Connecticut’s small businesses were already dealing with the negative impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak before Gov. Ned Lamont issued an executive order March 16 requiring gyms, fitness studios, and movie theaters to close, and restaurants to offer take-out and delivery services only.
The same day, however, the Governor announced some potential relief.
Small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Connecticut negatively affected by the outbreak are now eligible for disaster relief loans of up to $2 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Contact Cramer & Anderson’s Experienced Business Law Team for Assistance
“Small businesses and nonprofits of all types are experiencing large, sudden drops in revenue while trying to do the right thing and give employees the flexibility they need to take care of themselves and their families,” Governor Lamont said in a news release. “One of our priorities is to help them as much we can. SBA disaster relief loans are an important tool that can help Connecticut businesses.”
Michelle Seagull, the state’s Commissioner of Consumer Protection, followed up on the Governor’s announcement with a March 17 email to businesses, attorneys, and others, in an effort to get the message out.
“I understand that following yesterday’s executive order, we are receiving calls and emails from businesses that are concerned about having to shut down,” Commissioner Seagull wrote.
Small business owners can learn more about the disaster relief loan program and apply for financial assistance at www.sba.gov/disaster or call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955. Those with questions about the SBA loan program or other assistance provided at the state-level may call 860-500-2333 to speak directly with a representative at the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
The State’s coronavirus business resources page also announced that the state Department of Revenue Services has extended deadlines for filing and payments associated with certain state business tax returns. Details are on DRS’s website.
Additionally, the DECD is launching the COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit, which will be dedicated to helping businesses in Connecticut understand the resources available during the coronavirus crisis. Small businesses seeking guidance can reach the unit at 860-500-2333.
The State news release also said DECD and Advance CT, a nonprofit working to advance economic competitiveness, have begun distributing a survey to businesses to get information on the types of resources needed for the duration of the outbreak. Businesses interested in participating in this survey can access it here.
Navigating the challenges created by coronavirus outbreak adds new layers of difficulty and complexity for business owners. We urge anyone who needs help, or simply has questions, to contact any member of Cramer & Anderson’s highly-experienced Business, Corporate & Commercial Law team.
Reach out to Attorney Mitchell Melnick at (860) 355-2631 or by email at mmelnick@crameranderson.com, to Attorney Perley Grimes at (860) 567-8718 or by email at pgrimes@cramer-anderson.com, Attorney Dolores Schiesel at (860) 927-3568 or by email at drs@crameranderson.com, and Attorney Neal D. White, Jr. at (860) 567-8718 or by email at nwhite@cramer-anderson.com.
Important Note:
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, Cramer & Anderson has modified the way we do business to provide continuity of legal services in a way that helps ensure the safety, health and well-being of clients and potential clients. See our website post: Cramer & Anderson Open for Business Amid Coronavirus, Just in a Different Way
About Cramer & Anderson
Cramer & Anderson LLP serves clients from six offices in western Connecticut (currently closed to the public) with a hometown sensibility and a worldly outlook. In addition to the Practice Areas essential for business owners, the firm’s attorneys also handle Personal Injury, Divorce & Family Law, Municipal Law, Workers’ Comp, Immigration, and more.
The flagship office is located in a historic structure on the Green in New Milford. Additional offices are located in Danbury, Litchfield, Kent, and Washington Depot, and Ridgefield, serving Fairfield County. For more information, see the website at www.crameranderson.com or call the New Milford office at (860) 355-2631.
