In the interest of keeping everyone safe, and knowing that these are very uncertain times for all, we have decided to postpone all events through the end of May; we will continue to assess future scheduling and planning as the situation progresses. At this time, our office remains open, and we will be vigilant about maintaining a safe environment here at the Chamber.

We continue to support the Greater Norwalk Community and encourage you to do the same. Here are some resources to help you navigate through this unprecedented time.
Information and Resources
• CDC
• City of Norwalk
• State of Connecticut
• Small Business Administration
Reopening Resources: A listing of Chamber businesses that are conducting business
• Business Services
• Health and Wellness
• Give Back

Information on the Coronavirus from the City of Norwalk

City News and Community Updates: Operating hours for city services (e.g.,library, transfer station), and information on food assistance, small business assistance, utilities, etc.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Roadmap to Re-Open Connecticut

Governor Lamont released his Reopen Connecticut report, which contains recommendations from the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group – the panel of local health, business, workforce, and education experts who provided his administration and legislative leadership with recommendations on the reopening of Connecticut’s economy and education system as the nation emerges from the unprecedented public health emergency caused by COVID-19.

Throughout the pandemic, Governor Lamont has been using the advisory group’s recommendations, combined with inputs from state agency leadership, legislators, and other stakeholders, to inform his decisions on the reopening of the state.

With the release of the governor’s report, the Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group has adjourned its activities and will no longer meet, however the governor said he will remain in contact with its members over the coming months as the situation continues to develop.
Department of Economic Community Development (DECD) Direct Assistance

Small Business Express Program: Currently DECD is not accepting applications for the Small Business Express program. This program provides loans and grants to Connecticut's small businesses to spur job creation and growth. The CT general Assembly passed a bill allowing businesses to utilize small business express loans to assist with paying business office rent.

DECD is also deferring all Small Business Express payments for three months to allow employers to focus on their payrolls. For small business assistance, please call DECD’s business hotline at 860.500.2333.
Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment Benefits is temporary income for workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own and who are either looking for new jobs, in approved training, or awaiting recall to employment. The funding for unemployment insurance benefits comes from taxes paid by employers. Workers do not pay any of the costs. To qualify for unemployment benefits, you must have earned sufficient wages during a specified time (monetary eligibility). To collect benefits, you must meet certain legal eligibility requirements.
Tax Filing Extensions

The Department of Revenue Services has announced changes to its sales and use tax and room occupancy tax filing deadlines, providing additional time in which to file and pay these tax obligations for certain eligible businesses.

March and April monthly and quarterly payments are now due May 31, 2020. Businesses must have $150,000 or less in annual sales tax or occupancy tax liability—based on the 2019 calendar year—to qualify for the extension.

Taxpayers are strongly encouraged to visit the DRS website for answers to many questions. You may also email DRS at drs@po.state.ct.us. Details are on DRS’s website.

Statewide Cases of COVID-19

SBA's Coronavirus Relief Options: Congress has now passed a $480B spending bill that expands funding to existing and critical COVID-19 relief programs. $370B of this has been set aside for small businesses. We strongly encourage you to act quickly to secure funding as demand for these programs is extremely high.
  • $310B for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP); Forgivable loans to small businesses with less than 500 employees; Apply through SBA-approved banks and credit unions
  • $60B for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Grants (EIDL); Low-interest loans and grants up to $10,000 for small businesses and nonprofits; Apply for these directly through the SBA
Program details, eligibility requirements and application information can be found on the SBA’s Coronavirus relief options website.

Paycheck Protection Program: An SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

Employer’s and Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act: For a guide about how the CARS Act can benefit you, click here.

Federal COVID-19 Disaster Loans / SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans: The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). These loans 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 without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%. 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. This is an approximately 2-3 week timeframe for approval. A webinar will be on the SBA site soon to show business how to fill out the forms.

Press Release, March 12, 2020: SBA to Provide Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)

World Health Organization (WHO)


SharedWorkCT

Whether you’re a small business or a large manufacturer, the Connecticut Department of Labor’s Shared Work Program saves you the time, worry, and expense of hiring and training new workers by keeping skilled employees on the job until business upturns. To participate, an employer must complete an application for the affected unit(s) within the company and submit it to the Connecticut Department of Labor for approval.

Coronavirus Tax Relief and Economic Impact Payments from the IRS


American Chemistry Council's List of Pre-Approved Cleaning Products

The American Chemistry Council's (ACC) Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC) has compiled a list of products that have been pre-approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against emerging enveloped viral pathogens and can be used during the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This product list is not exhaustive but can be used by business owners, health professionals, and the public to identify products suitable for use during the COVID-19.

Avoid Email Scams
IRS issues warning about Coronavirus-related scams; watch out for schemes tied to economic impact payments

Recommendations from the Norwalk Fire Department:
  • Increased cyber awareness when searching the internet for information regarding the Covid-19 disease
  • Users should be suspicious of emails from unknown senders, and emails that request sensitive information
  • Users should not open email attachments from unknown senders
  • Be aware of links shared through social media sites


Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer from News 12

Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions
As COVID-19 continues to be a threat to our health, we are rapidly adjusting our ways of life integrate 'social distancing' while remaining supportive of those in our communities, whether they be small businesses, students, or the elderly.

Here's what our members are doing to help minimize the disruptions in your life.
Other Ways to Support Our Community

Don't forget that social media is a great way of supporting local businesses. Did you have a great curbside pick up experience? - share it with the community. Use hashtags like #OpenforBusiness, #SmallBusinessStrong, and #NorwalkStrong.

OperationsInc

We have teed up a new FREE webinar to help companies deal with all the challenges that come from having your team work remotely.

The focus:
  • Guidance on setting expectations for employee availability, output, etc., as employees manage working from home with children, partners, roommates, and pets in tow.
  • Approaches to support employee mental health and wellness during this time of uncertainty.
  • Strategies and tactics to keep employee engagement and connectivity at high levels.
  • Tips for helping workers balance work and homelife responsibilities.
  • Home office setup and ergonomic tips and best practices.
  • Strategies to maintain company culture with teams operating outside of an office environment.


    • Please feel free to invite our fellow business leaders in Norwalk to join by going to https://www.operationsinc.com/event/not-home-alone-how-to-engage-manage-your-newly-remote-teams-during-covid-19/.

    Our other FREE webinar briefing on Tuesdays have been drawing 700+ registrants and will continue this week and next. We’re going to brief heavily on the CARES stimulus bill this week. We are still accepting registrants at https://www.operationsinc.com/webinars/covid-19-webinars/.

AFC Urgent Care

Contact Info: 607 Main Avenue Suite #13, Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203.845.9100

Are you getting ready to go back to the office? AFC Urgent Care Norwalk is conducting on-site anti-body testing for businesses with a minimum of 25 employees. Interested employers should call us at 203.845.9100 to learn more!

The anti-body test can detect past infection with COVID-19, and is performed via a blood draw (which is then sent to our lab partner) and results are available within 1-2 days. For more information about this process, please visit our website.

We are also offering telemedicine; our staff will be able to make appointments with you to meet with our providers via video call. Use the check-in online button on our website, fill out the required information and call our center at 203.845.9100. Our staff will confirm your information and review the telemedicine protocol with you before your visit.

Community Health Center of Norwalk at Day Street

COVID Testing Hotline: 475.241.0740

Performing walk-up or drive-up COVID-19 testing. You do not need to have any symptoms or appointment to be tested.

Norwalk Community Health Center

The health center is open for patients with an appointment. Testing is completed in partnership with Norwalk Hospital.

Nuvance Health / Norwalk Hospital

Performing Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing at Collection Sites. Must schedule appointment.

Stamford Health

Performing COVID-19 Testing at the Stamford Hospital. Prescription and appointment required.

Eversource

Contact Info: 844.275.3301

During this challenging time, Eversource is committed to providing programs and resources to lessen the financial hardship on small businesses – the backbone of our communities.

If you need support, Eversource can help:
  • We’re offering a special, extended payment arrangement for any past-due amount, with $0 down payment, 12 months to pay and the first payment not due until June 1, 2020
  • We can also connect you with state and federal assistance programs for which your business may be eligible. With new federal funding just announced, if you have not reviewed these programs, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible.


Visit eversource.com for more information or contact us at 844.275.3301 for guidance specific to your business. In these uncertain times, we’re here when you need us.
The past several months have been tough for all of us, and while enter this period of recovery, please remember that many of our neighbors still don't have access to regular meals or stable housing. Here's some information to help you give back to our community.

Open Doors (FKA Open Door Shelter)

Contact Info: Four Merritt Street, Norwalk, CT 06854 | 203.866.1057 | info@opendoorshelter.org

Person-to-Person

Contact Info: 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820 | 203.655.0048
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101 East Avenue | Norwalk, CT 06851
Phone: 203.866.2521 | info@greaternorwalkchamber.com | sitemap