Business Support
(Updated March 3, 2021)
The City of Eugene has created a specialized Business Help Team to assist employers as they seek to keep their businesses afloat by answering questions about financing options, reopening guidelines and other topics. The team is working to be flexible to meet the needs of different businesses as rules change and needs evolve.
Commercial Rent Relief to Help Small Businesses Behind on Lease Payments
On Monday, March 8, Oregon commercial building owners can start applying for grants to help them cover outstanding lease payments from small business tenants that are behind on rent because of COVID-19.
The grants can go up to $100,000 per each business tenant lease, but not more than $3 million for each landlord. The landlord must agree not to evict the tenant for six months and waive any rights to collect outstanding penalties or interest, or enforce eviction clauses related to the delinquent lease payments between Mar. 1, 2020 and Feb. 28, 2021.
Both the business tenant and property owner will need to participate in the application process and sign the grant agreement, but the initial application needs to be completed by the landlord.
The application period will be open for two weeks, with eligible submissions chosen by a lottery system that will also ensure geographic distribution across all regions of the state. The program is split into two rounds, the first $50 million will be allocated in the application period that is opening March 8. The remaining will be used in an additional application period that will open in late April. Unsuccessful (but eligible) applicants from the first round will automatically be considered in the second round, as will any new round two applicants.
Learn more and apply for the Small Business Navigator: Commercial Rent Relief Program
- Federal CARES Act & Other financial Relief
- City's Business Recovery Strategies
- Oregon Rules and Guidance
- Layoffs
- Additional Resources
PPP Changes will Allow Smallest Businesses, Independent Contractors and Self-Employed to Receive More Financial Support
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on Wednesday, Feb. 24 will establish a 14-day exclusive Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees. This will give lenders more time to work with small businesses to submit their applications, while also ensuring that larger PPP-eligible businesses will still have plenty of time to apply for and receive support before the program expires on March 31.
SBA also has announced four changes to open the PPP to more underserved small businesses. While these changes are being implemented, SBA will work with community partners to improve the emergency relief “digital front door” and conduct extensive stakeholder outreach. With the four changes, the SBA will:
- Allow sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support by revising the PPP’s funding formula for these categories of applicants;
- Eliminate an exclusionary restriction on PPP access for small business owners with prior non-fraud felony convictions, consistent with a bipartisan congressional proposal;
- Eliminate PPP access restrictions on small business owners who have struggled to make student loan payments by eliminating student loan debt delinquency as a disqualifier to participating in the PPP; and
- Ensure access for non-citizen small business owners who are lawful U.S. residents by clarifying that they may use Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply for the PPP.
For more information: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources (sba.gov)
Notice: PPP is Accepting Second Draw Loan Applications until March 31
In January, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The program now allows certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan with the same general loan terms as their First Draw PPP Loan. The SBA will take applications for Second Draw PPP Loans from participating lenders until March 31. Businesses can find participating lenders through Lender Match. All Second Draw PPP Loans will have the same terms regardless of lender or borrower. A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if they previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses; has no more than 300 employees; and can demonstrate at least a 25 percent reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
Tax Relief for Small Businesses Affected by Pandemic
The Oregon Department of Revenue will eliminate penalties and interest on 2019 income tax due from Oregon businesses that are struggling to pay tax bills during COVID-19 restrictions.
The following tax relief will apply to personal income, corporate excise, and corporate income taxes:
- 100% penalty waivers on 2019 income tax due from businesses impacted by COVID-19.
- 100% interest waivers on 2019 income tax due from small businesses impacted by COVID-19 that have less than $5 million in gross receipts.
- Continuing to provide extended payment plans of up 36 months for any taxpayer impacted.
In addition, Brown has directed the Department of Revenue to extend the due date of the amusement device tax (lottery machines) for the second quarter of tax year 2020 from Jan. 14, 2021 to April 14, 2021. This will provide additional relief for Oregon restaurants and bars experiencing economic hardship.
See additional information about tax relief from the Department of Revenue.
Federal PPP and EIDL Resources
The U.S. Congress and the President created the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and other legislation which released funds to provide financial relief to businesses negatively affected by COVID-19. The legislation created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Businesses negatively affected by the COVID-19 outbreak are encouraged to contact financial institutions and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to learn about the programs and how to apply for the loans and grants. The SBA is still accepting new EIDL applications for loans (not forgivable). Learn more and apply online.
Additional Information
- The Small Business Administrate and U.S. Department of Treasury have answers to frequently asked questions (updated Oct. 7, 2020).
- The US Chamber of Commerce provides a summary of the CARES Act’s provisions.
PPP Loans, EIDL Advances, SBA Loan Subsidies Not Subject to Oregon’s Corporate Activity Tax (CAT)
The Oregon Department of Revenue has determined that certain federal assistance to businesses under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is not ‘commercial activity’ under Oregon statute and will not be subject to the Corporate Activity Tax. The exempt assistance includes forgiven Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) emergency advances, and Small Business Administration (SBA) loan subsidies. Read the news release for more details.
Employee Retention Tax Credits
Businesses are eligible for an employee retention tax credit if operations were fully or partially suspended because of a COVID-19 shutdown order, or gross receipts declined by more than 50% compared to the same quarter in the prior year. Eligible businesses can get a refundable 50% tax credit on wages up to $10,000 per employee, or $5,000. The credit can be obtained on wages paid or incurred from March 13, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020. Businesses that receive a Paycheck Protection loan are ineligible for the tax credit.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has posted updated FAQs providing answers regarding the Employee Retention Credit under the CARES Act. The Employee Retention Credit encourages businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19.
Energy Assistance
Eugene Water & Electric Board’s Small Business Recovery Program provides utility bill payment assistance for business and non-profit customers who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. EWEB’s program offers those who have accrued a past-due balance two different repayment options for bringing their accounts up to date over time.
Non-Profit Support
The Oregon Community Foundation has established the Oregon Community Recovery Grant program to support nonprofits affected by COVID-19. They plan to launch a new statewide application in winter 2021, check their website for details. Nonprofit Association of Oregon has collected information to help non-profits affected by COVID-19, including resources for business continuity and funding opportunities.
Lane County’s Business Information web page has information about federal and state resources. The County is the primary connection for our region to verify state and federal resources.
Eugene Business Recovery Strategies
City Distributing Millions of Pieces of FREE PPE for Eugene Nonprofit and Small Businesses
Eligible businesses must meet specific requirements to receive supplies and make an appointment for pick-up. Learn more and make appointment online.
Updates to the Streatery Program
Eugene’s Streatery program has been extended through the end of April 2021.
- Read more about the program and apply for a permit.
- See a map of all businesses participating in the Streatery Permit program.
Email the City’s Business Help Team if you have questions about the Streatery program.
Public Spaces for Outdoor Fitness Classes
- Parks: Parks and Open Space is adapting the low-cost park rental program to make it easier for local businesses and organizations to rent spaces for health and fitness activities. If approved, businesses can reserve space for up to two hours per day, five days a week for $40 per month. The standard $150 deposit has been temporarily waived. This program will be evaluated on an ongoing basis to determine whether it is having a positive impact on long-term recovery efforts. Security deposits will be waived. Learn more about the Park Rental Program.
- Parking Garages and Sidewalks: In early August, the Downtown Athletic Club began offering something unusual – outdoor exercise and spin classes. An agreement with the City allows the club to use the upper levels of the adjacent Overpark public parking garage for exercise classes. The City also permitted the DAC to offer spin sessions on the public sidewalk in front of the Willamette Street athletic club. Contact Operations Manager Travis Hargitt about using City parking garages and the City’s Business Help Team about sidewalk permits.
Kesey Square “Food Hall”
As part of the City’s reopening and recovery efforts, the Downtown Ambassadors re-opened Kesey Square to offer space for the public to sit, eat lunch and order food from downtown restaurants and food carts. Tables and chairs are out from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and sanitized regularly, spaced 6-feet apart. Masks are required when physical distancing is not possible.
Parking Accommodations to Support Carry-Out Customers and Delivery Companies
City of Eugene’s Parking Services created a new service for restaurants and business owners open for carry-out and delivery orders. Businesses can request the designation of 1-2 parking spots in front of their location to provide a dedicated free parking spot for carry-out customers and/or delivery companies. This service is free for the business and free for the customers. To request this new service please email parking@eugene-or.gov. See a map of the businesses that are using this service.
COVID-19 Resources for Oregonians
The State of Oregon maintains current information regarding requirements and guidance on its Building a Safe & Strong Oregon website. The state provides guidance for businesses in different sectors on how to maintain a safe workplace for employees and customers.
Additional Information
Also see our:
- Keeping Eugene Safe web page for up-to-date guidance
- Mask Requirements web page for guidance on where masks are required
For firms that cannot avoid layoffs, business owners should inform their employees in some form of writing that they are closing and all employees are laid off until further notice. This provides the workers with documentation to claim unemployment insurance. The Oregon Office of Workforce Investment encourages businesses to file a WARN notice when they are laying off staff. The State is tracking these, so it has a sense of the scope of layoffs and can provide that information to federal agencies.
Unemployment Claims
The Oregon Employment Department is the primary resource for information about layoffs and unemployment insurance. For the most current guidance for employers, workers, and job seekers who may be impacted by the COVID-19 virus, please visit the department’s COVID-19 employment-related web page for the latest information.
Work Share program
Businesses that are cutting hours of their employees can take advantage of Oregon’s Work Share program, which enables a flexible response to a layoff situation. With Work Share, instead of reducing staff, an employer reduces the hours of work for a group of workers. Partial unemployment insurance benefits are then paid to supplement workers’ reduced wages.
Keeping Business Open and Safe
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has guidance for employers, workers, and specific industries to keep workspaces safe.
Lane Business Link is an online portal created by Lane Community College's Small Business Development Center to support local businesses. Lane Business Link brings together resource partners in a searchable database for businesses throughout Lane County. It connects businesses to resources, advisers, funding, and education. Lane Business Link also monitors the business support ecosystem, convenes regular summits of its partners, and shares educational opportunities and information.
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce has multiple resources to help businesses navigate this situation. The Eugene and Springfield Area Chambers of Commerce have partnered to provide the new Back to Business Guide, a resource to help businesses navigate the state and county’s new guidelines. The document provides industry-specific, simplified guidelines about preparing a physical space, physical distancing procedures, required safety provisions and best practices, and more. The document will be updated as the State of Oregon and other entities release additional guidance. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has put together a small business guide for businesses impacted by the Coronavirus.
Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, has combined information about resources and guidance for small businesses affected by COVID-19 and the wildfires.
The Oregon Economic Development Association has a COVID-19 resources page and Business Survival Tips During a Pandemic.
The Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) also has COVID-19 resources, including information on managing supply chains, business continuity and financial resources. OMEP continues to offer an ongoing series of free webinars devoted to COVID-19 and manufacturing.
For the Hospitality Industry
Travel Oregon has created a toolkit for businesses in the hospitality and tourism industries. The toolkit includes communication materials and business resources.
Changes to Beer, Wine, and Cider Rules
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has made a few changes to try and soften the blow for licensees. Delivery of Beer, Wine, and Cider is a privilege that licensees can apply for, and that application process has been streamlined. The license allows for the delivery of beer, wine, and cider to its parking lot or other adjoining area. The privilege also includes the ability to deliver (same day) to Oregon residents. The OLCC website provides guidance.
Business Emergency Planning
The Lane Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can help create an emergency plan for businesses and provide guidance on how to document impacts to your business from COVID-19.
SHINE (Sustainability Hub of Interchange Negotiation Experts) will help you create an emergency plan to deal with the disruption caused by COVID-19. Their experienced staff will also review your current business plan, including an operational assessment and look at management team alignment. SHINE is a program funded through an investment from the Lane Workforce Partnership through state layoff aversion funds.
Telecommuting and Cyber-Security
In response to COVID-19, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has asked broadband and telephone service providers to do what they can to keep residents and small businesses connected. Over 800 companies and associations have signed the pledge to not terminate services, waive late fees, and open Wi-Fi hotspots. For more information, visit the Keep Americans Connected website.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is the Nation’s risk advisor, working with partners to defend against today’s threats and collaborating to build more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future. On March 13, 2020, CISA released an alert encouraging organizations to adopt a heightened state of cybersecurity when implementing alternate workplace options for their employees. Remote work options – or telework – require an enterprise virtual private network (VPN) solution to connect employees to an organization’s information technology (IT) network. CISA encourages public and private sector organizations to sign-up for Vulnerability Scanning.