COVID-19
INFORMATION & UPDATES FOR BUSINESSES
This page is frequently updated and features a selection of top requests for information from business owners and employees. If you do not find what you are looking for or have something to share, please contact our office. The East Providence Area Chamber is here to help you and your business.
Local and State News Media
Businesses and Residents
Rhode Island Department of Health has a vast range of current COVID-19 related information on their Web site.
RHODE ISLAND DEPT OF LABOR & TRAINING (RI DLT)
If you are out of work because of COVID-19, Unemployment Insurance claims are processed faster and can be more generous than TDI/TCI.
File an Unemployment Insurance Claim
Click here for the latest RIDLT Information regarding Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19)
Presentar un reclaimo de UI
Rhode Island self-employed/independent contractors and gig workers are eligible for unemployment benefits. Details and application here.
Difficulty Processing Unemployment Claim
A new online form is available to help you get answers, if your application or claim has a problem. Click here to reach the RIDLT form.
Update: On 02/12/21 new guidance was released for Rhode Island businesses and individuals. Click here for FAQ
Overview of changes to Executive Orders and Guidance as of February 12, 2021:
• Social gathering size: two households indoors and three households outdoors
• Venues of Assembly and Houses of Worship: May operate at 40% capacity, but not more than 125 people may be present at the event or venue
• Bar areas: Now open until 11 p.m., limited to two households with a maximum of four people seated together and seated for no longer than 90 minutes
The guidance below outlines frequently asked questions relating to post-Pause restrictions implemented via Executive Orders 20-108, 21-09, 21-11, and 21-13. Unless specifically indicated via Executive Order, all Phase III regulations and guidance carry forward through this period. All Phase III guidance continues to be available on www.ReopeningRI.com. Individuals and business owners are encouraged to review community and industry-specific guidance documents online. Additional public health guidance relating to quarantine, isolation and travel can be found through the RIDOH website at www.covid.ri.gov.
Update: Restore RI Grant Application Portal (Application deadline was 12/8/20)
The Restore RI Grant is targeted at small businesses that have been most severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides eligible businesses with grants of up to $30,000.
For any additional questions about the Restore RI program or application, please contact the RI Commerce Small Business Hotline at (401) 521-HELP or email info@commerceri.com.
Current information and resources for business owners regarding operating guidelines for Phase III, COVID-19 Control Plan template and more.
East Providence Business Owners/Employers
City of East Providence Web site featuring COVID-19 related executive orders from Mayor DaSilva, relief loan program for small businesses, contact information for city departments and more.
A limited amount of funds remain for City of East Providence Take It Outside grants for East Providence small businesses. Details and application here. Contact Jim Moran for availability of funds before applying. (401) 435-7531 X11153
COVID-19 Relief Loans for East Providence Businesses
$1K-$5K loans. Application and details here.
Barrington Business Owners/Employers
Town of Barrington Web site featuring COVID-19 related executive orders from Town Manager Cunha and his Daily Updates for businesses and residents, contact information for town departments and more.
MASSACHUSETTS
3/4/21 - Updates and Information for businesses and residents
Mass
Resource Pages
Call hotlines, get text updates, and more
Rhode Island SBA District Office serves Rhode Island and Seekonk & Rehoboth, MA businesses
Reach out to them for assistance and information about local and federal loan programs available to small businesses. Click here
3/4/21 Paycheck Protection Progam (PPP) Updates
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Paycheck Protection Program First Draw Borrower Application Form (updated 03-03-21)
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Paycheck Protection Program First Draw Borrower Application Form for Schedule C Filers Using Gross Income (published 03-03-21)
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Paycheck Protection Program Second Draw Borrower Application Form (updated 03-03-21)
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Paycheck Protection Program Second Draw Borrower Application Form for Schedule Filers Using Gross Income (published 03-03-21)
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.
In order to reach the smallest businesses, SBA will offer PPP loans to businesses with fewer than 20 employees and sole proprietors only from Wednesday, February 24 through Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 5pm ET.
President Biden has also announced additional program changes to make access to PPP loans more equitable.
1. Find a lender:
2. Identify a loan:
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First Draw PPP Loans: If you have not received a PPP loan before, First Draw PPP Loans are available to you.
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Second Draw PPP Loans: If you have previously received a PPP loan, certain businesses are eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
SBA also offers additional Coronavirus relief.
The deadline to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the COVID-19 Pandemic disaster declaration is extended to Dec. 31, 2021 pending available funds.
Loans are offered at a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% interest rate for nonprofit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. Every eligible small business and nonprofit is encouraged to apply to get the resources they need.
To apply for an EIDL loan, visit https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/ or contact the RI SBA District Office by email at RhodeIsland_DO@sba.gov.
