Southbury Chamber of Commerce
  • Directory
  • Why Join?
    • Why Join?
    • Membership >
      • Member Benefits
    • Membership Application
    • Ribbon Cuttings
    • Newsletter
  • Events & Sponsors
    • Chamber Events
    • Sponsorships
    • Website Ads
    • Annual Awards
    • Photo Gallery
    • Community Calendar
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • 2022-23 Chamber Member Business Directory
    • 2021-22 Annual Report
    • Chamber Programs >
      • Greece 2023 Trip
    • Waterbury Regional Chamber
    • Naugatuck Chamber
    • Watertown Oakville Chamber
  • Member Login
  • Directory
  • Why Join?
    • Why Join?
    • Membership >
      • Member Benefits
    • Membership Application
    • Ribbon Cuttings
    • Newsletter
  • Events & Sponsors
    • Chamber Events
    • Sponsorships
    • Website Ads
    • Annual Awards
    • Photo Gallery
    • Community Calendar
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • 2022-23 Chamber Member Business Directory
    • 2021-22 Annual Report
    • Chamber Programs >
      • Greece 2023 Trip
    • Waterbury Regional Chamber
    • Naugatuck Chamber
    • Watertown Oakville Chamber
  • Member Login

COVID-19


Our staff is available at any time via email and on the phone at (203) 757-0701. 

Stay Up-to-Date

The latest from the Center for Disease Control: https://twitter.com/CDCgov

​The latest from Governor Ned Lamont: ​https://twitter.com/GovNedLamont

​View the State of Connecticut wepage for local updates on COVID-19.

Trinity Health Of New England has activated a COVID-19 hotline for the community, staffed by clinicians to provide updated information and answers to frequently asked questions. The hotline number is 1-888-786-2790 and it is available every day from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm. https://www.stmh.org/waterbury 

Waterbury Hospital's COVID-19 Resources: https://www.waterburyhospital.org/coronavirus/

How Are Businesses Being Affected? View the Results of Advance CT's Business Survey Below
View Results

Curbside Commerce

Area restaurants offering takeout and delivery options:
Restaurant Takeout Updates
Discover other businesses offering curbside services here:
Other Curbside Service

A Message From Our President

Picture
To Our Valued Members:

​As more information continues to become available regarding the current COVID-19 situation, the team at the Waterbury Regional Chamber wants to assure you that we are working hard to keep you, our employees, and others in our community safe. 

We will continue to provide regular updates to our members as this situation evolves and appreciate your patience as we all navigate this fluid environment. Please scroll down for business resources, tips, and information.

On the statewide call with business leaders across Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont stressed that the cooperation of CT’s population is KEY to curbing the spread of COVID-19 and avoiding even more widespread shutdowns. We are highly encouraging those of every age across the state to comply with the calls for distancing physically.

Please continue to Stay Separate physically so we can all get through this with the least damage possible to our health, businesses, and communities, and Stay Social by continuing to do business and connect through all of the wonderful technology we have available to us.

We are encouraging you to #StaySeparateStaySocial. Please pass it on and encourage others to do the same!
​
Keep scrolling for our list of resources, which we are updating daily. ​Wishing you, your loved ones, and your business continued health. 

Lynn G. Ward
President & CEO
Waterbury Regional Chamber, Watertown Oakville Chamber, Naugatuck Chamber of Commerce

See Lynn's interview with WFSB talking about the impact of COVID-19 on our local businesses: Click Here.

View the Metro Chamber Alliance's letter to members of the federal government urging for a new stimulus package as of 12/22/2020: Click Here


U.S. Chamber COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Center

The coronavirus pandemic prompted an unprecedented response from the nation’s business community. Now that safe and effective vaccines are available, the public- and private-sectors must rally around a common goal: Vaccinate America.
This Digital Resource Center includes information, tools, and templates that businesses of all sizes need during this critical phase of the pandemic response.
Visit the Digital Resource Center

COVID Tracking Maps

A Covid-19 Vaccine distribution map on the state's website indicates the level of administration by town and city statewide

​COVID-19 Alert Map shows the rate of new positive cases per town. With levels of infections still high across the state, a chart shows actions to follow for each level

COVID Alert CT: App Tracks Possible Exposure

The state has launched new technology to help stop the spread of COVID-19 among our residents and families. With support from Apple and Google, we launched COVID Alert CT, a notification app to inform you of possible exposure to COVID-19 – all without disclosing your location or personal information.

This app is only as successful as the number of people who use it, which is why we ask that you share this information with employees, colleagues, family, and friends.

The app is available in multiple languages and can be used on Android and iPhone. Use the following link to download the Android app from the Google Play Store or click here to learn how to enable the app through the settings on your iPhone. 
​
You can find out more at ct.gov/covidalertct. 

Past Webinar Recordings

Webinar: PPP and CARES 
Meeting Recording: Click Here

Webinar: DRS and myconneCT

Meeting Recording: Click Here

Virtual Meeting with Mayor Neil O'Leary 9/30/2020
Meeting Recording: Click Here

Health Care Council Annual Awards Event 8/3/2020
Meeting Recording: Click Here

Webinar: Expert Panel - COVID-19 Meeting with the Doctors  7/23/2020
​Meeting Recording: Click Here

Webinar: Best Practices for Teleworking during COVID-19 6/25/2020​
Meeting Recording: Click Here

Virtual Meeting with US Senator Chris Murphy 6/24/2020

Meeting Recording: Click Here

Virtual Meeting with US Senator Richard Blumenthal 5/27/2020
Meeting Recording: Click Here

Virtual Meeting with Gov. Ned Lamont on 5/22/2020
Meeting Recording: Click Here
 ​
Virtual Meeting with Naugatuck Mayor Pete Hess on 5/19/2020:
Meeting Recording: Click Here
Access Password: 7d*W%^2+

Reopening CT and Bringing Employees Back to the Workplace: Maintaining a Safe and Effective Work Environment webinar presented by Pullman and Comley, LLC. 
​Webinar Recording: Click Here
​For the Webinar Slides, Click Here

Virtual Meeting with Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary on 5/14/2020: 
Meeting Recording: Click Here
Access Password: 4g@Mlo=J
Click Here to View Mayor O'Leary's Slide Presentation: mayorcovidpresgraphs.pptx
Virtual Meeting with Watertown Town Manager John Gavallas on 5/12/2020:
Meeting Recording: Click Here
Access Password: 3i@4h.67

Adapting and Communicating to Your Customers in a Time of Crisis​ Presented by Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc.
Meeting Recording: Click Here
​
Key Topics for Businesses Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: The CARES Act, the New Relief Package and Other Important Updates webinar presented by Pullman and Comley, LLC. 
Webinar Recording: Click Here

Navigating Your Business Through the Storm by Summit Success Group
​Webinar Recording: Click Here 

Resources for Businesses and Employers

The State of Connecticut's Online Business Portal full of updates and resources:
business.ct.gov
PPP Updated FAQs as of October (Added 10/13/2020)
Read FAQs
SBA/US Treasury EZ and Revised Full Forgiveness Applications for PPP (Added 6/18/2020)
EZ Forgiveness Application Instructions
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Instructions
EZ Forgiveness Application
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
PPP Loan Forgiveness: A Step-By-Step Explainer with Q&A​  (Added 6/1/2020) 

Restaurant Revitalization Fund

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced key details on application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RFF). The SBA will administer $28.6 billion in funds to the hardest-hit small restaurants. Details on application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide are now available in English at https://buff.ly/3x8nzeY or in Spanish at https://buff.ly/3gkMfuv.

Financial Resources

CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act
​

Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Actfrom the US Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: 
Small Business Owner's Guide
Small Business Emergency Loan Guide and Checklist from the US Chamer of Commerce:
Loan Guide and Checklist
The CARES Act Passed, What Do I Do Now? Helpful guidance provided by the CT Senate Republicans:
What Now?
Paycheck Protection Program
(Added 4/2/2020)
The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. Learn more from the resources below. The Paycheck Protection Program is implemented by the Small Business Administration with support from the Department of the Treasury. Lenders should also visit www.sba.gov or www.coronavirus.gov for more information. 

Applicants must apply through an SBA-approved bank (best to use one you already have a relationship with) and complete the application form.
Plan Overview
Borrower Fact Sheet
Updated Application 4/3/20
Updated SBA Lender List 4/9/20
FAQs as of 5/13/20
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Click below for more information on SBA Disaster Loans
​

Webinar from the Community Economic Development Fund on How to apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan
SBA Disaster Loans
SBA Answer Desk can be reached at
​1-800-827-5722 or email them at 
answerdesk@sba.gov
FOR MANUFACTURERS (added 4/9/20)
Governor Lamont has announced that Connecticut manufacturers can apply for state grants of up to $75,000 to assist in the production of critical equipment and supplies needed to respond to the COVID-19 emergency. The grants, offered through the state’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program, can be used for working capital, new equipment, and other purposes that help companies build capacity or repurpose their operations. Funding for this short-term program is limited to $1.3 million and requires a one-to-one match from participating businesses. Learn more about the program and the application process by visiting https://ctmvp.ccat.us.
Shuttered Venues Operators Grants
U.S. Small Business Administration: Shuttered Venues Operators Grants FAQs are not available. 
Shuttered Venues FAQs
​Start or Expand Your Business With Loans Guaranteed by the Small Business Administration
(Added 4/21/2021)
 
7(a) Loan Program: The SBA’s most common loan program, which includes financial help for businesses with special requirements.​

This is the best option when real estate is part of a business purchase, but it can also be used for: 
  • Short- and long-term working capital 
  • Refinance current business debt 
  • Purchase furniture, fixtures, and supplies 
The maximum loan amount for a 7(a) loan is $5 million. Key eligibility factors are based on what the business does to receive its income, its credit history, and where the business operates. Your lender will help you figure out which type of loan is best suited for your needs. Read more about the 7(a) loan program.
 
504 Loans: Long-Term, Fixed Rate Financing of Up To $5 Million for Major Fixed Assets

The CDC/504 Loan Program provides long-term, fixed rate financing of up to $5 million for major fixed assets that promote business growth and job creation.

504 loans are available through Certified Development Companies (CDCs), SBA's community-based partners who regulate nonprofits and promote economic development within their communities. CDCs are certified and regulated by the SBA.

504 loans are available exclusively through Certified Development Companies (CDCs). First,  find a CDC  in your area to ensure you are dealing with a qualified lender. Then begin to prepare and assemble your  504 loan authorization package, using our  504 Authorization File Library  to identify the documentation you will need to apply for your 504 CDC loan

Microloans: Smaller-Size Loans of up to $50,000 Provided Through SBA Funding Intermediaries
The microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand. The average microloan is about $13,000.

The SBA provides funds to specially designated intermediary lenders, which are nonprofit community-based organizations with experience in lending as well as management and technical assistance. These intermediaries administer the Microloan program for eligible borrowers.

Microloans are available through certain nonprofit, community-based organizations that are experienced in lending and business management assistance. Individual requirements will vary.

To apply for a Microloan, work with an SBA-approved intermediary in your area. SBA-approved lenders make all credit decisions and set all terms for your microloan. To find an authorized microlender near you,  contact your local  SBA District Office

Loans for Exporters
Most U.S. banks view loans for exporters as risky. This can make it harder for you to get loans for things like day-to-day operations, advance orders with suppliers, and debt refinancing. That’s why the SBA created programs to make it easier for U.S. small businesses to get export loans.

To learn how the SBA can help you get an export loan, contact Joseph Raycraft, International Trade Finance Specialist, New England at joseph.raycraft@sba.gov or (860) 241-5573.

Employer Guidelines

Workplace signage is among the state’s May 20 requirements for all employers—CBIA has the following posters available free for you to download, print, post, and share:
  • Staying Safe Together (general safety and prevention steps)
  • How Do You Feel? (required notice for employee health monitoring and exposure response)
  • Personal Protection Protocols (required notice about PPE use)
  • Social Distancing (required notice for social distancing guidelines)
  • Slow the Spread (required notice for transmission controls)
  • COVID-19 Concerns? (required notice for reporting concerns)
Guidance for When Employees Refuse to Return to Work
The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) and the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board (NRWIB) shared this guidance on steps to take if recalled employees refuse to return to work:

On a sheet with your company letterhead, include:
1. Employee’s name
2. Employee’s Social Security Number
3. Employee’s scheduled return date
4. Date the employee refused the job

Include your company’s name, address, phone/fax number, tax ID and Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax ID number.

Fax this information to: UI Merit Department (860) 263-6723.

With this information, the Department will schedule an eligibility hearing to determine if the claimant (employee) remains eligible for the UI benefits.  Both you and the employee will receive a hearing notice / packet that must be completed and returned to the Department for such decision.

For more information, visit http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF
CT SAFE WORKPLACE RULES
The state Department of Economic and Community Development issued these mandatory protective measures that every workplace in Connecticut 
deemed essential—and any other business or nonprofit allowed to remain open during the pandemic—must follow. Click below to view the workplace rules. 
CT Safe Workplace Rules
Families First Coronavirus Response Act

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain public employers and private employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. Each covered employer must post in a conspicuous place on its premises a notice of FFCRA requirements. These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020.
Families First Federal Poster
Families First Non-Federal Poster
Families First FAQs
Executive Order Directing Businesses to Employ Work from Home Policies

On March 20, 2020, The Governor issued 
Executive Order 7H, directing all businesses and nonprofit entities in the State of Connecticut to utilize, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work from home procedures that they can safely employ.  That order also directed that, no later than March 23, 2020 at 8 p.m., each non-essential business or nonprofit entity shall reduce the in-person workforce at each business location by 100% from pre-state of emergency declaration employment levels. Click below for Business Exemptions for Coronavirus - Executive Order 7H
Business Exemptions
Executive Order 7s: View the Safe Store Mandatory Rules Effective on April 3, 2020 (Added 4/2/2020) 
Safe Store Rules
The state Department of Labor’s Shared Work Program can help you keep skilled employees on the job until the economy improves, by making up for some wages lost by workers who have had their hours cut. To participate, an employer must complete an application for the affected unit(s) within the company and submit it to the CTDOL for approval. 
Shared Work Program
COVID-19 Operating Guidelines for Connecticut's Arts & Culture industry
As of 5/6/2020
Click Here to View Document

Other Resources

WASH YOUR HANDS
It sounds simple enough, but there is a proper way to wash your hands to properly protect yourself. Click here to learn more.

ASK AN EXPERT

Free resources are available from some of our member attorneys, Click Below to Connect:
Carmody Torrance Sandak Hennessey
Pullman & Comley
MENTAL HEALTH WHILE STAYING HOME:
Looking for resources to support your employees' mental health while working from home? Click here.
ENERGY: 
Stay up to date on all Eversource policies at this time. ​
CONNECTIVITY:
Are YOU (and your company) ready to work from home? Take the Remote Work Readiness Assessment from NSI, and receive a report to help you understand your readiness and prioritize next steps.

Internet Service Provider offerings:
  • Spectrum is offering free Wi-Fi to students for 60 days call 1.844.488.8395
  • Comcast is also offering free Wi-Fi for 60 days to new low-income families as well as opening their Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots to everyone for free.
  • Altice through Optimum and Suddenlink is offering free internet connectivity for 60 days.
  • Optimum is also offering access though their special Wi-Fi hotspots SSID: optimumwifiemergency. Call the numbers below for further information on getting internet at your home.
    • 866.200.9522 to enroll in Optimum region
    • 888.633.0030 to enroll in Suddenlink region
  • AT&T is also offering public access to their Wi-Fi Hotspots for free. There are also offering internet access for qualifying limited income households at $10 a month through the Access from AT&T program.
HEALTH INSURANCE:
Do you need health insurance during this time for yourself or employees?​ Click Here to learn about and apply for coverage during Access Health CT's New Special Enrollment Period for these exceptional circumstances.
INSURANCE PREMIUMS:
Gov. Lamont's Executive Order 7S provides a 60-day grace period for paying insurance premiums, meaning carriers can’t cancel anyone’s policy for lack of payment from April 1 to June 1. It is not a waiver; companies and individuals will still have to pay come June. The grace period, is NOT automatic. You have to apply to your insurance company to receive it.
View Executive Order 7S

Employment Opportunities

 NeedAJobNow.usNLx.com contains over 400,000 job openings and continues to grow daily. While many employers are downsizing their staff, others are significantly increasing their hiring efforts due to current demands. Through this initiative, DirectEmployers and  National Association of State Workforce Agencies offers a way to bridge the gap between job supply and demand by offering an easy way for job seekers to gain access to current open positions and for employers to fill positions quickly and efficiently during these difficult times. (Added 4/2/2020)

Unemployment

​If you become unemployed due to coronavirus (COVID-19), you should file for unemployment benefits. Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. To file your claim, go to www.filectui.com and click the blue button. For faster claims processing, have your return-to-work date, if known, and your employer’s registration number readily available. Answer YES to the question “Do you have a DEFINITE return to work date after today?” If you do not yet have a definite return-to-work date, enter 04/01/2020. If you do not have your employer’s registration number, enter 99-999-95. We are processing claims as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience during this difficult time.

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities

As Waterbury continues to prepare and respond to coronavirus, there are ways that every day citizens can directly help. Mayor O’Leary is calling on those who are healthy, able, and willing to volunteer to support the city's efforts. If you would like more information about how you can help, please call the city's Emergency Operation Center at 3-1-1 or call the Mayor's office at (203) 574-6712. Individuals answering those numbers will ask you for the information necessary to fill out the City of Waterbury Volunteer Intake Form. In addition, recently retired medical professionals who retired in good standing with the Department of Public Health (DPH), and currently licensed medical professionals who are in good standing with DPH (physicians, physician assistants, nurses, paramedics, EMT's, and all other certified allied health professions) are encouraged to call 3-1-1 if interested in supporting the city's response.
 GIVING BACK:
This new program, 4-CT, has been set-up to provide critical funding to local community foundations, non-profits, homeless shelters, and the many local organizations providing assistance and services to people in communities across the state. (Added 4/1/2020)
4-CT
DONATIONS TO LOCAL HOSPITALS
​Consider donating the following to our local hospitals if you can (in original, unopened packaging):
  • Disposable head covers
  • Disposable Gowns
  • Disposable Gloves
  • N95 respirator face masks
  • Disposable face masks
  • Face-shields/goggles
  • Coveralls/scrubs
  • Shoe-covers
  • Disinfection wipes and liquids
  • General-purpose hand cleaners​
DONATIONS FOR WATERBURY HOSPITAL:

Email:
 jeremy.rodorigo@wtbyhosp.org 
Phone:
203-725-4795
DONATIONS FOR SAINT MARY'S HOSPITAL:

3D Printers to make masks - Email Ben Danker at Saint Mary’s Hospital at Benjamin.danker@trinityhealthne.org

Information for All Other Donations - Click Here
DONATIONS FOR HARTFORD HEALTHCARE:

For guidance on how to participate, Click Here

Student Loans

  • All borrowers with federally held student loans (Federal Direct Loans, FFEL and Perkins) will automatically have their interest rates set to 0% for a period of at least 60 days by the federal government.
  • In addition, each of these borrowers will have the option to suspend their payments for at least two months to allow them greater flexibility during the national emergency. This will allow borrowers to temporarily stop their payments without worrying about accruing interest. To request this forbearance, borrowers should contact their loan servicer online or by phone.

Tax Updates

Tax Payment Deadline Update - Treasury and IRS to delay tax filing deadline to July 15th. Full COVID-19 Federal Tax Relief information, including the economic impact payment, can be found here: ​https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

CT Filing Extensions: The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) has responded quickly to the COVID-19 outbreak in order to protect employees and taxpayers. Here are the details of the DRS tax payment extensions:

Sales and Use Tax
Has DRS extended the filing and payment deadlines for sales tax returns? (added 3/30/2020)
Yes, within the parameters outlined below.

What small business taxpayers qualify for this relief? 
(added 3/30/2020)
Taxpayers that have $150,000 or less in annual Sales Tax liability qualify for an automatic extension of time to file and pay. Similarly, taxpayers that have $150,000 or less in annual Room Occupancy Tax also qualify for this relief. A taxpayer that collects both Sales Tax and Room Occupancy Tax must evaluate each tax separately to determine eligibility for relief.

How does a taxpayer determine if it is a qualified small business? 
(added 3/30/2020)
Taxpayers are required to utilize a calendar year look back period of January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2019. Any taxpayer that reported $150,000 or less in tax during that period qualifies for the relief.

What returns are covered by this extension? (added 3/30/2020)
- For monthly Sales Tax and Room Occupancy Tax filers: returns and payments due March 31, 2020, and April 30, 2020, are extended to May 31, 2020.
- For quarterly Sales Tax and Room Occupancy Tax filers: returns and payments due April 30, 2020, are extended to May, 31, 2020.

Details are at https://portal.ct.gov/drs Additional updates will be posted to the DRS website.

​
NOTICE: Taxpayers are strongly encouraged to visit the DRS website for answers to many questions. You may also email DRS at drs@po.state.ct.us. If contacting DRS by phone, please plan for wait times that may be longer than usual. See DRS FAQ's, which now includes important information regarding Connecticut sales tax.
https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/COVID19/DRS-COVID-19-Response-FAQ
Southbury Chamber  All Rights Reserved.
83 Bank Street, 4th Floor, Waterbury, CT 06702
Phone: (203) 757-0701 | info@WaterburyChamber.com| sitemap
Terms and Conditions/Privacy Policy
Picture