With the unknown direction of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce is actively working to support local businesses and work force. We have compiled a list of resources to provide general information about the virus and a list of applications that can help both businesses and employees.
Business Financial Relief & Assistance
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
To apply or learn more: https://disasterloan.sba.gov
The U.S. Chamber’s Guide To SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act expands the Small Business Administration’s long-standing Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL). The EIDL program was created to assist businesses, renters, and homeowners located in regions affected by declared disasters
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. The CARES Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn.
The U.S Chamber’s Coronavirus Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements | US Department of Labor
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.[1] The Department of Labor’s (Department) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.
This site has information regarding paid leave and employer reimbursement via tax credits. Covered employers qualify for dollar-for-dollar reimbursement through tax credits. All qualifying wages paid under the FFCRA. Qualifying wages are those paid to an employee who takes leave under the Act for a qualifying reason, up to the appropriate per diem and aggregate payment caps. Applicable tax credits also extend to amounts paid or incurred to maintain health insurance coverage.
Workforce Resources
Missouri Department of Labor
Visit the Missouri Department of Labor for information about:
- Shared work program available to Joplin area employers facing workforce reductions due to COVID-19
- Unemployment claims for the self-employed, gig workers, independent contractors, and those who otherwise do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits and have been impacted by the coronavirus
- Check the site frequently for updates regarding unemployment information, partial unemployment.
Child Care
The Joplin Family Y has received a temporary child care license. If you are an essential employee, particularly a healthcare worker, and you need childcare to perform your job, contact the Joplin Family Y about child care. Availability is limited, however.
Getting Health Insurance After Job Loss:
If you have lost healthcare coverage through your employer or the employer of a family member, you may qualify for a special enrollment period.
Visit our member directory to speak with a local insurance provider or healthcare.gov for additional information.
Information for Displaced Workers:
- All Missouri Job Centers are closed to the public at this time, but staff are still assisting customers by phone.
- The Joplin Job Center Hotline number is 1-855-348-3751.
- Visit SectorReady Workforce for unemployment information
Non-Profit Relief
United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas officially established a COVID-19 Response Campaign. All funds raised will go directly to support members of their agency partner network who are experiencing decreased revenue due to service disruptions and/or increased demand for services.
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks is committing $1 million in charitable funding to its COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to support nonprofit agencies affected by the coronavirus outbreak.