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Small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are currently eligible to apply for a long term low-interest loan due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.  You can apply for disaster assistance online or via mail. For questions, please contact the Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or (TTY) (800) 877-8339.  Apply for disaster assistance  Carranza Implements Automatic Deferment on Existing SBA Disaster Loans Through End of 2020 On Monday, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza announced changes to help borrowers still paying back SBA loans from previous disasters. By making this change, deferments through December 31, 2020, will be automatic. Now, borrowers of home and business disaster loans do not have to contact SBA to request deferment. To that end, the SBA is relaxing the criteria through which states or territories may formally request an economic injury declaration, effective immediately.  “The SBA is looking at every option and taking every action to cut red tape to make it easier for small businesses to stay in business. Automatically deferring existing SBA disaster loans through the end of the year will help borrowers during this unprecedented time,” said Administrator Carranza.  “Today’s announcement adds a list of growing actions the SBA is taking to support small businesses. These actions include making it easier for states and territories to request a declaration so small businesses statewide can now apply for economic injury disaster loans, and changing the terms of new economic injury loans to allow for one-year deferments. We are working around the clock to find ways to assist small businesses and today’s action is one step in this process.” Read the full press release Federal Coronavirus Resources State, local, and federal agencies are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Check out coronavirus.gov for updates from the White House's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force. Go to cdc.gov for detailed information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.   Learn more about the federal government's response New Options for SBA Express  Have you previously worked with an SBA Express Lender for small business? You may qualify for an Express Bridge Loan to help you overcome temporary loss of revenue. These loans can help you overcome the temporary loss of revenue you are experiencing and can be a term loan or used to bridge the gap while applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan.  Learn more Virtual Mentoring and Training  Offices around the country may be closed to the Coronavirus pandemic, but SCORE, Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers and other resource partners are providing free business mentoring and training by phone, email, and video. Find an SBA resource partner near you SBA District and Regional Office Webinars on Disaster Assistance   SBA district and regional offices are offering webinars about Economic Injury Disaster Loans. These webinars explain SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and how you can apply for disaster assistance.  Sign up for SBA newsletters using your zip code to get updates

New Coronavirus warning letters: Who can it be now? By Lesley Fair Years ago, the Australian group Men at Work asked the musical question “Who Can It Be Now?” In the ongoing battle against Coronavirus scams, FTC staff just sent warning letters to certain companies reminding them of the potential ramifications of behind-the-scenes involvement in illegal COVID-19 promotions. The more appropriate name for the group now would be Men and Women at Work from Home, but when it comes to the conduct targeted in the letters and the companies that received them, “Who Can It Be Now?” remains a relevant question. Read more > H-1B Initial Electronic Registration Selection Process Completed USCIS has received enough electronic registrations during the initial period to reach the FY 2021 H-1B numerical allocations (H-1B cap). We randomly selected from among the registrations properly submitted. We intend to notify petitioners with selected registrations no later than March 31, 2020, that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration. Registrants’ online accounts will now show one of the following statuses for each registration (that is, for each beneficiary registered): Submitted: A registration status may continue to show “Submitted” after the initial selection process has been completed. “Submitted” registrations will remain in consideration for selection until the end of the fiscal year, at which point all registration statuses will be Selected, Not Selected, or Denied. Selected: Selected to file an FY 2021 H-1B cap-subject petition. ​​​​​​​Denied: A duplicate registration was submitted by the same registrant for the same beneficiary, or a payment method was declined and not reconciled. If denied as a duplicate registration, all registrations you submitted for this beneficiary for the fiscal year are invalid. Only petitioners with selected registrations may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2021, and only for the beneficiary in the applicable selected registration notice. For more information, visit the H-1B Electronic Registration Process page.. In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that it is adopting a measure to assist applicants and petitioners who are responding to requests for evidence (RFEs) and notices of intent to deny (NOIDs) dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020.   For applicants and petitioners who receive an RFE or NOID dated between March 1 and May 1, 2020, any responses submitted within 60 calendar days after the response deadline set forth in the RFE or NOID will be considered by USCIS before any action is taken. USCIS is adopting several measures to protect our workforce and community, and to minimize the immigration consequences for those seeking immigration benefits during this time. USCIS will provide further updates as the situation develops and will continue to follow CDC guidance. Education and precautions are the strongest tools against COVID-19 infection. Please visit uscis.gov/coronavirus for latest facts and other USCIS updates. Socially distancing from COVID-19 robocall scams by Karen Hobbs Assistant Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Scammers – and scammy companies – are using illegal robocalls to profit from Coronavirus-related fears. Listen to some of the latest scammy robocall pitches, so you can be on the lookout and know how to respond. (Here’s a hint: hang up!) Read more >

Washington, D.C. Headquarters FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 27, 2020 EEOC ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PANDEMIC AND ANTIDISCRIMINATION LAWS IN RECORDED WEBINAR Agency Provides Important Information for Stakeholders          WASHINGTON – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today posted a webinar addressing questions arising under any of the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Laws and the COVID-19 pandemic. The webinar answers questions submitted by the public about how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in light of the federal employment nondiscrimination laws the EEOC enforces – including the American’s with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII, and GINA.  The webinar supplements the COVID-19 publications already available on the EEOC’s website: “What You Should Know About the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19” and "Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act". EEOC Chair Janet Dhillon also issued a message about unlawful national origin and race discrimination against Asian Americans in the workplace during the pandemic. The agency will continue to monitor developments and provide assistance to the public as needed.

U.S. Department of Labor March 27, 2020 COVID-19 Relief Small and midsize employers will benefit from two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related family and medical leave and sick leave to their employees. Wage Guidance The Wage and Hour Division has issued three new opinion letters providing compliance assistance regarding the recent final rule that updated regular rate requirements for overtime pay. Supporting Homeless Veterans Approximately $22 million in Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program grants will provide services to reintegrate homeless veterans into meaningful employment. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Overtime Pay An Arizona window installation company will pay $577,997 to 109 workers after the Department found overtime violations. Default Judgment The Department has obtained a default judgment to restore $103,098 to a Virginia engineering company’s employees’ retirement plan. Fall Hazards OSHA has fined a Florida roofing contractor $114,294 for exposing workers to fall hazards at two worksites. Fraud Sentence The co-founder of several Kentucky medical clinics must serve 42 months in prison and restore $258,507 after a Department investigation found he had defrauded healthcare benefit programs. Safety Hazards OSHA cited Dollar Tree Stores Inc. for exit, storage and fire hazards at a Wisconsin store, and proposed $477,089 in penalties. COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE HIGHLIGHT Coronavirus Response Posters The Wage and Hour Division published additional guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, including two new posters, information on posting requirements, and a Field Assistance Bulletin describing the agency’s 30-day non-enforcement policy. COVID-19 Updates and Resources The Department is hosting an online dialogue  through March 29 to help workers and employers understand their rights and responsibilities regarding Coronavirus-related leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The Wage and Hour Division published its first round of guidance on the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, including fact sheets and answers to common questions. The Department released Spanish language COVID-19 workplace safety resources. The Mine Safety and Health Administration provided guidance for mine operators on recertification flexibilities. Washington, D.C. Headquarters FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 27, 2020 EEOC ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PANDEMIC AND ANTIDISCRIMINATION LAWS IN RECORDED WEBINAR Agency Provides Important Information for Stakeholders          WASHINGTON – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today posted a webinar addressing questions arising under any of the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Laws and the COVID-19 pandemic. The webinar answers questions submitted by the public about how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in light of the federal employment nondiscrimination laws the EEOC enforces – including the American’s with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII, and GINA.  The webinar supplements the COVID-19 publications already available on the EEOC’s website: “What You Should Know About the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and COVID-19” and "Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act". EEOC Chair Janet Dhillon also issued a message about unlawful national origin and race discrimination against Asian Americans in the workplace during the pandemic. The agency will continue to monitor developments and provide assistance to the public as needed. Faith Communities 2020 Census Weekend of Action is Here Update: We've fixed the link to an important video message from Faith Leaders. This weekend, March 27-29, is the 2020 Census Faith Communities Weekend of Action. Faith leaders have a strong connection to the communities they serve, including hard-to-count populations, and can make a real difference in achieving a complete 2020 Census count. Encourage Your Community to Respond to the 2020 Census Now Share information about the 2020 Census with your congregants, members, and community this weekend and beyond, and encourage them to respond to the 2020 Census now. There are many ways you can safely promote the 2020 Census. Post a blog or video message. Send notices to your email lists. Include messages in your newsletters, on your website, and on social media. Host a webinar or teleconference. And connect the 2020 Census to your scriptural messages. We have several resources to support your virtual engagement and digital outreach: Faith Communities 2020 Census Action Guide Video Message from Faith Leaders: English, Spanish Faith Community FAQ Winter 2020 Partnership Social Media Guide Why Your Faith Community Should Become a 2020 Census Partner: English, Spanish 2020 Census Community Benefits Toolkit 2020 Census Interfaith Summit Press Kit 30.2% of Households Have Responded The 2020 Census response rate map shows how cities and towns across the country are now responding. The map will be updated daily around 3 p.m. for everyone to see the response rate in their area and compare it to other areas across the nation. The map also shows the comparable response rate from the 2010 Census for each geography. See Response Rates 5 Days Until Census Day: Your Response Matters Invitations to respond to the 2020 Census were delivered between March 12-20 and reminder postcards are in the mail. You can respond online in one of 13 languages and find assistance in many more.  Respond What to Expect in the Mail: Sample reminder letters and postcards Why Your Answers Matter: Importance of the data and impact in your community If You've Already Responded: Share the most up-to-date and accurate Census Bureau news and information with your friends, family, and followers on social media. Spread the word! 2020 Census Operational Updates The U.S. Census Bureau continues to carefully monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and follow the guidance of federal, state, and local health authorities. We are adjusting some operations with two key principles in mind: protecting the health and safety of our staff and the public, and fulfilling our statutory requirement to deliver the 2020 Census counts to the President on schedule. See Latest Updates Get Out the Count Video Challenge The Census Bureau’s innovation team—the Census Open Innovation Labs—has launched a first-of-its-kind Video Prize Challenge for content creators to help get the word out about the 2020 Census. Three prizes will be awarded: a $30,000 grand prize, a $10,000 runner-up prize, and a $10,000 student prize. 2020 Census Response Rate Challenge To increase response to the 2020 Census across the country, the Census Bureau is challenging every town, city, and state nationwide to beat its 2010 Census self-response rate. Our Response Rate Challenge toolkit includes ideas to help leaders motivate their community to respond to the census on their own as early as possible. Download Toolkit 30.2% of Households Have Responded The 2020 Census response rate map shows how cities and towns across the country are now responding. The map will be updated daily around 3 p.m. for everyone to see the response rate in their area and compare it to other areas across the nation. The map also shows the comparable response rate from the 2010 Census for each geography. See Response Rates 5 Days Until Census Day: Your Response Matters Invitations to respond to the 2020 Census were delivered between March 12-20 and reminder postcards are in the mail. You can respond online in one of 13 languages and find assistance in many more.  Respond What to Expect in the Mail: Sample reminder letters and postcards Why Your Answers Matter: Importance of the data and impact in your community If You've Already Responded: Share the most up-to-date and accurate Census Bureau news and information with your friends, family, and followers on social media. Spread the word! 2020 Census Operational Updates The U.S. Census Bureau continues to carefully monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and follow the guidance of federal, state, and local health authorities. We are adjusting some operations with two key principles in mind: protecting the health and safety of our staff and the public, and fulfilling our statutory requirement to deliver the 2020 Census counts to the President on schedule. See Latest Updates Get Out the Count Video Challenge The Census Bureau’s innovation team—the Census Open Innovation Labs—has launched a first-of-its-kind Video Prize Challenge for content creators to help get the word out about the 2020 Census. Three prizes will be awarded: a $30,000 grand prize, a $10,000 runner-up prize, and a $10,000 student prize. 2020 Census Response Rate Challenge To increase response to the 2020 Census across the country, the Census Bureau is challenging every town, city, and state nationwide to beat its 2010 Census self-response rate. Our Response Rate Challenge toolkit includes ideas to help leaders motivate their community to respond to the census on their own as early as possible. Download Toolkit