The Pasadena Pulse
Special COVID-19 Edition with resources from
our part of the Greater Houston Metro Area
Dear friends, colleagues and community partners,

Over the past month, many things have changed for all of us. The Pasadena EDC team recognizes the seriousness of this pandemic and the way it is impacting our community overall. We want you to know that our team is working closely with the City of Pasadena and other regional partners to ensure we can provide you with the most reliable information and resources during this rapidly changing situation.

As we are all adjusting to the new normal, one thing remains the same -- Pasadena's caring community. Pasadena, Texas has proven time after time to be a community that cares and this challenge is no different. It is encouraging to see our businesses and community stick together and step up to help during the most difficult situations. It shares a great message of hope and the resilience of our community. Soon we will regain a sense of normalcy, but until then know that Pasadena EDC is here for you and your business as we continue moving forward together.






The City of Pasadena is collecting business loss information to submit to the State of Texas, FEMA, and SBA to ensure local businesses are supported by federal disaster assistance to mitigate the economic/financial impacts of COVID-19.

Pasadena businesses are encouraged to complete the city's COVID-19 Business Survey to help city leadership understand the impacts that the current situation has had on revenues, staffing, and other critical business components.
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
On Friday, March 27, 2020, the US Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), a $2 Trillion Economic Relief Package for the Coronavirus pandemic. This legislation provides multiple forms of assistance to businesses and private individuals and has been designed to distribute capital quickly and broadly. These provisions include:
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

One of the largest sections of the CARES Act, is the most important provision in the new stimulus bill for most small businesses. This new program sets aside $350 billion in government-backed loans from private banks that can, in some cases, be converted to grants, which means that if you meet the requirements you won't need to pay the loan back.

Business Tax Changes

The CARES Act makes select changes to taxes and tax policies in order to ease the burden on businesses impacted by COVID-19. Many of these changes will apply to small businesses all over the country, so it is vital to discuss with a tax professional which can apply to your company.

Changes to the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs)

Another important aspect of the CARES Act for small businesses is that it expands eligibility for the SBA’s  Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) . In early March, the SBA’s disaster loan program was extended to all small businesses affected by COVID-19, but the CARES Act opens this program up further and makes it easier to apply.

Changes to Paid Sick Leave and Paid FMLA Leave from the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

The CARES Act makes small changes to the  Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)  in regards to paid sick leave, paid FMLA and more.

We have already seen an outpouring of support within our community. Pasadena EDC continues to encourage you to support small businesses during this critical time. Local business is essential for our economy. They bring growth and innovation to our communities. They provide employment and create entrepreneurship opportunities and support the local communities and neighborhoods.

There are many ways that we can help #KeepPasadenaStrong and support those businesses that make our community so unique. Below are just a few ideas on the various ways that you can support our local businesses.

  • Purchase gift cards to use at a later time
  • Order food from favorite restaurant for delivery or take out
  • Order products you need online
  • Give them an online review to help spread the word
  • Share local delivery menus and specials on social platforms
  • Tip extra when you can
  • Give a donation
  • Stay home if you are sick
  • Say thank you every chance you get
  • Share your ideas on how they can boost their business
  • Share reliable sources such as this email with those who may not have access to it

If you are a business owner and looking for ways to share your operating hours or services you can share that information here. If you are looking for information on restaurants and groceries that are currently open, the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce has put a list together and you can find it here.
Did you know our COVID-19 Resource page offers an interactive mapping tool that provides you with data for your specific county and all of the U.S.?

This FREE tool is updated daily through our GIS Planning tool and can be found at  PasadenaEDC.com/COVID19
FEATURED BLOGS
We can slow the spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve by practicing social distancing, washing our hands constantly, staying home as much as possible and by staying informed.

By staying engaged, you can help ensure we overcome this challenge and become an even brighter, stronger and healthier community.   #PasadenaStrong