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Small Businesses | COVID-19 Resources

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The second of several topical resource guides for dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Find all of our COVID-19 resources at http://women.vermont.gov/covid19.

SMALL BUSINESSES

Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD)’s COVID-19 resource page for business

ACCD hotline to report impacts and be directed to resources: (802) 461-5143, Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

ACCD’s Business and Economic Response to COVID-19 Newsletter

Center for Disease Control’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers

Center for Women & Enterprise Vermont offers business counseling and online workshops for entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses. They are offering weekly online ‘Brain Trusts’ that allow entrepreneurs to connect with each other and strategize solutions for each other’s businesses.

Chamber of Commerce’s Information and Support for Vermont Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

IRS Guidance on Tax relief for small businesses

Main Street Alliance’s resource list for small businesses

SCORE Resources: 

How Small Businesses Can Prepare for COVID-19 

Small Business Disaster Preparedness (Resources) 

Disaster Preparedness and Continuity of Your Business

Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility’s COVID-19 resources for businesses, including copies of past webinars on topics including transition to a remote workplace, supporting employees with child care needs, and keeping your business and community safe.   

VT COVID-19 Response Fund will focus on extending and expanding the capacity of nonprofits that provide basic needs to vulnerable populations, specifically the elderly and those who rely on the social safety net for human necessities. Recipients include community-based organizations, particularly the agencies across the state that address the causes and conditions of poverty through a coordinated community response, targeted senior centers and meal sites, as well as the lead agencies who assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness by providing equal access to housing and assistance based on clients’ strengths and need.

Vermont Department of Labor’s COVID-19 Update Page

Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program provides business planning services and technical assistance to farm, food, and forest products businesses through its business advising program. It also has a web page with resources for working lands businesses related to COVID-19 response, found here.

Vermont Manufacturers Extension Center (VMEC) is providing free remote crisis response consultations to Vermont businesses, especially those involved in manufacturing. 

Vermont Small Business Development Center Assistance Page. The SBA is rolling out two financing programs to help small businesses. The Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The EIDL includes an immediate grant of $10,000 that is available to all businesses, including sole proprietors, as soon as three days after applying. 

Vermont Small Business Development Center’s disaster recovery guide from Tropical Storm Irene

Women’s Agricultural Network (WAgN) COVID-19 Resources for Vermont Farmers and Food Producers 

Women Business Owner’s Network’s COVID-19 Resources

Creative Economy 

Americans for the Arts will be offering a webinar on April 8th at 3pm with Arts Government Affairs staff and guests who will lay out the various pieces of the legislation and how it pertains to the arts sector. 

Americans for the Arts is conducting a national survey to demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 on the creative sector through data and stories.

National Endowment for the Art’s extensive list of national organizations and resources 

New England Foundation for the Arts has also assembled resources to share with the arts and culture sector, including information on the CARES Act: Unemployment Insurance & Small Business Assistance for artists and organizations; how and where to apply for unemployment insurance and small business assistance and emergency resources and relief.

Vermont Arts Council has established a Vermont Rapid Response Artist Relief fund to respond to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on artists across our state. There's information and resources for artists and organizations as well as a guide for creating virtual arts experiences during this time of social distancing.

Non-Profits 

Common Good Vermont provides information and help to VT nonprofits responding to COVID-19.

Vermont Community Foundation, Special and Urgent Needs Grants of $500-$5,000 to help Vermont nonprofits dealing with unexpected emergencies.

Regional Planning Commissions provide emergency preparedness and disaster planning for communities. Contact your regional entity for specific information.

The Vermont League of Cities and Towns can be a resource point to share information with other areas and municipalities.