Important Information regarding COVID-19

Choctaw Nation Small Business Development Services seeks to provide the best and up-to-date information to assist our community partners and area businesses as we endure the COVID-19 virus. The following summaries and links will be periodically updated.

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma COVID-19 Coronavirus Relief Fund Programs

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma will offer relief fund programs based on available funding; applications to begin July 6, 2020.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Updates

Oklahomans can now apply for disaster relief loans

Disaster relief loans for Oklahoma are now officially open, and Oklahomans can now apply.

SBA Disaster Loan Assistance website

The SBA loan application site is experiencing tremendous traffic, therefore the recommendation is to access the site in on-peak hours (8PM – 6AM).

SBA capital access resources

Beyond the disaster loan programs, SBA offers a variety of guaranteed business loans which can be accessed if you www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans.

State of Oklahoma

The State of Oklahoma created a microsite to address resources available due to the COVID-19 outbreak. You can access the site here.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce created a microsite as a resource for Oklahoma businesses to easily obtain information and guidance in response to the virus.

Oklahoma Employment Securities Commission encourages anyone seeking a job to access the OKJobMatch app which connects job seekers with open positions. Additional information is available at www.ok.gov/oesc.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health provides up-to-date information on COVID-19.

Small Business

Choctaw Small Business Development offers Choctaw Small Business owners one-on-one advising, technical assistance, and access to business resources. This includes COVID-19 SBA Disaster Loan information and application assistance. Please visit csbdstage.wpengine.com to register.

The Oklahoma Small Business Development Center offers to assist small businesses with SBA Disaster Loan applications.

National Restaurant Association on-demand webinar – Preparing for the Coronavirus: Steps for Foodservice and Restaurant Readiness

What nonprofits should do right now – Click here

Feeling anxious about your business? 16 ways to cope with entrepreneurial stress – Click here

4 Ways to Boost Your Immune System During the Coronavirus Outbreak – Click here

Keep privacy in mind.

If you have an employee test positive for coronavirus, it’s important to inform your staff of exposure, but also to observe HIPAA laws and OSHA compliance. See more information Click here. Source: Society for Human Resource Management

President’s Guidelines for America: 15 Days to Slow the Spread

President Trump released guidelines to slow the spread of coronavirus. Source: whitehouse.gov

IRS payment deadline extended

Treasury Department and IRS extend federal income tax payment deadline.

March 18, 2020 – Following President Donald J. Trump’s emergency declaration pursuant to the Stafford Act, the U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today issued guidance allowing all individual and other non-corporate tax filers to defer up to $1 million of federal income tax (including self-employment tax) payments due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest. The guidance also allows corporate taxpayers a similar deferment of up to $10 million of federal income tax payments that would be due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest. This guidance does not change the April 15 filing deadline.

“Americans should file their tax returns by April 15 because many will receive a refund. Those filing will be able to take advantage of their refunds sooner,” said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. “This deferment allows those who owe a payment to the IRS to defer the payment until July 15 without interest or penalties. Treasury and IRS are ensuring that hardworking Americans and businesses have additional liquidity for the next several months.”

Today’s guidance will result in about $300 billion of additional liquidity in the economy in the near term. Treasury and IRS will issue additional guidance as needed and continue working with Congress, on a bipartisan basis, on legislation to provide further relief to the American people. (The official notice is provided at Click here.)

IRS creates special coronavirus webpage

The IRS established a special webpage accessible Click here to include all of the available tax-related information. This page will be updated as more information is available.

Oklahoma Tax Commission

The Oklahoma Tax Commission has extended the deadline to pay Oklahoma income taxes that would be due April 15 to July 15. For more information, Click here.

Center for Disease Control

The CDC has updated and added information to their guidelines for businesses which is access Click here.

Resources for home

The CDC created a microsite for guidance and educate the public about the COVID-19 virus. Click here to access.

Travel recommendation updates

Travel restrictions can be accessed at Click here

Updates to high risk individuals

Information is constantly being updated to better understand how the COVID-19 virus is spread and who may be high risk. Check the latest information Click here.

Communication resources available

The CDC provides numerous Communication Resources for public use. See the link for print resources, videos, resources for travelers, guidance for public health communicators and a public health image library.

Industry specific resources

Main Street America

Communities are the heart of everything Main Street does. The following link is to a myriad of resources which Main Street America has compiled. Click here

Facebook tools and programs

Facebook to offer $100 million in small business grants and ad credits

Facebook announced on March 18 that they will be offering up to $100 million in grants and ad credits to America’s small businesses. While the details and application are not available yet, businesses can sign up for updates Click here. The site also lists additional resources for businesses.

Facebook for Business Tips and Resources

Small Business Expert and USA Today columnist Rhonda Abrams will be hosting live Facebook sessions every day at 1 p.m. Eastern/10 a.m. Pacific. Click here. Please join Rhonda with your questions, to get advice and more.

AT&T

New customers in education can connect and collaborate with AT&T Office@Hand at no cost. For more information Click here

AT&T created the Distance Learning and Family Connections Fund to give parents, students and teachers tools they need for at-home learning. For more information Click here

Intuit Quickbooks

The Intuit Quickbooks website has resources and tips about what you can do to address the coronavirus pandemic, including:

Financial preparedness tips
Workplace prevention tips
Suggestions for hosting events
Best practices for remote work
Boosting employee morale
Guidance for protecting your business and employees during the pandemic

For all of Intuit Quickbooks’ tips and resources, Click here.

Google

Google’s help center has suggestions for businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, regarding updates to their business information on Google My Business, including:

Changing your business hours if necessary
Adding information about how your business has been affected and what steps you’re taking
Creating a post
Updating your phone number if necessary

To see all of Google’s update suggestions, Click here.

Learn about Google’s Remote Work Hub, with tips about running online meetings, collaborating on documents remotely, and more.

Restaurants

Restaurantowner.com is connecting restaurant owners to resources and information that will help owners make informed decisions and take appropriate, proactive steps to protect yourself, your staff and your guests. For details, Click here.

Changes with internet providers

Some internet providers are lifting data caps or offering upgrades to higher speeds to deal with the bandwidth strain from increased internet use. Check with your internet provider for details and best practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional information is provided from PC World.