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Things Every Business Owner Needs To Do During This Crisis
What Businesses Can Do While We Wait On Financial HelpREAD MY STORY OF FINDING OPPORTUNITY IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAGEDY Instill Confidence In Your Staff And Customers--Take clear actions to reassure your staff and your customers that their health and safety are paramount concerns. Make sure people entering or interacting with your business have access to hand sanitizer, avoid handshakes and save the hugs for later. Allow staff to work remotely and provide the proper safety tools in the workplace. Educate Your
Discussing PPP, EIDLs & Tax Update
Join Rollin Groseclose & Sandra Dennison For Online Meeting - Open to Public Discussing PPP, EIDLs & Tax Update Tune in on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, 2:00 - 3:00 pm to hear JPS Rollin Groseclose, VP of Taxation Services, and Sandra Dennison, Regional Director of SBTDC, present updates on issues ranging from PPP, to EIDLs, to tax implications for small businesses of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The webinar is free
McDowell County Urged to Comply With Stay at Home Orders
April 6, 2020 From the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: A collection of North Carolina experts today released a composite modeling forecast looking at how COVID-19 could affect North Carolina in the coming months. The models, constructed by experts from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, RTI International, and others reinforced the need for limiting personal contact to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure that health care is there for people who need
Buy Local - Free Directory
The McDowell News is offering this site free of charge to any and all businesses that have e-commerce for gift cards and gift certificates! All you have to do is sign up with the form listed in the link at the bottom of the ad. It will be available April and May and we will be promoting it in the paper and online. Please share with fellow businesses. We want to make sure that everybody knows about it!
SBA Clarifies Eligibility For Faith-Based Organizations
On April 4, 2020, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced SBA issued guidance clarifying all faith-based organizations impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) are eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, without restrictions based on their religious identity or activities, to the extent they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the CARES Act that was passed by Congress, signed into law by President Trump, and implemented by the Paycheck
McDowell County Emergency Management Releases Online Screening Tool
McDowell County Emergency Services, working with the Gateway Foundation and Dogwood Health Trust have partnered to launch an online COVID-19 screening tool McDowell.ClearStep.Health (found at https://mcdowell.clearstep.health) for use in stopping the spread of the coronavirus in McDowell County. McDowell County Emergency Services deployed the new tool on April 2, with a goal of preventing the spread of COVID-19. The easy to use screening tool is able to provide individuals with clear and accurate guidance
NC RURAL CENTER ROLLS OUT NEW AID
The North Carolina Rural Center has a few grant and loan opportunities for nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and vulnerable worker populations. The link below shows a full list of resources and opportunities: Visit https://bit.ly/COVID-NCIDR. Paycheck Protection Program applications open TODAY, APRIL 3. Federal forgivable loan program to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. Loans will be forgiven if “(1) The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most
COVID-19 Resources For Farmers Including Aid
UPDATE: The Small Business Administration system has been overwhelmed. Farm Credit is not ready to accept applications. Since it is anticipated that the funding will be limited, farmers needing funds immediately are encouraged to go to the bank where they have a depository relationship. Get the list of SBA lenders serving North Carolina small businesses by clicking here.NC State University has a regularly updated COVID-19 resource page. Please refer to this page on a regular basis. It
SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program for Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19 Launches
The U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza today launched the Paycheck Protection Program, a $349 billion emergency loan program created last week with the President’s signing of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). The program provides forgivable loans up to $10 million to small businesses left financially distressed by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The loans, which will be administered at the local level by a national network of banks and credit
Facebook Live: Loan Options Explained
Watch the McDowell Chamber's Facebook page for a live event featuring local financial professionals presenting key points of the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan and the Paycheck Protection Program loan. We'll be covering the pros and cons of each, walk through the application process, and have a Q&A session to wrap things up. The Facebook Live event will be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2020 at https://www.facebook.com/myhometownchamber/. The City of Marion, the Marion Business Association, and the
Governor Issues Stay at Home Order Due to COVID-19 Emergency
On Friday, March 27, 2020, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 121. The Executive Order may be found at the following link: https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO121-Stay-at-Home-Order-3.pdf. A list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning the Executive Order may be found at the following link: https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/200327_FAQ-SAH-Order_FINAL.pdf. The Executive Order, which took effect Monday, March 30, 2020 at 5:00 p.m., directs all
SBA Loans & PPP Loans Town Hall Zoom Now Available Online
The Chamber of Commerce hosted SBA Regional Director Sharon K. Harvey in an online Town Hall Meeting for members and residents of McDowell County on Tuesday, March 30, 2020. More than 50 people attended to learn about the emergency funding options available through the SBA and any details on the new Paycheck Protection Program that was part of the recently approved CARES Act. The SBA has been working on handling the thousands of applications coming in from every state and have a new site link and a more
SBA and Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization of $349 Million
With $349 Billion in Emergency Small Business Capital Cleared, SBA and Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization Effort to Distribute FundsWASHINGTON – Following President Trump’s signing of the historic Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin today announced that the SBA and Treasury Department have initiated a robust mobilization effort of banks and other lending institutions to provide small
Watch Out for Financial Scams Related to Virus
On one hand, the coronavirus has brought out the best in us. People across the country are pitching in to help others, from providing protective masks to health care workers to holding video chats with confined residents of assisted living homes to simply buying gift cards to support local businesses. On the other hand, a small number of bad actors are taking advantage of the situation to try to defraud people. How can you guard against these virus-related scams? For starters, be aware of three common
How You Can Help Kitsbow
HOW YOU CAN HELP Yesterday we announced that we’d begin immediate production of medical provider masks and face shields. The response — especially from those offering help — has been truly humbling. Thank you. Many want to help, some offering to make masks in their homes; and while we deeply appreciate this offer, we cannot do so for these reasons: For us to make the most protective masks possible, our design requires the use of an industrial grade sewing machine. Some of the materials (like HEPA filter
Federal Rerserve Programs Enhance Liquidity and Flow of Credit
WASHINGTON – 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, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin today 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
Two Additional Cases of the Corona Virus in McDowell County
The McDowell County Emergency Operations Center COVID-19 released its latest situation report on March 27, 2020, showing an additional two (2) individuals testing positive for the Coronavirus. According to the Foothills Health District, 87 people have been tested with 39 negative and 43 with still in the process testing. The two additional individuals were not identified but health officials are maintaining CDC protocol and investigatory guidelines to ensure proper handling. Also included in the report
CARES ACT EXPLAINED
MCDOWELL COUNTY--The signing of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act by President Trump brings a sigh of relief to businesses and individuals as people hustle to prepare for isolation with the Shelter in Place Order taking effect at 5 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2020. It's also left them with many questions that have Washington officials and governors scrambling to get the correct information out and start creating the Standard Operating Procedures needed to roll this package
Internet Providers Roll Out Assistance Programs
McDowell County-Report submitted by Chris Revis, Connect McDowell Co-founder As we experience this unprecedented need for internet access during the COVID-19 crisis, here are the resources that we have confirmed are available for our members and the community at large. Verizon Wireless:Verizon is offering multiple programs and accommodations for customers during the COVID-19 crisis. These include additional data allowances at no charge and other late. Please click for more
Governor Orders Shelter In Place Effective 3-30-20
Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 121, a statewide Stay At Home Order beginning Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m. until April 29, 2020. The Executive Order directs people to stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors, or to help a family member. Specifically, the order bans gatherings of more than 10 people and directs everyone to physically stay at least six feet apart from others. The Order provides for essential businesses to continue to operate while prioritizing social
COVID-19 Cases In McDowell County
There are now seven (7) cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) that have been confirmed in McDowell County as of Wednesday, April 1, 2020, according to the Foothills Health District. As of Monday, 100 people have been tested, 62 have returned negative and 31 tests are still pending, according to the McDowell County Emergency Management. "McDowell County has been preparing for this reality and anticipated that our community would likely be impacted at some point," a press release read. "Public health staff have
USDA Moretorium Offers Peace of Mind From Foreclosures & Evictions In Rural America
WASHINGTON, DC-MARCH 26, 2020 The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses, and communities affected by the COVID-19 crisis. With so many out of work and in fear of losing their business and/or homes, this news out of the office of the USDA gives rural homeowners that are worried about their ability to pay their USDA home loans permission to breathe. Effective March 19, 2020, borrowers with the USDA single-family
Emergency Food & Meals Resource List (COVID-19)
Food & Meals Resource Guide The McDowell Local Food Advisory is providing a resource list that will be updated weekly with the latest on our food pantries' new times and operations. (If you see anything that is incorrect or missing, please use the attached contact info and inform them accordingly) . Revisions and updates to this document (living in the LFAC Assembly folder in Google Drive) will be provided by close of business each Monday. You'll be able to see the revision date in the top right hand
Golden LEAF Deploys $15M in Funding to Launch NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program
ROCKY MOUNT, NC – (March 24, 2020) – The Golden LEAF Foundation announces $15 million in funding to launch a rapid recovery loan program in response to economic losses related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Golden LEAF funding will support the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program by enabling loans to be made to eligible businesses for up to $50,000 with zero interest and no payments for six months. If not repaid in six months, the loan will automatically convert to a term loan. The NC COVID-19 Rapid
Workforce Resources Related To COVID-19
#WorkSmart During COVID-19 As we navigate through these challenging and unpredictable times, know that we are here to help and provide guidance on how to best manage your workforce. Like all global companies, we have been monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) as the situation evolves. The health and well-being of our people is top priority. Our HR and business leaders are updating colleagues on the latest health and travel guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and national
Small Business Support Can Make A Big Difference.
COVID-19 Response New Loan Options Now Available Mountain BizWorks is joining with partners from across the state to launch an innovative recovery resource – the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Lending Program. This program is being launched with an initial allocation of $15 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation (just announced this morning) to the NC Rural Center who is coordinating the multi-lender partnership.Not a grant program Mountain BizWorks issued NC COVID-19 loans are not designed to be a singular
Combating COVID-19 With Resilience
Public authorities are taking decisive action to respond to the emerging health threat, leading the business community to reconsider the adequacy of their preparedness measures. This page brings together Global Deloitte insights to help businesses manage and mitigate the risk. Click Here to Read More!
State of North Carolina - Executive Order No. 120
On March 23, 2020 Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 120 approving additional limitations of mass gatherings, restrictions on venues and long term care facilities, and extension of school closure date.Click Here to Read More!
Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas Take new Steps to Help Customers, Communities and Employees
Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas take new steps to help customers, communities and employees in wake of COVID-19 Will waive certain payment fees $1.3 million donated to help COVID-19 relief Some employees will receive cash payments to help offset virus-related expenses CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas today announced a comprehensive set of steps to help customers, communities and employees manage the economic hardship caused by COVID-19. “This is an unprecedented crisis that
Preserving Cashflow In The Face of The Coronavirus
March 20, 2020 As we all continue to process and address the effects of the coronavirus, it’s clear that there has been and will continue to be a widespread and significant financial impact. It is critical to a business’s future to consider ways to preserve, limit the loss of, or, gain access to cash.Here are some tips to consider: It’s important to look ahead and project cash flow needs as much as possible. This can be done by looking at a monthly budget or historical activity. This can help you
Treasury, IRS, and Labor Announce Plan to Implement Coronavirus-related Paid Leave for Workers
WASHINGTON – This week the U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) announced that small and midsize employers can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave to their employees. This relief to employees and small and midsize businesses is provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act),
SBA Updates Criteria on States for Requesting Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus
Contact: Jennifer.Kelly@sba.gov, (202) 205-7036 Trump Administration’s aggressive, whole-of-government efforts to combat the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and minimize economic disruption to the nation’s 30 million small businesses, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza issued revised criteria for states or territories seeking an economic injury declaration related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). The relaxed criteria will have two immediate impacts: Faster, Easier Qualification
Free Financial Planning
As the nation grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, we face unprecedented challenges that will require all sectors to collaborate for the public good, including finding ways to support the millions of financially at-risk Americans who will need quality financial planning and advice more than ever before. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM practitioner, I have partnered with the Foundation for Financial Planning (FFP) to provide pro bono financial planning to those in need. FFP will provide support
Government Opens Alternative Filing Site For Unemployment
Unemployment Insurance Update At a recent audio briefing from the White House Opportunity Revitalization Council, the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Treasury Department, and the Small Business Administration, several announcements were made to streamline assistance efforts and unemployment insurance benefits. The main message for communities and small businesses to know is that this crisis is not a lost cause, said SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza. "We're cutting as much red tape as possible," she
ActionCoach Offers Free Business Coaching For Five Businesses
During this crisis we at ActionCOACH want to be a resource to our community. We are putting aside 5 PRO BONO hours a week to coach 5 business owners who need help to survive and thrive. Contact Beverly Buckner directly @ 828-713-5554 or beverlybuckner@actioncoach.com. If you would like to get 11 strategies right now to put in place to stay on track and plan not panic contact Beverly and get a free zoom call set up.
Eat Locally: Restaurants-New Hours, New Services
Please join us in helping support our local eateries that are affected by the COVID-19 restrictions. These great local businesses have stepped up and hustled to make quick changes to serve McDowell County and stay in business. They need our support! Below is a list put together by local community champion and volunteer Morgan Pittman. We greatly appreciate her efforts to help us keep our community in the know. The City of Marion has a great tool to find your favorite restaurant with delivery options.
IRS Grants Automatic Extension For Certain Tax Payments
Individual and certain corporate tax returns are due April 15. In the past, even if an extension was obtained, any projected tax owed had to be paid at that time or late payment penalties and interest would be assessed. On March 17, 2020 the IRS announced that it will postpone the obligation to pay certain income tax balances due by April 15, giving them an additional 90 days to do so. No penalty or interest will be assessed if the tax owed is paid by the end of that 90-day period. Individuals will be
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