YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - As a part of the effort to help members EMERGE from the Coronavirus crisis, the Regional Chamber is providing the below information below regarding COVID-19, including help with unemployment, stimulus checks and questions regarding Medicaid:

 

BUSINESS SURVEY:


With discussions about reopening the economy intensifying, the Regional Chamber along with its Ohio Metro Chambers Coalition partners will be advocating for businesses to Ohio's state policymakers. To better serve the nearly 2,500 member in the Mahoning Valley, the Chamber is asking to complete this survey, ensuring that the voices of the Valley business are hear in Columbus. To take the survey, click here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7PLRXV9

BUSINESS TESTIMONY:

The Ohio 2020 Economic Recovery Task Force is seeking small businesses willing to share their stories via virtual testimony. The Chamber encourages Valley businesses to share their stories. They can do this by sending an email to ohio2020@ohiohouse.gov with the following information:

  • Name and location of business
  • Number of employees
  • Years in business
  • Contact information
  • Brief description of the business

The Task Force wants to know if/how they are able to operate during the crisis; financial strains compared to previous economic downturn; obstacles that will be in the way after they are able to fully return to business; governmental roadblocks and ideas on protocols for returning to work safely.

DEFERRED ELECTIVE PROCEDURES: 

In another sign of light at the end of the tunnel, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Wednesday that he has asked the Ohio Hospital Association to begin developing a plan to begin treating patients whose non-COVID-19 elective procedures were delayed or deferred due to the ongoing pandemic.

The Ohio Department of Health previously ordered that elective surgeries be postponed to expand hospital capacity for COVID-19 patients and to conserve the personal protective equipment (PPE) that is in short supply.

DeWine requested that the plan be completed within one week.

SELF EMPLOYED WORKERS:

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted announced that by the end of next week, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services will be able to begin processing the additional $600-a-week payments authorized by the federal CARES Act. JFS also plans to launch an online tool that will allow self-employed, 1099 workers to get in line early, so that as soon as they have the technological ability to process their claims, they will already have their paperwork in and be in line for review. The department expects to be able to begin processing those claims by May 15, 2020.

STIMULUS CHECKS: 

If you are eligible for the payment and the IRS does not already have your bank information, you can provide it here to receive your payment electronically: https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof-wmsp/notice;jsessionid=4es8UiHhkJsnGNmLMqbGLsqn.15

MEDICAID: 

For businesses that receive Medicaid reimbursements, there is an updated Frequently Asked Questions document that is now available: https://mcusercontent.com/6a2761961cae19eb0907e7a66/files/661fe0c7-fb73-4ca2-815b-b4cc05651628/Medicaid_FAQs_udpated_4_15_20.pdf?mc_cid=093bb31432&mc_eid=09ae28370b

RURAL COMMUNITIES: 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has prepared CARES Act resource guide for rural communities and businesses in rural communities. CARES Act Guide: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/USDA_COVID-19_Fed_Rural_Resource_Guide.pdf?mc_cid=093bb31432&mc_eid=09ae28370b

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA):

One reason the Regional Chamber advised members several weeks ago to prepare and send their loan applications quickly is the fear that the money would run out. As of this afternoon, the Paycheck Protection Program is out of money. According to SBA, 1.6 million loans have been approved and no new applications are being accepted. Incidentally, SBA is hiring both in D.C. and in almost all of their state offices. 

SAVE SMALL BUSINESS FUND: 

The U.S. Chamber Foundation as created a "Save Small Business" $5,000 grant for companies of 3 - 20 employees located in a distressed community who have been impacted by COVID-19. Applications will be accepted starting Monday, April 20. Click the link for more information: https://savesmallbusiness.com/?mc_cid=093bb31432&mc_eid=09ae28370b