COVID-19 Support
Newport is committed to the health and safety of our tenants, shoppers and the communities that our centers serve. As the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic continues to unfold, we would like to offer support by keeping our website current with information on resources available to our tenants and community members.
General Information
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 (Coronavirus), its spread in the U.S., and recommended practices to protect against the virus, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites:
Small Business Resources
Federal and state governments and other organizations have acted quickly in creating programs to aid small and mid-sized businesses and minimize the economic impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. You are encouraged to research these programs to determine which might be of assistance to your business. We have also included resources to help you monitor the situation in your area and formulate your business's response.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Coronavirus Assistance
The SBA can provide loans of up to $2M to be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses.
Watch this video to find out how to get started: https://youtu.be/iaq7w-nbslw
Now you're ready to begin the SBA application process
Also useful is this listing of areas eligible for SBA disaster loans
CARES Act - Paycheck Protection Program
On March 27, the CARES Act was signed into law, providing $2 trillion in emergency assistance for individuals, families and businesses affected by the pandemic. Included is the Paycheck Protection Program, administered through the SBA, providing up to $349 billion in loans to eligible businesses with less than 500 employees. Maximum loan amount is $10 million at an interest rate no higher than 4%. Funds may be used for a variety of purposes including payroll costs, rent, utilities, mortgage interest, and interest on existing debt. The loans will not require collateral and can be subject to forgiveness.
SBA Local Assistance Directory
This SBA Local Assistance Directory can connect you to several local partners to counsel, mentor and train small businesses.
State by State Resources
Illinois
The State of Illinois provides a list of resources to support small businesses and working families during the COVID-19 outbreak.
In addition, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has launched emergency assistance programs for Illinois small businesses, including the Hospitality Emergency Grant Program, Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund, and Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program. Information, including applications, for all these programs can be found here.
Missouri
Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services provides guidance and resources for businesses navigating the COVID-19 crisis.
Ohio
Ohio’s newly formed Office of Small Business Relief provides guidance and resources for small businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) provides information and strategies for small businesses navigating the COVID-19 challenges.
Other Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The CDC has provided interim guidance for businesses and employers to plan, prepare and respond to the pandemic.
Community Foundation Public Awareness Initiative
Updated daily, Community Foundations Nationwide has compiled a list of more than 200 U.S. community foundations in 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, that have created relief funds to support local nonprofits affected by COVID-19.
Facebook Small Business Grants Program
Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits to help small businesses during this challenging time.
Federal Communications Commission
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic more than 650 companies and associations have signed FCC's pledge to Keep Americans Connected. They pledge for the next 60 days to not terminate service and waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to COVID 19 disruption, and to open all WIFI hotspots to the general public.
Forbes Small Business Relief Tracker
Updated daily, Forbes has compiled a list of the government agencies, private companies and nonprofit organizations that are offering support to small business owners.
Google has dedicated $340 million in ad credits for small and medium-sized businesses with active Google Ad accounts, to stay in touch with their customers during this difficult time. Users who have been active advertisers since the beginning of 2019 will receive a credit notification in their account in the coming months, and the credits can be used at any point during 2020 across all Google Ads platforms.
The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) provides updates for the shopping center industry with U.S. state-by-state business closures and mandates, a summary of legislative action to support relief for small business owners, and various additional resources.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The IRS has postponed the tax filing deadline to July 15, which applies to individuals as well as corporations and any type of unincorporated business entity. There is no limit to the amount of payment that may be postponed.
Main Street America, a program of the National Main Street Center, is compiling resources, opportunities, and community response examples to help Main Street districts during this crisis. Content includes information on funding sources along with webinars and tip sheets.
National Governors Association
The National Governors Association website outlines the steps each state is taking to address Coronavirus, including legislative action, along with updates from the Centers for Disease Control.
National Restaurant Association
Through the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, the National Restaurant Association will provide $500 grants to restaurant industry employees who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19. Applications will open April 2, 2020.
The Restaurant Opportunities Centers United has compiled a list of national and local relief resources for restaurant workers.
USBG Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
The United States Bartenders’ Guild is offering emergency assistance grants to bartenders, their spouses, and children.
U.S. Treasury - Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Allows employers to tax deduct paid sick leave.
Yelp is waiving advertising fees for many independent local restaurant and nightlife businesses and is offering free access to page upgrades including Business Highlights, Call To Action, and Connect. The company is also offering $100 in free search advertising for restaurant clients offering delivery and/or takeout.
Yelp has partnered with GoFundMe to provide a fast and simple way for independent businesses to start fundraisers and accept donations through their Yelp pages. The Yelp Foundation and GoFundMe have also pledged to match up to $1 million in donations, with a $500 matching grant to eligible businesses that raise at least $500 on their GoFundMe.