Small business owners across Kentucky and Indiana were greatly impacted by the pandemic after they were ordered to shut down to stop the spread.
The US Small Business Association (SBA) is stepping to him with loans on the federal level. Locally, Elizabethtown and organizations have also setup funds to help owners.
The SBA has setup a special section on their website to help walk you through the process. Click on the link below to access their website.
Small businesses in Kentucky suffering economic injury because of COVID-19 can now apply for low-interest federal disaster relief loans.
Kentucky's application for an economic injury disaster loan declaration has been approved, and the U.S. Small Business Administration has opened its Economic Impact Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to affected small businesses across the state. The loans, which can provide up to $2 million in assistance for a business, are made available to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations statewide that have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Businesses are encouraged to apply on the SBA’s website or call: 1-800-659-2955.
Mayor Greg Fischer announced the creation of the Small Business Continuity Loan Program, a $900,000 fund that will provide zero-interest loans, with no payments for 12 months, to very small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Small businesses can receive up to $25,000 to cover immediate expenses.
For small businesses to be eligible to receive a loan, they must meet the following criteria:
- Have 10 or fewer full-time
- Show emergencies connected with the COVID-19 economic crisis
- Be located in Jefferson County.
- Be in good standing with the Louisville Metro Revenue Commission as of March 1, 2020.
- Agree to receive financial coaching
Businesses owners can apply here.
The loan program is a partnership between Louisville Metro Government, LHOME, Render Capital, Greater Louisville Inc., and Lenderfit. Funds are still being raised for the program.
The Small Business Continuity Loan Program is still raising funds and is accepting donations. Funding given by banks qualifies as Community Reinvestment Act contributions.
If you own a small business in ETown and were affected, city officials are offering stimulus funds of no more than $3,000. An Application for Business Stimulus Funds must be completed and submitted to the City of Elizabethtown by the business owner beginning April 1 and no later than April 15, close of business (5 PM).
To be eligible for assistance, a business must meet all of the following:
- Be physically located within the city limits of Elizabethtown
- Own the property/building or have a properly executed lease with the property owner
- Be current on City of Elizabethtown property tax payments, occupational license fees, net profit submission, and maintain a current business license
Here's what a small business is defined as in ETown:
- Total business revenue of no more than $1,000,000 ($1 million).
- In operation for more than 12 months prior to March 1, 2020.
- Be a business listed in the eligible business category.
For workers who are unemployed because of the coronavirus pandemic, here's how to file for assistance in Kentucky.
If you need to file a claim for Unemployment Insurance benefits in Kentucky you must be separated from your employer or experience a reduction in your work hours. Click on UI to file or get more information.
- File or access your unemployment insurance claim
- Request your bi-weekly benefits online
- Request your bi-weekly benefits by calling the voice response unit at 877-369-5984.
- Access your eligibility review
- Direct deposit - setup or make changes
Indiana
Officials from several southern Indiana organizations have put together an emergency loan fund to help small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The fund already has $360,000 committed to help businesses in Clark and Floyd counties. Business owners can apply for forgivable loans for $2,500 to $10,000.
The loan guidelines and application can be found on 1si’s coronavirus response website, as well as the Ceasars Foundation of Floyd County’s website.
Applications will be reviewed by the current Caesars Foundation of Floyd County Revolving Loan Fund Committee, which is made up of community and business leaders in Clark and Floyd counties.
Indiana Unemployment Assistance
For more information about Unemployment Insurance click on Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
If you want to search for jobs click on Indiana Career Ready.
From Gov. Holcomb's office: The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has 12 Workforce Regions throughout the state. At least one WorkOne is open in each region, except Marion County. DWD is working with that local WorkOne to ensure unemployment insurance claimants who need access to a computer have that access.
The DWD office in the Indiana Government Center South in Marion County is open from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and has computers available for use.
Here is a link to FAQ on Unemployment Insurance.
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