Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Center

Click below for tips and links on how to plan, prevent, and handle situations that may arise with employees and clients.

Covid-19: Returning to a Mask-Free US Workforce?  Not Quite Yet.

On May 13, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance, stating that individuals who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19 “can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”

CDC Guidelines are just that – Guidelines.  They do not have the force of law unless adopted by a government body with legal authority.  US employers must still follow Department of Labor, OSHA, EEOC and state and local laws and regulations.  The article below from K&L Gates discusses these “exceptions” in greater detail.

Read the full article

Is Your State Taxing Forgiven PPP Loans?

Click Here to Find Out!

OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

The US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a 35 page guide. The guide outlines steps all employers can take to reduce workers' risk of exposure to COVID-19.

COVID-19 FAQ
Click here to read the guide

State and Local Response Information

MultiStates Associates has created a googledoc that outlines all 50 states with the following information: Link to Heath Department COVID-19 Website, Key Contacts, Governments Plan to Reopen, State of Emergency Documents, Executive Orders, Session Changes/Capitol Changes, Travel Restrictions Information

Click here to view each state

Second Round of PPP Loans - Documents and Resources

Updated First Draw Forms

Second Draw Forms

Guidance & Resources

For more information and updates, visit SBA.gov/PPP or Treasury.gov/CARES 

Second Round PPP Dilemma

The first question one has to check into for the second round of PPP is, do you qualify for the program?  The first test is black and white, and you have to meet one of two criteria.

  1. Your gross receipts in 2020 are down at least 25% compared to 2019
  2. Your gross receipts in one quarter of 2020 are down at least 25% compared to the same quarter in 2019

If you have made this cut: many business owners then face a more challenging and greyer decision. You have to sign that you need the money to support the ongoing operations of your business.

Click here to view the full text

Interim Final Rule on Payroll Protection Program

The U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of the Treasury has released an Interim Final Rule on the Payroll Protection Program. It includes information on the Business Loan Program Temporary Changes, Paycheck Protection Plan - Revisions to Loan Forgiveness Interim Final Rule and SBA Loan Review Procedures Interim Final Rule.

Click here to view the rule

A Guide to State Coronavirus Reopenings and Lockdowns

Many states are weighing how to ease weekslong restrictions on travel and business. Many states are lifting restrictions imposed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. The Wall Street Journal shares what each state is doing. The article is updated frequently. 

Click here to view each state

The Small Business Administration (SBA) Announces the Opening of its
Paycheck Protection  Program (PPP)

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is an SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. 

Effective April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietors can apply for and receive loans to cover their payroll and other certain expenses through existing SBA lenders.

The links below provide you with all of the information you need to begin the process.

NAW Critical Updates

National Association of Wholesalers (NAW) provides weekly updates on the following topics:

  • Latest on the Main Street Lending Program
  • Latest on the Paycheck Protection Program
  • Latest Congressional Action on the Next Coronavirus Relief Package HEROES Act
  • Latest on Liability Protections for Businesses
  • US Department of Labor Issues Additional Informal Guidance on Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave
  • Latest on the Re-Opening the Economy
Read the latest update from May 27

Employees Refusing to Return to Work? The SBA Offers Some Protection of PPP Forgiveness

The SBA’s latest round of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) gives employers an important new tool to address one of the biggest challenges of trying to maximize PPP forgiveness: How to respond to employees who refuse to return to work by June 30, 2020.

Read the full article here

Dramatic Rise in COVID-19 Related Scams

Below is a list of targeted topics that are susceptible to scammers right now:

  • Protective Face Masks
  • Illegal Online Pharmacies
  • Supplements Marketed with Claims to Treat or Prevent COVID-19
  • Home Test Kits
  • Websites Flagged by Regulators
Click here to read the full article by Verisk Financial

 COVID-19 Reopening Economy Guidelines 4/28

The reopening of child care programs is crucial to helping parents and guardians return to work. Read the CDC's Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs.

Read the full guideline here

CARES Act Tax Break Loses

The CARES Act temporarily rests the treatment of NOLs to pre-TCJA rules. You can now claim 100% of your net operating losses in 2020, 2019, or 2018, and carry them back for up to five years.

Read the full article here

Keeping Americans Paid and Employed Act

Below is the complete act, along with helpful resources that breakdown the act section by section. 

Full Text
Section by Section Descriptions
Summary of the Small Business Provisions in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act

BSA COVID-19 Webinar Series

BSA has hosted several webinars since March 23.  The first webinar is to assist members with SBA Loans presented by Ami Kassar from Multifunding and the second Leading Through Ambiguity with Greg Karl of Step Change on how to lead during COVID-19. Review the slide decks and recordings below.

Webinar Series

Helpful COVID-19 Tips and Practices for Business Owners

This serves as a guide for best practices for Business Owners in the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). You can also view latest news from the CDC to stay up to date with how the situation is evolving.

View Tips and Tricks

SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Respond to COVID-19

Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Learn more about programs offered to assist and protect small business owners during this time. You can also view a guide on best business and employer practices to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.

View the SBA Guidance Plan

Facebook Small Business Grants

Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where they operate. They will begin taking applications in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can click here to sign up to receive more information when it becomes available.

Find out More Information 

Managing Your Cash Flow During the COVID-19 Crisis Presentation

In this presentation given by Ami Kassar, you will helpful information on how to plan and protect your business's cash flow during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out about resources available to assist you and steps you can take to make sure that your business remains strong. 

View Presentation

Shared Work Programs

Many states are implementing "Shared Work" programs which help to prevent business downturns by providing an alternative to layoffs. 

Below is the list of states participating in the program:

Make sure to check your state's eligibility requirements. Click here to learn more about Shared Work programs.

Social Media Links 

White House: Youtube | Twitter | Facebook

US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Twitter | Facebook

Center for Disease Control (CDC): Twitter | Facebook