City of Dallas COVID-19 Overview
The City of Dallas is closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on the small business community, working closely with our local, state and federal partners. Below is information that we hope will help you navigate these challenging times.
On June 4, 2020 the City of Dallas issued its latest set set of emergency regulations to allow Dallas County’s latest safer-at-home provisions to be enforced in parts of the city that do not fall within Dallas County’s jurisdiction.
On August 4, 2020 Dallas County issued a supplemental order on continuing requirements which is effective as of 11:59 p.m. on August 4, 2020.
Texas Governor Abbott’s Strike Force to Open Texas has created resources for Texas businesses, available here. On October 7, 2020 Governor Abbott updated his COVID-19 disaster declaration, available here.
Employers Needing Essential Workers
Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas
If you are an employer needing essential workers, Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas is available to assist. Call them at 214-302-5555 and they can help you find the essential workers you need.
Jobseekers
For immediate and ongoing access to job matching services go to www.workintexas.com and the Dallas Regional Chamber’s Jobs for Displaced Workers.
You can email Goodwill at [email protected] with your name, city/zip code, contact number and any additional information. A Goodwill Job Connection Center Manager or Specialist will contact you directly and set up an appointment for virtual employment services. You can also contact a Job Connection Center by phone at the location nearest you:
- 3020 N. Westmoreland Rd, Dallas, TX 75212: 214-638-2800 x185
- 1661 E. Northwest Hwy, Garland, TX 75041: 214-227-5549
- 919 W. Main St, Lewisville, TX 75067: 972-436-3681
Unemployment Benefits
Summary
If your employment has been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. The state recommends you apply online for benefits, but applications can also be accepted over the phone by calling 800-939-6631.
Governor Abbott announced the week of March 16, 2020 that he has instructed Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to waive the normal waiting period, and work search requirements.
Eligibility
To qualify for unemployment benefits in Texas, you must have worked in Texas during the past 12 to 18 months and have at least a minimum amount of wages as required by state guidelines. You must also be able to work and available to work, although the state has waived the provision that you must be looking for work each week that you request benefits.
Contact
Go online at https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services or call 800-939-6631 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Central Time Mondays through Fridays.
Shared Work Program
As an alternative to layoffs, TWC is encouraging employers to enroll in the Shared Work program. A voluntary program, it was developed as a way to help Texas employers and employees withstand a business slowdown, such as occurred due to COVID-19. Under this program, an employer can supplement an employee’s lost wages because of reduced hours worked with partial unemployment benefits.
To read more about the Shared Work program, or to apply, visit https://twc.texas.gov/businesses/shared-work.
Small Business Financial Resources
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act creates a variety of programs to provide assistance to small businesses. A good summary of these options can be found here and a simple flow chart here. Key components include:
- The Payroll Protection Program (PPP), which would provide a portion of its financing as a forgivable loan, is available through 7(a) lenders. Please contact your existing lender for details. For a list of the nation’s top 7(a) lenders click here. On June 17, 2020 the SBA announced it had streamlined the loan application process to make loan forgiveness easier. Details are available here. The PPP resumed accepting applications July 6, 2020. Applications were accepted until August 8, 2020.
- The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, which now includes a grant component of up to $10,000. Details are available at the SBA website.
Dallas’ Small Business Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have developed COVID-19 loan products:
- Business & Community Lenders of Texas: For more information click here.
- DreamSpring: For payment relief on an active loan, click here.
- Lift Fund: Up to $50,000; apply online here.
- PeopleFund: Quick turnaround, disaster assistance loans; for more information click here.
Federal Government – Small Business Administration (SBA)
Disaster Assistance Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be offering low interest loans to designated disaster areas for use as working capital by small businesses that have suffered substantial economy injury due to COVID-19. These loans can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, and accounts payable, as well as other expenses that can’t be paid due to the impact of this disaster. The interest on these loans will be 3.75% for small businesses that do not have credit available elsewhere. Businesses that have credit available elsewhere are not eligible. For nonprofits the interest rate will be 2.75%. The loan term is up to 30 years, determined on a case-by-case basis. The maximum loan amount is $2 million. More information on how to apply is available here and the loan application can be found here.
Third-Party Grants and Loans
Third-parties are providing grants and loans to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Please note we are providing for informational purposes only.
Google Support for Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs)
Google is supporting small- and medium-sized businesses around the world that have been impacted by COVID-19. They are doing this in a variety of ways, from providing access to capital, Google ad credits, and more. For details click here.
Hello Alice COVID-19 Resources
Hello Alice is inviting small business owners to submit applications for their general Business For All program, which offers mentorship opportunities as well as grants up to $50,000 in support of long-term business growth. Applications are open through September 25, 2020. For details click
here.
Revive Dallas Small Business Relief Fund
The Dallas Entrepreneurship Center Network (DEC), in collaboration with LiftFund and the private business community, has launched the Revive Dallas Small Business Relief Fund to support local small businesses in jeopardy due to COVID-19. Zero percent (0%) loans up to $25,000 will be provided and will be combined with other non-monetary resources. A priority has been placed on providing funding to minority- and women-owned small businesses. Please note that the window for pre-qualification applications has closed. For more information click here.
Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund
In partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Verizon is investing $2.5 million for grants of up to $10,000 to entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19, especially entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and others in historically underserved communities who don’t have access to flexible, affordable funding. For the most recent round of funding, applicants were to be notified by September 18, 2020 via email. More information can be found here.
Support Local Restaurants
You can support local restaurants by ordering take-out or delivery. For a list of participating restaurants, click here.
