COVID-19 Resources
Connecticut Business Owner & Worker Sentiment Surveys
As part of the reopening process, AdvanceCT sought feedback from the Connecticut small business community - including business owners and workers. The Small Business Reopening Survey identified pain points, and the Worker Sentiment Survey gathered insights into concerns about going back to work. The surveys were open from April 29 through May 12, 2020 and the results are available below.
Important Notice to Small Businesses
The SBA has announced that just over $110 billion in funding remains for the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP provides forgivable loans to small businesses and non-profits with less than 500 employees. 75% of the loan must be used for payroll expenses, with the remaining used on rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. More Information about the PPP can be found on the SBA website.
Connecticut has more than 350 SBA-approved banks and credit unions that can help your organization secure this critical funding. If you do not have an existing banking relationship, you can also apply for this program through approved online lenders (fintechs) like PayPal, QuickBooks, Bluevine, Funding Circle, Kabbage, OnDeck, and Square.
At the start of the COVID-19 public health crisis, AdvanceCT, in partnership with DECD and CBIA, conducted two surveys to gather feedback, and provide guidance to the state and policymakers regarding how Connecticut businesses were impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, and how to prioritize recovery initiatives. Results can be found below.
COVID-19 Phase II Business Impact Survey Results
COVID-19 Business Impact Survey Results
In addition, the following programs and resources are designed to help Connecticut businesses:
For the latest information, resources, and guidance related to coronavirus (COVID-19), visit https://www.coronavirus.gov/ or ct.gov/coronavirus or call 2-1-1 or text CTCOVID to 898211.
To donate to meet a COVID-19 need here in Connecticut, go to 4-CT.org.
State Programs & Resources
- Mask Request for Connecticut Essential Small Businesses
- State of Connecticut updated safe workplace rules for essential employers
- COVID-19 Dashboard for Connecticut
- Extension of state business tax filings
- Deferral of sales tax and room occupancy tax payments
- Deferral of mortgage payments
- Deferral of insurance premium payments
- Shared Work unemployment program
- Manufacturing Innovation Fund grants for manufacture of medical equipment and supplies.
- HEDCO line of credit
- Deferral of rent payments
- Manufacturers Healthcare Supplies Assistance
- DRS Collections Relief
Federal Programs & Resources
- Expanded COVID-19 Business Relief Programs: PPP and EIDL
- U.S. Chamber Foundation: Save Small Business Fund
- U.S. Small Business Administration emergency loans
- Available tax credits and deferral of payroll taxes
- Main Street Lending Program
For additional guidance:
- See Governor Lamont's updates.
- Go to business resources for information on sustaining business operations during the COVID-19 emergency.
- Call or email the CT Department of Economic and Community Development at 860-500-2333 (Small Business Hotline) or email to covid19.jic@ct.gov.