COVID-19 Updates
A Message To Our Business Community From Franklin Southampton Economic Development
Franklin Southampton Economic Development and the Franklin Business Center are open to the public. The FSEDI staff are available to assist you. You can reach us at (757)-562-1958 or info@franklinsouthamptonva.com.
Please make sure to follow us on Facebook for timely updates.
Other helpful Facebook pages to follow are below:
Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce
Hampton Roads Workforce Council
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM FIRST DRAW LOANS
SBA reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for First Draw Loans as of January 11, 2021. First Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations. To learn more, click here.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM SECOND DRAW LOANS
SBA opened the Paycheck Protection Program for Second Draw Loans as of January 13, 2021. To promote access for smaller lenders and their customers, SBA will initially only accept Second Draw PPP Loan applications from participating community financial institutions (CFIs), which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries. Paycheck Protection Program lending will reopen to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. To learn more, click here.
Economic Aid Act Of 2020
Click here for an Overview and Supporting Information
Department Of Community Development Is Allowing TEMPORARY SIGNS In The City Of Franklin And Southampton County For Retail And Service Businesses.
Beginning March 20, 2020, you may install one temporary sign on your property to let the public know you are open and providing service to the community. Please send an email to Beth Lewis, Zoning Administrator, at blewis@franklinva.com, or call 757-562-1003 to indicate where the sign will be located and how large it will be. This will be available as long as Franklin and Southampton County are under a declaration of emergercy. Please note these signs nay not be located in public right-of-way, and MUST be removed when the emergency declaration ends.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Effective May 8th, the SBA has reduced the maximum EIDL loan from $2 million to $150,000, and they are only accepting new applications from agricultural enterprises.
Click here for a step-by-step video and FAQ.
Click here for the Three Step Process for the Disaster Loan.
Click here for the SBA Fact Sheet on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
Click here for the Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act.
Click here for the US Chamber's Small Business ELA Loan Guide.
SBA Express Bridge Loans
Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.
Support Our Local Restaurants
Click here for a list of local restaurants that are ready to serve you.
Better Business Bureau: How to Navigate the Coronavirus Crisis
https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21714-business-tips-how-to-navigate-the-coronavirus-crisis
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html
City of Franklin Website
Commonwealth of Virginia: https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus-updates/?fbclid=IwAR01_qF5iOG8kg1h97tFRzTxFxCszfxlc_932gEot8Inw53KtaTE-CO1x-g
Cybersecurity Expert: How to Best Protect Your Business Online
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVqC0-mus9c&feature=youtu.be
Federal Resources for U.S. Small Businesses
Hampton Roads Workforce Council
https://www.vcwhamptonroads.org/corona-virus-update/
Intro to the Best eCommerce Platforms for Small Business
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWhb_5Yl3o4
IRS: Coronavirus Tax Relief
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
Marketing & Promoting Your Business on the Web
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESb04duN-VQ&feature=youtu.be
SBDC Resoure Center
https://www.vachamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Get-VA-Back-to-Work-1.pdf
Southampton County Website
https://www.southamptoncounty.org/
3 Things You Can Do to Connect With Your Customers During Social Distancing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRT2B3weSfQ&feature=youtu.be
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Resources & Guidelines for Business
https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus
USDA COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide
https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/USDA_COVID-19_Fed_Rural_Resource_Guide.pdf
U.S. Small Business Administration: In-Depth Slides on Economic Injury Disaster Loans
U.S. Small Business Administration: Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
Virginia Employment Commission: Workers Whose Job Has Been Affected by the Coronavirus
http://www.vec.virginia.gov/node/11699