Resources for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) understands the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the business community. MCCC is engaged with policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels of government as they determine ways to assist the business community in navigating this evolving situation.

We have compiled a list of resources for businesses who are interested in learning more about the government response to this growing health crisis.

If our team at MCCC can be of assistance to your business, please do not hesitate to contact us by calling (301) 738-0015.

This page will be updated with additional resources as they become available.

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Urgent Need for COVID-19 Supplies!
The State of Maryland is still seeking to fill severe shortages of specific infection-control products and healthcare supplies. If you have bulk amounts of personal protective equipment in stock, please respond to the COVID-19 Request for Information (RFI) in eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA). This RFI is focused on the most critically-needed items including ventilators, N-95 masks, facial protection, medical grade hospital beds, and general PPE. Vendors will be asked to provide information about quantities available, shipping capabilities, country of origin, and product-specific information (e.g., OEM part number, etc.). To access the RFI from the home page without logging in, select "Public Solicitations," then enter "COVID" into the "Keywords" box and perform a search. The RFI template is titled "COVID-19 Emergency Medical Supplies," ID #BPM019116.

This emergency announcement is not an offer of a contract, but is intended to gather information about companies' capability to donate or sell these critical items to the State of Maryland.

eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA)

Watch MCCC Webinars On This Topic

MCCC Board Member Testimonial

Christopher Carpenito, Cooper Building Services, LLC

"Thanks so much to each of you and everyone at MCCC. It is times like this where anyone who wonders if our Chamber is a 'networking group' is clearly proven wrong. This is a team of seasoned professionals who gets things done…especially when the chips are down…and I am proud to be a member."

- Christopher Carpenito, CPA, Chief Executive Officer, Cooper Building Services, LLC

Small Business Testimonial

"I would like to express my gratitude to MCCC for organizing the CARES Act Small Business Loans Program webinar on April 1. As a small business owner, I had heard about the program and was interested in applying for a PPP Loan. I attended the webinar and contacted my business bank right away as advised. Unfortunately, my long-established relationship with my bank did not help and my bank could not even start accepting PPP Loan applications by the time the first round of funding got depleted.

Knowing that there were thousands of other small business owners like me, I reached out to MCCC’s Barbara Ashe and SBA District Director Antonio Doss to notify them that the SBA’s system was not working for 'real' small businesses. I was pleasantly surprised to hear back both from both Barbara and Antonio with suggestions for potential lenders who could help me. Following their advice, I started two applications for the second round and received my funding through PayPal. Thank you to MCCC and the SBA for your support!"

- Nuray Anahtar, AIA, NOA Architecture Planning Interiors, LLC

Federal Government

U.S. Congress
- Comprehensive summary of small business provisions for the $1.4 trillion omnibus funding bill (December 21, 2020)
- The HEROES Act
  - Read the legislation
  - Read MCCC's position
- Small Business Expenses Protection Act of 2020 Introduced
  - This would allow some small businesses to deduct from their tax expenses paid with the forgiven portion of their PPP loan. This would modify the current regulations surrounding this issue, which the IRS released last week and got pushback from businesses and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. If included as a part of the next COVID-19 bill, this legislation essentially voids the IRS guidance.
- On March 27, the CARES Act was signed into law.
  - Section-by-section summary of the small business provisions
  - The Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act
  - Small business provisions one pager
  - Important provision for government contractors
  - Press release from the U.S. Senate Small Business Committee
- Senator Chris Van Hollen
  - Fact Sheet: Coronavirus Phase 3 Federal Response – CARES Act Benefits for Marylanders
- On March 18, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act into law
- MCCC's analysis on important policies in this legislation that may impact employers
- MCCC joined 22 business organizations in sending a letter to DC Area Congressional Delegations regarding economic relief legislation.
White House
- President Trump's Proclamation Suspending Travel
- Office of Management and Budget: Administrative Relief for Recipients and Applicants of Federal Assistance Directly Impacted by the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) due to Loss of Operations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- UPDATE! Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):
  - SBA is launching a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program loans of $150,000 or less through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through SBA. The new forgiveness platform will begin accepting applications from borrowers on August 4. Lenders are required to opt-in to this program through https://directforgiveness.sba.gov.
    - A customer service team is available to answer questions and directly assist borrowers with their forgiveness applications. Borrowers that need assistance or have questions can call (877) 552-2692, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST.
  - READ: SBA Guidance for individuals with self-employment income who file a Form 1040, Schedule C; eligibility issues for certain business concerns and requirements for certain pledges of PPP loans.
  - On April 3, 2020, the SBA released an overhauled PPP loan application form
  - Interim Final Rule
  - Program Overview
- Financial Tools & Resources to Help Small Business (including Economic Injury Disaster Loan information)
- HUBZone
  - SBA has updated the HUBZone Program website to reflect changes to the program resulting from the recent rule change
  - Fact Sheet: Program Compliance Flexibilities During the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19)
- Disaster Assistance
- D.C. Declared a Disaster Area due to the Coronavirus (Montgomery and Prince George's Counties are included)
- Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
- Response on Travel Suspension
U.S. Department of Labor
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers
- Share your thoughts on the Expanded Family and Medical Leave to Employees Affected by COVID-19
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
  - Hazard Recognition
  - COVID-19 Control and Prevention
Department of Treasury
- Interim Final Rule implementing PPP
- The filling deadline for federal taxes has been pushed to July 15th by the Secretary of the Treasury.
Office of the Comptroller of Currency
- Press Release: Agencies Provide Additional Information to Encourage Financial Institutions to Work with Borrowers Affected by COVID-19

Watch MCCC's Chamber Chat: The Political Environment Surrounding Federal Business Assistance Efforts
(Wednesday, April 3, 2020)

Watch MCCC's Chamber Chat with
SBA District Director Antonio Doss
(Wednesday, April 1, 2020)

View the accompanying presentation here.

CDC YouTube Playlist on the Coronavirus

Information Specific to
Federal Government Contractors

Department of Defense
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Sustainment)
- Implementation Guidance for Section 3610 of the CARES Act
Contracting Officers Can Pay You Even it the Contract is Shut Down (PilieroMazza PLLC)
On March 27, the CARES Act was signed into law.
- Important provision for government contractors
- COVID-19 Guidance for Government Contractors (Bloomberg Government)
Office of Management and Budget
General Services Administration (GSA)
- Civilian Agency Acquisition Council (CAAC) Class Deviation
On March 20, 2020, MCCC sent a letter to the Senate Small Business Committee regarding the impact of the coronavirus on government contractors. We received over 200 signatories in under 24 hours!
NIH Message to Applicants and Recipients of NIH Funds on Flexibilities Needed for COVID-19

State of Maryland

Governor Hogan
- READ: Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery
- READ: April 20, 2020 Governor Announces Acquisition of 500,000 COVID-19 Tests through "Operation Enduring Friendship"
- WATCH: March 30, 2020 Update on Additional Closures and Restrictions
- READ: Governor Hogan's March 30, 2020 Executive Order
- Legislation Announcing Coronavirus Response Team
- Live Updates from Governor Hogan
Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
- April 24, 2020: SDAT announced 15 new online services on Maryland Business Express that will make it easier for businesses to get back into Good Standing status, a requirement necessary for many types of Coronavirus-related relief. Learn more.
Maryland General Assembly
- Department of Legislative Services
  - Overview of Federal COVID-19 Assistance for Maryland
- The Maryland General Assembly adjourned on March 18, 2020.
  - Senate Bill 1010 was passed and forwarded to Governor Hogan for his signature: State of Emergency and Catastrophic Health Emergency – Authority of Governor and Unemployment Insurance Benefits (COVID–19 Public Health Emergency Protection Act of 2020)
  - Read MCCC's summary on this legislation
Comptroller
- Business Filing Tax Deadlines Extended
Department of Commerce
- Maryland Manufacturing Network Supplier Portal
  - A partnership between the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP), the portal offers a central location where buyers, such as health care systems, local emergency management agencies, and essential companies, can identify which suppliers have PPE, health care equipment, and other essential items.
- Emergency Relief Fund Programs for Businesses
Department of Labor
- Layoff Aversion Fund: Workforce Development and Adult Learning
- Maryland Unemployment Insurance: For businesses concerned about temporary or permanent layoffs.
- Safe and Sick Leave Law (Maryland Healthy Working Families Act)
- Work Sharing Program
Department of Health
- Updates
Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
- Resource list for businesses
Maryland Insurance Administration
- COVID-19 Insurance FAQs
To receive alerts, tips, and resources related to COVID-19, text "MdReady" to 898211.
More information for businesses

Governor Hogan's Latest COVID-19 Press Conference
April 22, 2020

Montgomery County

Guidance for Business Reopening and Recovery
Montgomery County COVID-19 Dashboard
Local Production Fund
- Apply for the grant
- Learn more
Montgomery County's Public Health Emergency Grant (PHEG) Program
- Apply for a grant
- Program overview
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin's County & Municipal Governments Guide to Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
- Read the Guide
Montgomery County Government
Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC)
- Resource List
Montgomery County Council
- READ: Expedited Bill 16-20: Economic Development Fund - Public Health Emergency Grant Program - Established
- READ: Council calls for banks, financial institutions, and public utilities to institute a 60-day moratorium on customer defaults
Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)
- Updates
- Permission Form for Montgomery County Restaurants to Sell Alcohol for Carryout/Delivery
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)
- May 3, 2020 Update: Including information re: grading criteria for the 4th quarter
- Grab-and-Go Meal Information
- Closure information
Food Council
Commuter Services
- Montgomery County Employers are Invited to Attend a FREE Teleworking Webinar on Tuesday, April 7 from 3-4 pm. Register here.
WorkSource Montgomery
- Current Job Opportunities
- Looking to add additional staff at this time? Please contact Cynthia Grissom with WorkSource Montgomery.
Visit Montgomery
- MoCo Eats - Interactive Restaurant Directory
  - Submit your restaurant here.

Watch MCCC's Chamber Chat with
Councilmember Andrew Friedson
(Friday, March 27, 2020)

Watch: A Message from Montgomery County's Health Officer on the Prevention of Coronavirus

COVID-Related Advocacy Efforts

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) understands the impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic on the business community. MCCC is engaged with policymakers at the federal, state, and local levels of government as they determine ways to assist the business community in navigating this evolving situation. View our Resources for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

On March 15, 2021, MCCC released a statement in support of a mass vaccination site in Montgomery County, Maryland.
On December 3, 2020, MCCC signed on to a letter from the Greater Washington business community, urging our region's Congressional leaders to provide additional federal relief and recovery funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On August 6, 2020, MCCC signed on to a letter from the American Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives to Congressional leadership. This letter address the CARES Act and our concerns surrounding cultural institutions, including non-profit museums, aquariums, zoos, and performing arts centers.
On July 15, 2020, MCCC joined the Montgomery Moving Forward Early Care and Education Workforce Advocacy Coalition Members in seeking Senator Chris Van Hollen's commitment to the HEROES Act and the "Child Care is Essential Act." Read the letter.
On May 6, 2020, MCCC joined chambers of commerce across the country to highlight gaps in the CARES Act, particularly pertaining to cultural institutions such as aquariums, zooms, and performing arts centers.
On March 20, 2020, MCCC sent a letter to the Senate Small Business Committee regarding the impact of the coronavirus on government contractors. We received over 200 signatories in under 24 hours.
MCCC joined 22 business organizations in sending a letter to DC Area Congressional Delegations regarding economic relief legislation.

Other Resources

Donate to Local Food Banks
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)
- Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
- Restaurant workers can apply for a grant paid for by the NRAEF fund starting Thursday, April 2, and will receive a one-time $500 check within three weeks to use toward housing, medical bills, student loans, groceries, and other expenses. The NRAEF stipulated that these grants would be administered on a "first-come, first-serve basis." Apply or donate.
Health Insurance Carriers
- List of Carriers Offering Premium Relief (The Capital Group)
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
  - Coronavirus Relief
Aronson LLC: COVID-19 Government Contracting Hub
HUB International Coronavirus Resource Center
- Visit this site to learn more about business continuity and claims, legal and regulatory considerations, and more
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
World Health Organization (WHO)
WMATA (Metro)
- Services reduced
- To inform its planning decisions, WMATA is seeking feedback from employers about their expected return-to-office schedules, which would determine changes in demand for Metro services. To share your latest reopening plans with WMATA, please take this survey: http://wmata.com/returntowork

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