Business Resources for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce wants to thank the Manhattan City Commission for approving the funding of a new disaster assistance fund for Manhattan businesses. The Chamber will have $500,000 to loan to Manhattan businesses that have an immediate need. The intent is for the fund to serve as a bridge to something more sustaining whether that is local, state or federal.

The application for the loan which can be up to $5,000 (greater under certain circumstances) can be found here. Please read this overview before applying.

Loan Amounts: Amount of funds awarded determined based upon the details in the application. Loans up to $5,000 for for-profit businesses located in the City of Manhattan, up to $10,000 for business ineligible for SBA disaster relief, Kansas HIRE program or any other state or federal program created to assist business during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, and up to 20,000 for primary employers defined as businesses that export over 75 percent of its product or service outside of the City of Manhattan that have maintained at least 80% of its employees from the 4th quarter of 2019 to March 31, 2020 and maintain employment levels for 12 months following award.


We encourage local businesses and Manhattan residents to monitor the situation and be diligent in protecting themselves. The Chamber has compiled resources, both locally and nationally, for its business members and the general public.

Our goal is to minimize the impact on our community by looking to our public health experts for guidance related to COVID-19. Here are some additional resources for your reference.

Kansas businesses are now eligible to apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and the newly create up-front emergency grant program. For more information and to apply, go to https://covid19relief.sba.gov/

SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application are being accepted online and there is a newly created up-front $10,000 emergency grant program. For more information and to apply, go to https://covid19relief.sba.gov/. Note that If you apply for an EIDL and the grant, you can still apply for a PPP loan. However, if you choose to accept the PPP loan, the amount forgiven will be decreased by the $10,000 grant.

Small Business Owners Guide to multiple Federal relief options from the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Kansas Creates Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency Fund
The Kelly Administration has established the Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency (HIRE) Fund to provide bridge loans for Kansas’ hospitality sector during the COVID-19 crisis. In order to sustain operations for this sector, the administration has allocated $5 million for a round of bridge loans to hospitality businesses. Eligible businesses in Kansas will be able to apply for a one-time loan of up to $20 thousand at 0% interest for a period of 36 months. There will be no principal or interest payments for the first four months.

Resource from the U.S. Chamber on new Federal Payroll Protection Program (PPP) Loan eligibility and forgiveness calculation.

Interim Guidance for Business and Employers
This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available


Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.

Resources for Restaurants and Workers Coping with the COVID-19 Emergency


K-State

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Google resources to help your business 


Based on recommendations of the CDC

  • Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Stay home if you’re sick and keep your children home if they are sick.
  • Clean surfaces in your home and personal items, such as cell phones, using regular household products.
  • Consider an “elbow bump” instead of a hug or handshake.

    COVID guidelines

    Commercial establishments US Chamber


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