On the Economic Scene

July 20, 2020
Online Version at FloridaBusiness.org

COVID-19 Business Resource Center: VolusiaBusinessResources.com

NEW LAW EXTENDS PPP LOAN PROGRAM THROUGH AUG. 8 – Congress has passed legislation extending the deadline for submitting applications for the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to Aug. 8, and President Trump signed the bill on July 4. As reported, this extends the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) authority to approve Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, which otherwise were to terminate on June 30. There is an estimated $130 billion remaining in the program, out of $660 billion allocated. Recently released SBA data indicates that at least $25 billion in PPP government loans went to Florida small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The federal taxpayer money saved at least 3.2 million jobs around the state, according to data that was self-reported by businesses and sent to the SBA.

HOME-BASED BUSINESS GRANT APPLICATION – Qualifying home-based businesses that have up to 50 employees and are located in Volusia County may be eligible to receive a one-time grant of $1,500 to help them recover from the negative financial consequences resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and relaunch their business. The grant is made available to help small businesses recover from the negative financial consequences resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and help relaunch their Volusia County business. For a complete list of the grant criteria details and to apply online, go to www.VolusiaBusinessResources.com

SMALL BUSINESS REOPENING GRANT STILL AVAILABLE – Qualifying businesses with a physical, brick-and-mortar location in a commercial or industrial space in Volusia County may be eligible to receive a one-time Reopening Grant Program grant of $3,000 for businesses that have 25 employees or less, or $5,000 for businesses that have between 26 and 50 employees. The grant is made available to help small businesses recover from the negative financial consequences resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and help relaunch their Volusia County business. Apply at www.VolusiaBusinessResources.com.

CDC RESUMING BUSINESS TOOLKIT – Business owners now have online access to the CDC’s Resuming Business Toolkit. The toolkit is designed to assist employers in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and lowering the impact in their workplace when reintegrating employees into non-healthcare business settings. The toolkit includes an Employer Sheet to introduce employers to the contents of the toolkit; a Restart Readiness Checklist to help make resuming business operations safe; a Worker Protection Tool to identify protective measures for workers; a Returning to Work Infographic to remind employees how to protect themselves; and a resources list of information using hyperlinks, URLs and QR codes.

DSC TO START LEVEL AND FLOW PROCESS CONTROL COURSE IN AUGUST – Starting in August, Daytona State College (DSC) will offer its Level and Flow Process Control Systems training course as part of its Industrial Maintenance Training Series. The training is designed to comply with all CDC social distancing and face covering guidelines. Level and flow process control systems provide precise control of liquids and gases in industrial areas. The course, which costs $1,745, will be taught in DSC’s new Industrial Maintenance Lab where students perform hands-on work on industrial quality equipment. In addition to class time, the web-based curriculum will be available to students 24/7. Because of class size, the course will be offered in two groups. For further course details or to register, email Joanne Parker or call 386-506-4224. For assistance with training costs, contact CareerSource Flagler Volusia at 386-323-7079 or email Business Services.

U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE VIRTUAL FORUM ON WOMEN’S GLOBAL TRADE EMPOWERMENT – The U.S. Commercial Service invites female entrepreneurs to a free six-part digital series to acquire skills and tools to boldly expand sales into new markets in Canada, Mexico and beyond. Each session will last for 60 to 90 minutes and will cover crucial topics to prepare these entrepreneurs to succeed in global markets. Registrants will learn how they can benefit from the newly implemented United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement while also building a winning export strategy and developing valuable business connections. Topics include financing, receiving payment, customs and rules of origin, legal strategies, and protecting intellectual property. The webinars are scheduled for six dates beginning July 28 and ending Sept. 22. Registrants from certain industries have the option to delve deeper into the forum topics and access additional services for a nominal fee.

EFI EXPANDS VIRTUAL BUSINESS MATCHMAKING TO ENGAGE CANADA AND MEXICO – Following the modernized trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico and Canada, Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI) is expanding its trade facilitation service to these border countries. Both Mexico and Canada are signatories to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which entered into force on July 1, 2020. The Virtual Business Matchmaking program is designed to help Florida’s small and medium-sized companies continue doing business overseas even as international travel is restricted and traditional marketing events are extremely limited. Service includes virtual introductions via teleconference or videoconference of up to five interested agents, distributors or partners in various target markets who have been pre-screened and pre-qualified. EFI’s trade grant will cover the full cost of the matchmaking on a reimbursable basis, making the service completely free. Businesses interested in learning more about the new service or the trade grant can contact one of Enterprise Florida’s Regional Trade Managers for more information.