Covid-19 Resources
COVID-19 Chester County Updates and Resources
To support the Cottrell Center’s network of small and startup businesses in dealing with the effects of COVID-19, we identified valuable information provided by our partners. This list includes COVID-19 related business information, CARES act information, and best business practices.
West Chester University Health Notices:
Small Business Resources:
CARES Act – Payment Protection Program
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses.
- Summary of CARES Act
- Small Business Owners Guide to CARES Act
- The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
- Small Business Guide and Checklist for Emergency Loans
- Paycheck Protection Program FAQs for Small Businesses
Paycheck Protection Program Loans: For small businesses needing funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. May also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. These are loans that may be fully forgiven.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (low-interest, long-term loans up to $2 million): The
first payment is deferred for 12 months. The application has been simplified and can
be completed 100% online through the SBA web portal.
EIDL Fact Sheet
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (up to $10,000): The form to apply is part of
the Economic Injury Disaster Loan application noted above. If approved, these funds
can be used for payroll and other operating expenses and will be forgiven. Businesses
that did not originally apply for the advance may apply now.
SBA Express Bridge Loan: allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can be a term loan or used to bridge the gap while applying for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan funding.
- Current SBA 7(a) loans, 504 loans, or Microloans: Payments will be deferred for 6 months by the lender.
- -Existing SBA Disaster Loans (from previous Disaster declarations): Payments have been deferred through Dec. 31, 2020. Although no application for this is needed, businesses are required to stop/restart preauthorized debits for this.
The spread of coronavirus has disrupted economic activity and put significant liquidity
pressure on U.S. businesses. To immediately enhance liquidity and support American
workers, households, and businesses through this challenging period, Secretary Mnuchin
authorized the expansion of two recently launched facilities and the establishment
of three new facilities to provide liquidity to the financial system pursuant to section
13(3) of the Federal Reserve Act.
FAQ’s
Guidance for Employers
- Retail, Grocery, Restaurants, Bars
- Food Processors
- Procedures for Sanitization and Diagnosed Employees
- Information for Dairy Workers
- Guidance to Ensure Continuity for Animal Shelters and Boarding Facilities - and Advice for Pet Owners
- Chester County Restaurant/Merchant/ Operating Business List during Shutdown
- COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program(CWCA)
- Business Guidance FAQs
- List of Life Sustaining and Non-Life Sustaining Businesses
- Chester County Business Impact Assessment for COVID-19 Survey
- COVID-19 Information Hub (Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce)
- Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Legislative Updates
- Chester County Corona Virus Updates
- Chester County Economic Development Council Corona Virus Updates
- COVID-19 in Chester County Updates 3/31/20
- Landlord and Tenant Guidance (Vista.Today)
- Corona Virus Updates from Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
- Exton Region Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Law Updates
Unemployment Compensation
- Unemployment Waiting Period Waived
- Information for PA Employees Impacted by COVID-19
- Unemployment Compensation FAQs
- Contact the Unemployment Compensation office
- 888-313-7284
- Live Chat via website
CHESCO Business Impact Assessment
Banks Offering Mortgage Relief
Resources
- Guidance for the Agricultural Industry
- Guidance for Retail Grocery Stores, Restaurants & Bars
- PA Department of Community and Economic Development
- CDC Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- Health Department information for Businesses for COVID-19
- Questions to Ask Yourself If You Want to Be an Entrepreneur
Partner Resources
Partner Information & Resources
The Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership has strong partnership relationships with organizations in the Chester County Eco-System and beyond that can provide guidance, support and information for you and your business.
SCORE of Chester & Delaware County
CHESTER COUNYT ECOMONIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
GREATER WEST CHESTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CHESTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
EXTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
WEST CHESTER AREA BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID)
Guidance for Starting Your Business:
- Successfully Start Your Business
- Entrepreneur's Guide
- Goals & Strategies For Starting A Business
- Harvard University Free Entrepreneurship Course
- Protecting Your Business Ideas
- Managing Work/Life Balance
Funding:
- Kutztown University Small Business Development Center
- Chesco Economic Development Center Loan
- Chester County Main Street Preservation Grant Program
Workshops/Live Webinars:
Entrepreneurship Resources
Angel Venture Groups & Investing
- Angel Venture Fair – September 11, 2020
- Introduction to Angel Investing
- Additional Angel Investing Information
SCORE of Chester & Delaware County
- COVID-19 SCORE Webinar 04/06/20 – 04/10/20
- SCORE Additional Resources
- Attracting Investors
- Is Your Website Mobile Friendly?
- Business Taxes Deductions
- Tax Papers Business Owners Need
- Benefits of Forecasting A Business
- Packaging Ideas For Your Business
- How To Successfully Start Your Business
- An Entrepreneurs Guide
- Understanding Goals and Strategies
- Protecting Your Business
Workshops/Live Webinars:
Additional Resources:
Small Business/Startup Resources
Funding:
- Chester County Main Street Preservation Grant Program
- Kutztown University Small Business Development Center
- Five Sources of Quick Cash for Your Small Business
Networking:
SCORE of Chester & Delaware County
Successfully Start your Business
SCORE Additional Resources Page
Is your website mobile friendly?
GREATER WEST CHESTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
Small Business Owners Guide to CARES ACT
United Way of Chester County Launces COVID-19 Response Fund
WEST CHESTER AREA BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID):
https://west-chester.com/320/Business-Improvement-District
CHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL:
CHESCO Business Impact Assessment
CHESTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIES:
Corona Virus Emergency Loan and Guideline Checklist
EXTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
Banks Offering Mortgage Relief
GREATER PHILADELPHIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
KEIRETSU FORUM MID-ATLANTIC:
https://keiretsuforum-midatlantic.com