Small Business & Community Resources
FROM THE DURANT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Durant Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to serving our businesses. Through these unusual times we are trying to keep everyone informed of assistance that is or will be available. If your business has closed or is operating in a non-traditional way please let us know so we can keep the public informed. As of Wednesday, March 25, 2020, we are working remotely to adhere to the mandate issued by the Governor of Oklahoma, but we can be reached by phone or emails, which are listed on our website here. We will be posting daily to both our website and Facebook page. Continue to shop local when possible, WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS if we support each other. #durantstrong
Janet Reed
Executive Director
Matt Davison
President
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HELPFUL LINKS FOR BUSINESSES
**US TREASURY - PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM: The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Final forms and guidelines for the Paycheck Protection Program can be found here.
**US SENATE COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP: This SMALL BUSINESS OWNER'S GUIDE TO THE CARES ACT provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and walks a business owner through the information of how to get assistance and which program works for which situations.
**US CHAMBER: See this SMALL BUSINESS GUIDE created by the US Chamber that includes everything you need to know about how to apply for relief under the CARES Act.
- Monday, April 6, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. - Understanding the Financial Assistance Available During COVID-19 - Register Here
- Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 3 p.m. - The Tax Consequences of COVID-19 - Register Here
**SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: The U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) has now approved the State's request for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan Declaration for all 77 counties. If your business or private nonprofit has been negatively impacted due to COVID-19, you may now apply for an SBA low interest disaster loan at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Many people have inquired about the SBA COVID-19 Disaster Loan Program. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and SBA are offering free webinars to share information. Registration is required and each event is capped at 1,000 participants. Links are provided below.
- Tuesday, April 7, 2020 @ 2:00 - 3:00 PM - Register Now
- Thursday, April 9, 2020 @ 2:00 - 3:00 PM - Register Now
**STATE OF OKLAHOMA: The state has created a new microsite where they are consolidating all access to resources in State Government: Covid-19 State Resources
**US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) published its first round of implementation guidance pursuant to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The initial WHD guidance is available in three-parts:
· Fact Sheet for Employees
· Fact Sheet for Employers
· Questions and Answers
**OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE: Step by step on how to determine whether your business is considered essential: Essential Business Guidance.
**RESTAURANT GUIDE: During this time of uncertainty, restaurants have made adjustments to their regular way of distributing food. This is subject to change and we will work to update you as we are informed. Check out our current Restaurant Guide.
**SMALL BUSINESS BINGO: Help support our business community with this fun Small Business BINGO game you can complete during quarantine and while out getting some fresh air.
**FACEBOOK GRANTS: Facebook is offering grants for small businesses that are experiencing disruptions during this time. Facebook Small Business Grants Program.
**PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY ASSOCIATION (PBA) GRANTS: The PBA COVID-19 Relief Fund was created to provide $500 to licensed beauty professionals who are unable to work due to COVID-19. Funding is intended to be emergency aid for short-term immediate needs such as food and bills. More Information Here.
**DURANT MAIN STREET: Durant Main Street has launched a daily Facebook video series called “Making It With Main Street” where our downtown merchants and local experts will be virtually entertaining and informing you. Also see the helpful resources from the National Main Street Center
**LAKE TEXOMA UPDATES: For updates on current lake conditions click here or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usacetulsa
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SERVICES PROVIDED LOCALLY
Here is a list of local resources willing to help!
- Durant Area Chamber of Commerce: 580-924-0848
- Durant Main Street: 580-924-1550
- Texoma Pandemic Partners: Facebook group
- Marketing Techs: Offering FREE Marketing and Business Consulting Strategy Sessions until April 30th. Please click the link to schedule a session time. 580-215-1228
- Oklahoma Department of Commerce: 405-815-6552
- REI Oklahoma: 800-658-2823
- Choctaw Small Business Development Services: 800-522-6170
- Oklahoma Small Business Development Center: 580-745-2877
- SORTS Transportation: Big 5 Community Services is still operating SORTS Transportation - 580-924-1177
- Southern Workforce Board HOT JOBS: 580-634-1853 TTY: 711 or 800-722-0353
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Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has prepared a guide to help companies in the event of coronavirus in the workplace. Click the title to download "Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19." or visit their webpage here with more information and resources about coronavirus in the workplace.