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Last Updated 3/30/2020
Beginning March 31, Utah-based small businesses with 50 or fewer employees impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may apply for a new bridge loan program offered by the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).
The Utah Leads Together Small Business Bridge Loan program uses approximately $8 million in repurposed state economic development funds. Additionally, the Utah Department of Workforce Services has contributed $500,000 to the program.
Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $20,000 with 0% interest for up to a 60-month period. Loans cannot exceed three months of demonstrated operating expenses. Loan payments are deferred for 12 months, and GOED will use at least 25% of the program funds to support rural Utah businesses.
See full criteria, eligibility and requirements in the link below.
Utah small businesses can apply for the Utah Leads Together Small Business Bridge Loan starting on March 31, 2020.
3/30/2020
The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
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. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.
Access the full Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act HERE.
3/27/2020
As you’ve likely heard, the Stimulus Package passed today.
$350 Billion has been set aside for businesses with less than 500 employees.
Paycheck Protection Program:
Who can get a loan?
Businesses, including self-employed and independent contractors, nonprofits (501 C3), veterans’ organizations (501 C19) and tribal business concerns, with less than 500 employees.
Where do I apply?
Any federally insured depository (bank or credit union)
How much can I borrow?
Up to $10 million but not more than 2.5 times average monthly payroll
How much will be forgiven?
Borrower shall be eligible for loan forgiveness equal to the amount spent by borrower during an 8-week period after the origination date of the loan on payroll costs, interest payment on any mortgage incurred prior to February 15, 2020, payment of rent on any lease in force prior to February 15, 2020 and payment on any utility for which service began before February 15, 2020. The principle balance of the loan will be reduced by an amount equal to all expenses for payroll, utilities, and rent or mortgage interest, during the 8-week period after the loan is granted. Any remaining principle balance will be amortized over a period of up to 10 years. However, the first payment will be deferred for 12 months.
How much is the interest rate?
Remaining principle balance after loan forgiveness will be charged interest not to exceed 4% but will vary depending on the length of term (up to 10 years).
What documentation will I need?
The guidelines have not yet been published, but it is clear you will need to establish an average monthly payroll. Otherwise, there is no credit underwriting, so no tax returns, financial statements, credit reports, guarantees, etc. will be required.
Does a business have to be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 virus in order to get a loan?
You will be required to attest that the COVID-19 virus has negatively impacted your business.
How long will it take to get approved?
It is anticipated that when the program is fully up and running, loans will be funded the same day the application is completed.
EXAMPLE:
A small business with fewer that 500 employees and an average monthly payroll of $150,000 applies for a PPP loan with its bank. After attesting that the COVID-19 virus has impacted its business operations, the business receives a loan of $375,000. Over the next 8 weeks it is determined that the business has incurred $350,000 in eligible payroll, rent and utilities expenses. The principle balance of the loan is reduced to $25,000 and amortized over 10 years at an interest rate not to exceed 4%. The first loan payment is due 12 months later. The program prohibits SBA from charging fees to the lender and the borrower.
Unemployment and Stimulus Packages
Unemployment: Increases by $600 per week for 4 months.
Stimulus Package: $1,200 per adult/$2,400 couple, plus $500 per child, with a tiered approach for salaries below $75,000 per person/$150,000 household, with decreasing payments for households up to $90,000 per person/$180,000 household.
SBA Disaster Relief Loans
The Stimulus Package or PPP is different from the SBA Disaster Relief Loans. You may apply for one, but not both. The Disaster Relief Loans will be processed by the SBA, while the PPP will be processed by a financial institution.
The World Trade Center has set up a Rapid Response Team with that will help facilitate the demand for the SBA loans.
In addition, the State of Utah will be receiving approximately $1.5B to filter down to counties and municipalities as appropriate. The money must got to off-set COVID costs. The state’s www.coronavirus.utah.gov is a great resource for additional information.
3/18/20
Small Business Administration Loans
The Governor's Office of Economic Development has been working closely with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to secure low-interest loans for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19. All 29 Utah counties are now eligible to apply for low-interest loans through the SBA.
Apply Here
We just received word from the Utah Office of Tourism that U.S. Travel is advancing a package of industry initiatives through Congress.
We have heard from many of you and know that the impacts your businesses are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic are severe.
If inclined to provide your voice to the conversation, we are asking that you place a social media post and/or write a letter to the editor as quickly as possible to document the impacts to your business. It does not need to be comprehensive or poetic, just a snapshot of what you have observed and/or experienced in order to help make the case for a range of congressional interventions to assist our industry. US Travel needs to have these placements by Friday. Please see below for recommendations:
Congress will be voting on a recovery package this week and hearing from industry is critical so that our policy recommendations are supported.
Write a letter to your editor / post on social!
LETTER TO EDITOR:
Be timely! The faster you move, the more likely you will be to get published. US Travel will be bringing letters that are placed in local papers in front of congress.
Keep it short. Most LTEs are around 200 words. Mention your reason for writing in the first sentence and limit your LTE to one or two key points.
Be punchy. Lots of LTEs are boring. Demonstrate urgency. Be clever. Be real.
Tell your story. Personal stories are the best way for the local community to connect with you and your point of view. How has COVID-19 impacted YOU? Your business? Your employees?
Know your audience. Who reads this publication? You are speaking to Utahn’s and right now “we are all in this together”
Keep it simple. Facts and figures are boring. Your story is more important and a better way to persuade.
Call to action. End your LTE with a call to action. You can encourage folks to support your business, call elected officials, etc.
Spell check. Get a friend or family member to double check for spelling or grammar mistakes or send to Anna, aloughridge@utah.gov for suggestions or edits!
Newspaper name:
Date:
Dear Editor:
INTRO: These are difficult and surreal days for our community and for the world. Two weeks ago, I was welcoming visitors and locals alike into my business.
THIS IS: [sad/inspiring/hard/surprising] because ________
As the [owner, manager, etc.], I have had to ____
We are taking the necessary measures to protect the health of our community. I hope that we can find ways to also protect _____
Sincerely,
[NAME]
[PHONE #]
[EMAIL]
SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: With many staying at home now, this is a great opportunity to engage with your social community who are active now more than ever. A great way to do this is by discovering and celebrating the positive and innovative things your community is doing to cope with the situation (i.e. volunteering at medical clinics, checking on elderly neighbors, donating goods/services, etc.). Please use #VisitUtah on Instagram and Twitter when sharing these moments on your social media and we may feature that content on the @VisitUtah accounts.
Ogden City is committed to responding to coronavirus (COVID-19) and its related economic impacts. We have published an overview of business resources related to COVID-19, and will be updating it regularly. Check back frequently for updates.
State of Utah Orders Restaurants, Bars to Suspend Dine-in Services.The Utah Department of Health, in coordination with the Governor’s Office and Utah COVID-19 Community Task Force, issued an order to all restaurants, bars, and food service establishments in the state of Utah to suspend dine-in operations for a period of two weeks beginning Wednesday, March 18, at 11:59 p.m.
3/17/2020
See our link at the top of this page or here, to order for curbside pickup from local eateries.
Governor Gary Herbert has implemented a set of Statewide Measures to Limit Spread of COVID-19. These actions are effective until March 30 and will be revised as the situation requires to keep Utahns safe and healthy.
Small Business UPDATE: The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.
Please know that the first priority of Visit Ogden is the health, safety and well-being of our residents and everyone visiting or attending an event that is held in our community. We are continually engaging with our local health and community leaders to provide the very latest in information to our partners in our area. At our event venues, attractions, and hotels our hospitality partners are taking numerous steps to ensure the cleanliness of their properties. We want to ensure that Ogden will be safe, comfortable and memorable.
Note: Events in Ogden and throughout Utah are being restricted by the Governor of the State of Utah.
UPDATE: For the next 15 days, the Weber Center and the facilities listed below will be available by appointment only and closed to the general public beginning today, March 17th at noon. Please call the respective department at the number linked below to set up your appointment. Weber County staff are moving to a work from home or critical crew as set by each of their department heads or elected officials. We will do our part to make sure we are facilitating appointments as quickly as possible to maintain a high customer service-oriented approach. Each of our departments remains absolutely committed to facilitating the role of government as seamlessly as possible to support our residents and businesses. Blog post here.
Facilities Available by Appointment Only, Closed to the General Public:
· Weber Center
· All Weber County libraries
· Peery's Egyptian Theater
· Golden Spike Event Center
· The Weber County Shooting Complex
· Fort Buenaventura
· Weber County Ice Sheet
· North Fork Park
· David Eccles Conference Center
· Observatory Park
· Weber Memorial Park
Excluded from this list are the Weber County Sheriff's Office and the Weber County Animal Shelter. Please refer to their social media pages for the most up to date policy information. The Weber County transfer station will also remain open to the public.
All public meetings of the Commission will be broadcast via YouTube and Facebook. We encourage you to participate online as we will be monitoring your comments there.
We take very seriously our role in weathering this unique situation together. We are working diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for long-term economic stability and the health of our community.
http://webercountyutah.gov/departments.php
3/16/2020
Powder Mountain has officially ceased all operations for the 2019/2020 season. Guests who have pre-purchased tickets will be eligible for a credit to a gift card plus 15% bonus value added to the value of their original reservation. Gift Cards and the bonus value do not expire and can be used for any purchase at Powder Mountain in the future. Please contact tickets@powdermountain.com to receive your gift card and bonus cash.
Guests who have rented equipment through the Powder Mountain Sports Shop are asked to return gear tomorrow. The shop will be open from 9AM to 3PM to process returns.
Powder Mountain will be closed for uphill travel in the near term. We will evaluate uphill travel options over the coming days.
3/12/2020
Ogden City Suspends Rec Program and use of Specific Centers. Read full post here.
3/11/2020
Please see a Coronavirus letter to the Community from the Mayor and City Council here.
To assist with travel decisions, like everyone else, we are working to share resources through the CDC, WHO and state agencies to ensure everyone has the most timely and accurate information possible.
Our focus is on the health and safety of our communities, visitors and friends in Utah and around the world that are managing this issue. While we are all disappointed in the numerous events that have been put on hold or cancelled, taking quick action to avoid creating a greater problem will help us in the long run.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued no warning or restrictions on travel anywhere in the U.S. and the health risk to the general public remains low according to the Utah Department of Health.
We are fortunate to have numerous wide-open spaces in our backyard. We encourage visitors and locals to not only responsibly enjoy these spaces, but also to patronize and support our local businesses. Those who are not exhibiting symptoms or are not members of at risk populations are encouraged to continue to go out into the community and patronize local business, restaurants and attractions.
Our hotel rooms and attractions are clean, restaurants are ready to serve.
Sincerely,
Sara Toliver President/CEO
3/9/2020
Visit Ogden is here to support our community and our travelers. To assist with travel decisions we are working to share resources to ensure you have the most timely and accurate information possible.
Please be advised that Utah's public health agencies and the Utah Office of Tourism are closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation around the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Right now our focus is on the health and safety of our communities, visitors and friends in Utah around the world that are managing this issue.
TRAVEL RECOMENDATIONS
While industry experts stress the appeal of outdoor spaces, safety and health and wellness to visitors, ultimately, it is your personal decision whether or not to travel.
A coalition of 150 travel-related organizations issued the following statement on the latest developments around coronavirus. "For the travel and hospitality industry, the safety of the traveling public, our guests and our employees is of the utmost importance. We are in daily contact with public health authorities and are acting on the most up-to-date information on the evolving coronavirus situation. Read the joint message here.
KEY RESOURCES
HEALTHY TRAVEL PRACTICES
GENERAL COVID-19 INFORMATION
Condé Nast Traveler emphasizes the need to travel smart. There is plenty of uncertainty regarding COVID-19, amplifying the need "traveling consciously, with awareness and respect for the place you're visiting." Conde Nast also recognizes the hard work of the travel industry to unite around our common goals and interest to ensure travel is as safe and accessible as possible.
