Brandon COVID-19 Business Resource Page
This page will serve as a compilation of business resources available to Brandon Residents. Many of these links are to outside web pages and documents and could be changing from day to day. We (the business community, the municipal, state and federal governments) are actively working together to respond the economic challenges and provide guidance and help you to adapt to a post COVID-19 world.
For the most up-to-date information about the state’s guidance on your business and when/how it can operate during the state of emergency, visit this page for sector specific information:
7/17/20 – Sole-proprietor grants for businesses that did not qualify for the economic recovery grants. Click this link for application
6/25/20 – COVID-19 Economic Recovery Grants for businesses that have been impacted by economic repercussions due to safety measures taken. Applications will be available by 7/3/20
5/20/20 – Gov. Scott has announced state COVID relief programs that businesses will be able to access once the legislature has approved the use of the federal funds directed to the state from the CARES act.
- Pre-legislation details – AS SOON there are applications available, the links and info will be shared!
5/12/20 – Webinar with the SBA’s Chris Herriman and VEDA’s Michael Corbett about the PPP and EIDL programs, particularly around post loan receipt or approval
- (Link to YouTube video with chat text in the description)
- ***NEW information from SBA regarding Loan PPP-EIDL Forgiveness
No matter the size of your business 1-499 employees, you are likely being negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The following programs apply to ALL OF YOU!
The US federal government has passed a stimulus package to help businesses affected by the response to the COVID-19 virus. The Small Business Administration is facilitating the implementation of these programs funded by the CARES act: One piece of advice that is universal: BE AS CLOSE TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE, APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Small Business Cheat Sheet: A great summary that outlines the CARES funded programs that are funded and some FAQs.
The Paycheck Protection Program Fact Sheet: An information sheet that details the PPP program for potential applicants. This program is accessed though approved SBA lenders which includes all three Brandon financial institutions (Bar Harbor Bank And Trust, Heritage Family Credit Union and National Bank of Middlebury)
Small Business Coronavirus Guide: A checklist from the US Chamber of Commerce that provides guidance via a checklist about CARES resources
Self-employed & Independent Contractor: Information from the VT Department of Labor
We are fortunate to have in our community a Brandon business owner who works for the SBA. Chris Herriman is an Economic Development Specialist & Veteran Business Development Officer. On April 3, 2020 she was gracious enough to host a Zoom Conference for Brandon Area Businesses about the Economic Injury and Disaster Loan and PPP programs.
- Brandon Area Business Recorded Zoom Q&A Regarding the EIDL & PPP program
- Updated Notes from Chris on questions from recording
- Contact email for Chris Herriman: Chris.Herriman@sba.gov
Unemployment Cheat Sheet for Employers: This is a document that explains the extended benefits due to the state and federal legislative action. EVERY BUSINESS OWNER should look at this as you and your employees likely qualify. This document also includes some information about other provisions of the CARES act, but please note that the SBA information is best explained by the SBA and their lenders so when in doubt, go with their information.
Other resource pages to watch, bookmark and visit frequently: