Help offered from various sources for businesses, individuals

Opinion column

by Murrel Bland

The bad news is that these are uncertain times for businesses. The good news is there are many resources for those who have lost business because of the coronavirus pandemic.

That was quite obvious as I had a recent extended convention with Greg Kindle, the president of the Wyandotte Economic Development Council. Various areas in Wyandotte County are being hit hard including retail portions of Village West including Nebraska Furniture Mart and Legends Outlet, which are closed.

Kindle said the Small Business Administration is offering help at the website www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources. Among those resources are Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which includes a $10,000 grant that does not have to be repaid, Express Bridge Loans and the Payroll Protection Program. It is best for a business representative to contact his or her banker to apply for the latter two loans.

Kindle said the Kansas Department of Commerce has launched a live chat to help fill out its COVID-19 webpage. Additional resources can be found at www.wyedc.org/covid-19-resources/.

Kindle said it will be important to find jobs for those who have been displaced. Since the coronavirus scare, the unemployment rate for Wyandotte County has jumped from about 4 percent to more than 10 percent.

I chatted by telephone with restaurant owners who are Business West owners. Loraine Waldeck, who owns MeMa’s Old Fashioned Bakery, 7634 Leavenworth Road, said all things considered, she is doing quite well. What helps MeMa’s is her wholesale commercial accounts including two grocery stores and her carryout customers.

Cassandra Savage, who with her husband Ken own nine McDonald’s restaurants in Wyandotte and Johnson counties, have been hurt by the pandemic, but have been depending on carryout and delivery. Their most profitable store has been and continues to be at 7530 State Ave. She said her company has more than 400 employees and her accountant is busy applying for the Paycheck Protect Program. The couple is rebuilding its store at 4101 Kansas Ave.

The Dotte Spot Bar and Grill at 8123 Parallel Parkway in the Arrowhead Center has closed its dining room and bar, but is continuing to offer a carryout menu.

Donna Tilden, who serves as president of Business West, is a licensed health and life insurance agent. She offers the attachment “COVID-19” Resources to explain what is covered.

Melissa Brune Bynum, the president-elect of Business West and a Unified Government commissioner, offers a resource attachment.

Kathleen Meyers Baska, the owner of Mary Butler Meyers Family Funeral Home, said a message from R. Bryant Hightower, the president of the National Funeral Directors Association, speaks to the need for the funeral home staff and clergy to protect the health of the attendees by limiting those to 10 persons attending the funeral. Further details can be found at the website https://www.marybutlermeyers.com/.

Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is the executive director of Business West.

Insurance provider websites are addressing how they are handling the COVID-19 situation. Members may click on the links to find out how each carrier is providing no-cost care related to COVID-19, telemedicine appointments, premium payments and more.

Individual health plans:
Ambetter – https://ambetter.sunflowerhealthplan.com/coronavirus.html
Cigna – https://www.cigna.com/coronavirus
Medica – https://medica.com/corp/covid-19
Oscar – https://www.hioscar.com/covid19

Medicare plans:
Aetna – https://www.aetna.com/individuals-families/member-rights-resources/need-to-know-coronavirus.html
BCBSKS – https://www.bluekc.com/consumer/covid-19.html
Cigna – https://www.cigna.com/coronavirus/medicare-and-medicaid
Humana – https://www.humana.com/coronavirus
United Health Care – https://www.uhc.com/health-and-wellness/health-topics/covid-19

Group health insurers:
BCBSKC – https://www.bluekc.com/consumer/covid-19.html
Cigna – https://www.cigna.com/coronavirus/employers
Humana – https://www.humana.com/coronavirus
United Health Care – https://www.uhc.com/health-and-wellness/health-topics/covid-19

  • Insurance list from Donna Tilden, Benefits Design Group
A resource list from the Unified Government Health Department and United Way of Wyandotte County listed resources as of March 31, with some services and information subject to change.

For struggling businesses, not enough help, not fast enough

Rep. Davids calls for changes to new federal loan program

Small businesses in Kansas are facing unprecedented challenges, with many shut down and awaiting help from the government during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many weren’t deemed essential functions or services by the “stay-at-home” order, and some have stopped operating, awaiting government help.

Although federal legislation for small business loans was approved and went into effect last Friday, the structure of the loan program, which works through lending institutions, was not put into place early, according to Kansas officials. Some lending institutions did not receive information on how it works early enough to start on Friday, meaning more waiting for some small businesses.

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-3rd Dist., on Tuesday called for changes to the federal Paycheck Protection Program to provide quicker and better access to loans for small businesses under the federal CARES Act.

“Kansas small businesses are counting on these loans to keep their businesses afloat and to pay their workers, and it’s unacceptable that many can’t even access this critical assistance,” Rep. Davids said in a statement Tuesday. “While the Trump administration needs to provide much clearer guidance about the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program, Congress also needs to provide more resources to bolster the program and get relief to small businesses quickly. The House should act on this without delay.

“We must also set guardrails for how this program is administered so that its benefits reach smaller and less advantaged businesses,” Rep. Davids stated. “I’ve introduced legislation that would provide $10 billion in funding for early stage and startup businesses in low-income geographic areas to keep funding flowing to these vital businesses.”

The state of Kansas and local governments also are trying to help with small business loans.

“We recognize that small businesses and large businesses across the state are really feeling the pinch from the coronavirus outbreak, and particularly the businesses not providing essential services under the framework,” David Toland, Kansas secretary of commerce, said Tuesday in a video conversation with U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-3rd DIst. “This is a temporary period, we don’t know how long it’s going to last, but we are determined to support our businesses through this, and see them to the other side of it.”

“This is a different type of economic challenge than we’ve ever seen before,” Toland said. “The pace of this is faster than anything that’s been in living history. So what we’ve had to do is change the way we respond, and to act more swiftly, more creatively, and perhaps with a greater sense of urgency than we’ve ever had to as a state agency.”

The state Commerce Department has been working with state, federal and local initiatives to get loans into the hands of small businesses as soon as possible, according to Toland.

The Paycheck Protection Program was created at the federal level, with $350 billion allocated nationwide for Small Business Administration loans. These loans are to cover eight weeks of payroll and expenses for small businesses, and the loans are forgivable.

Toland said although the federal legislation was passed quickly and SBA moved as fast as it could, in about six days, it was not fast enough for small businesses that need help right now.

“There’s a fair amount of frustration about processes, and this really has to do with the volume and depth of need across the country and certainly, within the state of Kansas,” Toland said. “We’re grateful to you, Rep. Davids, for your leadership on the Small Business Committee, and pushing with SBA to make sure they understand our businesses need help and need help now. It’s got to move at a faster clip than it is.”

Toland said the state commerce department is trying to provide technical assistance to small businesses. It has retrained 10 of its staff to provide technical assistance in conjunction with assistance from Small Business Development Centers, local chambers of commerce, economic development professionals and lenders.

The state Commerce Department has started a live chat for questions and answers about SBA-related questions at Kansascommerce.gov, he said. He said he recognized there were things they couldn’t control, and assistance at SBA was in that category.

Rep. Davids noted that the legislation was passed quickly for the federal government, but she understood that it’s not necessarily fast enough for the small businesses.

“One of the things I’m going to keep doing is making sure SBA has the support and resources it needs to implement the program,” Rep. Davids said. “My hope is that we’ll be able to see movement more quickly on this.”

State and local loan programs

Toland also outlined state and local loan programs for small businesses, including some new ones.

Kansas started the $5 million HIRE (Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency) Fund recently for hospitality businesses such as restaurants, bars, lodging establishments and event centers, but all those funds have now been allocated, according to Toland.

The first dollars in that program were allocated within 72 hours, he said. It was a bridge program designed to provide dollars quickly until the businesses could get funding through another program, such as an SBA loan, according to Toland.

“We were able to support 346 hospitality businesses across the state,” he said. “Unfortunately we have over 1,000 other businesses that have applied which we haven’t been able to help yet.”

He said the state commerce department is continuing to accept applications for this program, in case additional dollars are made available later. He said they don’t know if additional dollars will be made available later, but if they are, it will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who have already applied do not need to reapply, he said. Applications can be made at Kansascommerce.gov.

Toland said the state also has some funding in existing programs for businesses, and is trying to refashion them as part of its COVID-19 response.

Thirty-seven Kansas communities have revolving loan funds where they make loans to small businesses for improvements such as a new façade or new sign, he said.

The state issued directives to communities to make those funds available as working capital to small businesses in their community, he said. Those loans could be used to pay rent, pay salaries or keep the lights on.

He said there was a good response from 37 communities that are actively pushing these dollars out to those that need them, with urgency.

“What the state has done,” he said, “is we cut the red tape in that program.” It normally takes 30 days for an environmental certification, and that was cut to one day, he said.

Communities in the “Incentives Without Walls” loan fund program also have been asked to use these funds as working capital for small businesses temporarily, and quickly, he said.

New state job site

Toland said while there have been significant job losses in the state, there are also job opportunities out there right now. The state has started a new job site for employers and job seekers, to link up opportunities in Kansas related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The site, https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-response/covid-19-jobs-and-hiring-portal/, is free to use for job seekers and employers, he said. It includes job opportunities in retail, health care and local government.

Close to 1,300 jobs were listed on the site recently, he said. Companies are hiring this moment and are looking for people who want to work, he said. Besides providing jobs for people, he said, it also helps keep things running, providing essential functions for the state and economy.

“This is a real challenge, and it’s like nothing we’ve seen before, but it is a temporary challenge,” Toland said. “We don’t know how long that is exactly, but we are going to get through this.”

He said the state Department of Commerce is determined to make sure they are a strong partner, so they all come out on the other side of this, prepared to turn on the economy at a high rate of speed, and all get back to a new normal.

Rep. Davids, who was wearing a T-shirt in the video that said, “Stay home, stay safe, stay strong,” said it was heartwarming the way people in communities are helping each other. She thanked workers on the front lines, including health care workers and food workers, for their work in keeping people healthy and safe.

To see Rep. Davids’ video question-and-answer session with Secretary Toland, visit https://www.facebook.com/RepDavids/videos/642472146606690/.

To have a live chat about SBA programs with the Kansas Department of Commerce, visit Kansascommerce.gov.

The state’s COVID-19 response jobs and hiring page is at
https://www.kansascommerce.gov/covid-19-response/covid-19-jobs-and-hiring-portal/

For more information about bills Rep. Davids is backing, visit https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-introduces-bill-help-small-businesses-during-coronavirus
https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-calls-upcoming-coronavirus-response-packages-include-direct-funding
and https://davids.house.gov/media/press-releases/davids-calls-treasury-department-small-business-administration-ensure-small.

Rep. Davids’ coronavirus resource page is at https://davids.house.gov/coronavirus.

More information about the paycheck protection program for small businesses and lenders

U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, is providing details for small businesses that are interested in applying to the Paycheck Protection Program.

The Paycheck Protection Program was signed into law on March 27, as part of a number of measures designed to support small businesses affected by the economic disruption caused by COVID-19.

It provides $350 billion in forgivable loans through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Under the program, eligible business owners can receive forgivable loans to cover eight weeks of payroll and other expenses.

“The Paycheck Protection Program delivers much needed relief to Kansas small businesses by providing forgivable loans for businesses that keep employees on their payroll,” Sen. Roberts said. “I encourage small businesses in need to contact their bank or credit union to apply to this program.”

Applications for most small businesses open on Friday, April 3, 2020. Details about the program are provided below.

What is the Paycheck Protection Program?
The Paycheck Protection Program provides forgivable SBA loans up to $10 million for small businesses to cover eight weeks of payroll, group healthcare benefits, lease payments, and mortgage interest. PPP loans are available to small businesses and other eligible entities that retain employees and maintain payroll. Small businesses and other eligible entities are able to apply if they were harmed by COVID-19 between February 15, 2020 and June 30, 2020. The temporary cash flow assistance made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act helps small businesses stay afloat and workers from losing their livelihoods.

Who is eligible for the loan?
• Small business that employees 500 employees or less
• A restaurant, hotel, or a business that falls within the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 72, “Accommodation and Food Services,” and each of your locations has 500 employees or less
• Tribal businesses
• 501(c)(19) veteran organizations
• 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including religious organizations
• Independently owned franchise with under 500 employees that are approved by SBA. Eligible franchises can be found through SBA’s Franchise Directory

When can I apply?
Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply.
Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply.
Loan application and supporting documentation must be submitted to an approved lender by June 30, 2020
Due to the expected high demand in loans and limited funds, Kansas small businesses are encouraged to apply early.

What is the maximum amount I can borrow?
Loans are available for up to two months of your average monthly payroll costs from the last year plus an additional 25 percent up to a maximum of $10 million. Payroll costs are capped at $100,000 annualized for each employee.

What amount of the loan will be forgiven?
The amount of the loan forgiven is equal to the amount spent on payroll, lease payments, mortgage interest, or utility bills over eight weeks

What if I reduce my workforce or don’t maintain payroll?
This program is intended for small businesses to maintain their payroll.
Your loan forgiveness will be reduced if:
• You decrease your full-time employee headcount
• You decrease salaries or wages by more than 25 percent for any employee that made less than $100,000 annually
• You do not re-hire your full time employees by June 30, 2020 for any changes you made between Feb. 15, 2020 and April 26, 2020

What are the terms of the loan?
• .5 percent fixed interest rate
• Principal payments deferred for 6 months (interest will continue to accrue over this period)
• 2 year term
• Up to $10 million loan value

Am I responsible for the forgiven loan amount?
No, if the full principal of the PPP loan is forgiven, the borrower is not responsible for the interest accrued in the eight-week covered period. The remainder of the loan that is not forgiven will operate according to the loan terms agreed upon by you and the lender.

Where can I apply for the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses?
You can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) at any lending institution that is approved to participate in the program through the existing U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) lending program and additional lenders approved by the Department of Treasury.
You can call your bank, credit union, or other financial institution to ask if they are participating in the program. Alternatively, you can find SBA-approved lenders in your area through SBA’s online Lender Match tool.

What documentation do I need to apply?
• Paycheck Protection Loan Application available at https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/Borrower%20Paycheck%20Protection%20Program%20Application_0.pdf.
• Payroll documentation

Resources:
• PPP Overview https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP%20–%20Overview.pdf
• PPP Borrower Information https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP–Fact-Sheet.pdf
• PPP Lender Information https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP%20Lender%20Information%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
• PPP Application https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Application-3-30-2020-v3.pdf