Marion Economic Development Corporation has created a comprehensive resource page in response to COVID-19. Learn more about planning, preparing, preventing, and recovering. As information is available, this site is updated several times a day.
Data
Linn County Vaccine Information
Linn County Public Health Dashboard
State of Iowa COVID-19 Dashboard
Video Resources
View More Videos
Recovery Resources
Iowa Economic Development Authority COVID-19 Funding Programs
Iowa Restaurant & Bar Relief Grant Program
Preparedness & Return to Work Checklist (CIRAS)
Recommendations from the CDC on the use of cloth masks
Phased Reopening Guidance (LCPH)
General Guidance for all Business (Iowa Economic Development Authority)
Guidance on Reopening Business (IDPH)
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (OSHA)
Guidance for Construction Sites (Linn County Public Health)
Guidance for Manufacturing, Warehousing, & Distribution (CIRAS)
Guidance for the Hospitality & Travel Industry (U.S. Travel Association)
Safe Work Playbook (Lear)
Mental Health Resources
Mental Health Guidance for Linn County Business (Linn County Public Health)
The Iowa Eviction and Foreclosure Program
More Resources from CIRAS
Financial Resources
This program has now closed and applicants are no longer being accepted.
Check the status of your application using the following link: CHECK APPLICATION STATUS
This program terminated on January 8, 2021
Learn more from the Federal Reserve
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Contact your local financial institution to learn more about how to apply for PPP.
SBA is currently offering:
First Draw PPP Loans for first time program participants
Second Draw PPP Loans beginning January 13, 2021 for certain businesses who have previously received a PPP loan
On March 31st, the U.S. Treasury Department launched the Employee Retention Credit, designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.
Please continue to monitor the SBA's online application for funding availability.
Economic injury means a business is unable to meet its obligations and to pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses. EIDLs provide the necessary working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster. The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Your loan amount will be based on your actual economic injury and your company's financial needs, regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. Interest rates on EIDLs will not exceed 4 percent per year. The term of these loans will not exceed 30 years. The repayment terms are determined by your ability to repay the loan.
APPLY FOR SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER ASSISTANCE LOAN
The eligibility period for applications for the Targeted Small Business (TSB) Certifications for the Targeted Small Business Sole Operator grant closed at 11:59:59 p.m. Friday, April 10. In order to apply for these dollars, you must have already applied to be a certified TSB.
NOTE: YOU MUST BE A DESIGNATED TARGETED SMALL BUSINESS TO APPLY FOR THESE DOLLARS
The Iowa Economic Development Authority created a fund to support Targeted Small Businesses (TSB) with zero employees that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers eligible small businesses grants ranging from $5,000-$10,000 to businesses that are sole proprietors or single-member LLCs that are also TSB certified, or have an application submitted to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) by April 10, 2020 to become TSB certified.
Applications are processed in both order of receipt of application and submission of all required documents and Targeted Small Business certification approval.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
The Iowa Small Business Relief Grant is no longer accepting application. The state is awarding additional dollars received from the federal government to its current application pool only. IEDA does not currently have plans to accept new applications.
MORE INFORMATION FROM IEDA
------------------
The application window for this program closed at noon on March 31st.
Governor Reynolds has announced the launch of a new Iowa Small Business Relief Program that provides financial assistance to small businesses that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers eligible small businesses grants ranging from $5,000-$25,000 in addition to offering Iowa businesses a deferral of sales and use or withholding taxes due and waiver of penalty and interest. The tax deferral program is available to businesses of all sizes.
Iowa Small Business Grant Program - To be eligible for a small business relief grant, eligible businesses must:
- Be experiencing business disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Have employed between 2-25 people prior to March 17, 2020
The Small Business Relief Grants will assist eligible businesses in maintaining operations or reopening business following the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds may not be used to pay debts incurred prior to March 17, 2020. The Iowa Economic Development Authority will review grant applications for eligibility and will determine the grant amount by the level of impact including loss in sales revenue and employees. Notification of award decisions and disbursement of grant funds will be expedited.
Unemployment Programs
The CARES Act extends unemployment insurance by 13 weeks and includes a four-month enhancement of benefits, all covered by the federal government. Individuals must provide certification that he or she are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance, but is unemployed or underemployed due to coronavirus. Additionally, upon agreement between a state, an additional $600 per worker per week of unemployment compensation is available through July 31, 2020.
APPLY HERE
CLICK HERE if you are an employer seeking to fill TEMPORARY JOB OPENINGS
2-8-21 Linn County COVID-19 Status Update
1-25-21 Governor Reynolds Allocates $40 million from CARES Act funds to provide grants to eligible Iowa Restaurants
1-14-21 COVID-19 Vaccine Information
1-8-21 Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation modifying public health measures
12-21-20 Relief for Small Businesses Included in Latest Federal Stimulus Bill
12-16-20 Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation modifying public health measures
12-9-20 Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation modifying public health measures
11-18-20 Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation modifying public health measures
11-18-20 Reynolds Announces Additional Support for COVID-19-Impacted Renters and Homeowners at Risk of Eviction or Foreclosure
11-16-20 Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation continuing State Public Health Emergency Declaration
11-12-20 Linn County Public Health Updates COVID-19 Close Contact Definition and Releases Additional Guidance
11-10-20 Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation continuing State Public Health Emergency Declaration
11-6-20 Gov. Reynolds Announces COVID-19 Movie Theater Relief Program
10-11-20 Iowa Announces COVID-19 Residential Utility Disruption Prevention Program
9-29-20 Iowa Department of Public Health Updates Guidelines for Schools, Business and Childcare When to Quarantine
9-15-20 Gov. Reynolds signs new Public Health proclamation adjusting mitigation efforts
9-2-20 Gov. Reynolds announces small business relief for bars and taverns in 6 counties
8-28-20 Iowa extends tax payment deadlines for certain businesses
8-27-20 Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration, ordering additional mitigation efforts
7-02-20 Gov. Reynolds directs $490 million of CARES Funds into Unemployment Trust Fund
6-10-20 Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration
6-02-20 Iowa Nonconformity: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020
5-29-20 New Unemployment Benefit Programs Now Available to Iowans
5-26-20 Governor Signs New Proclamation to Reopen Additional Businesses & Outdoor Activities
5-20-20 New Proclamation Continues to Permit Additional Activities and Business Reopenings
5-13-20 Governor Issues New Proclamation Allowing Restaurants and Hair Salons to Open
5-07-20 The Governor's Proclamation - What You Need to Know
5-06-20 Governor Allows Additional Businesses, Including Some in Linn County, to Reopen
4-28-20 Important Upcoming Tax Deadlines
4-27-20 Employer Guidance When Employees Will Not Return to Work
4-27-20 Governor Extends Business Closures in Linn County, Reduces Restrictions in 77 Other Counties
4-24-20 Governor Reynolds to Allow Elective Health Procedures
4-21-20 TestIowa Initiative Launched to Limit Spread of COVID-19
4-17-20 Marion Parks and Recreation Closes Legion Park Disc Golf Course
4-16-20 Governor Reynolds Signs New Proclamation Requiring Additional Protective Measures in RMCC Region 6
4-09-20 Federal Reserve Announces Main Street Lending Program
4-09-20 IEDA Announces 500 Small Businesses to Benefit from First Round of Iowa Small Business Relief Grants
4-08-20 Updated List of Closure Orders Per Governor Reynolds
4-08-20 Iowa Small Business Relief Tax Deferral Program Still Accepting Applications
4-07-20 Marion Extends Closure of City Facilities Through April 30
4-07-20 Updates to Iowa's Voluntary Shared Work Program
4-06-20 Iowa Workforce Development Outlines CARES Act Benefits & Implementation
4-06-20 Gov. Reynolds Continues State Public Health Emergency Declaration, Ordering Additional Closures
4-06-20 Latest Business Closures - READ THE GOVERNOR'S PROCLAMATION
4-02-20 Gov. Reynolds signs new proclamation continuing State Public Health Emergency Declaration
4-02-20 Marion Parks Department Issues Closure Reminders
3-29-20 The CARES Act & Filing For Unemployment (status update from IWD)
3-27-20 Federal Policy Update: Details on Stimulus Bill and Guidance on Business Tax Credits and Employee Leave
3-27-20 RSM Recorded Webinars Now Available Online
3-26-20 Gov. Reynolds Signs New Proclamation Adding New Retail Restrictions
3-25-20 Park Playgrounds and Outdoor Exercise Equipment Temporarily Closed in Marion
3-25-20 Update on Federal Government Stimulus Plan (from our Public Policy Partners at the Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance
3-24-20 Mayor Declares Local State of Emergency in Marion
3-23-20 Unemployment Insurance Tax Extension to Assist Small Businesses
3-22-20 Governor Signs Additional Health Emergency Declaration - New Business Closings
3-21-20 U.S. Small Business Administration Issues Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for Iowa
3-20-20 Explanation of Federal Government Response (from our Public Policy Partners at the Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance)
3-20-20 Gov. Reynolds signs additional State Public Health Emergency Declaration
3-20-20 U.S. Government Announces Plan to Implement Paid Leave For Works & Tax Credits
3-19-20 Iowa to extend filing and payment deadline for income tax and other tax types
3-19-20 Iowa to extend income tax withholding deposit due date
3-19-20 Explanation of Congressional Action on Coronavirus Response
3-18-20 RSM Launches Free Weekly Webcast Series
3-18-20 Tax News from the Iowa Department of Revenue
3-17-20 Governor signs legislation to fund key services, combat COVID19 spread
3-17-20 Governor Issues State of Public Health Disaster Emergency
3-16-20 State Assistance Announced for Employees & Employers Affected by Layoffs
3-16-20 Marion Requesting Bars/Restaurants Limit Patron Activity
3-13-20 Information for Alliant Energy Utility Customers
Information from Our Trusted Partners
Unemployment Information - Iowa Workforce Development
Iowa COVID-19 Dashboard
Linn County Public Health - COVID-19 Dashboard
Linn County Public Health Department
City of Marion
Iowa Department of Public Health
CDC Guidance for Workplaces, Schools, & Community Locations
Review the Iowa Department of Public Health’s workplace considerations
Ways to Support the Retail Business Community
Take the Marion Pledge
Marion Delivery, Carry-Out, & Curbside
Shop Where I Live - Buy Online from Local Retailers
Marion Chamber of Commerce
Business Resources
Assuming you have already taken the steps outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are some additional, timely tips:
SBA Disaster Assistance Handout
Employee Q&A - Unemployment Benefits
Employer Q&A - Unemployment Benefits
If an employee declines returning to work, Employers should use THIS FORM to report that situation to IWD.
Iowa Workforce Development Outlines CARES Act Benefits & Implementation
VIDEO - Unemployment Insurance Webinar for EMPLOYEES
Iowa Workforce Development Q&A - Unemployment Insurance Benefits for Workers
Iowa Workforce Development Q&A - Unemployment Insurance Benefits for Employers
Voluntary Shared Work Program - Iowa Workforce Development
Health Insurance - Information for individuals who may have lost healthcare coverage through employment change
CHILDCARE AVAILABILITY - A dynamic map of childcare availability is now live following the Governor's announcement of the importance of childcare for essential workers. The map can be accessed by visiting DHS’s new Covid-19 website here.
Other People Considerations:
- Keep communicating with your customers, and stay active on social media. Let your customers know that you are open for business, or remind them how you can help. Let them know what you are doing to protect their health as well.
- Keep communicating with your team. They need your leadership and certainty.
- Finalize work strategies and protocols should you need your team to work from home, or make changes to staffing. There are great tools that can maximize productivity including cloud storage like GoogleDrive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive. Consider using video conferencing for meetings with large groups. Check out cost effective platforms such as Zoom Meeting and GoTo Meeting .
- If you are in retail or service or another public facing business, what can you do to protect both your customer base and your employees? Leverage technology and easy pick-up or delivery.
- Now, more than ever, small businesses need your support. MEDCO’s online directory as well as the directory from our partners at the Marion Chamber of Commerce is a great place to start. The Marion Chamber has also developed an online store in partnership with Shop Where I Live. Here you can purchase direct from local retail businesses.
- If you are doing business with a local provider and your needs have changed, do your best to postpone the work and not cancel.
While out and about, efforts to prevent the spread of disease will help keep our community safe. Here are a few ways you can help:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If employees feel sick, encourage them to stay home.
- If you haven't yet, please consider getting a flu shot.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 – 95% alcohol.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, and then wash your hands immediately afterwards.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, computers, phones and desks.
We realize that the uptick in cancellations may feel alarming. Remember that these are all strategies to stop the spread.
World Health Organization
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Iowa Department of Public Health
Linn County Public Health Department
Iowa Association of Business & Industry
Iowa Small Business Development Center
COVID19
