COVID-19 FARMINGTON UPDATES AND RESOURCES

Dear Friends,

We've put together a revised resource information page to outline available assistance programs from both the State and Federal level. This information is current as of March 20, 2020. The Farmington Economic Development Department is here to help you, please share this page with your business network and friends. If there is anything I can do to assist you Please email me or call by phone 860 256-9692. Be well, and stay safe Farmington! Best, Rose

Farmington Town Facilities 

Town facilities are CLOSED to the public, except for the Town Clerk’s Office (please call 860-675-2380 in advance). Town Staff will continue to work on site or remotely during normal operating hours. Residents are advised to interact with the Town online, via email, over the phone, or though US Mail. Please check the town's website for the most current COVID-19 information . A secure drop box has been placed in the Town Hall lobby for the public to leave documents for Town departments. 

Governor Lamont 9th Executive Order 

Governor Lamont today signed his ninth executive order pursuant to his emergency declaration, taking further actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Connecticut. This order directs all non-essential businesses and not-for profit entities in Connecticut to prohibit all in-person functions effective Monday, March 23, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.; and requires a coordinated effort between the State of Connecticut and its municipalities when responding to this emergency. For the Governor's Latest COVID-19 Response

Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion The Senate passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, an economic stimulus plan aimed at addressing the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Americans and introducing paid sick leave and an expanded family and medical leave act to the nation’s employers. To read more details 

SBA Disaster Relief Loan Tips for Success

Economic Injury Disaster loans: Companies can now apply for loans of up to $2 million through a special page on the SBA website. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere. SBA also has valuable information for businesses. 

 How to apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan webinar

 SBA step-by-step instructions on completing the loan application.

 Tips to Complete the SBA Disaster Relief Loan Application

1. Applying online is best; the sooner the better
2. Turn around time is 30 days minimum. Submit the most complete application possible.
3. The website can be slow at times, early in the day the website is running faster.
4. Explain what you need and why
5. If SBA asks for additional information submit as soon as possible

State Business Assistance Programs

State of Connecticut DECD ( DECD)

CT Recovery Bridge Loan

DECD Commissioner David Lehman announced that by early next week, the State of CT will roll out a new loan program that would help small businesses with cash flow problems caused by COVID19. More details will be made available from DECD early next week. For small businesses with questions or concerns, DECD is urging them to call the hotline: (860) 500-2333. People can also make inquiries to state agencies by e-mail: COVID19.jic@ct.gov

 State of CT Department of Labor ( DOL)

DOL offers the Shared Work program to CT Business that offers and alternative to laying of employees. The Shared Work Program helps to save jobs and retain skilled workers. The program allows employers to temporarily reduce employee hours and supplement lost wages with the help of partial unemployment benefits. Under the program, all employers with two or more employees can participate. When business upturns, employees resume regular hours and employers are able to ramp up quickly with an experienced team in place.

 For more information please call Call: 860.263.6660. People can also make inquiries by email: DOL.SharedWork@ct.gov

 Businesses experiencing issues regarding supply chains, delivery of goods, or business continuity should contact FEMA’s emergency operations center.

 For a comprehensive resource page for businesses, economic developers and local governments Click Here .

COVID-19 Changes to State and Federal Program

Federal Tax Filing extensions: The Internal Revenue Service has extended deadline for payment. 2019 taxpayers will get a three-month reprieve to pay the income taxes they owe up to $1 million in tax. Corporate filers would get the same length of time to pay amounts due on up to $10 million in taxes owed. There is also guidance on high deductible health plan and cost related to the COVID19. Details are on the IRS's Website.

 State Tax Filing extensions: The Department of Revenue Services has extended deadlines for filing and payments associated with certain state business tax returns. Details are on DRS’s website. The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services is extending filing and payment deadlines for personal income tax returns to July 15, 2020

Dept. of Motor Vehicles (DMV): The DMV announced today a series of new extensions and waivers on several credentials, including vehicle registrations, emissions testing, and other items. Details on DMV Website.

 Small Business Express Program: DECD is deferring all Small Business Express payments for three months to allow employers to focus on their payrolls. For small business assistance, please call DECD’s business hotline at 860-500-2333. Details are on DECD's website.

 Unemployment Benefits: Workers directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic no longer must be actively searching for work. And employers who are furloughing workers can use the Department of Labor’s shared work program, which allows businesses to reduce working hours and have those wages supplemented with unemployment insurance.

Q & A for COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits | To file unemployment benefits  

* Please have these employees apply for unemployment benefits right away

For more information on State responses for businesses: CTDECD COVID Business Portal