The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to facilitate economic success for our community. The below is trusted information compiled of local, state and federal resources that businesses can check for ongoing updates.
The information included on this page includes:
- Wilco Forward Phase 2
- Paycheck Protection Program Draw 2 and Forgiveness Program for Draw 1 & 2
- Employee Retention Tax Credit Now Benefits Those with PPP
- Small Business Tax Credit for Employee Coronavirus Vaccine
- Economic Injury Disaster Business Loan & Recovery Guide
- American Rescue Plan
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan
- Regulation Updates (Information and Proclamations on Business and School Closures from City, County and State)
- Business Resources (additional resources and best practices)
- Employee Resources
- CDC Recommendations
Governor’s Orders:
Wilco Forward (Williamson County Small Business Grant Program) Phase 2
Williamson County is launching Phase 2 of its Wilco Forward Small Business Grant Program for businesses financially impacted due the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting Wednesday, March 17, small businesses such as food services, bars and hotels/motels can begin to apply for a small business grant.
This is the second round of Wilco Forward small business grants funded by CARES Act funds. The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved allocating $10 million to fund the program during the Commissioners Court meeting held on Tuesday, March 10. Each eligible business will receive up to $500 per employee with a maximum amount of $10,000.
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
First Draw PPP Loan forgiveness terms
First Draw PPP loans made to eligible borrowers qualify for full loan forgiveness if during the 8- to 24-week covered period following loan disbursement:
Employee and compensation levels are maintained
The loan proceeds are spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses; and
At least 60% of the proceeds are spent on payroll costs
Second Draw PPP Loan forgiveness terms
Second Draw PPP loans made to eligible borrowers qualify for full loan forgiveness if during the 8- to 24-week covered period following loan disbursement:
Employee and compensation levels are maintained in the same manner as required for the First Draw PPP loan
The loan proceeds are spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses; and
At least 60% of the proceeds are spent on payroll costs
View the PPP loan forgiveness application and instructions
Paycheck Protection Program
PPP 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.
Second Draw PPP loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations.
- About the Round 2 of the Paycheck Protection Program
- SBA Lenders in Georgetown
- SBA Lenders in Central Texas
Employee Retention Tax Credit Benefits Those with PPP
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19. This new employee retention tax credit is a 50% tax credit for the first $10,000 of compensation, including the employer portion of health benefits, for each eligible employee. While originally employers who receive a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan were not eligible for a tax credit, Congress changed this. If you took out a PPP loan in 2020, you can take advantage of the ERTC in 2021 and may be able to apply part of it looking backward for 2020.
American Rescue Plan Act
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill that allocates new funds and tax credits to help struggling small businesses. This new bill includes targeted aid for restaurants in the form of grants, additional aid, and an expansion of existing credits such as the Employee Retention Tax Credit.
Pending Grant Programs
Small Business Tax Credits for Coronavirus Vaccine
The American Rescue Plan signed into law on March 11, 2021 provides tax credits designed to pay for the time off a small business owner or their employees take to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Economic Injury Disaster Business Loan & Recovery Guide:
Take the steps to business recovery using the SBDC guide to track financial loss and apply for SBA’s economic injury disaster loan program.
The SBA will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the 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. Due to the CARES Act, small businesses and non-profits can get up to a $10,000 advance on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan even if a previous application was declined or still pending.
SBA Loan – Information About the Application Process
- Guide to SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans
- SBA Loan Application Preparation
- SBA Update to Texas COVID-19 Resources
- Loan Advance Application
Guidance Needed from Business Community
In conjunction with area Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development groups, policy makers, and other business assistance groups of the communities in Williamson County, we are conducting a new survey to ask for guidance about what businesses will need when some or all of the COVID-19 mitigation restrictions are lifted.
We understand that there are many surveys out right now seeking your input – but this one really is different. It is supported by the largest group of business assistance organizations in Williamson County. The information gathered will be compiled and relayed to decision makers as quickly as possible. Your responses will be used to inform decisions being made right now.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WilcoBusiness
Regulations and Notifications:
City News:
Georgetown ISD News:
- Free internet access for students impacted by COVID-19
- Georgetown ISD Coronavirus FAQ.
- GISD health resources related to Coronavirus.
County News:
County and Cities Health District:
- Health District Provides Search to free and low-cost services
- Plan – Don’t Panic: Coronavirus Information
State News:
- Federal Tax Deadline Extended to July 15
- Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Implementing Essential Services & Activities Protocols
- Layoff Assistance and Aversion Assistance from Workforce Solutions
- Approval of Emergency Designation for Small Business Disaster Loans
- TWC Encourages Employers to Enroll in the Shared Work Program
- Avoiding and Reporting Scams
- How to Report Price Gouging
Federal News:
Employee Resources
For career and training assistance
Business Resources & Best Practices
Town Hall Meeting on Business Services and Employment Law
SBA’s Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
Answers to FAQ by Texas Employers
Customizable Workplace Flyer (Please open this file in the latest version of Chrome or Edge browser, or Adobe software, to customize.)
Department of Labor Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Workforce Solutions Rapid Response (Layoff Assistance)
Take out Food & Package Delivery: Is It Safe?
Working From Home: 5 Ways to Be Productive and Stay Sane
5 Ways to Work from Home More Effectively
5 Tips for Staying Productive While Working from Home
Ted Talk – Why Working from Home is Good for Business
Georgetown Economic Development Department’s Website
CDC Prevention Guides, Plans & Info
Limit the Spread of Germs and Prevent Infection
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Prevention Guidance & Response Plan: For Businesses and Employers – CDC recommended guidance for employers, including advice for developing a response plan and steps that all employers can implement now. Based on what is currently known about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Feb 2020)
Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communities with Local COVID-19 Transmission
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
Preventing COVID-19 Spread In Communities: Schools workplaces & community locations
Pandemic Guidance – A brief outline of how to prepare before and respond during a pandemic by Ready.gov, official website of the Department of Homeland Security.
