Business Resources | Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, it is important for all employers to be prepared to implement strategies to protect their workforce while ensuring continuity of operations. This page will be updated as frequently as possible with information for local business owners within the Erie County area.

For additional updates, please sign up for our email blast, the Daily Briefing.

To help educate employers and employees on how they can prepare for and address the impacts of the virus, please explore these sections of helpful information and resources:

• 1) COVID-19: General Information
• 2) COVID-19 Resources for Reopening
• 3) COVID-19: Small Business Resources
• 4) COVID-19: Nonprofit Resources
• 5) COVID-19: Erie Regional Chamber Updates

1) COVID-19: General Information

Keep checking back here for more information as it becomes available and look out for our Daily Briefing email updates (sign up for the email updates by filling out this form) which will give you the most relevant information directly to your inbox.

Center for Disease Control:

• Guidance for Businesses and Employers from the CDC
• Explore the main CDC website regarding COVID-19

PA Department of Health:

• View the PA Department of Health COVID-19 website
• Follow the PA Department of Health Facebook Page

Erie County:

• View the Erie County COVID-19 webpage - including information and videos translated into 11 languages
• Erie County, Pennsylvania Facebook Page - follow to view Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper's press conferences and announcements

2) COVID-19: Resources for Reopening

General Reopening Guidance

Updated Guidance on Occupancy and General Business Operations

FAQs for Life Sustaining Businesses to Remain Operational
Building and Safety Measures FAQs

PA Chamber Tips for Preparing Your Business to Reopen
PA Chamber Tips for Welcoming Back Employees and Customers

COVID-19 Safety Procedures flyer - ALL open businesses must have this flyer signed and displayed clearly for both employees and customers to see (recommended placement in break room and by business entrance)

Back to Work Checklist from Human Capital Associates

The Erie County Health Department offered an updated webinar on reopening guidance on Thursday, June 11. Watch the replay.

Guidance for Businesses by Industry

• Construction Industry Official Guidance
• Cosmetology Salon Official Guidance - provided by the Pennsylvania Board of Cosmetology
• Education Sector Official Guidance
• Farming, Produce Growing, Food Vendor Guidance - provided by the Erie Food Policy Advisory Council
• Garden Center Official Guidance
• Golf Course Official Guidance
• Marina Official Guidance
• Restaurant Industry Guidance
• Restaurants and Professional Sports Guidance
  • Temporary Sidewalk Easement Application from the City of Erie (for use of outdoor space for dining)
  • PLCB Temporarily Expedites Extensions of Licensed Premises for Outdoor Serving Areas
• Retail Industry Guidance - provided by Arent Fox
• Tourism Industry Guidance - provided by VisitErie

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Providers

PA DCED COVID-19 PPE Suppliers Directory - these suppliers are handling very large quantities for larger employers, if you're looking for PPE quantities in the low hundreds or fewer, see the PPE providers listed below.

• Logistics Plus - call (814) 835-6564 - learn more here
• Sanford Janitorial Supply - call 1-800-864-2693
• Suburban Tool & Die, Inc. is making face shields - call (814) 833-4882
• Harvest Home Interiors is providing non-medical face masks for sale - learn more here
  
• Kroff Chemical Company is offering EPA-approved sanitizers for office spaces. Email Kelley to learn more.
  
  
• Face shields are available for purchase through a partnership between Bliley Technologies Corporation, Case Western Reserve University, Die Cut Products, Munot Plastics, Nottingham-Spirk, Penn State Behrend, Port Erie Plastics, and R.C. Musson Rubber Company. This project is supported by a grant from the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA).
  
  
• South Shore Party Rental is offering tents, tables, and chairs to those looking to expand the physical footprint of their space, allow for social distancing, or create space for screening of employees prior to entering their work facilities. Learn more about the options they have available: Option 1    Option 2     Option 3
  
  

3) COVID-19: Small Business Resources

We are working on compiling small business resources. Keep checking back for updated information as it becomes available. For additional updates, please sign up for our Daily Briefing email blast.

Funding Resources:

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

• Paycheck Protection Program
• Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application
• Paycheck Protection Program EZ Loan Forgiveness Application

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance Information
• Guide to the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans

Employee Retention Tax Credit and PA Paid Leave Tax Credits

• Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit
• COVID-19 Paid Leave Tax Credits - available for small and medium businesses to immediately and fully reimburse eligible employers for the cost of providing COVID-19 related leave to their employees
  

Other Loan Programs

• PA 30 Day Fund - The PA 30 Day Fund is a nonprofit launched in response to the COVID-19 crisis causing businesses to lay off employees and experience financial hardship. Funds dispersed do not need to be repaid, but it is appreciated if businesses wish to "pay it forward" and donate back to the PA 30 Day Fund when they are able, that money will be distributed to another PA business in need.
  
  
• US Chamber Save Small Business Fund - $5,000 grants available to businesses employing 3-20 people located in economically vulnerable communities that have been financially harmed by COVID-19
  
  
• Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) Low-Interest Loan Program - Download the PIDA Loan Fact Sheet

HR/Labor Resources:

• FAQ for Accessing Childcare in PA from the Department of Human Services
  
  
• PA Department of Labor Office of Unemployment Compensation website
  
  
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) - expanded eligibility for individuals who have traditionally been ineligible for unemployment benefits (i.e. self-employed workers, independent contractors, gig workers)
  
  
• COVID-19 Guide: Scenarios & Benefits Available Chart (PDF)
  
  
• CARES Act Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) Information
  
  
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements
  
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers
  
  
• Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Work Experience Youth Program - for employers seeking temporary employees
  
  
• The Strategic Early Warning Network (SEWN) is a no-cost consulting service program for small to medium-sized manufacturers through the Steel Valley Authority and sponsored by Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry. Contact the Business Action Team if you would like to set up an appointment with a SEWN representative.
  
  
• SEWN has released information about the Pennsylvania Shared Work Program, which can be an alternative to employee layoffs.
  
  
• View Manufacturer and Business Association's COVID-19 resource page
  

Legal Resources:

• Arent Fox COVID-19 Resource Page
  
  
• McDonald Illig COVID-19 Resource Center 
  
  
• Knox Law COVID-19 Resource Center

Other Relevant Resources:

• Download the Strategic Early Warning Network (SEWN) Life After Coronavirus Infographic
  
  
• View the Gannon SBDC COVID-19 Resource Page
  
  
• Ben Franklin Technology Partners COVID-19 Resource Page
  

4) COVID-19: Non-Profit Resources

For information on the most relevant updates for nonprofits, please view The Nonprofit Partnership's COVID-19 resource webpage.

5) COVID-19: Erie Regional Chamber Updates

Closure of Erie Regional Chamber Offices:

At the present time, the Erie Regional Chamber offices are closed to the public. We will be processing Certificates of Origin by appointment only. Those who need certificates processed should email sronto@eriepa.com.

If you have questions related to Chamber activities including membership, events, programs, Business Outreach, government affairs, economic development, and more, please call our main office line at (814) 454-7191.