March 16, 2020

“Maine small businesses can now access and apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. The SBA toll-free line has been established to answer questions at 1-800-659-2955. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Department of Economic and Community Development, the SBA and its Resource Partners: U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE and Women Business Centers will be providing workshops to answer questions and to help small businesses with the loan application process.”

A note from GFDC: We called this 800 number and were quickly put on the line with an informed SBA staff member. They will help with guidance if needed but this link walks you through a very clear application process. Time is a factor as SBA will be getting calls from across the country. The sooner that you apply, the sooner your application will be processed!

March 15, 2020

“The emergency legislation submitted by Governor Mills temporarily revises eligibility requirements for the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program to include situations not typically covered, such as: 1) employer temporarily ceases operation due to COVID-19; 2) an individual is quarantined with the expectation of returning to work once the quarantine is over; or 3) an individual leaves employment due to risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member. It also temporarily waives the one week waiting period for benefits so that workers may obtain benefits immediately and ensures that claims for UI will not affect an employer’s experience rating. These temporary measures will help relieve the burden of temporary layoffs, isolation, and medically-necessary quarantine on Maine workers and small businesses. Governor Mills has also urged Maine employers to be generous in their paid leave policies and to allow employees to work from home.”

The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development would like to invite you to join Commissioner Heather Johnson and Commissioner of Labor Laura Fortman on Wednesday, March 18, at 4:00 p.m. for a CoronaVirus business impact and resource discussion.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/845188174?pwd=bzdKL29SeE5TVlJuMkxkb1hMQnhLdz09

Meeting ID: 845 188 174

Password: 625493

Call-In Number:

+1 646 876 9923 US

Meeting ID: 845 188 174

March 13, 2020

“For the many fine arts venues and establishments across the state, in the short term, we encourage ticket holders to please consider donating the cost of the ticket to an organization that has had to cancel a performance or temporarily shut their doors. This will help offset the inevitable losses that many Mainers will endure. For the individual artist, it is our hope that during these moments of uncertainty that one might choose to embrace that creative spark and continue to be inspired to make masterpieces and award-winning work.

For more information, there are additional resources that are provided to us through Americans for the Arts. There is also an online Response and Resource Center which will be updated on a daily basis. In response to numerous inquiries, AFTA has launched a brief survey to gather data and stories from around the country on the economic impact on the national arts and culture industry. Your involvement will provide a strong foundation as we work to promote the inclusion of the arts and culture sector in stimulus package options and other Federal relief measures.”

“Dealing With the Coronavirus: What to do immediately to help save your tourism industry, and downtown businesses.”

Destination Development Association is offering a special presentation this Wednesday, March 18th at 11:30am:“Dealing With the Coronavirus: What to do immediately to help save your tourism industry, and downtown businesses.” 

This workshop is FREE to all, so spread the word — this is important for your economic future.

In this workshop we are offering ideas that can still encourage travel while implementing “social distancing” and “self-quarantine” procedures, ways to shift your tourism marketing to help you weather the storm, what downtowns (and downtown businesses) can do to survive, and programs coming online to help small businesses that make up the bulk of our tourism-industry providers and downtown businesses.

This is an excellent time to invite others in your community, from stakeholders, elected officials, local government staff, businesses, and other local organizations to tune in — which they can do from home, office or remote location to avoid large gatherings. Again, this is free for everyone.

Register for the webinar here.