Government has important role in supporting businesses

Issue 6.13

March 27, 2020

Message from the President

This week we continued to connect our members to first-hand information and sources by hosting two more conference calls. The first occurred on Monday with Governor John Carney who updated our members about his stay-at-home order and closure of non-essential businesses. He also discussed preliminary thoughts on the State's plan to put together a budget that deals with the economic uncertainty and cash flow problem that the State will inevitably see. Secretary Kara Odom Walker and Secretary Cerron Cade also joined the Governor to give updates on public health and impacts on the workforce.

Key takeaways:

The list of essential and non-essential businesses is here. The State also published an FAQ statement on essential businesses here.
We must practice social distancing to 'flatten the curve' so that the spread of the virus is limited and less stress is put on the health care system.
Businesses that are still open, including those in the construction industry, must follow CDC guidelines and practice strict operating procedures or risk being shut down.

On Thursday, Delaware Division of Small Business Director Damian DeStefano and John Fleming, State Director for the US Small Business Administration, joined our members for a call to discuss financial relief options for small businesses in Delaware.

Important notes:

Businesses should apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, however loan decisions and approvals can take up to 1-2 months. In the interim, the SBA recommends contacting your current lender about short-term options.
If you have questions about applying for assistance, the SBA Delaware District Office hosts a 3pm call every Monday-Friday where you can ask your questions. Dial: 202-765-1264 | Access code 827-299-626
Here are answers to questions you may have about the Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP) - scroll down to the March 26 update
HELP recently expanded to include personal care services like barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, etc.

Stay up-to-date with the DE Division of Public Health's Update Page

Visit the Delaware State Chamber's COVID-19 Resource Page

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY:

Government has an important role to play in supporting the business community

The spread of and reaction to COVID-19 has the world changing minute by minute, and the business community has come together in these uncertain times to focus not only on keeping their doors open and their employees paid but also continuing to be a helpful presence in their communities.

It’s not an understatement to say we are currently navigating in uncharted waters. In an effort to provide some stability for employers during these times, the State Chamber of Commerce, along with other chambers across the state, industry associations and other business-focused groups are committed to finding ways for employers to keep their lights on and continue to operate. As we continue to see fallout from this crisis, there a few more areas where targeted government action could have very positive impacts for struggling businesses. Read more

As the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to impact communities in Delaware and across the country, America’s banks are taking steps to respond to the needs of individuals and small business owners directly affected. This support will vary by institution and the customer’s specific circumstances, but could include, for example, fee waivers; deferred payments for credit cards, auto loans and mortgages; loan modifications; low-rate and zero-rate loans, and other accommodations.

Download Tips for Managing Your Finances

The Importance of Employer Support of Mental Health

Mental health support for patients at SUN Behavioral Delaware is the number one priority for our patients and as a mental health organization SUN strives to ensure the staff is supported as well.

Research shows that nearly 70% of adults in the workplace experience a

manifestation of stress and/or anxiety. It has also been shown that mental

health disorders like depression and anxiety are often co-occurring with other chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Mental health disorders can lead to poor communication, decreases in productivity and overall decrease in employee engagement. Read more

Are you working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic? Now more than ever, we all must take care of our mental health and well-being. As we protect ourselves against potential exposure to the coronavirus, keep in mind that social distancing does not mean social isolation. The National Center for Workplace Mental Health of the American Psychiatric Association produced a resource that provides practical tips on taking care of your mental health and well-being.

View the Guide to Working Remotely During COVID-19

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT:

Delaware Volunteer Firefighters' Association

It was 2:32 am, a volunteer fire company was responding to a motor vehicle collision with reported subjects trapped. In route, the dispatch center notifies the incoming units the vehicle is now on fire. It is a very dark and muggy July night on a winding, narrow road. As the first fire apparatus arrives, there is a female victim laying in the middle of the road with EMS personnel working on her. On the right was a car embedded in a tree. The flames were coming out of the engine compartment and impinging on the passenger compartment. The driver was trapped behind the steering wheel and was screaming, “Get me out, get me out!” The crew, went to work, quickly extinguishing the fire and then extricating the driver. Both victims were transported to the hospital and recovered. Read more

Delaware COVID-19

Emergency Response Initiative

Delaware Does More: COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund - raises and manages funds that will address immediate needs resulting from the crisis. The fund will focus on alleviating the near-term impact of COVID-19 by working to supplement and support efforts related to children in low-income households, the working poor and seniors.

Volunteer Coordination - coordinated COVID-19-related volunteer activities throughout the state

Delaware COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund - targets evolving needs of the state’s most-impacted communities, for the longer term needs of our community

Assessing & Strengthening Nonprofits to Respond - The Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA) is assessing what nonprofit organizations require to be able to respond successfully to community needs as the long-term impact of the pandemic evolves. Armed with the information from DANA’s assessment, the DCF, PD and UWDE will work together to allocate the charitable dollars to have the greatest impact throughout the state.