Platte County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) is continuing to monitor closely the rapidly changing business environment due to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and working with our partners in Platte County and across the State of Missouri to ensure that our businesses have accurate and helpful information.
Below is a list of national, state and local resources to help you navigate through this. You can also download the business support guide.
Governor Mike Parson announced the extension of the statewide “Stay Home Missouri” Order through May 3rd. The Order was previously scheduled to expire on April 24.
Mayor Lucas announced the extension of the Kansas City stay home orders through May 15. The Order was previously scheduled to expire on April 24.
The Platte County Health Department announced the extension of the Platte County stay home orders through May 3rd. The Order was previously scheduled to expire on April 24.
National Resources
Federal Reserve Main Street Lending Program
The Federal Reserve established the Main Street Lending Program to enhance support for small and mid-sized businesses that were in good financial standing before the crisis by offering 4-year loans to companies employing up to 10,000 workers or with revenues of less than $2.5 billion. Principal and interest payments will be deferred for one year.
U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering all U.S. 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).
Applicants are encouraged to apply online for a disaster loan. If you do not have access to a computer or smartphone, please call SBA at 1‐800‐659‐2955 for assistance.
Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Security) Act
The Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act provides information about the major programs and initiatives is available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA
Internal Revenue Service
Visit the IRS website for helpful information for those affected by the coronavirus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Coronavirus (COVID-19) What you Need to Know – This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated information and guidance as it becomes available.
U.S. Department of Labor
Coronavirus Resources – The U.S. Department of Labor has resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) – The FFCRA requires certain employers to provide employees with expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The Department of Labor’s (Department) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements.
State Resources
Missouri SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
Missouri businesses can seek assistance from the Small Business Association Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. The SBA will offer targeted, low-interest disaster recovery loans for Missouri small businesses that have been severely impacted by COVID-19 disruptions.
Businesses can receive up to $2 million in assistance to use toward fixed debt payments, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that cannot be paid due to the impact of COVID-19. The interest rate for small businesses is 3.75% and 2.75% for non-profits.
Missouri LiftFund
Missouri LiftFund is a nonprofit organization that helps small business owners with limited access to capital. They provide small business loans to entrepreneurs and owners in Kansas City and St. Louis and throughout the state of Missouri.
Missouri Department of Labor
Click here for updates on the ongoing employment impacts from COVID-19. The Department also has a brief Frequently Asked Questions section that attempts to clarify and address the most common issues.
Unemployed Workers:
- Missouri has a basic instructional video to aid workers as they file for unemployment in the state of Missouri: Filing for Unemployment Basics tutorial video will outline the steps you will need to take during this process.
- Visit the “UInteract” website to file for unemployment.
Missouri Department of Health
March 24, 2020: The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services updated their testing screening criteria which reflect the CDC’s latest recommendations Learn about the criteria here.
Local Resources
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Response
Given the scale and need of the COVID-19 response and recovery, the Kauffman Foundation is committing up to $2.8 million to support the greater KC community.
KC Source Link
Explore various topics providing Kansas City entrepreneurs and business owners with resources to navigate their businesses through the outbreak.
Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund
A group of foundations, corporations, organizations and individuals has joined together to respond to the urgent needs of Greater Kansas Citians in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic.The establishment of the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund will focus on urgent health and human service needs, where the community needs are highest. http://growyourgiving.org/covid
Platte County Businesses Hiring
Click here for a list of Platte County businesses that are currently hiring.
Childcare
Below is a list of organizations providing childcare. Email Stephanie Deppen at sdeppen@plattecountyedc.com to add any not listed.
- YMCA
- Spectrum Station Early Learning & Childcare Center-Northland
- Primrose School of Liberty
- Outreach Christian Early Academic Center
- La Petite on N. Oak
- La Petite on NW 64th Terr
- Kidzone Creations
- Early Explorers Learning Center
- Sweet Beginnings KC
Technology Support
TeamLogic IT Kansas City, is offering a technology hotline service, providing small business owners with a resource to help navigate around security and working remotely during the coronavirus pandemic.
Contact the hotline by phone 816-673-3664 or by email kansascitynorthmo@teamlogicit.com
Other/Misc.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce – Save Small Business Fund
- Grant program to provide assistance to small businesses owners impacted by the coronavirus pandemic (founding partner Vistaprint)
- $5,000 grants to small employers in economically vulnerable communities (see ZIP CODES below)
- Employ between 3-20 people
- Grant applications open on April 20, 2020
- Link: https://www.kcsourcelink.com/coronavirus-business-resources
Kiva U.S. Small Business Loans
- Kiva is a non-profit that expands access to capital for entrepreneurs around the world
- More than 2.5 million people have raised over $1 billion on Kiva
- 0% interest loans up to $15,000 for U.S. entrepreneurs
- Link: https://www.kiva.org/borrow
Opportunity Fund COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund
- Opportunity Fund is committed to supporting existing and new small business customers who are financially struggling amidst the COVID-19 outbreak
- If you are a small business owner whose business has been impacted, please contact us directly so that we may better serve you
- Please keep in mind that our ability to provide financial assistance is based on eligibility guidelines and funding availability
- If you are seeking new financing, contact us at 888-720-3215 (888-648-7859 en español) or click here to begin your request
- Link: https://www.opportunityfund.org/assistance-for-small-business-owners-affected-by-covid-19/
Restaurant Workers Community Foundation – COVID-19 Relief Fund
- Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation is an advocacy and action nonprofit created by and for restaurant workers
- RWCF COVID-19 Use of Funds:
- 50% for direct relief to individual restaurant workers
- 25% for non-profit organizations serving restaurant workers in crisis
- 25% for 0% loans for retaurants to get back up and running
- Link: https://www.restaurantworkerscf.org/
The Main Street Initiative by Mainwest
- If you have an existing brick & mortar business that has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and you launch a capital raise on Mainvest, you may be eligible to receive a $2,000 zero-interest loan immediately
- Then through your capital raise, you can receive over $100,000 of investment from your community
- Here’s how it works:
- Create a page for your business and complete the necessary steps to raise capital
- Launch your capital raise on Mainvest
- If you qualify, receive a $2,000 zero-interest loan immediately
- Raise additional capital from your community in exchange for a share of your future revenue
- Link: https://mainvest.com/main-street-initiative