OP CHAMBER
COVID-19 | Coronavirus Resources
As the Coronavirus situation continues to evolve, the Overland Park Chamber is a resource for employers in monitoring the outbreak and implementing strategies to protect their workforce while ensuring continuity of operations. To help educate employers and employees on how they can prepare for and address the impacts of the virus, please explore the following sections of helpful information and resources.
US Chamber Resources
U.S. Chamber Coronavirus updates
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted a Small Business Update to detail what makes up the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act. The bill was signed into law on Thursday, March 11. The virtual event was held on Friday, March 12 at 11:00 am and you can watch the recording of the event. The speakers provide details of long-awaited aid dedicated specifically to the restaurant industry, new provisions for small businesses across other industries, and more money for the Paycheck Protection Program. (Updated March 15)
- The U.S. Chamber also published a guide to help members of the restaurant industry navigate the funding options available to them through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. This guide outlines the five big things restaurants need to know about grant eligibility, how and when to apply, and more. (Updated March 26)
The United States Chamber of Commerce has a COVID-19 vaccines digital resources center with general guidance, state specific plans, communications strategies, safety and efficacy information and more. Added March 1
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted a informational session with Bharat Ramamurti, White House National Economic Council Director, Neil Bradley, U.S. Chamber Chief Policy Officer and Jeanette Mulvey, U.S. Chamber Content Director yesterday to go over the latest changes to the Payroll Protection Program and the specific focus on minority-owned businesses and those with fewer than 20 employees. That session was recorded and can be viewed here. The U.S. Chamber has more financial assistance resources for businesses as well as additional, on-demand video content. Added February 26
The United States Chamber of Commerce has a new guide to COVID-19 emergency loans. This guide will to provide the latest information and answers to FAQs about the changes that have been made to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) Program as part of the end-of-year pandemic relief package Congress has passed. The direct language about the resumption of the PPP can be found here (begins on page 2102). Added December 22.
The Internal Revenue Service released its official guidance on the implementation the President's executive order authorizing a temporary payroll tax deferral for American workers—which under current law—would create a substantial tax liability for employees at the end of the deferral period. The U.S. Chamber has produced a summary of this information. (Added September 8).
Guides and Resources from the U.S. Chamber
The U.S. Chamber continues to create, update, and evolve its various guides and resources to inform its members and provide relevant and practical information. We encourage you to use and share the following items as you see fit:
Federal Unemployment Assistance Proposals: State Impact Comparison
Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness
Reopening Business Digital Resources Center
Reopening Business Digital Resources Center Toolkit
Small Business Reopening Playbook
Main Street Lending Program Guide
State-Specific Guidance Map
Backgrounder on Health Coverage Options
Backgrounder on Unemployment Insurance Under the CARES Act
Independent Contractor's Guide to CARES Act Relief
Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
Temporary Paid Leave and Family Medical Leave Guide
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program Guide
Employee Retention Tax Credit Guide
Coronavirus Small Business Guide
Coronavirus Response Toolkit
Guidance For Employers
Workplace Tips
Resilience in a Box
Shutttered Venue, Restaurant Revitalization Fund and PPP Loans
The Shuttered Venues Operators grant program is aimed at supporting entertainment businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and will distribute more than $16 billion to live venue operators, including eligible movie theaters, concert spaces, museums, and performing arts organizations.
The Shuttered Venue Operator grants have specific eligibility requirements that rule who is and isn’t eligible. Eligible entities include:
- Live venue operators or promoters
- Theatrical producers
- Live performing arts organization operators
- Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria
- Motion picture theater operators
- Talent representatives
- Each business entity owned by an eligible entity that also meets the eligibility requirements
In addition, businesses must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020 to receive a shuttered venue operator grant. For more detail on the eligibility requirements for the program, please see the full eligibility requirement document from the SBA.
The application portal for these grants opened on Thursday, April 8. To apply, eligible businesses should sign up for a System of Award Management (SAM) account with the federal government as soon as possible at SAM.gov. This requires that you first create a login.gov user account and use that same login information to sign up for your SAM account. When registering for your Sam account, you will need the following information:
- Dun & Bradstreet DUNS number – acquiring a DUNS number is free and typically takes one to two business days to process. Get a DUNS number free here.
- Tax Id number (TIN) and Taxpayer Name
- A CAGE or NCAGE number – if you don’t already have a CAGE/NCAGE number, one will be automatically assigned to you when your SAM.gov registration is finished
- A NAICS code – this code identifies what industry your business serves. You can look up NAICS codes here.
- Electronic Funds Transfer information
The SBA also has a preliminary application checklist that you can follow to make sure you are ready to apply when the application portal opens.
For additional information about the program, FAQs, video tutorials, and more, please visit the SBA’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant homepage. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also has a guide for what you need to know about these grants and hosted a Small Business Update on March 12 providing details on this program and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which was part of the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act.
NEW! The U.S. Small Business Administration will reopen the Shuttered Venues Grant application portal on April 26, at 11:00 a.m. Details. For Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal technical assistance such as a password reset, browser suggestions, or how to use multi-factor authentication with an app and the QR code, applicants can call 1-800-659-2955 or 1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing and follow the prompts for assistance. The call center opens today until 8 p.m. and will be open 24 hours a day through Monday evening at 8 p.m.
The new Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), part of the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act, provides $28.6 billion in grants to restaurants and bars in need.
The RRF will offer $28.6 billion in grants to hard-hit restaurants and bars, with restaurants able to apply for grants based on lost revenue. Additionally, $5 billion of that total will be set aside expressly for businesses with 2019 gross receipts of less than $500,000.
Eligibility
Most American restaurants and bars that lost revenue in 2020 versus 2019 will be eligible to apply for RRF grants. The American Rescue Plan Act explicitly names the following types of establishments that should be eligible: “restaurant, food stand, food truck, food cart, caterer, saloon, inn, tavern, bar, lounge, brewpub, tasting room, taproom, licensed facility or premise of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products.”
However, any restaurant or bar that is part of a publicly-traded company or owned by a state or local government is not eligible to apply. Also, owners that operate more than 20 restaurants are ineligible. Notably, if you are the owner of a franchise and you do not control more than 20 locations, you are likely eligible to apply.
When can I apply?
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will administer and disperse the RRF grants. To apply, businesses will need to either apply through SBA-recognized point-of-sale restaurant partners or directly with the SBA using an application portal.
The SBA announced that they will begin registrations on Friday, April 30 at 8 a.m. CDT and open applications on Monday, May 3 at 11 a.m. CDT. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.
How can I apply?
In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by:
- Registering for an account in advance at sba.gov starting Friday, April 30, 2021, at 8 a.m. CDT.
- Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample.
- Preparing the required documentation.
- Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting sba.gov to submit an application when the application portal opens. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.]
- Attending a live recorded virtual training webinar.
- Tuesday, April 27 | 1:30 p.m. CDT | Register here
- Wednesday, April 28 | 12 p.m. CDT | Register here
- Wednesday, April 28 | 1:30 p.m. CDT | Register here
Applicants will need to collect and submit documentation to show how hard their business has been hit. Documentation will include tax information verification with the submission of a signed IRS Form 4506-T. Businesses may submit the following documents to prove gross receipts:
- Business tax returns (IRS Form 1120 or IRS 1120-S).
- IRS Forms 1040 Schedule C; IRS Forms 1040 Schedule F.
- For a partnership: partnership’s IRS Form 1065 (including K-1s).
- Bank statements.
- Externally or internally prepared financial statements such as income statements or profit and loss statements.
- Point-of-sale report(s), including IRS Form 1099-K.
Applicants that operate as a brewpub, tasting room, taproom, brewery, winery, distillery, bakery or inn have additional requirements, so be sure to thoroughly review what information is needed from the SBA before the portal goes live. All businesses who want to apply for RRF grants will not need to register with SAM.gov or acquire DUNS or CAGE numbers.
Those interested in obtaining RRF grants should keep a close eye on the SBA’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund website as new details emerge. They can also read over the SBA’s sample application to know all the paperwork and information you need to apply.
For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens. Following the 21 days, all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.
How much can I get from the grant program?
Generally speaking, restaurants can apply for grants that are equal to 2020 gross revenue minus 2019 gross revenue minus PPP loan amounts. For businesses in operation for all of 2019 and 2020, the maximum grant size will be $5 million for restaurants and $10 million for restaurant groups. Grant funds will not be taxed like income.
If a restaurant was not operating for all of 2019, the maximum grant value is the average monthly gross receipts in 2020 minus the average monthly gross receipts in 2019 minus PPP loan amounts. If a restaurant was not in operation for all of 2020, it could potentially receive a grant that totals the amount of “eligible expenses” between February 15, 2020, and March 11, 2021 minus 2020 gross receipts minus PPP loan amounts.
The minimum amount an RRF grant can be is $1,000.
What can the grant funds be used for?
The RRF grants are only able to be used on specific expenses. These include:
- Payroll costs.
- Payments of principal or interest on any mortgage obligation.
- Rent payments, including rent under a lease agreement.
- Utilities
- Maintenance, including new outdoor seating construction.
- Supplies, including PPE and cleaning materials.
- Food and beverage inventory.
- Covered supplier costs.
- Operational expenses.
- Paid sick leave.
- Any other expense SBA says is essential to maintain operations.
The “covered period” for what expenses can be paid by the grant must be incurred between February 15, 2020, to December. 31, 2021. Funds must be used for allowable expenses by March 11, 2023.
Official SBA site for Restaurant Revitalization Fund
U.S. Chamber article – What You Need to Know About Restaurant Revitalization Fund Grants
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides business owners with loans that can be forgiven if spent to account for employee compensation. To apply, please consult your financial institution to determine your eligibility and what is needed to complete the application.
NEW! The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $150,000 or less through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA. The new forgiveness platform will begin accepting applications from borrowers on August 4th, 2021. Lenders are required to opt-in to this program through https://forgiveness.sba.gov/. In addition to the technology platform, the SBA is standing up a PPP customer service team to answer questions and directly assist borrowers with their forgiveness applications. Borrowers that need assistance or have questions should call (877) 552-2692, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST.
Here are some resources to better understand the rules surrounding the PPP loans.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration and Treasury Department issued guidance regarding owner-employee compensation and rent-related costs.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration and Treasury Department issued guidance regarding health care costs and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
- The U.S. Small Business Administration has a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the PPP, organized by different topic areas.
The U.S. Treasury Department and IRS issued guidance clarifying the deductibility of expenses where a business received a PPP loan. This guidance provides new details for an earlier IRS decision that said normally tax-deductible items will no longer be deductible if they were paid for with PPP funds. Now, the agency has specifically prohibited any small business that it says has a reasonable expectation of PP loan forgiveness from deducting those expenses in its 2020 taxes -- even if it takes until 2021 or 2022 to reach actual forgiveness, or if the business has yet to even fill out a forgiveness application.
SBA guidance on calculating the forgiveness of PPP loans
- The SBA, in consultation with the U.S Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application, which informs borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The document helps small businesses seek forgiveness at the conclusion of the eight-week covered period, which begins with the disbursement of their loans. To view the application and instructions, click here.
- Paycheck Protection Program EZ Forgiveness Application
- Paycheck Protection Program Full Forgiveness Application
Testing and Vaccine Information
- Schedule a free COVID-19 test at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment’s Olathe location (11875 S. Sunset Drive).
- Other resources and testing locations:
- The Johnson County Community COVID-19 Hotline can answer questions about the virus and provide information if you need a safe place to quarantine or isolate. The line is staffed by public health professionals
- (913) 715-2819 Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Johnson County FAQs on testing
- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has developed a vaccine prioritization plan that includes phases that sequentially broaden who is eligible to get vaccinated.
- Here is the prioritization plan
- Here are the phases that detail which segments of the population are eligible
- NEW! Governor Laura Kelly announced that on Monday, March 29, Kansas will enter Phase 5 of the vaccine prioritization framework and make the COVID-19 vaccine available to all Kansans age 16 or older
- Kansans can find a provider near them with the vaccine available on the Vaccine Finder tool. If there are questions, please call the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment or the KDHE Public Information Hotline at 1-866-534-3463 or email covid-19@ks.gov
- The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment has a survey to assess vaccination interest and assist individuals with planning to get the vaccine.
- Johnson County FAQs on vaccines
Government Resources
Local School Districts
Blue Valley
- Blue Valley School District Back to School plan and modules (August 14)
Shawnee Mission
- Shawnee Mission School District draft reopening plans for early childhood and elementary, middle, and high school (July 29)
Olathe
- Olathe School District Return to School 2020 plans (July 21)
The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment has released a document detailing public health recommendations for safe school reopening (updated on July 29).
The Kansas State Board of Education released its gating criteria for school reopening.
Overland Park
Johnson County
- NEW! The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved a change to the official Public Health Order removing the curfews and closing time restrictions for all bars, night clubs, restaurants, or other businesses licensed to serve alcohol and removing the curfews and restrictions on in-person dining and dining areas. The update to the public health order is effective immediately.
- The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners, sitting in a special meeting as the County Board of Health, on November 13 issued Public Health Order No. 002-20 to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Johnson County. The order will become effective at 12:01 am on Nov. 16, 2020 and will remain in effect until Jan. 31, 2021 unless rescinded or amended and notes that Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s mask/face-covering order remains in effect in Johnson County.
- Reopening Johnson County Plan
- Johnson County Health and Environment
- Johnson County COVID-19 hotline available from 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. - (913) 715-2819.
- Johnson County Parks and Recreation department guidance.
- Johnson County Department of Health and Environment COVID-19 FAQ
- FAQs on COVID-19 vaccines in Johnson County
- FAQs on COVID-19 testing at the Department of Health and Envrionment
State of Kansas
Office of the Governor
- Executive Orders from Governor Laura Kelly
- Statewide Re-open Plan
- Reopen Kansas Framework - Phases at a Glance (updated May 14)
- Executive Order from Governor Kelly requiring masks (updated July 2)
Kansas Department of Commerce
- Kansas Department of Commerce - COVID-19 RESPONSE
- Due to overwhelming response, initial funds available through the the Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency (HIRE) Fund were allocated. However, the State will continue to collect information from hospitality businesses on losses due to COVID-19. For more information: click here.
- UPDATE: Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced that funding provided to Kansas' hospitality industry through the Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency (HIRE) Fund has been converted from bridge loans to grants. These funds will no longer need to be paid back and businesses that have made payments will be reimbursed. (updated March 3)
- COVID-19 Jobs and Hiring Portal
Kansas Department of Labor
- Rapid Response for Laid-Off Workers - If your company is facing a permanent layoff of workers, contact Shelly Thompson at shelly.thompson@ks.gov
- Kansas Department of Labor COVID-19 Response Resources
- Unemployment Insurance Fact Sheet
- Shared Work Plan
- File by Spreadsheet
- Shared Work Program (Added April 27)
- Human Resources expert Phil Hayes provides more information on the Shared Work Program (Added April 27)
- Unemployment Insurance Fraud Notice (Added April 27)
- Displaced workers can file for Unemployment Insurance at getkansasbenefits.gov. They can also call 800-292-6333. The call center is experiencing a high volume of calls, so filing online is best when possible.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment Coronavirus Page
- To file business forms with the Secretary of State's office, visit this page. (Added April 16)
Kansas Housing Resources Corporation
- The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) launched the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA) program. This program, funded by the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021, provides rent, utility, and internet assistance to Kansas renters financially impacted by the COVID pandemic. To see if you are eligible and what specifically the assistance covers, please see the program and application on the KHRC website. Please note that both the renter and landlord must apply.
U.S. Congress
- U.S. Senator Jerry Moran - Coronavirus Information & Resources
- U.S. Senator Roger Marshall
- U.S. Congresswoman Sharice Davids - Coronavirus Resource Center
Additional Resources
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus homepage (CDC)
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers (CDC)
- COVID-19 Safety and Health Standards, Control & Prevention (OSHA)
Other Business Resources
NEW! The U.S. Small Business Administration announced it has extended deferment periods for all disaster loans, including the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, until 2022. (updated March 16)
NEW! Johnson County Community College, through the JoCoWorks program in partnership with Workforce Partnership, has an opportunity for individuals to acquire new skills. This workforce training opportunity will las through December 31, 2021 or when grant funds run out. (updated March 3)
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced it is taking steps to prioritize equitable relief for the smallest of small businesses in the latest round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding that opened earlier this year. The program will be made more accessible to underserved borrowers through these changes:
- Establish a 14-day, exclusive PPP loan application period (February 24 through March 9) for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees
- Allow sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support by revising the PPP’s funding formula for these categories of applicants
- Eliminate an exclusionary restriction on PPP access for small business owners with prior non-fraud felony convictions, consistent with a bipartisan congressional proposal
- Eliminate PPP access restrictions on small business owners who have struggled to make federal student loan payments by eliminating federal student loan debt delinquency and default as disqualifiers to participating in the PPP; and
- Ensure access for non-citizen small business owners who are lawful U.S. residents by clarifying that they may use Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for the PPP.
For more information from the Small Business Administration on these changes, click here. (updated February 26)
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is reaching out to small businesses who applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program last year to let them know they are eligible for cash grants. This version of the program, called Targeted EIDL Advance, is aimed at small businesses who applied for funds through the EIDL program before December 27, 2020 and either didn't receive funding or received less than the full cash grant amount. See the link above for a FAQ on the eligibility requirements and application process for the grant program and see here for additional information about financial relief enabled by legislation passed in December 2020. (updated February 5)
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides business owners with loans that can be forgiven if spent to account for employee compensation. To apply, please consult your financial institution to determine your eligibility and what is needed to complete the application.
Here are some resources to better understand the rules surrounding the PPP loans. Please also see PPP resources from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in U.S. Chamber Resources section at the top of this page.
- The U.S. Small Business Administration and Treasury Department recently issued guidance regarding owner-employee compensation and rent-related costs. (Added August 27)
- The U.S. Small Business Administration and Treasury Department recently issued guidance regarding health care costs and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). (Added August 27)
- The U.S. Small Business Administration has a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the PPP, organized by different topic areas. (Added August 27)
The U.S. Treasury Department and IRS issued guidance recently clarifying the deductibility of expenses where a business received a PPP loan. This guidance provides new details for an earlier IRS decision that said normally tax-deductible items will no longer be deductible if they were paid for with PPP funds. Now, the agency has specifically prohibited any small business that it says has a reasonable expectation of PP loan forgiveness from deducting those expenses in its 2020 taxes -- even if it takes until 2021 or 2022 to reach actual forgiveness, or if the business has yet to even fill out a forgiveness application.
SBA guidance on calculating the forgiveness of PPP loans
- The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application, which informs borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The document helps small businesses seek forgiveness at the conclusion of the eight-week covered period, which begins with the disbursement of their loans. To view the application and instructions, click here. (updated May 18)
- Paycheck Protection Program EZ Forgiveness Application (added June 25)
- Paycheck Protection Program Full Forgiveness Application (added June 25)
The Federal Reserve has instituted a Main Street Lending Program that will provide business loans to help eligible small and medium-sized companies and nonprofit organizations through the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is designed to help credit flow to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, but now need loans to help maintain their operations until they have recovered from, or adapted to, the impacts of the pandemic. (Added August 20)
Kansas and Missouri Small Business Development Center:
- The Kansas SBDC has an FAQ and resource guide to COVID-19 for employers. It includes guidance on topics including human resources, business finances and customer interaction.
- The Missouri SBDC has a helpful blog post about what you can do now for your business to respond to COVID-19. This includes financial options to manage cash flow and find additional resources to navigate this unprecedented situation. This information is specifically targeted at small businesses, entrepreneurs, and contractors.
Kansas and Missouri SBDC - cohosted a webinar , featuring the SBA KC District office, titled: Everything EIDL: Key Information You Need to Know! (see attached flier) The SBA KC District office has been inundated with phone calls concerning different EIDL issues and they are looking to get information out to the masses.
Evergy
- As a result of recently made available COVID-19 relief funds, Evergy can provide customers access to flexible assistance programs if they are struggling to pay bills. Many people may not know that they are eligible for relief and where to go to get more information. Evergy has a Financial Help portal that brings together the various applications and criteria of programs that are active in a one-stop shop website. The portal tailors resources available based on your location and housing status. (Added March 24)
Data Resources
- Johnson County has a COVID-19 dashboard that shows key population stats, testing levels and positive test rates, hospitalization data and more. Visit the Johnson County Coronavirus update page and click Johnson County COVID-19 dashboard. Note: Dashboard is best viewed in web browser using a desktop computer. (Added August 20)
- The University of Kansas Medical Center has a COVID-19 Executive Daily Digest, authored and updated by the University's Executive Daily COVID-19 Digest Working Group (Added August 20).
- Track the Recovery is a data project from Opportunity Insights, a non-partisan organization at Harvard University. The project measures the economic impacts of COVID-19 on people, businesses, and communities across the United States in real time. Data includes consumer spending, job postings, unemployment rates and claims, and public health data, and can be viewed at the state, county, metropolitan area or national geography. (Added August 20)
Kansas Leadership Center:
- Leadership support from the Kansas Leadership Center
The United Way of Greater Kansas City:
- United Way 211 connects callers and visitors to more than 8,000 programs run by nonprofit organizations and government agencies throughout the 23-county United Way 211 service area. During this public health crisis, United Way 211 provides a one-stop resource for community relief – food, financial help, utility assistance, tax services and more. Visit 211kc.org or dial 211
Small Business Development Center:
- The Kansas SBDC has an FAQ and resource guide to COVID-19 for employers. It includes guidance on topics including human resources, business finances and customer interaction.
- The Missouri SBDC has a helpful blog post about what you can do now for your business to respond to COVID-19. This includes financial options to manage cash flow and find additional resources to navigate this unprecedented situation. This information is specifically targeted at small businesses, entrepreneurs, and contractors.
TechCycle Solutions
- TechCycle Solutions is here to help small businesses set up device donation drives to help them raise money and pay bills in this tough time. See this flyer to learn more or read their LinkedIn post here.
Kansas Chamber of Commerce
- The Kansas Chamber of Commerce has launched a COVID-19 Recovery Dashboard that focused on consumer and business spending, business recovery, and employment and income.
COVID-19 Events
Johnson County Community College is hosting twice a week EdTalks each Tuesday and Friday. These free, virtual, instructor-led courses will educate and entertain on both professional and personal topics.
The U.S Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosts a seminar series every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET titled Path Forward. This series is designed to help business and community leaders find the answers they need to execute a responsible reopening strategy and plan for a post-pandemic world. Past events can be found and viewed here.
For other upcoming events, visit the Member Events Calendar
The Chamber hosted the first event in its Powerful Voices series featuring the three Johnson County district superintendents. John Allison (Olathe School District), Dr. Tonya Merrigan (Blue Valley School District) and Dr. Michael Fulton (Shawnee Mission School District) joined Dr. Jennifer Goldman, pediatric infectious disease expert at Children's Mercy Hospital and OP Chamber CEO Tracey Osborne Oltjen to discuss the challenges presented with the upcoming school year and what plans the districts have to educate students in a variety of different scenarios. You can view the virtual program and panel discussion here. This series is sponsored by UnitedHealthcare.
The Chamber hosted a webinar in which Valerie Jennings, Jennings Social Media and Martech, presented The New Normal - Transforming Your Digital Strategy For Success.
- To watch a recorded video, click here. To see the slides, click here (May 13)
Fisher Phillips LLP hosted the webinar, Legal and HR Considerations for Employers to Get Back to Business, looking at various issues that may confront employers as workplaces re-open, including phased ramp-up requirements, employee testing, ongoing work from home issues.
- Webinar replay (May 7)
Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03) joined the Chamber for a listening session and discussion of policy issues.
The Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC):The Kansas Small Business Development Center is hosting multiple webinars aimed at supporting small businesses. To see past events, visit the SBDC's YouTube page.
- Conversations with your Banker: Navigating the SBA Loan Process (April 14)
- Working on your Business, When You Can't Work in your Business (April 15)
- Working on your Business, When You Can't Work in your Business (April 29)
The Chamber hosted an event with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in which Jack Howard, Senior Vice President, Congressional and Public Affairs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce provided details of the CARES Act and an update on additional federal relief efforts.
- Webinar replay (April 16)
The Chamber and AdamsGabbert: Utilizing Microsoft Teams to Optimize Your Remote Workforce.
- To watch a recorded video, click here. To see the slideshow, click here (April 9)
Network Technologies: Providing Technical Leadership and Essential Services in a Dynamic Work Environment.
- Sign up here to view the recording (April 8)
- New Federal Laws in the Time of COVID-19
- To watch a recorded video, click here. To see the slideshow, click here (April 2)
Digital Content and Social Media
Be sure to follow the Overland Park Chamber on Twitter and Facebook to get updated information about businesses in our community and additional resources.
If you work for a Chamber member company and would like to receive e-mail communications from the Chamber, please login into your Member Info Hub or contact the Chamber at (913) 491-3600 for assistance.