COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources
We are taking all precautions necessary by cancelling upcoming events and programs through the first week of April, and limiting our face-to-face contact with one-on-one meetings, the public, and businesses.
Our mission at the Chamber is to enhance the retention and expansion of the Grant County business community by providing business support, networking opportunities, educational outreach, and advocacy.
Below you will see the different ways we are working to support you in these different areas. It is our mission to meet each of our members where they are in their business as well as to best serve each different type of industry in our diverse membership during these uncertain times.
One thing we would like to continue to recommend to all members is not to ignore what is happening right now, and to share what is part of your SOLUTION. You will best serve your employees and consumers of your business by sharing whatever it is you are doing. Be transparent and do not pretend this is business as usual.
Finally, we are here for you! Please reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas on how we can best serve you. Through this crisis you WILL be able to reach a member of our staff whether it be by phone, email, or video chat.
Business Resources
**SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans now open for Indiana Small Businesses**
What’s an EIDL?
- The SBA EIDL program can provide low-interest loans of up to $2M to businesses and private non-profits.
- EIDLs may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills.
- The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
- EIDLs have long-term repayment options, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on borrower’s ability to repay.
How do I apply?
- Online at SBA.gov/disaster
- Need help? Access these step-by-step online instructions
- Still need help? Call the SBA’s Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can call 800-877-8339.
What’s next?
- If this update was forwarded to you, sign up our emails: sba.gov/updates.
- Follow us on Twitter @SBA_Indiana
*NEW* Grant County Economic Growth Council Small Business Loan Relief
Grant County businesses impacted by the Global Pandemic, the COVID-19 virus, will now have access to financial assistance through the Growth Council’s COVID-19 Loan Fund. Businesses operating in Grant County, with less than 30 employees, are eligible to apply for up to $7,500 in funding. The Growth Council is now taking applications!
The COVID-19 Loan Fund is an extension of the Revolving Loan Fund, a program the Growth Council has been operating since receiving a grant from the US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Agency in 2004. The Revolving Loan Fund application has been adapted for the COVID-19 Loan Fund to make a more accessible and efficient application process. Applicants are required to provide basic contact information, approval for a credit check, record of all business debt, and copies of their 2020 financials.
Grant County businesses experiencing or anticipating revenue loss in the upcoming weeks or months can utilize the COVID-19 Loan Fund to offset these losses, help sponsor sick pay for workers, prevent staff reductions, and mitigate other challenges presented by event cancellations, reduced foot traffic, self-quarantining, and work from home policies. Each round, 6 businesses will be selected to receive funding. First round of applications are due April 3rd and recipients will be announced April 17th.
Application can be found here.
*NEW* US Dept of Labor – Three New Wage and Hour Opinion Letters regarding the Fair Labor Standards Act.
*NEW* IRS – Press Release: Treasury, IRS and Labor announce plan to implement Coronavirus-related paid leave for workers and tax credits for small and midsize businesses to swiftly recover the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave
Indiana Governor’s Office – Hotline/Email to determine if your business is considered an ‘essential’ business.
IN Department of Workforce Development – New page on Hoosiers by the Numbers for links and information to keep up to date and help you make informed, data-driven decisions.
Small Business Administration – Economic Injury Disaster Loan small business economic impact data collection form. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance will be updated here.
US Chamber – Link to a customizable ‘Health Priority’ graphic/printable for your business.
US Census – ‘Census Bureau Statement on Modifying 2020 Census Operations to Make Sure College Students are Counted’ can be found here.
US Chamber – Summary of latest congressional action on COVID-19 response.
US Chamber – COVID-19 Toolkit which has sharable graphics based on the CDC’s latest guidance for businesses and employees for members to share on social media, websites, and other channels.
NPR – Remote Working Tips Article
Grow With Google – Remote Work hub
Grow With Google – Small Business Resources
Marion-Grant County Chamber – PDF download of Remote Working Tips graphic
Marion-Grant County Chamber – PDF download of ‘Stay Calm & Shop Local’ graphic
WorkOne – SPECIAL NOTICE FOR FOOD & BEVERAGE INDUSTRY WORKERS WHO HAVE BEEN LAID OFF DUE TO THE IMPACT OF THE CURRENT COVID-19 SITUATION.
WorkOne – Application site to file for unemployment benefits online.
WorkOne – FAQ on how to apply for unemployment
Ice Miller – Business and Health Resources Page
Indiana Department of Workforce Development – Resource and Communications Page
Indiana Department of Revenue – Filing and Payment Extensions Announced here.
US Treasury – Filing and Payment Extensions Announced here
Dept of Homeland Security CISA – Guidance on definitions of ‘essential businesses’
*NEW* COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant Announced
The Community Foundation of Grant County has believed in our mission to connect people, resources, and causes to promote sustainable impact towards the betterment of Grant County for 35 years. This uneasy time facing a global pandemic is no different. As we undergo a Governor-ordered stay-at-home quarantine mandate to flatten the curve, our social service organizations are working tirelessly to assist communities that are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants will provide immediate relief to nonprofit organizations in Grant County who are facing increased demand for services from clients as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Read More here.
*NEW* COVID-19 Assistance Fund
The United Way of Grant County COVID Assistance Fund will help our community in the following ways:
Make sure local social service organizations have the resources they need to assist community members with obtaining basic needs, such as food, rent and utilities. We anticipate that there will be alterations to physical structures and/or additional equipment and supplies that will be necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of agency staff and volunteers, as well as the patrons who visit their facilities.
Strengthen our network of service and assistance organizations to make local programming easier to access. We want our network to operate more efficiently and more effectively in Grant County to serve the needs of at-risk populations.
Ensure the development of sufficient childcare capacity and early childhood education opportunities for Grant County youth, especially (during this pandemic) for healthcare and emergency workers.
Encourage and support partnership strategies and solutions with local businesses to meet the immediate and long-term needs of residents in need.
Develop better access to current local information, especially when in a crisis mode.
Work with educators, parents and students to ensure that educational opportunities remain high, whether or not students are in a physical classroom.
Promote technology upgrades that allow for secure, work-from-anywhere solutions for local workers. Encourage companies to identify and develop work-from-anywhere solutions for their workforce.
Employee/Employer Online Training Options
*NEW* Marion-Grant County Chamber – Virtual Sales and Marketing Seminar
- Wednesday April 15th & Wednesday April 22nd from 9 AM – 12 PM
- Register here.
Google – Primer App
Google – Skillshop Online Training
Google – ‘Grow Your Business’ Suite
Small Business Administration – Manage Your Business Online Courses
Small Business Administration – Grow Your Business Online Courses
Small Business Administration – Full Suite of Online Courses
Up-to-Date Health Entity Information
Marion General Hospital – Link to Established Call Center Information & Screening Resources
CDC – Link to COVID-19 communication site.
Grant County Emergency Management Agency – Daily Press Release Update
Grant County Emergency Management Agency – Executive Order of the Grant County Commissioners Addressing Local Disaster and Public Health Emergency and Travel Advisory
CDC – National COVID-19 numbers page, updated daily.
Community Resources
Food Distribution
Marion Community Schools
Marion Community Schools is putting plans in place to provide meals for students during the extended closure. Here is our current plan:
>> We will be doing a weekly grab-and-go food pick-up at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays (3/18, 3/25, 4/1) at the Justice Intermediate School parking lot. This will be a school week’s worth of food distributed once a week. Entrance will be on Miller Avenue.
Food is available for all who have school-age children and teens at home in Marion, as supplies last. We appreciate your patience as we put this new plan in place and work to find the best way forward in this unprecedented situation.
Want reminders? RSVP to our Facebook event page.
Mississinewa Community Schools
Please sign up below to receive 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches per package per child. Free to all children 18 years old or younger.
Pickup will be available at Mississinewa High School Door 9 OR Westview Elementary School Door 3 from 10:00 Am to !2:00 PM or 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM every Monday until April 13th.
Grant County Rescue Mission
To-go meal pick-up being served:
Breakfast:
Suspended until further notice
Lunch:
Monday-Saturday 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Dinner:
Monday-Sunday 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Interested in donating during an increase in services provided? Please visit mygcrm.org/donate
Family & Medical Services
Bowen Center
Bowen Center, a mental and behavioral health center in Grant County, plans to continue services with individuals they are involved with and considering many individuals will be struggling with the gravity of this issue, will be accepting new individuals as well. If you are a current patient they will be reaching out to you. If you are not a patient or have questions please call Alisha Jackson, Grant County Assistant Director at (574) 367-7169 | EXT. 2256 or Katie Shomo, Grant County Director at (574) 367-7169 | EXT. 2286. Thank you.
Family Service Society
Tips for Easing Anxiety for Children During Social Distancing
Utilities
Indiana Michigan Power
“Indiana Michigan Power is temporarily suspending all disconnections for non-payment as the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread in our communities. We know our customers are concerned about their families and ensuring they have reliable electric service allows them to focus on staying healthy and well. Indiana Michigan Power is committed to doing what we can to help our customers, our employees, and the communities we serve as we navigate this uncertain time.”
Marion Utilities
Due to concerns surrounding COVID-19 and in line with federal, state and local guidance and recommendations, Marion Utilities will be closing its Customer Service lobby and the lobby at the Transfer Station effective Monday, March 23, until further notice. However, the Utility will remain open for business. Customers are encouraged to use our drive-thru, our kiosk and also our online payment system at ww.marionutilities.com during this time.
Customers visiting the Transfer Station will be asked to pay using a credit or debit card over the phone. Those who want to pay by cash or check will need to make their payment at our drive-thru. The health and safety of the residents of Marion and the employees at Marion Utilities is of utmost importance, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this situation. Along with the City of Marion Administration and other community leaders, Marion Utilities continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic daily and will do their best to protect citizens while keeping essential services available. The Utility has suspended termination of service due to non-payment, and solid waste pick-up services will continue to operate as usual.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our Customer Service office during
regular business hours at 765-664-2391, option 3.
Banking, Credit Union, and Other Financial Institution Relief
Regions Bank
Regions maintains a customer assistance program to help meet various emergency needs. Regions encourages any customers experiencing financial hardship due to coronavirus to contact the bank to discuss their unique circumstances.
The Regions Mortgage Payment Assistance team can be reached at 1-800-748-9498. Also, a mortgage assistance application is available at this link on Regions.com. Customers can call 1-866-298-1113 to discuss assistance related to other Regions services including credit cards, personal loans, home equity loans and business loans.
*NEW* Community Loan Center of Northeast Indiana
The Community Loan Center of Northeast Indiana (http://www.clcnein.org/) offers workplace loans through payroll deduction throughout Northeast Indiana, and Grant County is covered under their service area—which is a huge blessing.
This is at ZERO cost to the Employer, but they do have to sign up for it AS AN EMPLOYER in order for their employees to be able to take advantage of the $550-$1,000 loan program. If the employer fills out this super simple form on this page, then their employees will be eligible to apply. Then the employee will pay off the loan through payroll deduction.
This $550 – $1,000 loan could help them pay for rent, a mortgage, food, prescriptions, etc. AND, if the EMPLOYER signs up for this, the employee won’t have to go to a Payday Loan business. This is HUGE since just last year Grant County citizens paid nearly $700,000 in payday loan fees because they thought they had no other options. Plus, Payday Loan Lenders [sharks] are allowed to charge up to 391% for small loans—we don’t want our employees to get these kinds of loans—it’s a vicious cycle. (Watch Dirty Money’s episode this! And, times now are more uncertain for many more people.
This is how it works:
- The employee/borrower applies here.
- The employer will be contacted for the employment verification (this can take 24-48 hours).
- Employee/Borrower signs for the loan.
- Loan is deposited into employee/borrower’s checking account within 2 business days.
- Loans are paid back automatically through payroll deduction over a 12 month period of time, 18% interest, $20 administrative fee.
Note: There is no credit history or collateral needed and no prepayment penalties. They can also get free financial counseling if they need it—although at this time, it might not be top priority.
REQUIREMENTS: 18 y/o, working at a participating employer (this is why they have to sign up) for at least 3 months, checking account, driver’s license or passport number, social security number.
NonProfit Support
Community Foundation of Grant County
GIVE TO GRANT DEADLINE *EXTENDED*
Due to our local nonprofits being either closed, working from home, or serving those in need due to COVID-19, we are extending the deadline for our current grant cycle to April 30, 2020. We’re hopeful that things will resume to a new normal by that time. We hope this gives you a small bit of relief at this unusual time in the world.
*NEW* COVID-19 Rapid Response Grant Announced
The Community Foundation of Grant County has believed in our mission to connect people, resources, and causes to promote sustainable impact towards the betterment of Grant County for 35 years. This uneasy time facing a global pandemic is no different. As we undergo a Governor-ordered stay-at-home quarantine mandate to flatten the curve, our social service organizations are working tirelessly to assist communities that are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants will provide immediate relief to nonprofit organizations in Grant County who are facing increased demand for services from clients as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Read More here.
