Boone County COVID-19 Resources

The COVID-19 crisis is ever-changing. The Boone County Economic Development Corporation is your partner as you navigate through it all as a business, community member, and investor, We want to connect you to resources for relief, guide you to safe information as your business reopens and begins to recover, and we are working hard to make Boone County stronger and ready for the future.

Small Business Economic Relief Fund
Boone County Small Business Economic Relief Fund

Boone County Small Business Economic Relief Fund is a three-part program where Boone County-based existing private, small businesses affected by an economic downturn have the opportunity to:

  • Apply for a maximum $10,000 loan with either a 0%, 24-month microloan OR a 2.75%, 60-month microloan for any working or non-working capital expenditures
  • Be featured through Boone EDC advocacy platform during and after their loan term through small business marketing campaigns
  • Connect with Boone EDC Small Business Advocate for one-on-one business plan guidance and support throughout the term of the loan with at least one annual in-person visit and quarterly virtual meetings. Additionally, each loan recipient is granted a 30-minute complimentary advisory session with Tidal Coach’s Paul McCoy, certified business coach, to discuss the loan recipient’s implications and opportunities during COVID-19.

For more details and to apply, visit www.betterinboone.org/sberf/ or contact Rachel for more details.

CARES Act & SBA Programs
 

CARES Act

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a legislation intended to support business owners during this time of uncertainty and constant change. Below outline several programs as a result of the legislation, and the following are specific guidelines to the CARES Act providing additional details.

Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is one of the largest sections of the CARES Act, and provides capital to small businesses so they can cover the payroll cost of retaining their employees. The capital provided is in the form of a forgivable loan, and a business can receive up to $10 million for  and it is basethe 8-week period the loan is needed. The loan amount is dependent on your current payroll cost, number of full time employees, and average number of full time employees in the 2019 and 2020. All current SBA 7(a) lenders are eligible lenders for PPP. If you need a list of local certified lenders, please contact Rachel. For more information on this program, see the C3_COVID_EmergencyLoanGuide.

 

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) is a program that can provide low-interest loans of up to $2 million to businesses and private non-profits. EIDL may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere, and the interest rates for non-profits is 2.75%. EIDLS have long-term repayment options, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on borrower’s ability to repay.

To apply, visit online at SBA.gov/disaster.  For additional questions or step-by-step instructions on how to complete the application, visit here to access the Three Step Process: Disaster Relief. If you still need assistance or have questions, feel free to call the SBA’s Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.  Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can call 800-877-8339.

Emergency Economic Injury Grants

The Emergency Economic Injury Grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits by COVID-19 within three days of applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan. To access this advance, you must first apply for an EIDL and then request the advance; but, you the small business will not need to repay the grant funds. These funds can be used for payroll, to pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs, or pay business obligations. For more details, visit the SBA Coronavirus Website.

Small Business Debt Relief Program

The Small Business Debt Relief Program is intended to provide immediate relief to small businesses with non-disaster SBA loans, specifically the SBA 7(a), 504, and microloan programs. If you have received any of these loans and need assistance, the SBA will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans, including principal, interest, and fees, for six months. This relief is also available for new borrowers. For more information, visit the SBA Coronavirus Debt Relief Overview.

 

Small Business Tax Provisions

There are currently two tax credits for small business employers to assist in employee retention as well as payroll tax deferment. The Employee Retention Credit for Employers Subject to Closure or Experiencing Economic Hardship is a provision where an employer can provide a refundable payroll tax credit for 50% of wages paid by eligible employers to certain employees during the COVID-19 crisis. It is available for employers whose operations have been fully or partially suspended as a result of a government order. The Delay of Payment of Employer Payroll Taxes is another provision allowing taxpayers to defer paying the employer portion of certain payroll taxes through the end of 2020, with all 2020 deferred amounts due in two equal installments in 2021 and 2022. To note, neither of these tax credits are available for small businesses receiving assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program.

 

SBA Express Bridge Loans

Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses that currently have a relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000. This loan is specifically assisting economic support to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue, and it can be used either as a term loan or used to bridge the gap while applying for the SBA EIDL. This bridge loan has an expedited turnaround and will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL Loan. For additional information, please see the SBA website or the following guide Express-Bridge-Loan-Pilot-Program-Guide-FINAL-3.25.20.

SBA Counseling & Advice

If you are a small business and in need of a no-cost, one-on-one virtual or telephone business advice regarding COVID-19 and other matters find a SBA Resource Partner near you at www.SBA.gov/local-assistance.

Additional Financial Resources
Business Ownership Initiative’s Rapid Response Loan Fund

BOI Rapid Response Loan Fund provides loan capital for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This loan program is available for both startups or existing businesses in the Indy Region. Applicants can receive loans from $1,000 to $25,000 at a 3.75% interest rate, and applicants can use such financing for short-term working capital. For more information, visit the BOI Rapid Response Loans Regional website or see the program details here.

RestoreYourEconomy.org

Funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), RestoreYourEconomy.org provides resources and best practice information for public and private stakeholders seeking to rebuild their local economies after a disaster as well as assisting the business community in preparing for a disaster. To access this one-stop shop of disaster preparedness, post-disaster economic recovery, and disaster resiliency resources, tools, event announcements and more, click here.

 

Unemployment Resources
 

 

 

Department of Workforce Development

All WorkOne offices, including Lebanon, will be closed to the public beginning 3-19-2020. However, staff in the Lebanon office will be working and available to your calls at 765-482-0160.

For additional information relating to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and news relating to COVID-19 visit here. The Indiana DWD reminds Hoosiers the application for unemployment insurance benefits is completed electronically and applicants can apply on a computer or smart phone.

If your employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 virus, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance. For more information or to apply for unemployment insurance, click here.

 

Additional Resources:
  • FAQ for COVID-19 work-related issues
Reopening Resources

 

Indiana State Department of Health’s Industry Guidelines for Reopening

View Guidelines

Governor Holcomb’s Roadmap to Safely Reopen Indiana

View Plan

PPE Marketplace

This online hub serves as a resource for Indiana small businesses employing up to 150 associates that are in need of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the health and safety of their workforce during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. All businesses are encouraged to first source and procure PPE on their own. This service is designed to serve as an alternate backstop for employers.

Go to Marketplace

Indiana Economic Development Corporation COVID-19 Updates and Resource Center

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation is working with the State of Indiana and the Indiana State Department of Health to closely monitor the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and to continue supporting and providing resources for businesses in partnership with local and regional organizations across the state. Utilize these resources to help make decisions that are best for your organization.

Indy Chamber Rapid Response Hub

The Indy Chamber Rapid Response Hub understands many of our businesses have been or will be impacted by COVID-19, therefore, it has launched this program to provide resources to local businesses, which includes, but is not limited to:

  • Triage and connectivity to community resources and funding that exist (and that will emerge in the coming days) including SBA funding, and connections to non-profit organizations who provide support for employees.
  • Hands-on technical assistance from Indy Chamber, and from the IU-Kelley School of Business, in which experienced business coaches can help business owners through tough decisions.
  • An aggressive social media strategy to communicate the availability of resources and support for business.
 
Indiana Chamber Coronavirus Resource Page

The Indiana Chamber’s top priority is the safety of its employees, members, investors and other partners/guests. While there is a large volume of information being circulated about the coronavirus pandemic from a wide variety of sources, you can utilize this resource page in helping make the decisions that are best for your organization.

Create a Popup Store or Ecommerce Site with Proforma Kissell Marketing

Popup ProStores is an eCommerce solution that provides your customers and employees with the essential products and services they need, all from the comfort of their couch in one easy-to-use, online store. To learn more download the brochure and contact Proform Kissell Marketing.

Learning Opportunities Amid COVID-19
COVID Return to Work Webinar

Cornerstone Environmental Health & Safety provides manufacturing and logistics companies with best practices to help keep your employees safe. View the webinar recording here.

COVID-19 Counseling & Advice- Webinar Series

For nine-weeks Paul McCoy with Tidal Coach will be hosting a weekly one-hour webinar to help businesses manage the economic fallout from COVID-19 The next one is Thursday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m. Learn more and register here.

Indiana Emergency Response Program

gener8tor is hosting emergency once-week virtual programs for small businesses affected by the COVID-19. These programs will feature daily webinars designed to identify, understand and help small businesses secure resources to withstand the current crisis. Businesses wishing to enroll in the program should sign up here by March 25, 2020 at 11:59 ET. Program starts on March 30 until April 3, 2020.

Mental Health Training’s

Aspire Indiana is offering the following complementary teleconference training’s to Boone County businesses:

  • Question. Persuade. Refer. (QPR)
  • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
  • Columbia Suicide Risk Assessment Training (C-SSRS

 

Hosting a Webinar?

If you are an investor in the Boone EDC and you are looking to host a webinar or educational series, please email Claire to include your information on our website.

 

Interested in Connecting with Local Peers?

If you are interested in connecting with fellow local and regional employers to discuss how peers are handling employment and operations during this time, please email Amy at amy@betterinboone.org.

 

Community Health & Wellness

 

Health
  • Boone County has been approved by the Indiana State Department of Health to host a public COVID-19 testing facility. Starting May 13th, testing will be available at Lebanon High School in the gym BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Testing is available Monday-Friday from 8AM-8PM. Parking is available on the northwest side of the high school, by the football field. People must have symptoms of COVID-19 OR have been exposed to a known COVID-19 case. Testing is FREE, but those with insurance should bring their insurance cards.
    To register for testing, please visit https://lhi.care/covidtesting or call (888)634-1116. Contact the Boone County Health Department  at (765)482-3942, option 5 if you have questions.
  • To connect with the Boone County Health Department, click here or call 765-482-3942.
  • In an effort to provide guidance and reduce unnecessary trips to the ER, Convenient Care centers and doctor’s offices, Witham Health Services has a 24/7 hotline (765-485-8777) that will provide a free phone screening for Coronavirus (COVID-19). Find out more here.
  • Witham Health Services is offering a drive-through community viral screening at two locations in Boone County. People are urged to call the 24/7 hotline first (765-485-8777). Find out more here.
  • Aspire Indiana Health is conducting all appointments by video conference or phone calls for clients needing either primary medical or behavioral health care, including access to group therapy. To connect with Aspire directly, please call the Access Center at 1-877-574-1254. Aspire Indiana Health is a fully integrated health care provider offering primary medical and behavioral health care in addition to community support programs.
  • The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration has launched a website to give Hoosiers free mental health resources. Governor Eric Holcomb’s office says the site is designed to help with increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. BeWellIndiana.org provides resources curated by the FSSA’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction. It includes information on crisis counseling, self-monitoring for signs of stress, domestic violence resources, and substance use disorder and recovery, among others.
Social Services / Local Non-Profits

There are many local non-profits that may be able to help employees and residents in Boone County during this time. Whether it is transportation services to readily available food, clothes, or basic needs, please visit the below links for service:

  • Boone Area Transit Services is still in service providing essential transportation services. Contact them at 765-482-5220.
  • The Shalom House is serving carry out meals every Tuesday from 5 – 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Shalom Kid’s Sack Lunch Distribution is every Monday at Love, INC from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • The Boys & Girls Club of Boone County is offering drive thru meal pick-up at the Lebanon unit (403 West Main Street) through at least May 29. Meals will be available Monday through Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a limit of 8 per family. Learn more here.
  • The Caring Center will have pre-boxed food for pickup at their location (230 Ransdell Court) in Lebanon during normal hours of operation until further notice. Extra items will be given to families with children. Learn more here.
  • Love, Inc. is providing food and pantry items to Boone County residents. People in need may call 765-482-6152 during normal business hours to request to pick up a bag of food for their family. Learn more here.
  • Mental Health America Boone County will provide a “to-go” casserole meal for families on Friday’s from 1 – 3 p.m. Should you be unavailable to pick-up food and are in need, please call (765) 366-1050 to make arrangements.
  • Lebanon Community Schools will provide breakfast and lunch distribution. Find the most recent information here.
  • Zionsville Community School students may fill out this form to request food assistance.
  • Gleaners will provide the Boone County Senior Mobile Food Pantry on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Learn more here.
  • The New Beginnings Food Pantry is serving Western Boone area residents. Call 317-626-4165 for food pick-up by appointment.
Childcare for Essential Workers
  • The Witham Family YMCA is offering expanded child care options to Hoosiers deemed “essential workers” daily from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. Children ages 5 to 12 can be enrolled for $50 a day. Financial assistance is available; families interested in applying are encouraged to call (317) 484-9622.
  • Mental Health America Boone County is offering emergency child care for children of Boone County First Responders and Healthcare professionals. Hours are 6:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. To register, click here.
Hotel Discounts for Essential Workers
  • The Holiday Inn Express in Whitestown is offering discounted rates for Healthcare providers and other Essential Workers. Call (317) 769-0932 for more information.
  • Beginning next week, Hilton and American Express will make rooms available without charge to doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics and other frontline medical staff who need a place to sleep, recharge or isolate from their families through the end of May.  The Hampton Inn in Whitestown is participating in this program. Learn more here.

 

 

How You Can Help
 

 

 

 

Local Non-Profits Needing Help

Below is a list of Boone County non-profits that are in need of assistance as they help the local community. If you are able, any allocation of your time, talent, or treasure are greatly appreciated as they help our neighbors.

  • In an effort to support the Boys and Girls Club food program, the BGCBC is in need of monetary food program donations, volunteer services, as well as specific food donations. Food donations can be dropped off at any of the club facilities in Lebanon, Whitestown, or Zionsville on Monday thru Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. For more details, visit their website.
  • The Arc of Boone County is in need of household sanitizing supplies, such as Lysol, disinfecting wipes, paper towels, etc. In addition, the organization is in great need of protective equipment, specifically masks, gowns, and gloves.
  • The Boone County Health Department has requested donations of fitted or flat sheets of any size for emergency overflow beds at the Boone County Fairgrounds. If you are able to donate, the Boone County Health Department has placed a collection bin outside of the Boone County building at 116 W. Washington Street in Lebanon. It there from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm.
CFBC COVID-19 Response Fund

The Community Foundation of Boone County has established the CFBC COVID-19 Response Fund, which will provide financial assistance to local non-profits working to address needs during this time. Click here if you would like to donate to support this effort as the CFBC supports Boone County non-profits serving local needs.

Making Boone Better and Safer
As we continue to monitor the impact COVID-19 has on business and growth within Boone County, we are committed to working with our Boone County employers to ensure employee safety and business retention. We are in constant communication with our Boone County small businesses and community organizations. We are making plans to make Boone County safer and stronger, together.
#ForBetterForBoone

There’s no denying that 2020 is shaping up to be an interesting year. While we are supporting each other during a time of many unknowns what we do know is that Boone County will remain stronger and will stand ready for the future. Why? Because we believe in better. We believe in creating a stronger, more unified community that not only balances both business and its residents but supports them when the odds are stacked otherwise. We are for better, for Boone.

Watch the following stories to hear how Boone County businesses and organizations are working to support our communities during this unprecedented time.

Additional Questions?

The staff of the Boone EDC is here to support you and our local business to the best of our ability. You can reach us here if you have concerns or need assistance.