COVID-19 Resources & Information

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Please find the links below new and updated resources that the U.S. Chamber has developed to assist businesses access resources created under the CARES Act (Phase III bill).  This includes an update to the guide we released several days ago on the Paycheck Protection Program.

• NEW - Guide to SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) 
• NEW - Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit   
• UPDATED – Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist (Paycheck Protection Program)

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Treasury issued additional guidance yesterday regarding the 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. Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.

• For a top-line overview of the program CLICK HERE
• If you’re a lender, more information can be found HERE
• If you’re a borrower, more information can be found HERE
• The Paycheck Protection Loan application for borrowers can be found HERE
• https://home.treasury.gov/cares

Here is a fact sheet for borrowers to review before meeting with your lender.

To apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan, click here.

Start Here: Guide to Small Business Assistance - to view click here.

 

SBA LOANS AND ASSISTANCE 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀 / 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀: the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Disaster has approved the disaster declaration for the entire state of Arkansas. Businesses located in all counties in Arkansas can apply at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. BUT, before you apply we suggest watching this ASBTDC video and slides to help you in filling out the application. We suggest that you print out the forms and gather the information before you begin the online application process. For Arkansas SBTDC assistance with an EIDL disaster loan: 1-800-862-2040 https://asbtdc.ecenterdirect.com/signup For SBA assistance applying for an EIDL disaster loan: 1-800-659-2955 disastercustomerservice@sba.gov Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist at this link ALSO, Quality Office has generously offered to assist. For any business in the Chamber of Commerce area affected by COVID-19 that needs assistance getting your Economic Injury Disaster Loan application to the Small Business Association, Quality Office is offering to print the forms you need and then upload them to the SBA site. Quality Office do not represent the SBA and is not to be held liable for any misinformation. We are only offering to help facilitate the application process by printing the forms you need and then uploading them to the site. It is your responsibility to make sure you qualify and then fill out the correct forms.  The website to read and download the forms is: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/apply-for-disaster-loan/index.html If you do not have a way to print these forms, we have printed the forms, along with two copies of IRS form either Form 5 or 5C and Supporting Information Document; Request for Transcript of Tax Return. The 14 page packets can be picked up at: Quality Office 304 South Main Searcy, AR 72143 Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm If you do not have a way to upload the completed forms, they can help you with that too.Complete the forms per the instructions included in the packet, return the forms to Quality Office. You will need to include your latest federal tax return along with all schedules. They will need a contact email address to provide to the SBA.  Again, please read and follow all instructions for your particular business type. They are facilitating by printing the forms and them uploading them. Quality will make every effort to handle your documents in complete confidence. If possible they ask you to wait while your documents are uploaded. The process should take 5 minutes.  Quality Office say there will be no charge for any of the described services. **Quality Office do not represent the SBA and is not to be held liable for any misinformation.

Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center (ASBTDC)

The webinar recording is available on YouTube at:
https://youtu.be/qe6JBbJWmLA

The webinar slides are available on DropBox at:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/a0z1vcrjxirljvu/200325-ualr-singleton-edil.pdf?dl=0

For Arkansas SBTDC assistance with an EIDL disaster loan:
1-800-862-2040
https://asbtdc.ecenterdirect.com/signup

For SBA assistance applying for an EIDL disaster loan:
1-800-659-2955
disastercustomerservice@sba.gov

To sign up for the SBA twice daily email updates:
1. Visit https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ar/little-rock
2. Scroll down to "Connect and Stay Informed".
3. Click the red "Get Email Updates" button.
4. Enter your email address and click the submit button.

Upcoming Keep Calm and Small Business ON series webinars:

ADA and Rehabilitation Act Guidance for COVID-19
Mar 26, 2020 2:00 PM CDT
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8739026575460943883

Take Your Business Online
Apr 1, 2020 10:00 AM CDT
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6892228571333913867

Please register for Connecting to Capital
Apr 2, 2020 2:00 PM CDT
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6647357436243931147

Please send your questions, comments and feedback to: asbtdc@gmail.com.

ASBTDC is gearing up to be set up as a virtual emergency site to help with disaster relief lending. For more information on ASTBC, please see http://asbtdc.org/covid-19-resources where they will be putting more information disaster funding assistance. You can also call ASBTDC at 1-800-862-2040 or e-mail at leadcenter@asbtdc.org

NON PROFIT ASSISTANCE

Arkansas Community Foundation is accepting proposals for $1,000 mini-grants for organizations responding to the immediate needs of vulnerable populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are specifically interested in helping organizations maintain their operations and respond to increased demand from clients during this time. Mini-grant applications will be accepted and grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until available grant funds are expended. Begin the online application now. For more information you can contact Denice @ whitecounty@arcf.org

Who’s Eligible -Any IRS 501(c)(3) public charity, school, hospital or government agency in Arkansas may apply. Grants are not made to individuals.

What We’re Looking For - We expect to award several rounds of grants over the coming months. During this first phase, priority will be given to organizations that:

• Provide human services and emergency assistance (for example, food, shelter, transportation, living expenses, rent/utility assistance, etc.)
• Primarily serve vulnerable populations, including children who are out of school/families without childcare, people who have lost a source of income due to the pandemic, people who are at high risk medically, people who are homeless or incarcerated, individuals who lack paid sick leave or health insurance, etc.
• Disseminate factual safety and response information to vulnerable communities such as non-English speaking residents, rural residents, senior citizens, etc.

Organizations may use funding to support clients needs, cover costs associated with decreased staffing or remote working due to quarantine/social distancing, provide mental health programming for clients or staff or coordinate/facilitate in-kind goods and donations to sites and organizations that provide human services and serve vulnerable populations.

This is not an exhaustive list, and other needs will be considered. Businesses and individuals are not eligible to apply; however, we will consider grants to nonprofit organizations that provide direct financial assistance to individuals.

Grant Range
All grants will be awarded in the form of a $1,000 award for general operating support. Organizations may receive only one mini-grant at this time.

Arkansas Department of Health Guidance for Employers
If any of your employees are being monitored due to their possible exposure to coronavirus disease 2019, also referred to as COVID-19, they will be placed under home self-quarantine by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) for 14 days after leaving an area of concern. The areas of concern include any country with a Level 2 or higher travel advisory. If this occurs, ADH will provide the person with a letter, and they have the option of requesting a letter be provided to you as well. This letter provides additional information regarding the quarantine, including the date the employee can return to work.

 

During this time, the person is expected to stay home during the entire 14-day period and not leave for any reason, except to seek any needed medical care.

If the employee does not develop symptoms of COVID-19 prior to the end of the self-quarantine period, they will be free to resume normal activities, including school or work. They will also receive a letter stating they have completed the home quarantine period. Please call the Arkansas Department of Health at 800.803.7847 if you have any questions.

COVID-19 Guidance for Employers

Coronavirus Resource Page – Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas

TELECOMMUTE/TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
AnyWay Technologies has resources in place to assist businesses for reduced and/or free cost to have the ability to telework/work from home.  If you need more information about this, please call our office at 501-229-8688 or email us at sales@anywaytech.com. You can also visit www.anywaytech.com

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

National Association of Manufacturers: Coronavirus Resources

CDC – What You Need to Know

CDC – What to Do If You are Sick

CDC – Stop the Spread of Germs

U.S. Chamber – Guidance for Employers

OSHA - Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19

 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

ARKANSAS DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES -  You can file online for unemployment at https://www.ezarc.adws.arkansas.gov/ or come to the local office. You can connect the Searcy Office during normal business hours 8:00AM to 4:30PM.

Searcy Office 501-268-8601  /  AR Rehab Services 501-268-4542  /  WIOA 501-305-7225   /   TEA 501-268-8601  / RESEA 501-268-8601  /  Unemployment 501-268-8601

File your unemployment at https://www.ezarc.adws.arkansas.gov/. Then call the office AT 501-268-8601 for further instructions.  Job Search https://www.arjoblink.arkansas.gov

The Arkansas Division of Workforce Services is waiting on guidelines from the U.S. Department of Labor that will allow them to update their system to accept Unemployment Insurance (UI) applications from small entrepreneurs, independent contractors, self-employed individuals, etc. They hope to have the guidelines by the end of the week, which will allow them to start updating their application system. They are asking for patience as they work through this process and will have everything updated as soon as possible.

MEALS FOR CHILDREN
Searcy Schools Meal Distribution sites during school closures

Beebe Schools Meal Distribution sites during school closure

Riverview School District meals for students: In an effort to serve our students and community, the Riverview School District will be offering Grab-N-Go breakfast and lunch at no cost to our students throughout this week of school closure. Meals will be available on the Judsonia Elementary and Kensett Elementary campuses. Please use the back entrances to the cafeteria for pick-up. Breakfast will be served from 8:00-8:30. Lunch will be served from 11:30-12:30. Any students under the age of 18 will be able to participate in this free feeding program.

White County Central School District WCC is continuing to serve breakfast 7:30-8:30 a.m. and lunch 11:00-noon throughout this week. We also are offering to deliver these meals for the remainder of the week to any student or child under the age of 18 in the home. Please call 729-3947 or 729-4292 before 10 a.m. Wednesday if you want lunch delivered.

KIDS EAT FREE PROMOTIONAL OFFERS - see stores for details, exclusions and offers
Mi Pueblito 1
HWY 55 Burger
Main Street Cafe - free kids meal with a purchase of adult meal
El Almacen - is doing kids eat free everyday from 3-9 pm.

Hardee's- locations on Race Street and at Love's truck stop are offering free sausage biscuits to school age children 18 and under from 5:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. daily until further notice.
Mi Publeito - Open 11-8 (kids eat free)
Midnight oil 6:30am-5:00pm
 

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Community Action Program for Central Arkansas (CAPCA) Searcy office is still open, and our hours are the same. However we are not doing any interviewing. People are still able to pick up and drop applications off. Information will be taken over the phone (501) 279-2015.

SENIOR SERVICES -Prepared Meals, Transportation, Shopping

White River Area Agency on Aging   (501) 268-0529 Office Closed to public

White County Aging Program- (501) 268-2587 Office Closed to public. Current Services: White County Aging Program, Inc. is offering a "Drive By Pick-Up" meal option in place of the congregate meals at all of our centers during their normal hour of meal service. Our home delivered meal program is still in effect-however, all of Searcy's in-town routes have shifted to frozen delivery once per week in order to limit person to person contact. Anyone over the age of 60 may come to the Searcy Senior Center to pick up a meal. Transportation to medical appointments and for basic needs shopping are also provided at this time. Donations are accepted, but not required.

ELDERLY AND AT RISK SHOPPING HOURS
Dollar General - first hour of operation
Wal-Mart - We know our older customers could be more vulnerable to the coronavirus and to better support them, Walmart is offering special shopping hours. From March 24 through April 28, Walmart stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers aged 60 and older. This will start one hour before the store opens. Our Pharmacies and Vision Centers will also be open during this time.

PHARMACIES - OFFERING CURBSIDE/DRIVE THRU- more details
Stanley's pharmacy
Stott's Drug Store
Lowery Drug Stores
Medical Center Pharmacy
Medic Sav-On Drug

GROCERY DELIVERY
Harps – www.harpsfoods.com - stock may be limited or out on some items
Natural Food Store 501-268-9585 – up to 10 mi

RESTAURANTS OFFERING CURB SIDE /CARRYOUT SERVICE (click to download file)

RESTAURANTS OFFERING CURB SIDE /DELIVERY SERVICE (click to download file)

Sonic-All locations
- we will offer curbside pickup for any and all call in orders, with sanitation being done in between. (These need to be done via debit card and we can do that over the phone to prevent prolonged interaction). I’m willing to offer deliveries during this time. Again, paying by phone will make this very easy.  We will still keep our dining room open and we have germ-x at the front door as well as products to make sure everything is properly cleaned in between customers. This week we will only be offering our menu items. We will not be making daily specials due to the lack of traffic I feel it unnecessary. Also, our hours may be subject to vary depending on customer flows
Colton’s Steakhouse 501-268-5777
Chillz Frozen Yogurt and Soft Serve 501-203-0509 - In light of the COVID happenings, Chillz is pleased to now offer curbside service. As always, you’re welcome to come in, get some yogurt and enjoy some Disney+, or if you’d prefer to stay in your car, call us when you get here and we’ll bring you a menu of all of our flavors and toppings. Circle what you want and we’ll run in and make it for you!
Daisy's Lunchbox 501-281-0297
Main Street Café 501-268-3887
Good Measure Market  501-279-9000
Take It or Leave It Café  501-230-4252 Hours 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Mi Pueblito 501-368-0607  - (kids eat free from 11-3, check with them about details)
The Mixing Bowl 501-305-4845
Chit Chat and Chew 501- 203-4045 - We are offering curbside service and our dinning is still open to public, we are remaining diligent in sanitization and taking extra pro cautions such as removing all condiments from tables and not only sanitizing everything but Lysol as well. Customers can call in their order and ask for curbside pick-up. They then pull into back parking lot and a server will run their order out to them. We are also offering deliver to any businesses on the downtown square for now.  We have gift certificates available and they can purchase over the phone and we can run it out to them curbside if they would prefer. We have several specials going on right now including offering 10% off all curbside orders until April 1^st
Chick Fil-A   501- 268-0323 -  We are open and ready to serve our guest in the drive-thru as well as a new service model called curbside mobile ordering. There are designated spaces for our guest and park and their order can be placed and paid for all through the App. Once the order is submitted it will be delivered right to their vehicle by one of our team members. We are also partnered with DoorDash to provide individual meal delivery to those who are unable to come to our restaurant. Midnight Oil- has cut its hours to Monday-Saturday 6:30-5:00Pm as well as taken more health and sanitation precautions. Please get their drinks to go.
Whilma’s Filipino Restaurant- still open! Taking to go orders only. We’re also available through @doordash delivery. Call 5012681288 to order for pick up!
Sladers Alaskan Dumpling- Taking part in Doordash and curbside pickup- go to facebook for more details. Has taken its part and linked up with EXCALIBURGER as part of World Central Kitchen to help those affected by coronavirus quarantine
Savor + Sip- Open from 8a.m.-9p.m. Tues.-Sat. and 10:30a.m.-9p.m. Pick Up Orders, 501-203-0800
Rock House- Updated business hours:11am-8pm Curbside pickup also available
Casa Brava -curbside and deliveries (501) 305-3231
Guacamole Grill- curbside and deliveries (501) 368-0422
Rib Crib of Searcy
Midnight Oil Coffee House - 6:30am-5:00pm
Venzia's Italian Restaurant -(501) 203-4323
Greek House - (501) 268-3200 - Drive Thru
This Guys Smokehouse - 10:30am  -8pm
Main Street Cafe - 10 am - 1:00 pm
Mr. Postman - 8:30 - 5:00
Taco's 4 Life - 501-207-0141 Curbside pickup, Drive Thru, take out and catering delivery. You can place orders over the phone, online or through our app. We are open during our normal hours: 11 am to 9 pm Monday - Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm Friday - Saturday and closed on Sundays
Creme & Sugar - 501) 268-3200
Brick Oven 501-268-3399
Marco's Pizza - 501-268-9888
Pizza Hut - (501) 268-4277
HWY 55 Burgers – 501) 305-3738 Drive Thru /  Delivery
Tropical Smoothie – (501) 305-3665  Drive Thru / Carry out
Little Caesar’s - (800) 722-3727 Drive Thru /Carry / Delivery
Western Sizzlin - (501) 268-2464

DRIVE THRU
Sonic
Taco Bell
Chick fil-A –
Arby's – ONLY Drive Thru
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Wendy’s
McDonalds
Captain D’s

TEMPORARILY CLOSING
Burrito Day - temporarily closing
El Alamcen - temporarily closing
The Cookie Basket - temporarily closing
Country Garden Chinese - reopen TBA
Searcy Athletic Club
10Fitness
NOOMA
Searcy School of Dance
Hopkins Braces
Center on the Square - They are asking for donations to stay afloat
Little Rock Zoo

Disclaimer – please check with businesses on exact details on specials, promotions, hours of operations and hourly changes.