Governor Hogan has amended his Stay at Home order to broaden the list of permitted outdoor activities to include individual and small group sports such as golfing, tennis, and similar activities; outdoor fitness instruction; recreational fishing and hunting; recreational boating; and horseback riding. These change took effect today, Thursday, May 7 at 7:00 a.m.
- Read the governor’s amended Stay at Home order.
- Read guidance for outdoor activities.
- Read guidance for reopening golf courses.
- Read guidance for reopening marinas.
Updated (again) PPP guidance from SBA – (5.6.20)
Question: Will a borrower’s PPP loan forgiveness amount be reduced if the borrower laid off an employee, offered to rehire the same employee, but the employee declined the offer? See the SBA frequently asked questions (FAQ) file (Also attached) The SBA also warns that employees who reject offers of reemployment may find themselves ineligible to continue receiving unemployment benefits.
COVID-19-Related Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave Provided by Small and Midsize Businesses FAQs
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/covid-19-related-tax-credits-for-required-paid-leave-provided-by-small-and-midsize-businesses-faqs
National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants
This program allows business owners to apply for financing for a particular small business need. Worth up to $4,000 each, past recipients used their growth grants to purchase computers, hire part-time help, and create marketing materials.
Twenty Maryland companies receive grants to produce PPE in response to COVID 19:
https://open.maryland.gov/blog/20-maryland-companies-receive-grants-produce-ppe-response-covid-19/
The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (not a typo- read on)
Tuesday, May 12, 11 AM to 12 PM (EDT) REGISTER HERE
Join the Maryland Chamber Foundation and representatives from Whiteford Taylor Preston to discuss the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019. Small business owners now have a lifeline to work through a rough patch by taking advantage of the new Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (the “SBRA”). SBRA is a significant change in existing bankruptcy law that greatly reduces or eliminates many costs associated with a bankruptcy reorganization, expedites the process for a quick turnaround, and preserves ownership and control of the business. Given the number of businesses suddenly faced with the prospect of insolvency, the SBRA feels like must-know law. It is described as a game changer for small and medium-sized businesses, as it allows access to a quicker and less expensive reorganization, at the same time making it easier for a business to maintain equity interests.
Got a dirty car? New directive from the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel:
https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/OLC-Interpretive-Guidance-COVID19-13.pdf Please note that this only applies to “fully automated” car washes.
Preparing To Open – May 14, 2020, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Click here to register
As elected officials and public health authorities throughout Maryland work to control the spread of COVID-19, employers are bracing for a phased and gradual reopening of the economy that requires planning. Preparing to Open will foster and promote conversations on topics from barriers to reopening, to big questions about immunity and liability, to ways employers can incorporate innovative approaches to safety into the workplace. Hosted by the Howard County Chamber of Commerce.
Contrary to rumors, the 2020 Census has NOT been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Thank you to those who have responded, and I bet we can do better: Response rates as of 5.1.20: Caroline County (56.7%), Kent County (50%), QA (56.6%), and Talbot is at (54.4%). Beating the Eastern Shore: Carroll (70.8 percent), Howard (69.2 percent), and Harford (67.1 percent) counties are leading the state. Why should you care? Read this: How the Census Shapes Public Health in Your Community and Click here to take the Census now.
Economist Anirban Basu – presented by Carroll County Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, May 13, 2020. 8:30a.m. to 10:00 a.m. register online
Try these 11 new rules for successful online meetings. –Inc.
