Times are quickly changing, and you might be scrambling to adjust your small business’ strategy to keep up.
We’ve collected resources from the state of Ohio and other outlets to help you understand what’s changing and where you can find information during this time. Always check official government websites to find the most up-to-date details as the situation continues to evolve.
Federal Changes: Emergency Paid Sick Leave, Emergency Family and Medical Leave, and Tax Credits
The Families First Coronarvirus Response Act, signed by President Trump two weeks ago, included several provisions that might apply to your business. They are:
Emergency Paid Sick Leave
Businesses with up to 500 employees must immediately provide their employees with 80 hours of paid sick time. The employee is entitled to this sick time if they meet certain qualifications, like having the coronavirus, caring for someone who does or caring for a child due to childcare facilities closing.
Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act
FMLA has been amended to allow employees up to 12 weeks of leave if unable to work or telework. The employees may take this leave if they have children to care for who cannot attend their usual school, daycare or babysitter.
Tax Credits
Employers can receive tax credits for 100 percent of the qualified paid sick and paid family and medical leave wages they pay to employees, within the defined limits.
Read more about all of these measures at the Department of Labor website.
Applying for Small Business Loans
All areas of Ohio now qualify for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
- Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small aquaculture businesses and most nonprofit organizations qualify.
- Small business owners and nonprofit agencies impacted by the public health crisis can apply for low-interest loans of up to $2 million with repayment terms of up to 30 years.
- Businesses and non-profits can apply online at SBA.gov/Disaster (recommended) or call 1-800-659-2955 to request an application in the mail.
More Resources
Check the Ohio Department of Health’s coronavirus website for daily updates, plus checklists you can use to take action at your business.
View the COVID-19 checklist for businesses and employers here
How Can I Contact Block Insurance?
Although our offices have closed to foot traffic, we’re still hard at work keeping you and your business protected.
Call, email or chat with us anytime. Need to pay a bill? You can also do that right from our website, or use your insurance provider’s app.
If you have questions about any potential changes to your insurance policy, we’ll help walk you through everything you need to know.
A Note From Don Ritchey, President of Block Insurance
We’re here to support your business now more than ever. As a fellow local business owner, I understand your challenges and concerns.
At Block Insurance, keeping our customers, employees and community safe has always been our top priority. We’re here to serve you during this time just as we always have.
