NH COVID-19 Assistance

UPDATE: Many NHMEP programs and services are now 100% funded through the CARES Act. Learn more

NHMEP is committed to the challenges your manufacturing business may be facing during this time. In order to meet the high demand of critical supplies, we are connecting manufacturers with each other and with the right suppliers to gowns, face shields, masks, and more. We are also gathering information on workforce challenges, whether you have a limited staff with an overload of work, or available workforce but insufficient workload.

Our services are now available online through virtual training workshops. With access to a vast array of state, federal and private resources, we are here to assist you no matter what your business needs are.

This page is updated regularly to keep up with new information. Please feel free to contact us at any time by sending your questions or business challenges to info@nhmep.org or call 603-226-3200.

Are you a manufacturer interested in making critical supplies? Submit Your Capabilities

Tell us about your Workforce Challenges. Learn More

Email Updates

5/7/2020 – NH Manufacturing Industry Update on COVID-19

State Manufacturing Industry Guidelines for Reopening 

View the pdf from the Governor’s office.

Paycheck Protection Plan Forgivable Loan Program

Apply for the Paycheck Protection Plan Forgivable Loan Program directly through your preferred lender starting today.

Application and Guidance: The US Treasury provides guidance on their website for borrowers and lenders. On this same page is the application for the PPP.  If you need to find a lender near you, please use the lender match tool on the NH SBA District website.  Note: self-employed 1099s and contractors will be able to apply through their local lender starting April 10th.  The US Chamber of Commerce shared a program training resource in Spanish.

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) up to $2mm deferred: apply directly through the US SBA – https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ – 1-800-659-2955 – disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
• EIDL Grant up to $10k: designed for eligible businesses and nonprofits who require an immediate advance. Must apply for the EIDL first and then you can go back in while the request is pending to request the grant. This will be reviewed and paid out within a few business days to your account. You won’t have to pay this back even if the loan application is denied.
• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) up to $10mm: You will need to apply through your preferred local lender/bank directly. A loan max will be calculated for you based on 2.5x your average monthly wages. To have this forgiven, you need bring proof of 8weeks of approved wages (up to $100k/employee), rent, utilities and interest on certain debt such as mortgage interest forgiven to have what you have proof for forgiven up to the loan amount. Any amount remaining will be converted into a loan ofup to 4% interest andup to 10 year terms. Contact your local lender for the most updated information.
• There is a process to refinance the EIDL into a PPP and if you choose and you will have until June 30th to apply for either. This will be done through your personal lender.
• Consider working with a Small Business Development Center advisor to come up with the best relief plan for your business before applying: https://www.nhsbdc.org/covid-19-assistance.

Seminars and Webinars on Relief Programs

The NH SBA will continue to host webinars two times each day Monday-Friday at 9AM and 2PM and Saturdays 10AM and 2PM on relief programs into the foreseeable future.  Join by phone: Toll number: +1 (202) 765-1264, 522409519# Conference ID: 522409519 or Join Skype Meeting.

Employee Retention Tax Credit Program

This program is designed to help businesses that are closed or partially closed due to the crisis or have experienced greater than 50% in quarterly revenue losses. Note – employers who receive a PPP loan are not eligible for this tax credit. The US Chamber of Commerce has produced a useful infographic on the program.  Additional details are provided in the attached business resources and on the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

Unemployment Insurance

NH Emergency Order #5 temporarily suspends the 1 week waiting period for filing. Shortly following the order NH Employment Security issued guidance that claims made by impacted employees will be charged against a State of NH unemployment trust fund as opposed to the employer’s account. This Pandemic Unemployment Assistance will be state-administered but fully federally funded effective through December 31, 2020. If there are questions or concerns regarding employer charges pertaining to unemployment, contact NHES at 603-271-7700 and www.nhes.nh.gov.

Families First Corona Response Act (FFCRA) 2-week Sick Leave and FMLA

Eligible leave including 2 weeks per employee of sick leave under the FFCRA and an additional 10 of the 12 weeks of FMLA including the health insurance premiums are refundable via a tax credit. Note – this is separate from the Employee Retention Credit above. Please refer to the guidance released by the US Dept of Labor: Q&A and for Employers.  DOL Paid and Family Leave Guidance: federal workers and other employees.

Beware of Cyber-threats and Scams

There is a fast rise in fake CDC emails, phishing emails related to charity and fake vaccines, and counterfeit PPE. Please be extra diligent and report anything suspicious to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov and to the State of NH Dept of Justice Consumer Protection Bureau via email DOJ-CPB@doj.nh.gov.

State of New Hampshire Emergency Orders

As of today, 23 different orders were issued by the State of NH. View the full list here.

A Couple Notices

The application for the Northern Borders Regional Commission Economic & Infrastructure Development (EID) grant round will be extended to June 1st.

The US Dept. of Commerce National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) launched a grant program for manufacturing institutions to support response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESOURCE LINKS

THE NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS (BEA) BUSINESS RESOURCES

Memorandum from the US Department of Homeland Security – Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act

CARES Act FAQ

Important Note: the CARES Act enables the US Treasury to implement PPP loans of up to 4% interest and up to a 10-year term. We last heard that the rate right now is around 1% for 2 years. Please consult with your lender on the most updated terms and rates.

https://www.shaheen.senate.gov/coronavirus
Senator Shaheen has compiled state and federal resources available for the different aspects of the CARES Act COVID-19 third relief package. This includes information pertaining to small business, taxes, travel, veterans, health care, access to protective equipment and resources for survivors of sexual and domestic assault.

NHBEA Rapid Response Program (PDF)

COVID-19 INFORMATION & RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS
Business & Industry Association
New Hampshire’s Statewide Chamber of Commerce

American Public Health Association (APHA) COVID-19 Guidance 

CDC: Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19