Congress Nearing Agreement on Economic Relief Package In response to COVID-19, Congress is nearing a bi-partizan agreement on an economic relief and stimulus package worth at least $1.6 trillion. The package could pass through congress as quickly as this evening. We will work to give you a comprehensive outline of the package's details, as soon as possible.

State Sales and Lodging Tax Relief Effective immediately, the Alabama Department of Revenue is waiving state sales tax and lodging tax late payment penalties. Visit the Alabama Department of Revenue website for more info: CLICK HERE .

Real-time COVID-19 Small Business Impact Data Homebase , a scheduling and time tracking tool used by 100,000+ businesses, has released an analysis of the company's internal data from more than 60,000 small business customers in the US. The analysis shows the real-time disruption that COVID-19 is having on small businesses throughout the country. Click the infographics, below, to see more detailed data and information from Homebase.

SBDC Webinars Continue Alabama's SBDC continues to hold webinars, regularly, for businesses interested in the SBA COVID-19 loan program. Click the image, below, to see a list of upcoming webinars.  To learn more about the program and apply for a loan visit the SBA website .

Coastal Alabama Community College Offering Adult Education Courses Online In an effort to serve the over 9,700 Baldwin County residents without a high school diploma, the Coastal Alabama Community College Adult Education division has moved all services online. Instructors will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day including Saturday and Sunday to assist students in reaching this milestone. Students will be enrolled in courses in Canvas, the college's existing online learning management system, where they can work on multiple preparation modules focusing on the four sections of the GED test. The GED test has been shut down due to Coronavirus concerns until April 6. However, residents can still take all the necessary steps to prepare during this time.   Interested students can fill out the  Intake Form  to get started. Students will be contacted by a member of the Coastal Alabama's Adult Education team and will be assisted with enrolling in the program. In addition to GED preparations services, participants will be able to enroll in online occupational skills courses in industries and occupations such as office administration, healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. Coastal Alabama will soon be launching online classes in construction, manufacturing and healthcare, centered around entry level certifications.   Anyone interested in these services can fill out the  Intake Form  or visit  www.coastalabama.edu/adulteducation  to learn more and sign up.