Corona Virus Resource Center

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.

In order to reach the smallest businesses, SBA will offer PPP loans to businesses with 20 or less employees and sole proprietors only from Wednesday, February 24 through Wednesday, March 10, 2021. President Biden has also announced additional program changes to make access to PPP loans more equitable.

Click here for more information. 

 Governor Chris Sununu announced the Self-Employment Livelihood Fund (SELF) as a follow up to the Main Street Relief Fund.

Applications will be available on July 6th. This program will be similar to the Main Street Relief Fund but for businesses in which the owner(s) are the only employees.

Eligibility requirements will include the following:
-Located in NH
-Owner(s) must be only employees
-Must be a for-profit business
-Cannot be permanently closed (temporary closures due to COVID-19 will not disqualify you)
-Cannot currently be in bankruptcy
-Must have gross receipts under $1million from 2019
Award amounts will max at $50,000 and unemployment benefits received by a business owner will be subtracted from the amount a business can receive in the award from this program.

The State of New Hampshire continues to update, make exceptions and grant essential business status to those who may not have originally qualified.

Please use the following link to access the most recent list of Essential Business. https://www.governor.nh.gov/news-media/emergency-orders/documents/emergency-order-17-ex-a.pdf

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000.

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.

To apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan, click here.

The Federal CARES Act was enacted Friday, March 27th. This includes an additional $600 per week for all individuals filing in New Hampshire until July 31st. It also provides an additional 13 weeks of eligibility on top of the existing 26 weeks. The new benefits to be available soon. New Hampshire Employment Security has been working around the clock to implement as quickly as possible. Please continue to file your claims and check this website for updated information. There is nothing you need to do to access these new benefits other than continue to file your weekly claims.

Please visit New Hampshire Employment Security for all up to date information https://www.nhes.nh.gov/.

Services include free internet for residential customers for 60 days

ATLANTIC BROADBAND LAUNCHES LOW-COST INTERNET OPTIONS AND BUSINESS SOLUTIONS TO KEEP COMMUNITIES CONNECTED DURING COVID-19 CRISIS

QUINCY, Mass, March 20, 2020 – Atlantic Broadband, the nation’s eighth-largest cable operator, is working to ensure that its customers and the public have access to the internet during the COVID-19 outbreak. New services include the following:

• Atlantic Broadband Internet Assist: Atlantic Broadband has introduced “Atlantic Broadband Internet Assist” for a limited time for residents in need in its service areas who do not presently have internet with Atlantic Broadband. The new 15 x 1 Mbps service, normally priced at $9.99 per month plus taxes, will be offered free for 60 days. New Atlantic Broadband Internet Assist customers also will receive free installation and a free modem with the service.
  
  
• Atlantic Broadband Business Assist: For Atlantic Broadband business customers that want to supply at home workers with voice and internet services, the company is also introducing a new “Atlantic Broadband Business Assist Package” which includes 50 Mbps High Speed Internet, a modem, a Hosted Voice Seat, and a Polycom Phone (or equivalent). It is being offered on a temporary basis at the discounted rate of $29.99 (a savings of approximately $100/month off standard prices). 
  
  
• Free Virtual Extension: Recognizing that employees are now in work-from-home situations, Atlantic Broadband will for a limited time allow existing Hosted Voice business customers to add an additional hosted voice seat to their account free. This will provide employees who are working from home a virtual extension to their business phone system. The extension can be used on a smartphone (iOS or Android) or computer (PC/Mac).
  
  
• Free WiFi Hotspots: Atlantic Broadband has opened up its WiFi Hotspots free to the public. For locations visit: https://atlanticbb.com/my-services/my-account/wifi-hotspots
  
  
• “We know that many people are now working from home or have school-aged children who are now at home and must connect to the internet for online course work,” said Heather McCallion, Vice President of Product and Programming for Atlantic Broadband. “Our new internet offerings are an affordable way for communities to stay connected at this challenging time.” 
  
  

The company also announced other initiatives in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak:

• TV Freeviews: Recognizing that customers are spending more time at home, the company has announced that it will provide the EPIX premium channel free for all Atlantic Broadband video customers from March 20, 2020 through April 3, 2020. Fox News Channel and CNN also will be opened to all video subscribers (3/20 – 4/17/20), along with Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Drama and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries (3/20 – 5/13/20).
  
  
• Precautionary Measures: In order to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus at its office locations where customers transact face-to-face, Atlantic Broadband has discontinued front counter service at its office locations effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Customers have been informed of multiple options that are available that do not involve the need to travel to an office location for payments, equipment returns and other questions. 
  
  
• Keeping Customers Connected: Atlantic Broadband is supporting the FCC’s “Keep Americans Connected” initiative: Atlantic Broadband will not terminate service and will waive late fees for any residential or small business customer because of their inability to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
  

ABOUT ATLANTIC BROADBAND 
Atlantic Broadband, a subsidiary of Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA), is the eighth largest cable operator in the United States, based on the number of television service customers served. The company provides its residential and business customers with Internet, TV and Phone services in 11 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Atlantic Broadband is headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts. To learn more about Atlantic Broadband, please visit www.atlanticbb.com.

ABOUT ATLANTIC BROADBAND BUSINESS
Atlantic Broadband Business delivers advanced Video, Internet, Business WiFi and Phone services to small and medium businesses over a highly reliable, fiber-rich, high-capacity network. It also offers customized, scalable Metro Ethernet enterprise solutions, including dedicated fiber with symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gbps, point-point and multipoint transport, and Hosted Voice solutions. Atlantic Broadband supports its business clients with 24/7 network monitoring and technical support, professional client care, and dedicated local account executives. To learn more, visit atlanticbb.com/business.

The New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) is actively monitoring the evolving situation with regard to the threat the coronavirus (COVID-19) presents to our state. The health, safety and well-being of all residents and businesses is a top-priority and the actions the Governor has taken to limit the community spread of COVID-19 have not been taken lightly. Businesses that have concerns or questions, should contact their regional Business Resource Specialist. Click on the Specialist for your county that is located in the box on the left.

Call to Businesses for Covid-19 Supplies

Small Business Administration Disaster Declaration

U.S. Small Business Administration - On March 18, 2020, SBA’s Administrator approved the Governor’s request for an SBA disaster declaration. This approval allows small businesses to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Small Businesses from all counties will now be able to apply online, send email or call (603) 225-1400 or (800) 659-2955. SBA Fact Sheet

Unemployment Information

Layoffs and business closures: If your business faces a potential layoff, the State of New Hampshire offers services through its Rapid Response program. Rapid Response is a comprehensive, collaborative and immediate initiative to respond to and mitigate layoffs and closures. Rapid Response benefits both employers and employees through services  to workers who are laid off, as well as layoff aversion information for businesses.

Employers facing potential layoffs or closures should contact Joe Doiron at Joseph.Doiron@livefree.nh.gov, 603-271-0146, to activate a Rapid Response team. More information can be found at NH Works.

Employees experiencing layoffs: The State of New Hampshire offers a number of services for employees who have been laid off. New Hampshire Employment Security has a list of available services. Individuals will need to file for unemployment each week of temporary unemployment and this can and should be done online or by calling 603-271-7700.

• Guidance for Non-Profit and Public Employers
• Guidance for Private Employers
• Guidance for Excluded Services Now Eligible
• Guidance for Self Employed and Previously Excluded Employment

Public Health and Support

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provides services to ensure the health and well-being of citizens during a layoff. Dislocated workers can discuss healthcare options, apply for food stamps, cash assistance, medical assistance, childcare and medical savings. Individuals can apply online at NHEasy or by calling 603-271-9700.

State Resources

• NH Department of Health and Human Services - For the most up-to-date Covid-19 situation in New Hampshire.
• NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs - BEA stands ready to provide assistance to businesses affected by COVID-19 through custom and personal input from our Business Retention specialists.
• NH Small Business Development Center - The New Hampshire Small Business Development Center provides business advising and education services to small and medium-sized businesses.
• NH Business Finance Authority - Business loan programs administered by the BFA include small-business loan guarantees, the Capital Access Program, the Guarantee Asset Program, and the Working Capital Line of Credit Guarantee. In addition, the BFA offers finance programs designed to help local or regional economic development organizations recapitalize or expand to stimulate business movement to the state.
• Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) - Grants, Loans and Tax Credits to assist municipalities, nonprofits and businesses to meet their current and ongoing needs, up to $500,000.
• NH Insurance Department - The Department provides information for consumers as well as for business owners on how their respective insurance policies may cover or be affected by COVID-19.
• NH Secretary of State - The New Hampshire Secretary of State is responsible for recording all required information regarding business and entities operating in New Hampshire. 

Federal Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides information for individuals, businesses and employers, schools, and healthcare providers on how to best respond to COVID-19 and limit transmission.
• U.S. Small Business Administration - The Small Business Administration is providing low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by COVID-19. This is in addition to other development, expansion, and international trade loan programs that are still currently available for businesses.
• U.S. Department of Labor - The Department of Labor has resources to help workers and employers for addressing COVID-19 virus.
• U.S. Department of State - The Department of State maintains information for travelers looking to go overseas and for U.S. citizens already overseas on how foreign countries are responding to COVID-19. Currently, the Department of State is urging Americans to reconsider traveling overseas at this time.
• Department of Homeland Security - The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for, among other things, transportation security and the import of goods into the United States. Currently the Department of Homeland Security is working to implement Presidential Proclamations relating to the entry of U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens from certain countries.
• Export-Import Bank of the United States - The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is an independent federal agency that provides export credit for the sale of U.S. goods and services overseas. EXIM is providing program waivers and deadline extensions to customers as a part of its COVID-19 response in addition to continuing to provide its financial services.

Governor Sununu's Executive Orders

On March 13, Governor Chris Sununu declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus. The emergency declaration helps to free up critical funding that will aid the state in responding to the pandemic.
Additional actions the Governor has taken since making the declaration, include:  

• 3.23.20 – Governor Chris Sununu Issues Emergency Orders 11 - 15 – Orders include authority to perform online notarization, the modification of public access to meetings,  allows for pharmacists and pharmacies to compound and sell hand sanitizer over-the-counter and for pharmacy technicians to perform non-dispensing tasks remotely, authorizes out-of-state pharmacies to act as a mail-order facility within the state, and allows out-of-state medical providers to provide medically necessary services through telehealth.
• 3.21.2020 - Governor Chris Sununu Issues Emergency Order 10 - Requiring all grocers and retail stores to temporarily transition to use of singe use paper or plastic bags.
• 3.19.2020 - Governor Chris Sununu Issues Emergency Order 9, Establishes the COVID-19 Emergency Healthcare System Relief Fund - Establishes a $50 million fund for hospitals and health care providers in the state which will provide short-term, no interest loans.
• 3.18.2020 - Governor Sununu Issues Three Emergency Orders to Respond to Covid-19 - The orders include temporary authorization for take-out or delivery beer or wine, temporary modification of data and privacy governance plans, and temporary expansion of access to Telehealth Services to protect the public and health care providers.
• 3.17.2020 - Governor Sununu Issues Three Emergency Orders To Provide Relief - The orders include prohibiting utility, fuel and phone/internet providers from from disconnecting or discontinuing service for non-payments; prohibiting landlords from starting eviction proceedings for those unable to pay rent; and expanding eligibility for state unemployment benefits as a result of COVID-19. 
• 3.16.2020 - State Takes Steps to Limit COVID-19 Spread - All restaurants and bars ordered to close but can transition to offer takeout, delivery or drive-through services only.
• 3.15.2020 - Governor Sununu Issues Emergency Order Transitioning NH Schools to Remote Learning - All K-12 public schools ordered to transition to remote instruction and learning.

SBA is focused on assisting with the continuity of operations for small business contracting programs and small businesses with federal contracts. For more information on federal contracting, visit https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide

More specifically:

• 8(a) Business Development program serves to help provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities, and the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate. The 8(a) program offer and acceptance process is available nationwide, and the SBA continues to work with federal agencies to ensure maximum practicable opportunity to small businesses. 8(a) program participants should stay in touch with their Business Opportunity Specialist (BOS).
• HUBZone program offers eligibility assistance every Thursday from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET at 1-202-765-1264; access code 63068189#.  Members of the HUBZone team answer questions to help firms navigate the certification process.  For specific questions regarding an application, please contact the HUBZone Help Desk at hubzone@sba.gov.
• Women-owned Small Business firms who have questions, please visit www.sba.gov/wosbready or write to wosb@sba.gov.
   

If a situation occurs that will prevent small businesses with government contracts from successfully performing their contract, they should reach out to their contracting officer and seek to obtain extensions before they receive cure notices or threats of termination. The SBA’s Procurement Center Representatives can assist affected small businesses to engage with their contracting officer. Use the Procurement Center Representative Directory to connect with the representative nearest you.

SBA is here to assist small businesses with accessing federal resources and navigating their own preparedness plans as described by the CDC’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers.

SBA works with a number of local partners to counsel, mentor and train small businesses. The SBA has 68 District Offices, as well as support provided by its Resource Partners, such as SCORE offices, Women’s Business Centers, Small Business Development Centers and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. When faced with a business need, use the SBA’s Local Assistance Directory to locate the office nearest you.

Access to Capital

SBA provides a number of loan resources for small businesses to utilize when operating their business. For more information on loans or how to connect with a lender, visit: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans.

How to get access to lending partners?  SBA has developed Lender Match, a free online referral tool that connects small businesses with participating SBA-approved lenders within 48 hours.

• 7(a) program offers loan amounts up to $5,000,000 and is an all-inclusive loan program deployed by lending partners for eligible small businesses within the U.S. States and its territories. The uses of proceeds include: working capital; expansion/renovation; new construction; purchase of land or buildings; purchase of equipment, fixtures; lease-hold improvements; refinancing debt for compelling reasons; seasonal line of credit; inventory; or starting a business.
• Express loan program provides loans up to $350,000 for no more than 7 years with an option to revolve. There is a turnaround time of 36 hours for approval or denial of a completed application. The uses of proceeds are the same as the standard 7(a) loan.
• Community Advantage loan pilot program allows mission-based lenders to assist small businesses in underserved markets with a maximum loan size of $250,000. The uses of proceeds are the same as the standard 7(a) loan.
• 504 loan program is designed to foster economic development and job creation and/or retention. The eligible use of proceeds is limited to the acquisition or eligible refinance of fixed assets.
• Microloan program involves making loans through nonprofit lending organizations to underserved markets. Authorized use of loan proceeds includes working capital, supplies, machinery & equipment, and fixtures (does not include real estate). The maximum loan amount is $50,000 with the average loan size of $14,000.

Exporting Assistance

SBA provides export loans to help small businesses achieve sales through exports and can help these businesses respond to opportunities and challenges associated with trade, such as COVID-19. The loans are available to U.S. small businesses that export directly overseas, or those that export indirectly by selling to a customer that then exports their products.

• Export Express loan program allows access to capital quickly for businesses that need financing up to $500,000. Businesses can apply for a line of credit or term note prior to finalizing an export sale or while pursuing opportunities overseas, such as identifying a new overseas customer should an export sale be lost due to COVID-19.
• Export Working Capital program enables small businesses to fulfill export orders and finance international sales by providing revolving lines of credit or transaction-based financing of up to $5 million. Businesses could use a loan to obtain or retain overseas customers by offering attractive payment terms.
• International Trade loan program helps small businesses engaged in international trade to retool or expand to better compete and react to changing business conditions. It can also help exporting firms to expand their sales to new markets or to re-shore operations back to the U.S.

The President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America - 15 Days to Slow the Spread

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the most up-to-date information on COVID-19. This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). For updates from CDC, please see the following:

• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Preventing Stigma Related to COVID-19
• Share Facts about COVID-19
• CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Web page
• Information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Prevention, Symptoms and FAQ
   

The following interim guidance may help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. The guidance also provides planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks of COVID-19.

To prevent stigma and discrimination in the workplace, use the guidance described below and on the CDC’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers web page.

Below are recommended strategies for employers to use now. In-depth guidance is available on the CDC’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers web page:

• Actively encourage sick employees to stay home
• Separate sick employees
• Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees
• Perform routine environmental cleaning
• Advise employees before traveling to take certain steps
  • Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which you will travel. Specific travel information for travelers going to and returning from designated countries with risk of community spread of Coronavirus, and information for aircrew, can be found on the CDC website.
• Additional Measures in Response to Currently Occurring Sporadic Importations of the COVID-19:
  • Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.
  • If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees exposed to a co-worker with confirmed COVID-19 should refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.

Common Issues Small Businesses May Encounter:

• Capital Access – Incidents can strain a small business's financial capacity to make payroll, maintain inventory and respond to market fluctuations (both sudden drops and surges in demand). Businesses should prepare by exploring and testing their capital access options so they have what they need when they need it.  See SBA’s capital access resources.
• Workforce Capacity – Incidents have just as much impact on your workers as they do your clientele. It’s critical to ensure they have the ability to fulfill their duties while protected.
• Inventory and Supply Chain Shortfalls – While the possibility could be remote, it is a prudent preparedness measure to ensure you have either adequate supplies of inventory for a sustained period and/or diversify your distributor sources in the event one supplier cannot meet an order request.
• Facility Remediation/Clean-up Costs – Depending on the incident, there may be a need to enhance the protection of customers and staff by increasing the frequency and intensity by which your business conducts cleaning of surfaces frequently touched by occupants and visitors. Check your maintenance contracts and supplies of cleaning materials to ensure they can meet increases in demand.
• Insurance Coverage Issues – Many businesses have business interruption insurance; Now is the time to contact your insurance agent to review your policy to understand precisely what you are and are not covered for in the event of an extended incident.
• Changing Market Demand – Depending on the incident, there may be access controls or movement restrictions established which can impede your customers from reaching your business. Additionally, there may be public concerns about public exposure to an incident and they may decide not to go to your business out of concern of exposing themselves to greater risk. SBA’s Resources Partners and District Offices have trained experts who can help you craft a plan specific to your situation to help navigate any rapid changes in demand.

• Marketing – It’s critical to communicate openly with your customers about the status of your operations, what protective measures you’ve implemented, and how they (as customers) will be protected when they visit your business. Promotions may also help incentivize customers who may be reluctant to patronize your business.
• Plan – As a business, bring your staff together and prepare a plan for what you will do if the incident worsens or improves. It’s also helpful to conduct a tabletop exercise to simulate potential scenarios and how your business management and staff might respond to the hypothetical scenario in the exercise. For examples of tabletop exercises, visit FEMA’s website at: https://www.fema.gov/emergency-planning-exercises