Commerce Dept/PIDC Relief Fund
Please see the application and associated guidelines.
https://phila-uyims.formstack.com/forms/philadelphia_covid_19_small_business_relief_fund
If you were losing revenue prior to the pandemic (January/February) you can make note of it. Be sure to fill out the forms (W9, ACH, etc.) before submitting. In the additional documents section, you can add info like payroll, other financial info, or whatever helps make the case for your need.
If you need assistance completing the application or any other questions about doing business in Philadelphia, contact the Office of Business Services at 215-683-2100 or Business@Phila.gov.
SBA Disaster Loans
Businesses may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955. Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
The Department of Labor has created a specific webpage for the COVID related updates, both for employers and employees here:
https://www.uc.pa.gov/COVID-19/Pages/default.aspx
Also the Dept of Community and Economic Development DCED Small Business First loan has gotten additional emergency funding to offer relief, further details will be posted here: https://dced.pa.gov/resources/ as they develop.
Taxes:
Waiver of Penalties on Accelerated Sales Tax Prepayments
To assist the business community as the commonwealth responds to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Department of Revenue is waiving penalties for businesses that are required to make Accelerated Sales Tax (AST) prepayments by the deadline of Friday, March 20.
Additionally, for April sales tax payments, the department is waiving the AST prepayment requirement and asking businesses to simply remit the sales tax that they have collected in March.
Visit the Department of Revenue’s page on Accelerated Sales Tax Prepayments for more information on how to calculate your prepayments.
All businesses are encouraged to remit online using e-TIDES, the department’s online tax system for businesses. Find the REV-819 on the department’s website for a schedule of return and prepayment due dates. You can also visit the department’s Online Customer Service Center to find answers to common tax questions or submit a question to the department.
Unemployment
The Department of Labor is releasing updated information for additional relief here,
We've been told the Work Search and Work Registration requirements have been waived (as many employees hope to return to their existing place of work), and that employers will be able to apply for relief from charges for COVID-19 related claims.
Unemployment compensation claims should be submitted online for faster processing.
Additional Resources from the City
The following organizations are providing assistance:
PECO is suspending fees for delays in bills and service shut offs for the next three months.
Philadelphia Gas Works and Philadelphia Water Department will also suspend service shut offs.
KIVA has increased size of no interest loans available.
Impact Loan Fund is preparing to offer a payment moratorium to businesses in need.
Philly VIP will continue to remotely match businesses with Pro Bono legal services.
The Business Center is offering its courses online, and encourages businesses in need of assistance in moving services online to contact them.
The PLCB has waived the requirement that licenses that are closed for more than 15 days must be placed in safekeeping, and will be extending the license renewal deadline during this time.
Also:
For those of you still operating in allowed capacities, please still be vigilant about issues like counterfeits. Unfortunately people are out there trying to take advantage, so be extra vigilant around $100 bills.
In addition, you can make your voice be heard by contacting national, state and local leaders. Let them know how important small businesses are to you. Ask for state and federal funding to be directed to small businesses. Let them know that you want independent business to be part of the stimulus plan, as well as push for debt forgiveness, and changes to insurance coverage which will be critical in the coming months.
State Rep Elizabeth Fiedler - https://www.pahouse.com/Fiedler/Contact
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon - https://scanlon.house.gov/contact/
Congressman Dwight Evans - https://evans.house.gov/contact
Senator Casey, Robert P., Jr. - (202) 224-6324 www.casey.senate.gov/contact/
Senator Toomey, Patrick J. - (202) 224-4254 www.toomey.senate.gov/?p=contact
State Senator Larry Farnese http://www.senatorfarnese.com/contact
More Resources
Webinar Wednesday 3/18/20 - Recorded presentation available
The Temple SBDC Online Webinar: COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness for Small Businesses Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 11:00am until 12:30pm
https://youtu.be/TySfItPlXKo?t=1
PA Restaurant and Lodging Association - Newsletters specifically about the Coronavirus Crisis - sign-up for free here: https://mailchi.mp/prla.org/coronavirusnewsletter
Save Philly Restaurants - A Petition to Consider Signing and Backing