The City of Delaware is committed to supporting our local business community during the rapidly evolving Coronavirus situation.

In particular, we know our local small businesses may need information and support from the City during this challenging time. This page has been created as a one-stop shop for info and resources for our local business community.

Given the pace of change, this list is not exhaustive, but we will attempt to keep it as current as possible.

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DIRECTOR OF THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH'S STAY SAFE OHIO ORDER - Effective 11:50 p.m. EST 5/1 until May 29

On April 29, 2020, the Ohio Department of Health, under the direction of Governor Michael DeWine, issued a director’s Stay Safe Ohio order. This order includes the reopening of businesses, with exceptions and continues a Stay Healthy and Safe at Home Order.

If you still have questions after reviewing the order, please contact your local economic development professional to receive direction on if your company is an essential or non-essential company. Our contact information is listed below:

Sean Hughes, City of Delaware Economic Development Director

shughes@delawareohio.net

740-203-1016

Courtney Hendershot, Economic Development Coordinator

chendershot@delawareohio.net

740-203-1018

Bob Lamb, Delaware County Economic Development Director

BLamb@co.delaware.oh.us

614-306-1020


Kelsey Scott, Delaware County Economic Development Coordinator

KLScott@co.delaware.oh.us

740-361-7894

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BUSINESS RESOURCES

COVID19 Ohio Business Reopening Toolkit

The Office of Small Business Relief (OSBR) - This new state office is focused on identifying and providing direct support to the state's nearly 950,000 small businesses to help during the current public health crisis and to position them for a strong rebound.


Grants:

  • Delaware County Small Business Protection Program -  Delaware County is now accepting applications for their Small Business Protection Program, which will award grants up to $15,000 for Delaware County for-profit businesses with 25 or fewer employees. Applicants must document operation losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the full application package, email econdevelopment@co.delaware.oh.us or go to https://bit.ly/3f6faA8. Applications must be submitted by Friday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.

Loans:

  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) opens today, January 11, for new borrowers & certain existing PPP borrowers - Updated on 1/11/2021

    -PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8-24 weeks

    -PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, & worker protection expenditures

    -The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations;

    -Greater flexibility for seasonal employees

    -Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount & Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a 2nd PPP Loan A borrower is generally eligible for a 2nd PPP Loan if the borrower:

    -Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan & will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses

    -Has no more than 300 employees & Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 & 2020

    For more info visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares.

  • SBA, in consultation with the Treasury Department, released additional PPP guidance and resources on Jan. 19, 2021, as follows.

    New IFR: Loan Forgiveness & Review Procedures Per Economic Aid Act

    Revised PPP Loan Forgiveness Applications

    Borrower Disclosure Form

    Per the Economic Aid Act, borrowers that received First Draw PPP Loans before Dec. 27, 2020 are required to disclose whether a Covered Individual held a Controlling Interest in the Borrower at the time the Borrower’s loan application was submitted to the PPP lender. A form is now offered for this disclosure.

    For more information and updates, visit SBA.gov/PaycheckProtection or Treasury.gov/CARES.

Governor's Order 2020-08D Commercial Evictions and Foreclosures:

  • This is the Governor Dewine's executive order allowing for commercial mortgage and rent relief.

    Please know that it is up to YOU to establish a new payment plan with your bank or landlord. This doesn't just give you the ability to not pay.


Bureau of Workers' Compensation:

  • Insurance premium payments for March, April, and May can be deferred until June 1st, 2020. More information here.


Department of Commerce:

  • Liquor Buyback Program – The Ohio Department of Commerce is offering a one-time liquor buyback program for bars and restaurants. 
  • Products must have been obtained in the last 30 days and applies to select F2 permit holders too.


Department of Insurance:

  • Insurers must permit employers to continue covering employees under group policies even if the employee would become ineligible due to a decrease in hours worked per week. See the Bulletin (PDF)


Workforce:

  • Ohio COVID-19 Job Search Portal (for employers and workers)
  • ODJFS SharedWork Ohio – SharedWork Ohio is a layoff aversion initiative for businesses aimed at curtailing unemployment during economic downturns.
  • Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits
  • Disaster Assistance Unemployment – This program extends unemployment benefits to self-employed, independent contractors or small business owners who do not pay into unemployment insurance. We are waiting for this program to be authorized in Ohio.
  • TechCred – Provides reimbursement for business up-skilling employees through a select list of verified skill development programs. 
  • Department of Labor (DOL) – The DOL provides information for issues that pertain to fair labor wages and standards during the COVID-19 situation.

  • COVID-19 Work Refusals: Information for Employers

  • Avoiding Violence in the Workplace – As businesses begin to reopen at varying rates and capacities, subject to state and federal containment measures, companies will be faced with the challenge of complying with safety standards while accommodating customers and clients. Face coverings, gloves, and social distancing remain standard preventive measures, and numerous jurisdictions have encouraged or even mandated such measures in public. The pandemic and the resultant restrictions have tapped a new source of fear and anger for some individuals. This article addresses concerns in navigating the reopening landscape when customers or clients aggressively to abide by public health requirements.


Department of Transportation:

  • Permits for Heavy or Oversized Loads – A special blanket permit for haulers carrying heavy or oversized loads of food, non-alcoholic beverages, medical supplies, cleaning products, and other household goods has been approved.

Export and Import Assistance:

City, State and Federal Taxes:

  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Deadlines for filing taxes and any payments of due federal income tax have been delayed until July 15th, 2020
  • The City of Delaware also has extended its filing and payment deadline until July 15th, 2020.
  • IRS Coronavirus Relief *NEW*


Finance Relief:


Utility and Telecom Assistance:

  • Columbia Gas of Ohio – suspending shutoffs for non-payment
  • AEP Ohio  – suspending shutoffs for non-payment

  • Agents at the AEP Ohio Business Solutions Center are on standby. Whether it’s a sole proprietor looking for payment assistance, or a larger company hoping to retain its workforce, they are ready to talk about the following below as businesses stand strong in the weeks ahead. Business experts are available at 888-710-4237. Information is also available on AEPOhio.com/COVID19.

    - Payment plans to help navigate through challenging financial times. Call 888-710-4237 to learn more

    - Suspended processing fees on credit and debit card bill payments through June 30, 2020

    - Loan programs, such as the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program, that can be used to pay utility bills

    - Energy usage and facility insights to help guide budget decisions

    - Information on bonus incentives to purchase and implement energy efficient products for businesses

    - Tips to avoid scammers and keep information safe during these uncertain times

  • Charter Communications – free access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi for new, student households
  • AT&T – keeping customers connected + additional relief and support for customers
  • FirstEnergy – Suspension of service for nonpayment has been stopped until further notice and repayment plans have been implemented
  • Charter Communications – Offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbp


COVID Resource Providers:

The City of Delaware is not endorsing the resource providers below. The City of Delaware has created this list based on providers who have reached out to us and asked to be included as a resource for businesses during the COVID recovery phase.

Additional Resources:


Public Health Updates:


      City of Delaware   ·   COhatch, 18 East William Street   ·   Delaware, Ohio 43015   ·  740.203.1016   ·   opportunity@delawareohio.net


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