Business Resources
Below is a list compiled by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Federal:
- U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA provides low-interest, long-term Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EDIL) to small businesses and private non-profit organizations that suffered working capital losses due to the declared disaster.
SBA Guidance for Businesses in Responding to COVID-19
SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to COVID-19
3 Step Loan Process: An Overview of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Application Process
Disaster Loan Assistance Application
SBA Texas District Offices:
- Dallas/Fort Worth District Office
- El Paso District Office
- Houston District Office
- Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office
- Lubbock District Office
- San Antonio District Office
SBA Houston District Office – COVID -19 – Guidance for Small Businesses (daily webinars and Q&A)
*If applying for an EIDL loan, the SBA recommends using Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge*
*Customer Service can be reached at 800.659.2955 or [email protected]*
- Federal Reserve: Commercial Paper Funding Facility to support the flow of credit to households and businesses
IRS Payment Deadline Extended: Filing and Payment Deadline Extended to July 15
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Visit their website for a comprehensive list of resources available to assist rural residents, businesses and communities impacted by COVID-19.
- Beginning immediately, through July 31, 2020, USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantees (B&I) and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Guaranteed lenders may assist borrowers experiencing temporary cash flow issues by deferring payments for a period no longer than 120 days. The lender must notify The Agency in writing of any payment deferments. Written notification to the Agency will meet the standard for concurrence until July 31, 2020. A response from the Agency is not required. This guidance applies to ALL borrowers that had a current repayment status as of March 1, 2020.
State:
- Office of the Governor: Visit their website for a comprehensive list of resources and important COVID-19 updates.
- Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Visit their website for resources available to employers and job seekers impacted by the COVID-19.
- Resources for Employers
- The Commissioner for Employers’ legal team is available Monday through Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to answer employment law questions. Please contact them at 800-832-9394 or [email protected]
- Shared Work Program
- Resources for Job Seekers
- If an individual’s employment has been affected by COVID-19 they may apply for benefits either online by using the Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) or by calling TWC at 800.939.6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. UBS can be accessed at any time. For additional information, visit TWC’s website.
- Resources for Employers
- Texas Comptroller: Visit their website for tax-related information related to COVID-19.
- The agency is offering assistance in the form of short-term payment agreements, and in most instances, waivers of penalties and interest. To learn about options for remaining in compliance and avoiding interest and late fees on taxes due, contact the Enforcement Hotline at 800.252.8800.
- Texas Department of Insurance (TDI): Visit their website for an overview of insurance-related questions related to COVID-19.
- Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA): Visit their website for an overview of information related to school meals, consumer protection, rural hospitals, weights and measures and licensing.
Other:
- The Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) provided guidance to those directly or indirectly impacted.
- Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are an alternative source of finance for small businesses. For additional information, please visit with each organization:
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provides counseling to small businesses throughout Texas. For a list of resources to manage the impact and recovery, visit their website.
- SCORE has chapters throughout Texas and provides in-person and virtual counseling and mentorship. They have also published resources and information to support small business, including:
- The COVID-19 Economic Impact: Will Business Interruption Insurance Help (& What Are My Other Options)?
- How Small Businesses Can Prepare for the COVID-19