The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is dedicated to helping business across the Commonwealth. In response to the COVID-19 coronavirus, Pennsylvania businesses are inquiring about information to help their companies, their employees and their families.
The following are resources that provide helpful information you may need to navigate the current situation.
Visit www.bringingpaback.com for comprehensive information for employers, including: guidance from trusted sources on workplace readiness – such as cleaning and safety standards; employment opportunities; industry-specific guidance; and policy recommendations that will help to revive Pennsylvania’s economy.
General Financial Guidance And Resources
- CLICK HERE for guidance to apply for COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Grants.
- CLICK HERE for the U.S. Chamber’s Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness
- CLICK HERE for the U.S. Chamber’s employer guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit
Small Business Financial Resources
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Policy Update
SBA, in consultation with the Treasury Department, has recently released additional PPP guidance:- SBA Guidance on Accessing Capital for Minority, Underserved, Veteran and Women-Owned Business Concerns (Released 1/6/2021)
- Interim Final Rule on Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act (Released 1/6/2021)
- Interim Final Rule on Second Draw Loans (Released 1/6/2021)
- First Draw Paycheck Protection Program Loan Increases After Enactment of the Economic Aid Act (Released 1/13/21)
- Summary of the Federal “CARES” Act
- Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act
- CLICK HERE for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Full Loan Forgiveness Application.
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The Small Business Administration has also published a new EZ version of the loan forgiveness application that applies to borrowers that:
- Are self-employed and have no employees; OR
- Did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%, and did not reduce the number or hours of their employees; OR
- Experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to COVID-19, and did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%.
- CLICK HERE for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) EZ Loan Forgiveness Application, which requires fewer calculations and less documentation for eligible borrowers.
- Frequently Asked Questions for Loan Forgiveness (Released 8/4/20)
Unemployment Compensation Guidance For Employers
Can employees who are receiving unemployment compensation refuse to return to work in order to maintain UC benefits?
No. Per state law, absent 'good cause,' it constitutes an act of fraud to refuse suitable work in order to receive unemployment benefits. The Department of Labor & Industry even has a page on its website solely for employers to report refusals to work.
What are the new paid leave mandates and unemployment compensation changes?
- CLICK HERE for brief summary from the U.S. Department of Labor.
- CLICK HERE for a FAQs document from the U.S. Department of Labor.
- CLICK HERE for a PA Chamber summary of both Pennsylvania and Federal changes to the unemployment compensation system.
- CLICK HERE for the U.S. Chamber’s employer guide to Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs
Health Care Guidance For Employers
- We recommend that employers with questions about employee health care coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic speak directly with their insurance professional (broker, consultant) or health insurance carrier.
- PA Chamber Insurance (PCI) is a comprehensive employee benefits consultancy focused on building strategic client relationships while tailoring a unique benefits portfolio based on your company’s budget and employee needs. Please find COVID-19-specific information from a sampling of PCI’s key health insurance partners:
- CLICK HERE to view resources compiled by the PA Insurance Department.
- Information on the requirements of the recently enacted paid leave mandate can be found via the U.S. Department of Labor:
- CLICK HERE for brief summary from the U.S. Department of Labor.
- CLICK HERE for a FAQs document from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Pa Chamber Exclusive Resources
Covid-19 Educational Webinars
- Webinar Recording: The Payroll Protection Program and the Process for Small Business Loans 4/27/2020
- Webinar Recording: The ‘Bringing PA Back’ Initiative—Re-energizing the Commonwealth’s Economy 4/22/2020
- Webinar Recording: Unemployment Compensation and COVID-19 – Guidance for Employers 4/16/2020
- Webinar Recording: Federal Economic Sustainability Package and PA Coronavirus Policy Update 4/8/2020
- Businesses' Questions and Answers on Coronavirus Part II 4/1/2020
- Webinar Recording: Coronavirus and Small Business – Next Steps and Best Practices 3/27/2020
- Businesses' Questions and Answers on Coronavirus From 3/25/2020 Members-Only Webinar
- Webinar Recording: Employer Response to the Coronavirus 3/19/2020
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or medical advice; all information, content, and materials on this site are for general informational purposes only.
Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date information. This website contains links to third-party websites as a convenience to the reader, and those websites may contain inaccurate information.