Coronavirus Business Resources

A detailed report outlining new protocols, guidance, and recommendations for Phase 1 of reopening Texas's economy. 

See the full report here >> Texans Helping Texans

Last update: 4.2.20

Dear Fellow Texans,

We hope you are continuing to remain healthy and safe during these uncertain times. Our office and community partners continue to closely monitor the current situation and are working hard to provide you with the latest information, updates and resources. Please review the below updates regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and related assistance regarding COVID-19 for small businesses. 

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

The CARES Act was passed by Congress on March 27, 2020. The programs and initiatives in the Act are intended to assist business owners and nonprofits with current needs due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Following President Trump’s signing of the CARES Act, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Treasury announced a robust mobilization effort of banks and other lending institutions to provide small businesses with the capital they need.

The Treasury and SBA expect to have this program up and running by April 3, 2020, so that businesses can contact a participating SBA 7(a) lender, bank, or credit union, apply for a loan, and be approved on the same day.

For a comprehensive guide on most of the small business provisions and programs included in the CARES Act, download the Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act.

Paycheck Protection Program

The CARES Act established a $349 billion SBA-backed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to provide immediate access to capital for small businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19.

The PPP is specifically designed to help small businesses keep their workforce employed and assist with payroll and other business operating expenses. It will provide critical capital to businesses without collateral requirements, personal guarantees or SBA fees. All loan payments will be deferred for six months. Most importantly, if employers maintain their payroll, certain portions of the loans can be forgiven, including payroll, interest on mortgage obligations, rent and utility payments.

Loans will be available through more than 135 existing SBA-certified lenders in Texas, including banks, credit unions and other financial institutions.

• Find a certified lender in your area: SBA’s local assistance finder
• Find out when you can apply: Treasury factsheet
• Find more information regarding PPP and loan requirements: SBA.gov/Coronavirus

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Update

Due to the CARES Act, small businesses and non-profits can get up to a $10,000 advance on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan even if a previous application was declined or still pending. For more information, visit the SBA’s website and apply for the loan advance here.

We urge you to contact our office if we can provide any additional information. Please continue to stay safe and healthy and we look forward to keeping you updated with the latest news and resources. You may continue to check in online at gov.texas.gov/business/coronavirus. For additional information on Texas’ response to COVID-19, visit gov.texas.gov/coronavirus.

-Governor's Economic Development & Tourism Office

#TexasBizStrong

Dear Fellow Texans and Economic Development Partners,

Please share this information with small businesses and non-profits in your area.

Today, Governor Abbott announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has now granted Texas’ Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance declaration, making loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Next Steps: Small businesses who believe they may be eligible for an SBA EIDL should visit the SBA’s website where they can directly apply for assistance. The online application is the fastest method to receive a decision about loan eligibility.

For additional information on Texas business-related COVID-19 resources, including a list of required documentation for the SBA Loan process, visit gov.texas.gov/business/page/coronavirus.

We know this is a difficult time for all Texans. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office if we can provide any additional information.

Stay safe, keep healthy and continue to check in with us as we provide the latest updates and resources.

#TexasBizStrong

-Office of the Governor, Economic Development Team

Check out https://comptroller.texas.gov/about/emergency/ for the latest updates and resources. 

Last updated: 4.13.20

Help is Available

These are challenging times for businesses all over the nation. The Texas Comptroller’s office knows that during periods of economic hardship, paying or remitting taxes and fees on time can feel like an extra burden when there’s so much uncertainty. We’re thankful to those businesses that were able to remit state and local sales taxes they collected from customers in February on the March 20, 2020, due date.

We understand that virtually all of our taxpayers are doing their best to remain in compliance and be responsible in submitting the taxes they collected from their customers. With that in mind, our agency is here to offer assistance to those businesses that are struggling to pay the full amount of sales taxes they collected in February.

For businesses that find themselves in this situation, our agency is offering assistance in the form of short-term payment agreements and, in most instances, waivers of penalties and interest.

We ask that you contact our Enforcement Hotline at 800-252-8880 to learn about your options for remaining in compliance and avoiding interest and late fees on taxes due. 

We strongly encourage you to use our online tools, tutorials and other resources for tax services, and establish 24/7 account access on Webfile.

We’re standing by to help Texas businesses during these difficult times.

Check out https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources for the latest updates and resources. 

Last updated: 5.21.2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

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.

Content

• Coronavirus Funding Options
• Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• Local Assistance
• Join the SBA's Relief Efforts
• SBA Products and Resources
• Government Contracting

COVID-19 Announcement 

Governor Abbott has requested declaration of Economic Injury Disaster for all counties in the State of Texas.  The request and subsequent declaration triggers Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance to small businesses for injuries caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  All action is being coordinated by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.  This assistance in a low interest potentially long-term working capital loan and as such requires eligibility and repayment ability.  The application process for Economic Injury Disaster loan program Coronavirus (COVID-19) has not yet been made available, so pending those instructions, it is a reasonable assumption that the application will resemble that of previous Disaster Declarations. The following list of SBA Forms are part of the application packet in sequential order: SBA Form 5, 5C, ELA; SBA Form 413; IRS Form 4506-T; SBA Form 2202; SBA Form 1368; SBA Form p-003; SBA Form 912.

https://sbdc.mccoy.txstate.edu/Disaster-Recovery.html

*U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: 

Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

*ASSOCIATION OF CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVES:

Coronavirus Resource Guide

*CDC:

Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Pandemic Guidance

*DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY:

CISA Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19

*TEXAS HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION:

COVID-19 Update

ADDITIONAL HEALTH RESOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

World Health Organization

STATE OF TEXAS HEALTH INFO RE: COVID-19

Check out www.workforcesolutionsrca.com/employers/covid-19-coronavirus-resources for the latest updates and resources.

Last update: 5.21.20

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) EMPLOYER RESOURCES:

Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster in Texas due to novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our communities, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA) has temporarily closed all career centers within our nine-county region to public access.

What this means:

• All WSRCA Career Centers throughout region are temporarily closed until further notice.
• We will conduct modified business operations, maximizing virtual and telephone services to communicate with customers.
• Career & Employer workshops will move to a virtual environment.

While we are temporarily closing our doors to public access, our talented teams will continue to ensure that our customers find world-class workforce solutions through our available services.

Jobs Now!

As Rural Capital Area Employers are contacting us with immediate job openings throughout our region, we are posting them by county, to our Jobs Now! tool, to connect job seekers to opportunities. 

If you are an employer who would like to have your openings added to this resource, please email our Business Services Team at businessservices@ruralcapital.net.

For open positions in Travis County, please visit our partners at Workforce Solutions Capital Area.

For Workers

Please visit our Job Seekers Resources Page: click here..

For Employers

Concerns about COVID-19 are impacting our local economy. 

For our business community, WSRCA can assist with customized proactive outplacement services or layoff aversion strategies at no cost. Rapid Response provides early business-focused intervention assistance designed to transition affected workers to their next employment. Our services are tailored to each company, based on the needs of the affected employees. 

Please email rapidresponse@ruralcapital.net, for more information on Rapid Response services for employers.

• Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) COVID-19 Resources for Employers: click here.
• TWC Unemployment Benefit Claims Help & Resources for Employers: click here.
• TWC Claimants Guide to Filing for UI Benefits (In English/Spanish): click here.

Workforce Solutions of Hays County 

4794 Transportation Way Building 5 

San Marcos, TX 78644 

512-392-1291

Workforce Solutions of Caldwell County 

1711 S. Colorado St. Suite G 

Lockhart, TX 78644 

512-398-3491

Check out http://lockhart-tx.org/page/Coronavirus_info for the latest updates and resources.

Last update: 5.21.20

COVID-19 information and updates

The City of Lockhart is monitoring developments pertaining to the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness worldwide. All information in this section is sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

 Common ways COVID-19 spreads

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
• It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not believed to be the main way the virus spreads.

Symptoms of COVID-19

 The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as many as 14 days after exposure. 

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

For more information about what to do if you are sick, click here visit the CDC webpage.

** If you are concerned you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, please contact your medical provider. **

At-Risk individuals

According to the CDC, some individuals are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill if they contract COVID-19. Those people include individuals to whom one or more of the following applies:

• 65 or older
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Decreased immune system

Prevention 

CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 10 people or more throughout the United States. Read the CDC's guidelines here.

The CDC also offers the following tips for the public to protect themselves and their families.

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, or into your flexed elbow. If you sneeze or cough into your hands, wash them immediately.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when your hands are not properly washed.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with normal household cleaning supplies such as bleach wipes and disinfectant sprays.
• Practice social distancing. Social distancing involves staying away from other people to avoid catching or spreading illness. It's a fancy term for avoiding crowds and minimizing physical contact. This could mean avoiding concerts or weddings, skipping the handshake, and/or staying at least six feet away from others.
• The CDC is now recommending people wear cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help prevent asymptomatic carriers from unknowingly transmitting it to others. This link from the CDC has information on how to craft your own mask from household materials: https://www.cdc.gov/…/prevent…/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

COVID-19 testing

Your doctor will help make the decision if you should get tested for COVID-19.

If you do not have health insurance, you can still get tested for COVID-19 if your doctor or healthcare provider recommends it.

For information about testing, you just need to call your doctor and/or access care the way you usually do. If you need help finding a doctor or accessing medical care, call 2-1-1 and they can direct you to low- or no-cost providers in your area.

For questions about COVID-19 testing, dial 2-1-1, then choose Option 6.

General questions

Dial 2-1-1 and select option 6 to speak with a Texas Health and Human Services representative. Hours are 7 a.m.-8 p.m. The lines are open seven days a week.

Staying informed

City of Lockhart Emergency Management Coordinator Randy Jenkins is participating in daily calls with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to receive official updates.

It is easy to run into inaccurate information on the web. Visit one of the links below to educate yourself with trustworthy information.

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/default.aspx

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Last update: 5.21.20

Visit their webpage for the latest news:

Buda City Hall and Public Safety Building 
Open to Public With Limited Capacity 
Starting Monday, May 18  

BUDA, TX — May 11, 2020 - On Monday, May 18 Buda City Hall and the Public Safety Building will open to the public with limited capacity. It is strongly recommended that visitors wear masks. Social distancing practices will be in place. Phone and online methods of communication are still encouraged.

Buda City Hall and Public Safety Building  

• Visitors are highly encouraged to wear masks.
• Phone and online methods of communications are still encouraged.
• City-sponsored meetings resume with strict social distancing practices in place. Room capacity limited to 25% for City Council and Boards and Commissions meetings.
• No rental of public spaces.
• Daily disinfection cleaning.
• Stay home if you are sick.

Buda Public Library

• Remains Closed to the Public.
• Providing Curbside Service Monday and Thursday from 10 AM to 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  (Find out how to reserve items here:https://www.budalibrary.org/281/Buda-Library-at-Home )  

Visitor Center (Stagecoach House)

• Remains Closed to the Public.
• Please call the Visitor’s Center with questions at 512-295-7170.

City of Buda Employees are following strict social distancing practices and will be wearing masks or face coverings to provide protection for co-workers and the public.  

As mentioned earlier, phone and online communications are still encouraged.

You can contact City Departments directly at the numbers below:

Public Works (512-312-2876)

Buda Police Department - Non-Emergency (512-393-7896)

Parks (512-523-1083)

Utility Billing (512-295-8845)

Municipal Court (512-295-2562)

Library (512-295-5899)

Planning, Permitting, and Engineering (512-312-5745)

Visitor’s Center (512-295-7170)

Utility billing and municipal court payments may be paid online here: https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/budatx. Additional ways to make utility payments include online through your bank, over the phone at 512-295-8845, and by mail to 405 E. Loop St., Building 100, Buda, Texas. Customers can also utilize the utility payment drop boxes at the front entrance of the building and near the library book drop. The utility billing e-mail that residents should use to communicate with utilities is utilitybilling@ci.buda.tx.us

Additional online resources:

Permitting and Inspections: https://www.mygovernmentonline.org/

Licenses, Permits and Fees: http://ci.buda.tx.us/297/Applications-Licenses-Permits-Fees

You can view City Council meetings online here:
https://www.ci.buda.tx.us/390/Council-Board-Commission-Meetings---VIEW

For more information on Buda Library Services:

Buda Public Library Electronic Resources: https://buda.biblionix.com/catalog/

Buda Public Library: www.budalibrary.org

Last update: 5.21.20

Visit their webpage for the latest news:

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at 512-858-4725 or email the Emergency Management Department at emergencymanagement@cityofdrippingsprings.com.

____________________________________________________________

City of Dripping Springs to Create COVID-19 Disaster Relief Program for Businesses
Committee is being formed. Local input is welcomed. More details can be found here.

Governor Abbott Open Texas Report of May 18 - Opening Other Businesses
The Governor announced the next phase of opening businesses, including bars, 
summer camps, and more.
More Details Can Be Found Here

Open Texas Report from Governor Abbott
The Governor released a report regarding the committee to open back Texas during COVID-19. The Strike Force to Open Texas brings together nationally recognized medical experts with public- and private-sector business leaders to help achieve this mission.  Read the Complete Report below:
The Governor's Report to Open Texas

Governor's Order May 5 - Opening Salons and Other Businesses
Read Governor Order Here

Hays County Dashboard on All COVID-19 Cases
Hays County Dashboard

Last update: 3.30.20

City of Blanco  |  Blanco County  |  Johnson City

City of Blanco

Due to recent developments regarding the COVID-19 virus, Blanco City Hall employees will be working remotely starting 03/30/2020. If you need to contact the department please call and select the corresponding extension. All departments will be answering calls and emails Monday – Friday from 8am - 5pm. If the department is unavailable please leave a voicemail so they may call you that same day. You may also contact them via email.

All online options will still be available by visiting: www.cityofblanco.com

Please call 830-833-4525 and select the below option to reach the corresponding department/representative.
Option 1 - Utilities & Permits – Olga Gamez – utilities@cityofblanco.com
Option 2 – Municipal Court – Kristyn Schones – courtclerk@cityofblanco.com
Option 3 – Finance & Human Resources – Paula Farley – finance@cityofblanco.com
Option 4 – City Secretary – citysec@cityofblanco.com
Option 5 – Public Works – Ronnie Rodriguez – ron_rod11@yahoo.com
Option 6 – Mayor – Martha Herden – mayor@cityofblanco.com

To reach Code Compliance, please email Will Daves at codecompliance@cityofblanco.com

Mayors Proclamation Declaring a Local State of Disaster (Posted March 18, 2020)

City Council State of Local Disaster Resolution (Posted March 19, 2020)

The city council's resolution states that the following regulations shall take effect immediately upon issuance, and shall remain in effect until the state of disaster is terminated:

City Hall (This will apply to both the Water Department and the Court Clerk)

1. City Hall will be open to the public by appointment only.  

2. All payments should be made online, mailed, or left in the drop box in front of City Hall. (Further information is available in the resolution.)

3. The City will not execute any late payments or delinquent disconnect of water service for the month on March and April. 

OCCUPANCY OF PREMISES

1. At-risk categories are encouraged to self-quarantine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.

2. Businesses are urged to implement the Centers for Disease Control guidelines for business operations.

3. Restaurants practice recommended social distancing measures by not allowing groups of patrons to be seated within six feet of other groups of patrons.

4. Per the Federal and State recommendations, gatherings of more than 10 persons are prohibited.

5. The City will continue to monitor and consider guidelines and announcements from the County, the Center for Disease Control, the Office of the Governor of the State of Texas, and the White House.

PENALTIES – Federal and State recommendations suggest fines of $500 for violations.  The City of Blanco is encouraging our community to follow all Federal and State recommendations and will not impose fines for violations at this time.  

Utilities

Utility payments will be accepted by mail, drop box or online only. Please call 830-833-4525 or email utilities@cityofblanco.com to speak with a representative.

Municipal Court

The Court will be closed to the public. Please see the COVID-19 Municipal Court Notice for online and mailing options. You may also call or email the court to review your options. Email: courtclerk@cityofblanco.com

Defendants with court dates this month will receive a reset upon request. Anyone who does not receive a reset will be expected to call or email the court clerk. Once the reset is received the reset hearing notice will be mailed to you. Reset requests are available here. For your convenience reset forms are also available under the drop box at City Hall.