COVID-19 Resources
Navigating the pandemic can be stressful for your small business. Below
are several resources to help you through these difficult times.
are several resources to help you through these difficult times.
UMLF Online Classes
We have been moving a lot of our class materials online! If you happen to be bored at home or wanting to improve your skills during this time, please visit any of the following of our classes here.
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Utah Leads Together 4.0
Utah leaders remain confident that as the COVID-19 pandemic ends, Utah will emerge even stronger. This plan provides clarity, confidence, and context for that recovery. Versions 1 and 2 of the Utah Leads Together plan presented economic phases, color-coded health guidance, and valuable data tools to help in Utah’s health and economic recovery.This version of the Utah Leads Together plan presents critical instructions for high risk populations, addresses impacts to Utah’s multi-cultural community, and plants seeds for Utah’s ultimate recovery.
Read more here: Utah Leads Together 4.0 Plan
Read more here: Utah Leads Together 4.0 Plan
Utah Guidance System
The COVID-19 Transmission Index represents the collaborative work of state and local public health, the Governor’s Office, the hospital industry, business leaders, and important guidance from legislative leadership on the elements of the approach to protect communities. The transmission index clarifies the public health metrics used to determine which counties are placed in which transmission level. Counties will be placed in one of three transmission levels: High, Moderate, or Low. These levels correspond directly to case rates, positivity rates, and ICU utilization.
More info here: COVID-19 Transmission Index
More info here: COVID-19 Transmission Index
Utah COVID-19 Business Manual
The COVID-19 Business Manual is a step-by-step plan from the Utah Department of Health to protect your business and prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is important to look at how your business operates and make a plan to make your worksite healthier. You can use this guidance throughout the pandemic, no matter what color of the Utah Color-Coded Health Guidance your community is in. The manual has up-to-date recommendations from the UDOH, CDC, OHSA, and U.S. Department of Labor.
Some of the information you will find in the manual:
Some of the information you will find in the manual:
- Keeping your business open and what you should do if an employee is exposed to or tests positive for COVID-19
- Answers to questions business owners have about requirements for quarantine and isolation, sick leave, and tax credits
- Cleaning after a positive case of COVID-19
- Testing employees for COVID-19
- How to protect your worksite, operations, and employees
- Essential and critical infrastructure sector employees
- Download the manual here: COVID-19 Business Manual
Business Loans and Grants
To help Utah companies identify available resources to meet their needs, the Utah Economic Response Task Force has created a tool that determines the best federal, state, and local resources for your business. To use their Economic Resource Finder visit this link. This link also includes overviews of all available loans, grants and relief programs currently available.
The Small Business Impact Grant (SBIG)
A COVID-19 relief program for small businesses in Salt Lake County funded with $40 million. Grants will be awarded through one-time payments up to $35,000 to eligible businesses that apply for funding.Completed applications from eligible businesses will be processed in the order they are received. The application will be open until funds are exhausted.
A COVID-19 relief program for small businesses in Salt Lake County funded with $40 million. Grants will be awarded through one-time payments up to $35,000 to eligible businesses that apply for funding.Completed applications from eligible businesses will be processed in the order they are received. The application will be open until funds are exhausted.
- Learn more about the requirements and how to apply here: Small Business Impact Grant
- *This Program is now closed and no longer accepting new applications but may re-open again in the future.
COVID-19 PPE Support Grant Program (Safe in Utah)
The COVID-19 PPE Support Grant Program, known as “Safe In Utah,” is a grant program for businesses.
The $5 million Safe In Utah initiative uses federal CARES Act funds as part of Utah’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. It includes grants for a business’s COVID-19 response that consists of the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), implementation of workplace redesigns, additional signage, new technology solutions for distance working, and other items to comply with COVID-19 public health guidelines on safely returning employees to work. Companies can set-up a GOED grant account now and apply for Safe In Utah again, beginning Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. Companies that already applied for this grant may reapply for increased funding.
The COVID-19 PPE Support Grant Program, known as “Safe In Utah,” is a grant program for businesses.
The $5 million Safe In Utah initiative uses federal CARES Act funds as part of Utah’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. It includes grants for a business’s COVID-19 response that consists of the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), implementation of workplace redesigns, additional signage, new technology solutions for distance working, and other items to comply with COVID-19 public health guidelines on safely returning employees to work. Companies can set-up a GOED grant account now and apply for Safe In Utah again, beginning Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. Companies that already applied for this grant may reapply for increased funding.
- For more details and to apply visit: Safe In Utah Grant
- *This Program is now closed and no longer accepting new applications but may re-open again in the future.
#NewPattern Utah Grant
Applications are now open for New Pattern Utah, a grant & mentorship program for Black, female-led businesses in Utah. New Pattern is the first coalition to come out of the New Pattern movement, a combined effort from local groups Beta Boom, Womenpreneurs, Utah Black Chamber, and Sorenson Impact to help support Black women owners access the capital they need to grow their business.
The program includes up to $10k in grant funding, mentorship to support strategic use of capital, as well as admission to two Womenpreneurs programs including an intensive fundraising course as well as leadership development.
Applications are now open for New Pattern Utah, a grant & mentorship program for Black, female-led businesses in Utah. New Pattern is the first coalition to come out of the New Pattern movement, a combined effort from local groups Beta Boom, Womenpreneurs, Utah Black Chamber, and Sorenson Impact to help support Black women owners access the capital they need to grow their business.
The program includes up to $10k in grant funding, mentorship to support strategic use of capital, as well as admission to two Womenpreneurs programs including an intensive fundraising course as well as leadership development.
- Interested? Apply here: New Pattern Utah
Small Business Employee Vaccination Grant
The Small Business Employee Vaccination Grant has received $500,000 in federal CARES Act funds as part of Utah’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. It provides reimbursement to Utah small business employers that pay employees for time off to either receive a COVID-19 vaccine or recuperate should they experience side effects after their vaccination.
The grant offers employers funds to provide paid time off for employees who are otherwise not eligible for paid time off. The grant may be used for both full-time and part-time employees to:
The Small Business Employee Vaccination Grant has received $500,000 in federal CARES Act funds as part of Utah’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. It provides reimbursement to Utah small business employers that pay employees for time off to either receive a COVID-19 vaccine or recuperate should they experience side effects after their vaccination.
The grant offers employers funds to provide paid time off for employees who are otherwise not eligible for paid time off. The grant may be used for both full-time and part-time employees to:
- Receive a COVID-19 vaccine
- Recuperate after receiving the vaccination
- Take a dependent child (5-18 years old) to receive the vaccine, or
- Be the caregiver for a dependent child (5-18 years old) who needs assistance to recuperate after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Rural Relief Small Business Grants
As part of their continuing commitment to elevate their impact in rural America, LISC is inviting small business owners in rural locations across the country to apply for the LISC-Lowe's Rural Relief Small Business Grants program.
Who is eligible?
All potential applicants are encouraged to review their FAQ and grant information before applying.
As part of their continuing commitment to elevate their impact in rural America, LISC is inviting small business owners in rural locations across the country to apply for the LISC-Lowe's Rural Relief Small Business Grants program.
Who is eligible?
- Only small businesses located in rural communities are eligible at this time. Rural communities are defined as having a population of 50,000 or less. A community is defined as the city/town/village where your business address is located. If the business is mobile (a food truck, fishing boat, rideshare driver, etc) please use the address where your vehicle is stored during non-business hours.
All potential applicants are encouraged to review their FAQ and grant information before applying.
Paycheck Protection Program
In order to reach the smallest businesses, SBA will offer PPP loans to businesses with fewer than 20 employees and sole proprietors only from Wednesday, February 24 through Wednesday, March 10, 2021.
You can apply through our lending partner MoFi here: Link to apply.
Over the past 12 months, MoFi has provided 2,000 PPP loans to small businesses, including sole proprietors, independent contractors, self-employed individuals, first-time applicants, and those needing smaller loans. Our average PPP loan is $25,000, and we provide many loans of less than $10,000. If you’re a small business owner in ID, MT, OR, UT, WA, or WY, and haven’t been able to get a first or second PPP loan, MoFi is here and ready to help.
In order to reach the smallest businesses, SBA will offer PPP loans to businesses with fewer than 20 employees and sole proprietors only from Wednesday, February 24 through Wednesday, March 10, 2021.
- Link to more info here: PPP Program
- *This Program is now closed and no longer accepting new applications but may re-open again in the future.
You can apply through our lending partner MoFi here: Link to apply.
Over the past 12 months, MoFi has provided 2,000 PPP loans to small businesses, including sole proprietors, independent contractors, self-employed individuals, first-time applicants, and those needing smaller loans. Our average PPP loan is $25,000, and we provide many loans of less than $10,000. If you’re a small business owner in ID, MT, OR, UT, WA, or WY, and haven’t been able to get a first or second PPP loan, MoFi is here and ready to help.
Employee Retention Credits
Employee retention credits are being extended into 2021. The revenue reduction requirement is now lower and businesses that received a PPP loan are now eligible to apply. Employers with fewer than 500 employees are eligible for payroll tax credits if they keep their employees on payroll throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Read on to learn about how you can significantly lower your federal quarterly payroll tax bill here:
Employee retention credits are being extended into 2021. The revenue reduction requirement is now lower and businesses that received a PPP loan are now eligible to apply. Employers with fewer than 500 employees are eligible for payroll tax credits if they keep their employees on payroll throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Read on to learn about how you can significantly lower your federal quarterly payroll tax bill here:
- Annuity.org COVID-19 Financial Guide
- Read more here: www.annuity.org/financial-literacy/covid-19-financial-guide
Economic Development Updates
Salt Lake City Economic Development has streamlined COVID-19 resources for Salt Lake City’s business community to plan, prepare, and respond to the COVID-19 virus outbreak. This page includes updated information concerning outbreaks in Utah, school closures, transit info, workforce advisories, tips to stay healthy and more.
- This can be viewed here: www.slc.gov/ed/COVID19
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available here:
COVID-19 Prevention for Lower Risk Jobs Course
This training provides personnel with information regarding COVID-19 preparedness and response. This includes information on COVID-19, COVID-19 worker exposure risks, infection prevention and control measures. Follow these COVID-19 prevention and control measures in addition to your other existing safety and health policies and procedures at your workplace.
- Learn more here: COVID-19 Prevention Course
Coronavirus Small Business Issues and Solutions Guide
In order to aid and inform owners of small businesses, Chamber of Commerce.com has compiled a comprehensive guide to coronavirus issues and solutions. Chamber of Commerce is the go-to digital resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs, providing the guidance they need to start and run successful businesses.
- Learn more here at Small Business Issues & Solutions Guide
Unemployment Insurance
The Department of Workforce Services continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, under the direction of the Governor’s Office. Please check back regularly as these resources will continually be updated. There is help available who have lost work due to the virus impact.
- Those seeking unemployment benefits should visit www.job.utah.gov to begin the application process.
