| Wednesday December 30, 2020 |
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Coronavirus Response and Relief
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA) — which was signed into law on December 27, 2020, as part of a larger government appropriations bill — provides more assistance to individuals and businesses harmed by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The CRRSAA provides direct payments to individuals, revises key aspects of the CARES Act to provide more flexibility to businesses, and offers enhanced federal unemployment benefits.
What does it mean for small businesses?
- Reopening and revisions for the Paycheck Protection Program: The PPP has been reopened so more businesses can apply for the first time, and some companies can apply for a “second-draw” PPP loan. On top of this, the bill expands what types of expenses can be paid for with PPP funds and makes forgiveness easier to obtain for businesses that took out loans worth less than $150,000. Applications for new and second-draw PPP loans are open until March 31, 2021, or until funds are exhausted.
- Changes to business taxes: The CRRSAA makes PPP loans non-taxable and ensures that the majority of business expenses paid for with PPP loans are also not taxable. The legislation also makes businesses eligible to receive both PPP loans and the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), whereas they were not eligible under the original CARES Act.
- Reopening of the EIDL grant program: The bill allocates more money for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) grant program that had been expanded in the CARES Act. This will allow some businesses to receive up to $10,000 in EIDL grants.
- New grant program for live venues: The bill allocates $15 billion in grants for small venues like independent movie theaters and concert halls that have been financially harmed by the pandemic, with grants maxing out at $10 million. Grants must be used on expenses such as payroll, rent, utilities, and personal protective equipment.
The act also includes enhanced unemployment benefits and direct payments to qualifying families and individuals.
--Information provided by CO by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. CLICK HERE to stay up to date with the latest federal small business stimulus aid programs.
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The Tempe Chamber office will be closed on Thursday, December 31st, and Friday, January 1st to celebrate the New Year. We look forward to seeing you in 2021!
The Tempe Chamber's physical office remains closed and staff is still working remotely to serve our members. Certificate of Origin Appointments can be made by contacting (480) 967-7891 |
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Register for The 2021 Speaker Series: Lessons for Life & Leadership
Sponsored by BD- Becton Dickinson, the 2021 Leadership Speaker Series consists of four dynamic sessions, each led by a leader in their industry who will speak on topics that discuss leadership best practices, stories of how being unique can help you succeed, how to future-proof your career and much more.
The four live sessions will take place through an online platform weekly starting January 22, 2021, at 9:00 am with the final session on February 12, 2021.
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FUEL Young Professionals Tempe Elementary School District Drive
Now through January 8, 2021, Tempe Chamber's FUEL Young Professionals Committee will be accepting donations for Tempe Elementary School District. Items from #2 pencils to backpacks are needed to help Tempe schools in need.
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Call for Artists - Tempe Leadership Class 36 Project in Downtown Tempe
A Mural reflecting unity and diversity with an interactive element will be painted on the very prominent wall, on the north side (5th Avenue side) of the CenturyLink/Lumen Technologies building, the community class project for Class 36.
Tempe Leadership Class 36 is seeking mural artists from the Phoenix Metro area to design and install a mural on the Century Link building. The artist submission deadline is January 4, 2021. |
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EVCCA Lifestyle Healthcare Program Update for Businesses
The Tempe Chamber is proud to offer Lifestyle Health Plans, a health insurance program designed to help East Valley employers save money on healthcare premiums while providing a robust wellness plan and quality care to employees. New to 2021, Lifestyle Health Plan now offers pricing on two value-based network reimbursement models – PAN and PPO, along with a new wellness program, 2nd tier deductible. One of the offered networks includes care through the Mayo Clinic.
In addition, Lifestyle Healthcare now offers a no-cost human resources platform called BuzzHR, to those who select a major medical plan. The free essential platform has many features including live advisors, compliance support, document preparation, and much more. Upgraded full-service HR options are also available.
For more information on the Lifestyle Health Plan, please call the Chamber office or use the online quote request. |
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Lost Our Home Pet Rescue Triples Donations Through December 31st
Thanks to a friend, Bruce Anderson, Lost Our Home Pet Rescue is able to triple all donations made to their organization through the end of 2020.
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House of Tricks Rings In The New Year!
Raise a complimentary glass of bubbly on New Year's Eve to accompany your meal at House of Tricks. Fête the evening in your own special way; whether it's a four-course dinner deluxe, or simply cocktails and starters to round out the year. House of Tricks chefs are creating three outstanding daily specials for NYE. Find out more and reserve your table today. |
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Tempe Announces Changes to Aquatics, Special Events and Westside Multigenerational Center
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the City of Tempe has made public health its top priority, using science and data to drive all decisions. COVID-19 cases continue to rise at alarming rates and all three state benchmarks are now in red, which is considered a substantial spread. To help mitigate the spread, changes to some city offerings will go into effect beginning Jan. 4. View the full list of changes and learn more today. |
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Safety Supply Kits Still Available for Pick Up
To help businesses who have been affected by COVID-19, the City of Tempe has allocated funds to provide up to 1,000 small businesses with items needed to protect their staff and customers. Businesses can receive:
-50 reusable cloth masks -5 clear masks -2 one-liter bottles of hand sanitizer
To register your organization and schedule a safety supply kit to pick up, click here. |
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City of Tempe COVID-19 Testing Updates
-Starting earlier this month, the City of Tempe began its Testing Tuesdays program. Every Tuesday, ASU, the City of Tempe and Tempe Fire Medical Rescue will offer free COVID-19 saliva tests at Cahill Senior Center. Those interested in a test should make a reservation here.
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| COVID-19 Finance Resources |
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With the ever-changing financial landscape of COVID-19, the Tempe Chamber provides its members with the most up-to-date and resourceful financial information. See below for funding opportunities that may still be available for you or your organization. |
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National Eviction Moratorium Update
A new COVID-19 stimulus deal reached earlier this month will extend the national eviction moratorium through Jan. 31, 2021. The existing halt on evictions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was set to expire on December 31, 2020. Renters must meet certain qualifications and also submit a declaration form to their landlords.
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Apply Now for Emergency Rent, Mortgage Funds Through City of Tempe
Nearly $2 million in new emergency rent and mortgage assistance is available through the City of Tempe to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic remain housed. Applicants must live or work in Tempe and meet income and other requirements. Those approved can receive up to $10,000 or six months in assistance; funds can be used for back payments. |
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New Financial Navigator Available for Tempe Residents
A new no-cost Financial Navigator Program is available to help residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic connect with financial resources, understand how to work with creditors and maximize their income. Residents will get one-on-one assistance over the phone and can tailor a plan to their specific needs, everything from applying for rent assistance to managing college loans to finding free tax help. View the full City of Tempe article. |
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Small Business Administration Accepting New Applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
The Small Business Administration is still accepting new applications for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) of up to $10,000 . Click here for more information. |
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U.S. Small Business Administration Loan Clinic
During the first Wednesday of each month, learn about SBA’s lending role and how to prepare a request for capital. This free monthly clinic will help attendees understand credit requirements, interest rates, collateral terms, and amounts available. Click here for more information. |
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| Upcoming Webinar Information |
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Weekly Informational Webinars That Help You Return Stronger
Each week, the Arizona Commerce Authority presents a free, daily webinar where local business leaders and subject matter experts provide support and available resources across Arizona - helping small business return stronger.
See below for next year's webinars: |
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The Porch is Hiring for Servers/Hostesses/Bussers
Click here to learn how you can apply to work in one of Tempe's newest restaurants. |
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The Centers for Habilitation (TCH)
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Carvana
Carvana has multiple job openings at various locations across Arizona. For more information click here. |
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| Helpful Business Resources |
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Tempe Chamber of Commerce 1438 W. Broadway Rd. Ste. 213, Tempe AZ 85283 |
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