From the Texas Department of Agriculture
Business
Federal:
- U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA provides low-interest, long-term Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EDIL) to small businesses and private non-profit organizations that suffered working capital losses due to the declared disaster.
SBA Guidance for Businesses in Responding to COVID-19
SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to COVID-19
3 Step Loan Process: An Overview of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Application Process
Disaster Loan Assistance Application
SBA Texas District Offices:
- Dallas/Fort Worth District Office
- El Paso District Office
- Houston District Office
- Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office
- Lubbock District Office
- San Antonio District Office
SBA Houston District Office – COVID -19 – Guidance for Small Businesses (daily webinars and Q&A)
*If applying for an EIDL loan, the SBA recommends using Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge*
*Customer Service can be reached at 800.659.2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov*
- Federal Reserve: Commercial Paper Funding Facility to support the flow of credit to households and businesses
IRS Payment Deadline Extended: Filing and Payment Deadline Extended to July 15
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Visit their website for a comprehensive list of resources available to assist rural residents, businesses and communities impacted by COVID-19.
- Beginning immediately, through July 31, 2020, USDA Business and Industry Loan Guarantees (B&I) and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Guaranteed lenders may assist borrowers experiencing temporary cash flow issues by deferring payments for a period no longer than 120 days. The lender must notify The Agency in writing of any payment deferments. Written notification to the Agency will meet the standard for concurrence until July 31, 2020. A response from the Agency is not required. This guidance applies to ALL borrowers that had a current repayment status as of March 1, 2020.
State:
- Office of the Governor: Visit their website for a comprehensive list of resources and important COVID-19 updates.
- Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Visit their website for resources available to employers and job seekers impacted by the COVID-19.
- Resources for Employers
- The Commissioner for Employers’ legal team is available Monday through Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to answer employment law questions. Please contact them at 800-832-9394 or employerinfo@twc.state.tx.us.
- Shared Work Program
- Resources for Job Seekers
- If an individual’s employment has been affected by COVID-19 they may apply for benefits either online by using the Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) or by calling TWC at 800.939.6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. UBS can be accessed at any time. For additional information, visit TWC’s website.
- Texas Comptroller: Visit their website for tax-related information related to COVID-19.
- The agency is offering assistance in the form of short-term payment agreements, and in most instances, waivers of penalties and interest. To learn about options for remaining in compliance and avoiding interest and late fees on taxes due, contact the Enforcement Hotline at 800.252.8800.
- Texas Department of Insurance (TDI): Visit their website for an overview of insurance-related questions related to COVID-19.
- Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA): Visit their website for an overview of information related to school meals, consumer protection, rural hospitals, weights and measures and licensing.
Other:
- The Consumer Data Industry Association (CDIA) provided guidance to those directly or indirectly impacted.
- Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are an alternative source of finance for small businesses. For additional information, please visit with each organization:
- SBA Lender Match: Connects Small Business with Participating SBA-approved Lenders
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) provides counseling to small businesses throughout Texas. For a list of resources to manage the impact and recovery, visit their website.
- SCORE has chapters throughout Texas and provides in-person and virtual counseling and mentorship. They have also published resources and information to support small business, including:
- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Combating Coronavirus
- National Restaurant Association: Coronavirus Information and Resources
- National Retail Federation: Coronavirus Resources for Retailers
- NFIB: Small Business Resources in Response to Coronavirus
- Texas International Produce Association: COVID-19 Update
Healthcare
Federal:
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS): Is granting certain waivers and suspended non-emergency survey inspections.
FAQs for Individuals, Providers and Insurers
CMS Current Emergencies- COVID-19 guidance and additional information
Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans
- Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA provides low-interest, long-term Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EDIL) to small businesses and private non-profit organizations that suffered working capital losses due to the declared disaster.
SBA Guidance for Businesses in Responding to COVID-19
SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to COVID-19
3 Step Loan Process: An Overview of the Disaster Loan Program Application Process
Disaster Loan Assistance Application
SBA Texas District Offices:
- Dallas/Fort Worth District Office
- El Paso District Office
- Houston District Office
- Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office
- Lubbock District Office
- San Antonio District Office
SBA Houston District Office – COVID -19 – Guidance for Small Businesses (daily webinars and Q&A)
*If applying for an EIDL loan, the SBA recommends using Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge*
*Customer Service can be reached at 800.659.2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov*
State:
- Office of the Governor:
- Waived certain regulations and directed the Texas Department of Insurance to issue an emergency rule that will allow telemedicine visits for patients with state-regulated plans to be paid the same as in-office visit for insurance purposes.
- Fast-tracking temporary licensing for out-of-state physicians, physicians assistants, retired physicians and nurses to assist with in-person and telemedicine services
- Texas Department of Insurance: Visit their website for an overview of insurance-related questions related to COVID-19.
- Texas Department of Agriculture/State Office of Rural Health (SORH): Visit their website for an overview of information related to school meals, consumer protection, rural hospitals, weights and measures and licensing.
To contact SORH, email: ruralhealth@texasagriculture.gov.
Communities & Individuals
Communities:
- Resources Guide to COVID-19 for Government Leaders
- Office of the Governor COVID-19 Executive Orders
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Measures to assist rural residents, businesses and communities impacted by COVID-19
- Texas Department of State Health Services: COVD-19 Communication Tools
Families/Individuals:
- Center for Disease and Control (CDC): COVID – 19
- Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA): Visit their website for an overview of information related to school meals, consumer protection, rural hospitals, weights and measures and licensing.
- Meals for Kids
TxSchools.gov: Meals for Students
- Texas Workforce Commission (TWC): Visit their website for resources available to employers and job seekers impacted by the COVID-19.
- Resources for Job Seekers
- If an individual’s employment has been affected by COVID-19 they may apply for benefits either online by using the Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS) or by calling TWC at 800.939.6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. UBS can be accessed at any time. For additional information, visit TWC’s website.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Measures to assist rural residents, businesses and communities impacted by COVID-19
- Connected Nation Texas: Synopsis of Telecommunications and Cable Television Provider Responses to COVID-19
