COVID-19 Resources

The Downtown Springfield Association is here to help and support you as we all deal with COVID-19. This page will be updated with information and resources for you during this constantly-changing situation. You can also access information from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the efactory.

Business Resources

The DSA is actively working with its community partners to connect our small businesses with financial resources during this national emergency. Here is an initial list of options:

Small Business Administration Economic Impact Disaster Loans

Missouri has been approved for SBA’s Coronavirus impact disaster assistance. This is an unprecedented move that will make low-interest disaster loans available to small businesses and private non-profits severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

If eligible, a business or non-profit that submits a viable application could be approved for a loan of up to $2 million. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

How to Apply

Applicants will be able to apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and explain the application process.

Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75 percent.
Record-keeping is important right now. You will need to document the financial impact of this disaster on your business.
SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.
FOR ALL APPLICATIONS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED:
- Loan application (SBA Form 5), completed and signed (this is electronic/online in the portal)
- Tax Information Authorization (IRS Form 4506-T), completed and signed by each applicant, each principal owning 20 percent or more of the applicant business, each general partner or managing member; and, for any owner who has more than 50 percent ownership in an affiliate business. Affiliates include, but are not limited to, business parents, subsidiaries, and/or other businesses with common ownership or management
- Complete copies, including all schedules, of the most recently filed Federal income tax returns for the applicant business; an explanation if not available
- Personal Financial Statement (SBA Form 413) completed, signed, and dated by the applicant, each principal owning 20 percent or more of the applicant business, and each general partner or managing member
- Schedule of Liabilities listing all fixed debts (SBA Form 2202 may be used)

All of these forms are available in the Disaster Loan Application Portal. Download the SBA information sheet on this program by clicking here.

The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 21, 2020. For additional information, please visit the SBA disaster assistance website at SBA.gov/Disaster.

Springfield Finance & Development Corporation

This is a collaboration of 14 area financial institutions that established this organization in 1997 to stimulate small business growth in Center City. As a local program, it has the most flexibility in providing terms for our community. It is crafting an emergency working capital program that will be designed to be streamlined to provide small businesses with a first line of financing. It will help bridge the gap to City and Federal SBA programs.

itsalldowntown.com/SFDC

City of Springfield Small Business Loan Programs

The purpose of the City of Springfield small business loan programs is to facilitate economic development through the establishment, stabilization and expansion of micro-enterprises and small businesses.

Micro-Enterprise — Less than 5 Employees

Business Development — More than 5 Employees

DSA is fully committed to supporting our local small businesses in this time of need. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions and we will be updating you as more information becomes available.

Here are some national business resources:

U.S. Small Business Administration Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Guidance for businesses and information on access to low-interest loans to small businesses/non-profits severely impacted by COVID-19 through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program)

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Guidance for Businesses and Employers (Recommended strategies to help prevent workplace exposures)

U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Understanding the Coronavirus” Webinar (Learn about the impact of the outbreak on the private sector and how companies should consider their response)

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Communication Resources (Free resources including video, fact sheets and posters available for use and distribution)

National Restaurant Association: Coronavirus Information and Resources (Resources specific to the foodservice industry)

Current COVID-19 Guidelines and Recommendations

There are 343 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Springfield area and eight deaths.
The City of Springfield is currently in Phase 3 of its “Road To Recovery” plan. You can read the City of Springfield order here. Phase 3 will continue through July 15 and allows businesses to open and operate with limited capacity.
Gov. Mike Parson issued the “Show Me Strong Recovery Plan” May 4. Missourians will be able to return to all businesses, such as restaurants, manufacturing plants, gyms and, hair salons, along with churches, sporting events and social gatherings. Please note that order is superseded by Springfield and Greene County orders. You can read the full order here.
Public health officials say the virus is especially harmful to people with compromised immune systems, such as those over 60, those with lung or heart diseases, diabetes, cancer or other chronic conditions. Those folks should take extra precautions, including: staying home as much as possible and avoiding unnecessary travel; having a plan if you get sick, having extra supplies, such as medications, food and household supplies, on hand.
The general population should be taking these steps: washing hands for 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and then throwing the tissue in the trash; cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

The City of Springfield has put together a page featuring Guidance for Specific Groups, including Food Establishments, Employers, Employees and Events.