COVID-19 Business Resources

The City of Willoughby along with other Lake County communities, the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce, the Lake County Ohio Port and Economic Development Authority, and Team NEO have partnered to share with you the most up to date COVID-19 business resources and information that best protects the health and well-being of your workers and your business.

Below is a list of reliable business resource sites. We encourage you to refer to these often, as information is changing daily.

The Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) is something I would recommend all to look into immediately, while also piggybacking the Disaster Loans program.

According to experts, “the Paycheck Protection Plan is probably the most important economic response to COVID-19 when it comes to small and not so small businesses and the people that work for them. The plan is basically a working capital loan, that will be mostly forgivable if you jump through the right hoops”.

Important Programs

Lake County CARES

The Lake County Commissioners have authorized two business assistance programs to benefit small for-profit businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The programs are meant to further economic development, preserve and create employment opportunities for Lake County residents, and support the operations of small businesses during a time of need and emergency. In total, Lake County will distribute $700,000 to small businesses. Funding for the programs was provided by the Community Development Block Grant through the Federal CARES Act. 

Please visit lakecountyohio.gov or https://lakecountyemergencyreliefloanfund.org/  to access the link to the online portal for grant and loan applications, as well as program information.

Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP)

Paycheck Protection Plan Information:

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP–Fact-Sheet.pdf

Paycheck Protection Application:

https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form–paycheck-protection-program-borrower-application-form

Understanding PPP:

Synopsis:

The Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) authorized up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. All loan terms will be the same for everyone. Application period starts April 3, 2020.

The loan amounts will be forgiven as long as:

  • The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs over the 8-week period after the loan is made; and
  • Employee and compensation levels are maintained.

The Paycheck Protection Plan application will be handled by your local banker. Call or visit your local bank to begin the application process.

Here’s a link to a very good video explaining the program: https://youtu.be/MataztxsBX0.  If you need assistance or have questions the Ohio Small Business Development Centers are available to help, please set up an appointment at: https://clients.ohiosbdc.ohio.gov/reg.aspx?mode=counsel&center=17082&subloc=0.

Disaster Loans

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

The United States Small Business Administration enacted the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program to assist small businesses with direct loans to provide economic support.  The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue. Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

Please keep in mind, this is not a one-time application, you can reapply for more assistance up to the $2 million maximum (i.e. apply for $50,000, then apply for another $50,000, up to $2 million max).

Team NEO

Team NEO COVID-19 Business Resources:

Team NEO is Northeast Ohio’s business and economic development organization which works in partnership with Jobs Ohio, the State of Ohio, Ohio Development Services Agency, and all entities focused on economic growth and job creation in Northeast Ohio. Their Covid-19 resource page if updated daily for business resources.

Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce: https://wwlcchamber.com/covid19-updates-2/

Bureau of Worker’s Compensation:

Bureau of Worker’s Compensation

FAQ and Payment deferment:

https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/downloads/blankpdf/COVID-19-BWCFAQs.pdf

US Chamber of Commerce Resources

https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus

Businesses that need workplace guidance on protocols, procedures, and how to respond to COVID-19 should refer to the US Chamber of Commerce Resources for Combating the Coronavirus as a reliable source. Visit https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus for workplace tips for employees, customizable printable flyers, sharable social graphics toolkit, and guidelines for employers to plan and respond to Coronavirus.

Lake County Small Business Development Center:

https://www.lakelandcc.edu/sbdc

The Lake County Small Business Development Center is available to assist small businesses with applying for loans and SBA Disaster Loans. Businesses need to register first in order to be contacted by the Small Business Development Center.

Register at:       Lake County Small Business Development Center Registration Link

Questions:        Lake County Small Business Development Center Contacts

United States SBA Cleveland District Offices or phone (216) 522-4180