COVID-19 - Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, WA

Offering Support During These Unknown Times

Your Chamber is comprised of nearly 1,500 businesses in the SW Washington region that are all facing this pandemic in different ways. And with recent orders from Governor Jay Inslee to Stay Home & Stay Healthy, this unique time is more challenging than ever. One thing that remains constant however, is connection. This can be a business transaction, a client referral, a moment with your loved ones, and a share on social media. These connections are more important than ever to remind us that we aren't in this alone, and that we will get through this together.

As updates are announced near-hourly of COVID-19, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce team is working diligently to assure our community has pertinent information that will benefit the recently titled 'essential' industries, as well as those businesses and employers required to shut their doors. Although our office is closed, the Chamber team is still working to update our signature programming and workshops to fit social distancing efforts and remote-work applications. Additionally, all previously 'in-person' events outside of the Chamber office will be postponed. Please review the Chamber Events Calendar for date changes. Those inquiring about a Certificate of Origin may visit the COO webpage and submit your application online.

You can learn more of how Your Chamber is keeping you up-to-date by visiting our Facebook Page, as well as VancouverUSA.com/Blog.

Ultimately, we want to say thank you. Not only for supporting fellow businesses, but for joining in the efforts to keep Washington healthy. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We know that this is an unprecedented situation that we are all dealing with and we want to be a pillar of strength and support for our members during this time. Therefore, we have created tool-kits and informational resources to arm yourselves and your employees with consistent messaging. We encourage all employers to alert the Chamber of accomodations your business is making so we are able to communicate these ideas to members around the community. Please read below for information that may benefit your families and businesses.

The CARES Act

Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) & Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

Enacted April 1st was the CARES Act, a $2 Trillion stimulus fund, formally named the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Within this $2 Trillion, $350 Billion has been set aside to provide for the United States’ Small Businesses to stabilize business, provide for workers, and prepare for an economic downturn. From the CARES Act, accessible through the Small Business Administration (SBA), there are a couple different things you NEED to be aware of, first and foremost: the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Both the EIDL and PPP offer financial assistance for qualifying small businesses and nonprofits.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Application: This title can be misleading for many, as this presents an opportunity for qualifying businesses and organizations to receive a $10,000 grant. When applying online, check the box for the $10,000 advance grant, confirm that the grant will be used to cover associated costs like payroll, lease/mortgage, etc., and your application will be submitted. Keep in mind, there is a limit to how much they are paying out, and since announced, there are a lot of organizations that qualify who have since applied. The online application takes 15 minutes max: COVID19Reliefsba.gov/#/

This is something to due immediately!

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Organized through the Small Business Administration (SBA), the PPP loan will cover employees on your payroll that are full-time, part-time, or any other status. This program, which has been referred to as critical to economic recovery, allows businesses to receive a 100% federally guaranteed and potentially forgivable loan, for up to 2.5x your monthly average payroll. In overview this forgivable loan needs to be used in an eight-week period for approved expenses (I.e., payroll, lease/rent payments, health insurance costs, etc.). At the end of the eight weeks, you will then need to file for loan forgiveness with the bank. View the practice application, here. Applications open on Friday, April 3.

Donations For Our Community

In support of our local medical professionals, the Chamber has partnered with manufacturers in the area to create and distribute medical-grade PPE materials including masks and surgical caps. Each of these items are available at VancouverUSA.com/Donate to be offered to medical and veterinary clinics in the area, and with each donation made, WellHaven Pet Health has pledged to MATCH every contribution.

This is just one way we can come together to support our community. For more ways you can help, visit our blogpost here.

Information Resource Hub

Each listing below will redirect to the appropriate website. We encourage you to bookmark this webpage to stay up-to-date with changing protocol.
Chamber Blog Posts:
- How You Can Help - Chamber nonprofits and community foundations looking for donations and in-kind support.
- They're Hiring! - Listings of local businesses that are hiring for temporary and full-time employment! Are you hiring? Let us know!
- Takeout & Delivery List - Chamber Members & Future Members that are still up and running, providing adjusted ways to serve our community.
- 7 Ways to Support Local Biz - Tips to #SupportLocal in SW Washington.
- Social Distancing 101 - An easy guide on how to socially distance yourself from others.
Chamber Press Releases:
- Chamber Supports Local Mask Manufacturing for Veterinary and Medical Professionals
- Chamber Complies with Washington State's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" Order
Assistance for Washington Residents:
- Washington State Department of Financial Institutions
- Department of Revenue Business Relief
- Paid Family & Medical Leave
- PeaceHealth Southwest Washington COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
- For in-kind donations and resources, follow this link.
Assistance for Businesses:
Employment:
- Temporary Layoff & Furlough Assistance for Workers
- Layoff Assistance for Workers
- SharedWork Program
- Workforce Southwest Washington
- Unemployment Benefits
- WorkSource & NEXT
- Remote-Work Job Listings
- Entercom Portland
  - Through Entercom you can also post job opportunities and business hours to further promote your business' needs.
Transportation:
Utilities:
Government Updates:
- Cities' Responses: Camas, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, Battle Ground
- City of Vancouver, Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle's Facebook Page
- Governor Jay Inslee's Website
- Stay Safe & Stay Healthy Proclamation
General Health Resources:
(Last updated: March 31, 2020)

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Offering Support During These Unknown Times