Jobs group compiles virus business help links

The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority says many resources are available to employers and small business owners negatively impacted by the COVID-19 virus emergency.

VCEDA has compiled a list of links to make it easier for businesses to navigate through the variety of loan and grant programs available.

Resources include:

• Forgivable loans for qualified employers.

• Enhanced unemployment benefits for affected workers.

• Measures to help employers meet financial obligations to provide paid family and sick leave benefits.

• 50 percent tax credit for qualified wages paid during the crisis.

• Emergency child care information and other resources.

Links to programs and information available include:

• Small Business Administration: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.

• U.S. Treasury Department: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act.

• OSHA for guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf.

• U.S. Department of the Treasury, IRS and the U.S. Department of Labor overview: https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20200320.

• Paycheck Protection Program: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp.

• Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave.

• Full text of the Cares Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/748/text.

• Virginia Chamber of Commerce: www.vachamber.com/covid-19/.

Interested persons may also contact any of the following offices to learn more about workforce programs available: Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board, 276/608-1851; Virginia Employment Commission, 276/963-2660; or Small Business Development Center: Mountain Empire Community College, 276/523-6529; Southwest Virginia Community College, 276/964-7345.