Business Resources
Find helpful information and resources available for Charlotte County employers to address COVID-19 challenges.
This page is for informational purposes only. This page does not imply endorsement of any particularl program/organization. We will update the information often, but because the situation is quickly evolving some of this information may have changed.
OSHA Guidelines for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
A comprehensive list of Federal COVID-19 Aid Programs
Paycheck Protection Program
- See a sample application here
- Information sheet for borrowers
The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020.
For more information contact Small Business Development Council Consultant Peter Keating at 941-916-5589 or go to the SBA website.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%. Loans have long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
For additional information, please contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center: 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Short Time Compensation Program
The Short Time Compensation Program is a voluntary employer program designed to help employers maintain their staff by reducing the weekly working hours during temporary slowdowns instead of temporarily laying off employees. If an employer establishes a Short Time Compensation Plan and an employee meets the qualifications to file a re-employment assistance claim in the state of Florida, the employee will receive a partial re-employment check to supplement their reduced paycheck.
To apply for the Short Time Compensation Program (required for employees to submit a re-employment claim), please follow this link to the Employer Login page of CONNECT.
Families First Coronavirus Act
This new law took effect April 2, 2020. It requires employers with up to 500 employees to provide paid sick leave and paid family leave while also providing a refundable payroll tax credit to employers to cover 100% of the cost of wages. Read the full act here.
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 guidance addresses critical questions.
Employer Paid Leave Requirements
Sales and Tax Relief
On Monday, March 16, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis directed the Department of Revenue (Department) to provide flexibility on tax due dates, such as sales tax, to assist those adversely affected by COVID-19. See the Florida Department of Revenue website for more information.
Other Helpful Links
Florida Economic Development Council
Business Damage Assessment Survey
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
