The Douglas County Chamber is committed to providing business resources to our members and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is some helpful information and tips for businesses impacted by COVID-19. More information regarding financial assistance for businesses will be published in the coming days.
Small Business Administration Disaster Relief Loan is Available for Georgia Businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Contact Your Financial Institution
Current banking relationships that exist are essential during this time. If you are in need of assistance, contact your bank about the best options for your business. This could be looking at deferred payment options, interest only payments, or other options. The banks are working quickly to create options to support businesses. 
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Consider Utilizing a Credit Card During this Time
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Capital One , Citi and Wells Fargo have all issued statements indicating that they are willing to work with customers that experience financial difficulties.  Citi issued a statement  that for 30 days, small business customers are eligible to have their monthly service fees waived. Citi is also waiving the fees on early CD withdrawals. Wells Fargo  donated $6.25 million  in aid to help the public relief effort. The bank also encouraged customers that are experiencing financial hardship to contact customer service for assistance.
Investigate Corporate Hardship Support
Companies are coming out of the woodworks to support one another. The business community is mobilizing its expertise and resources to assist with the relief and containment efforts. Access the  Coronavirus (COVID-19) Corporate Aid Tracker  to see examples of how businesses are responding.
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The Chamber is Advocating on More Assistance for Your Business!
Plans for federal assistance for small businesses is still underway. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has called on the Administration and Congress to take critical steps to support America’s employers during this period.

Additionally, a letter from Senators Perdue & Loeffler was sent to the Treasury Secretary and Small Business Administration to advocate for additional assistance.
Three Steps Recommended by the U.S. Chamber include:
  1. Enacting legislation canceling the payment of all payroll taxes typically paid by employers for the months of March, April and May.
  2. Enacting legislation expanding and streamlining loan programs for small businesses with fewer than 500 employees experiencing revenue loss as a result of the Coronavirus.
  3. Enacting legislation enabling the creation of credit facilities to provide loans and loan guarantees to employers with more than 500 employees experiencing significant loss as a result of the Coronavirus.
More Support is Coming - We Promise!
Large companies such as Facebook are stepping up to support small businesses. These details are coming in hourly, so please be patient as they work to craft these programs basically overnight. 

For more information on Facebook Grant, please visit www.facebook.com/business/boost/grant .
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