CHANGES TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES


The Colchester Economic Development Department has gone to a remote work plan as of march 18, 2020. You can access by email at koreilly@colchestervt.gov or 802-264-5508.

If you are an employer and want information on resources available for COVID-19 Relief please see the state and federal links below. 

Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available To VT Small Businesses Affected By COVID-19

Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott today announced Vermont small business owners suffering economic injury due the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans, following a statewide disaster declaration.

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) offer up to $2 million in assistance per business, providing economic support to overcome temporary loss of revenue. EIDLs may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for private non-profit organizations, which are also eligible for EIDLs.

“I want every Vermonter to know I fully understand the incredible economic and emotional toll coronavirus is having, and will continue to have, on each and every one of us. People are hurting and businesses are at risk. Let me assure you, we will pull every lever and turn every dial we can to support folks through this time and look towards economic recovery even while we’re closing in on the eye of the storm,” said Governor Scott. “These loans offer one initial step in helping our small businesses weather this crisis as we continue to measure the impact it will have, and I want to thank the SBA team at our District Office for their support.”

Scott said that he hoped these loans helped businesses recover, however, he encouraged businesses to seek professional business counseling and technical assistance before taking on additional debt. Vermont has a robust business technical assistance provider network. More information about these resources can be found online at https://accd.vermont.gov/economic-development/resources.

“The SBA wants to thank Governor Scott and his team at the Agency of Commerce and Community Development for their hard work. They immediately reached out to Vermont small businesses to quantify the impact and gather the required documentation allowing SBA to issue this Economic Impact Disaster Declaration,” said SBA New England Regional Administrator Wendell Davis.

“Even if the Coronavirus has not taken an immediate impact on your business, you should apply as soon as possible. Given the unknown duration of the pandemic, a few days from now it may start affecting your business and you will be glad you already applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan,” said Darcy Carter, SBA Vermont District Office Director.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers EIDLs to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay. Small businesses with credit available elsewhere may not be eligible.

To apply online, visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Documents that may be requested when applying include recent federal tax return, profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet.

For more information, call the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.  For local SBA information, call 802-828-4422.

Other Resources:

Agency of Commerce & Community Development Guidance for Vermont businesses impacted by COVID-19.This information is updated regularly so check often.

Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (HHS & CDC) Planning for pandemic influenza is critical. To assist you in your efforts, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed the following checklist for large businesses. It identifies important, specific activities large businesses can do now to prepare, many of which will also help you in other emergencies.

COVID-19 Business Planning Checklist The Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants has put together a COVID-19 Business Planning Checklist based on FEMA guidance and best practices.

Coronavirus Tax Relief (IRS) The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources (SBA) Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security and health of the American people.  Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy. 

Disaster Loan Assistance (SBA) Businesses in the 10 counties in Vermont already declared may immediately apply for assistance. To apply online, visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. 

National Association of Manufacturers: Coronavirus Resources The NAM is in contact with federal officials who are overseeing the response to the coronavirus and they are working to share additional available information. 

Coronavirus Information and Resources (National Restaurant Association) To ensure that restaurants have the latest information about coronavirus, the National Restaurant Association created this industry-specific guidance for owners and operators.