment deadline for adopting these new rules would be no earlier than the last day of the first plan year beginning on or after Jan.1, 2022 (Jan. 1, 2024 for governmental plans), or later as prescribed by the Treasury Secretary.
See CARES Act Section 2202 for full details HERE.
Asistencia de CARES Act y SBA en Respuesta al Coronavirus (SBA resources in Spanish)
Los funcionarios de salud y gubernamentales están trabajando conjuntamente para mantener la seguridad, protección y salud del público. Se alienta a las pequeñas empresas a poner de su parte para mantener saludables a sus empleados y clientes.
COVID-19 Webinars en Español para Pequeños Negocios (Webinars in Spanish)
Como parte de la emergencia ocasionada por el Coronavirus (COVID-19), el SBTDC de Perto Rico ha realizado varios Webinars, de temas de ayuda para los pequeños y medianos negocios. www.prsbtdc.org
International Business Regulations
If you are selling your product internationally or expecting a shipment for a foreign country, please click the below link to see how the COVID-19 Pandemic will effect your business.
Ad Credits for Google
Google wants to help alleviate some of the cost for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to stay in touch with their customers during this challenging time. They are giving SMBs worldwide $340 million in ad credits, which can be used at any point until the end of 2020 across Google Ads platforms. SMBs who have been active advertisers since the beginning of 2019 will see a credit notification appear in their Google Ads account in the coming months. This is part of a larger commitment from Google to support SMBs, health organizations and governments, and health workers on the frontline of this global pandemic.
This page provides additional information and will be periodically updated. As an additional resource to help you manage your business through uncertainty please visit the Google for Small Business site.
Social Mogul Blog Provides Marketing Advice
Miss Social Mogul, a Delaware small business, is constantly updating her blog on ways to market in the current COVID-19. See general and industry-specific tips to keep on top of marketing during this time.