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COVID-19 Business Resources
The Surprise Economic Development Department is committed to providing relevant and reliable information on a variety of resources and programming to all COVID-19 impacted businesses in our community. Information on this business resource page has been organized by a number of important topics and is subject to changes because of regularly posted updates.
Video Resources
- Financial Assistance
- Free Assistance
- Executive Orders
- Business FAQ
- Safe-to-Reopen Toolkit
- 100-Day Plan
Financial Assistance Available
Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act
The Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program will officially reopen January 11, accepting loans only from small businesses that have yet to receive PPP monies and will only be accepting applications from those lenders it has indicated as “community financial institutions”.
On January 13, small businesses applying for a second PPP loan will be able to do so but only through community financial institutions. Other participating lenders will be able to submit applications at a later date that has not yet been identified. Download the summary at the end of this article.
Additional Guidance on Accessing Capital for Minority, Underserved, Veteran and Women-Owned Business Concerns is available for download at the end of this article.
The Economic Aid Act amended the PPP program in several ways which may be reviewed in the PPP As Amended by Economic Aid Act which is available for download at the end of this article. Here is a PPP legislation bullet-point summary for small businesses:
- The new legislation passed by the House and Senate last week (1) extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and (2) adds deductibility for PPP expenses.
- If you have applied before, you may have an opportunity to apply again. The legislation allows businesses experiencing severe revenue reductions an opportunity to apply for a second draw PPP loan;
- Expands scope of qualifying PPP Loan expenses to include:
- “Covered operations expenditures”—defined as business software or cloud computing expenses for business operations, product or service delivery, payroll processing, payment, or tracking, human resources, sales and billing functions, or accounting or tracking of supplies, inventory, records, and expenses.
- “Covered property damage costs”—defined as costs relating to damage and vandalism or looting due to public disturbances in 2020 that were not covered by insurance or other compensation.
- “Covered supplier costs”—defined as supplier payments that are essential to the borrower’s operations and were made either (1) pursuant to a contract, order, or purchase order in effect prior to the covered period, or (2) with respect to perishable goods, pursuant to a contract, order, or purchase order before or during the covered period.
- “Covered worker protection expenditures”—defined as operating costs or capital expenditures incurred by a borrower to facilitate adoption of business activities to comply with applicable laws and guidance relating to COVID-19. For example, this could include expenditures on drive-through improvements, ventilation or filtration systems, physical barriers, expansion of business space, establishment of health screening capabilities, or other assets as determined by the SBA in consultation with HHS and the Secretary of Labor, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE).
- “Payroll Cost Clarification” - To the extent there was doubt about whether group life, disability, vision, or dental insurance could be included as “payroll costs,” the new legislation clarifies that these expenses are included and thus are eligible uses and qualify for loan forgiveness.
- EIDL program expanded by $20 billion;
- Additional funds for arts/culture/entertainment:$15 billion in funding for entertainment venues, movie theaters, and museums that are experiencing significant revenue loss;
- Expands eligibility for PPP Loans including chambers of commerce, housing cooperatives, section 501(c)(6) organizations and certain news stations;
- Codifies federal rules that ensure churches and faith-based organizations are eligible for PPP loans;
This summary is not comprehensive and is not intended to give or be relied upon for legal or financial advice, and no action should be taken without the advice of a legal or financial professional. Further information will be provided by the Federal Government and Small Business Administration
Download documents:
PPP As Amended by Economic Aid Act
PPP Second Draw Loans
Guidance on Accessing Capital for Minority, Underserved, Veteran and Women-Owned Business Concerns
Arizona 504 3rd Party Lender Ranking 1st Quarter Fiscal Year 2021
SBA Form 3509 PPP Loan Necessity Questionnaire For Profit
SBA Form 3510 PPP Loan Necessity Questionnaire Non-Profit
SBA and Treasury Announce Simpler PPP Forgiveness for Loans of $50,000 or Less
On Thursday, October 8 the SBA released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less. This action streamlines the PPP forgiveness process to provide financial and administrative relief to America’s smallest businesses while also ensuring sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Learn more...
PPP Loan Forgiveness Form 3508S Instructions
PPP Loan Forgiveness Form 3508S
Arizona MEP Emergency Assistance Program
The Arizona Commerce Authority’s Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership (AZ MEP) is now accepting applications from Arizona manufacturers in need of assistance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The enhanced support is made possible by a one-time allocation as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, awarded to AZ MEP by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The funds will be used to subsidize services delivered by AZ MEP to help manufacturers overcome the impact of the pandemic. Support is also available to assist companies that are producing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies in response to COVID-19.
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Companies will be notified of acceptance into the program within one week of submitting their application. Applications can be submitted online here.
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
The U.S. Small Business Administration has released the application and instructions for how Paycheck Protection Program borrowers can see their loans forgiven. The application includes a worksheet that details how to calculate the amount of the loan that can be forgiven and provides a summary of costs eligible for forgiveness. The SBA also provided a list of documents borrowers have to submit with their forgiveness applications. Learn more…
Download the SBA PPP EZ Loan Forgiveness Application (6-16-2020) English
Download the instructions for the SBA PPP EZ Loan Forgiveness Application (6-16-2020) English
Download the PPP Loan Forgiveness Application (6-16-2020) English
Download the PPP Loan Forgiveness Application (6-16-2020) Spanish
Download the PPP Loan Forgiveness Instructions (6-16-2020) English
CARES Act Readiness Program for Small Businesses – available in English en espanol!
The Arizona Small Business Association and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to create the CARES Act Readiness Program for Small Businesses (www.caresactaz.com). This online training program helps small businesses access the capital they need, helping both novice and experienced borrowers successfully access relief funds with have individualized support to apply for loans.
The CARES Act Readiness Program for Small Businesses provides this individualized support for free. The program is customized to the business owner’s borrowing experience. It provides 2-5 online classes that will walk businesses through everything from the basics of finance to submitting loan applications.
Contact Laura Ciscomani from the AZ Chamber of Commerce at lciscomani@azchamber.com for assistance.
SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration. https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19.
Download the CARES Act SBA Summary.
Download the CARES Act Program Comparison Chart
The CARES Act assists small businesses in the following ways:
Paycheck Protection Program: This program is now closed to applications as of June 30, 2020. Zero-fee, low-interest small business loans up to $10 million. Any small business concern that meets SBA’s size standards, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, 501(c)(19) veterans organization, Tribal business concern (sec. 31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act) with the greater of 500 employees or that meets the SBA industry size standard if more than 500, any business with a NAICS Code that begins with 72 (Accommodations and Food Services) that has more than one physical location and employs less than 500 per location and sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed persons are eligible to apply. View Program Information...
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL): EIDLs are loans of up to $2 million that carry interest rates up to 3.75 percent for companies and up to 2.75 percent for nonprofits, as well as principal and interest deferment for up to 4 years. The loans may be used to pay for expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred, including payroll and other operating expenses. With the Governor’s emergency declaration, every county in our state is eligible to receive relief through EIDL grants. Visit the SBA Guidance and Loan Resources page for more information and to apply.
SBA Emergency Economic Injury Grant: $10 billion in funding to provide an advance of $10,000 to small businesses and nonprofits that apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) within three days of applying for the loan.
The grant does not need to be repaid, even if the EIDL request is denied. EIDL can be used to provide paid sick leave, maintain payroll, meet increased production costs, or pay business obligations like rent or a mortgage.
Visit the SBA Guidance and Loan Resources page for more information and to apply.
SBA Express Bridge Loans: If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan. Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan.
SBA Debt Relief: The SBA Debt Relief program will provide a reprieve to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis. Under this program:
The SBA will also pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
The SBA will pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months.
Visit the SBA Guidance and Loan Resources page for more information and to apply.
For program questions or assistance in completing the SBA application online, businesses may contact the following:
SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955.
SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives) www.score.org
Arizona’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) https://www.azsbdc.net/where-we-are/locations/
Main Street Lending Program: The Federal Reserve has announced that it is establishing a Main Street Lending Program to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Program will operate through three facilities: the Main Street New Loan Facility (MSNLF), the Main Street Priority Loan Facility (MSPLF), and the Main Street Expanded Loan Facility (MSELF). Learn more…
Free Assistance Available
Comcast's 'RISE' program to offer $10K grants, free commercials and more to small businesses
Comcast has unveiled its “Comcast RISE” initiative, which is aimed at helping small business owners who were hurt by Covid-19 through access to grants, free media and tech resources, and educational content. RISE stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment” and is especially focused on Black entrepreneurs in its early stages, citing the outsized impact Covid-19 has had on their businesses in particular.
Starting October 13, Black-owned small business owners in the U.S. can apply for the program’s marketing and tech support and free equipment, although all small businesses can access the free marketing insights and resources it’s offering. A second wave will include opening up eligibility to Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), who also saw harsher effects from Covid-19 restrictions.
Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded in “the coming months,” Comcast said, and are directed at “small and diverse businesses that have been in operations for three to five years.”
Eligible business owners can apply here…
A-frame sign policy temporarily amended
Beginning, Monday, March 30, 2020, businesses in the city of Surprise will be allowed to display an A-frame sign along the adjacent roadway or roadway closest to their business subject to certain requirements. This is a temporary action due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the requirements…
Startup Space App
Startup Space, the online platform for startups and small businesses offered by city of Surprise through AZ TechCelerator, is offering national support for its users including a list of resources and organizations that are offering various types of support for entrepreneurs and small business owners during the coronavirus outbreak and will be updated as information becomes available. View the full list of resources...
SizeUp Small Business Tool
The Economic Development Department is excited to provide a free resource to help businesses who are starting out, looking to expand, or working to stay ahead of the game with key market information. The easy-to-use online tool assists nearly any business compare their fundamentals with other like businesses, identify customers and suppliers, and take advantage of opportunities for more efficient marketing. Launch SizeUp Small Business tool…
Free Reopening Safely Signage Graphics
Prestamos CDFI is offering signage for businesses to help employees and guests safely navigate the space in English and in Spanish. Download resource...
Arizona’s Governor’s Office Executive Orders related to COVID-19
Executive Order 2020-09 Update Revert Back to Laws on Off-Premises Liquor Transactions
On March 30, 2020, Executive Order 2020-09 stopped enforcement of the series 12 liquor license provisions and allowed restaurants to sell beer, wine, and spirituous liquor for off-premises consumption. On November 12, 2020, as a result of a court ruling negating this part of the Executive Order, the State of Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control issued a reminder notice that the original series 12 liquor license provisions are now back in effect.
This means the rules for restaurants and liquor transactions for off-premises consumption revert back to existing law, such as A.R.S. Sec. 4-101(25), which limits sales for off-premises liquor consumption to liquor products still in the original unbroken packaging. Liquor To-Go is a No Go.
Official Reopening Attestation for Indoor Gyms and Fitness Clubs/Centers, Indoor Theaters, Waters Parks and Tubing Operators, and Bars
On August 27, 2020 Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) issued Emergency Measure 2020-04, Continuing Arizona's Phased Reopening to provide additional guidance for business paused by E.O. 2020-43 to reopen.
This form is intended to allow businesses operating as indoor gyms and fitness clubs or centers, indoor theaters, waters parks and tubing operators, and bars to attest they are in compliance with COVID-19 guidance related to business operations. This completed form will be published on ADHS' website, and a copy shall be posted in an easily visible public place on the business premises.
ADHS or a local governmental jurisdiction shall have authority to take immediate action against any business that operates without submitting this attestation to ADHS or posting it in an easily visible public place on the entity's premises or operates in violation of applicable ADHS Guidelines.
To review up-to-date information regarding ADHS' emergency response to COVID-19 and information for businesses, please visit www.azhealth.gov/businesscovid19.
Download the ADHS issued requirement and guidance
- ADHS COVID-19 Guidance for Businesses
- ADHS Requirements Bars and Nightclubs Providing Dine-In Services
- ADHS Requirements for Bars and Nightclubs Not Operating as a Restaurant
- ADHS Requirements for Indoor Theaters
- ADHS Requirements for Indoor Gyms and Fitness Centers
- ADHS Requirements for Water Parks & Tubing Operators
Continuation of Executive Order 43 – Slowing the Spread
Only July 23, Governor Ducey announced the extension of previous Executive Order 42 pausing operations on gyms, bars, nightclubs, movie theaters, water parks, and tubing. The order also prohibits large events and enables local law authorities to take immediate enforcement action to ensure compliance with the order. The pause of these operations will be reviewed for repeal or revision every two weeks. Learn more…
Download Executive Order 2020-52
**On August 10, 2020 ADHS issued Emergency Measure 2020-02, Slowing the Spread of COVID-19: Phased Reopening. Emergency Measure 2020-02 establishes and describes the process whereby any business subject to the paused operations requirements of E.O. 2020-43 may reopen or, if not authorized by its terms to automatically reopen, to apply to ADHS for express approval to reopen.
ADHS Attestation Form
Governor’s Executive Order "Reducing the Risk, Slowing the Spread, Limiting Indoor Dining"
As of July 9, 2020, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has issued Executive Order 2020-47 “Reducing the Risk, Slowing the Spread – Limiting Indoor Dining” found here: https://azgovernor.gov/executive-orders, and it is effective 10:00 PM on Saturday, July 11, 2020, remaining in place until further notice. To summarize the Executive Order:
- Indoor separation: Every restaurant with indoor seating must operate at less than 50 percent of the permitted fire code occupant load, offering at least 6 feet of separation between parties or groups at different tables, booths or bar tops, unless the tables are separated by glass or Plexiglas. Restaurant staff is not counted against the occupant limit.
- Outdoor separation: Outdoor dining areas should ensure at least 6 feet of physical distance between tables, benches or areas for patrons to sit while dining or waiting to be seated.
- No indoor standing/congregation: Restaurants should eliminate any indoor standing room where patrons can congregate and are encouraged to use reservation systems to limit capacity of congregating patrons.
- “Open” concepts considered indoors: For purposes of the Executive Order, facilities with retractable roofs or garage type windows or doors that open up to the outdoors shall be considered indoor facilities, whether the roof or windows are opened or closed.
- Buffets, cafeteria style & self-serve closed: All buffets, cafeteria style or self-serve food bars at restaurants shall be closed.
- Restaurant definition clarified: For purposes of the Executive Order, the term “restaurant” is defined as an establishment regularly open for the serving of food to guests for compensation and that has kitchen facilities connected with the restaurant for keeping, cooking and preparing foods required for ordinary food service.
- This Executive Order supersedes 2020-34: This Executive Order supersedes provisions of Executive Orders 2020-34 paragraph 2 (“…dining may resume provided they establish and implement best practices for businesses to address COVID-19…”) and is in addition to requirements of businesses in Executive Orders 2020-36 (“Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger”) and 2020-40 (“Continuing Mitigation Efforts”). All other existing orders regarding precautionary measures required of businesses remain in effect.
- Enforcement: In addition to penalties and enforcement provided by A.R.S. 26-316 and 26-317, failure to comply with this order and any other guidance issued by the Arizona Department of Health Services related to precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 shall constitute a public health nuisance dangerous to the public health pursuant to A.R.S. 36-601(A) and action is authorized and shall be taken to abate the nuisance by the county health inspectors pursuant to A.R.S. 36-183.06 or other law enforcement or state agencies as mandated by the Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, including the immediate closure of such facility, pursuant to A.R.S. 26-303 (E) (2).
Download Executive Order 2020-47
Governor’s Executive Order “Pausing of AZ Reopening – Slow the Spread of COVID 19”
As part of continued efforts to reverse the trend of COVID-19 spread in Arizona, on Jun e29 Governor Doug Ducey signed an Executive Order to prohibit large gatherings, cease the issuance of new special event licenses and pause the operations of bars with a series 6 or 7 liquor license from the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (these entities may provide take-out and curbside service), gyms, movie theaters, waterparks and tubing rentals. The pause of these business operations takes effect at 8:00 pm, Monday, June 29 and is in effect until July 27, 2020.
Prohibiting mass gatherings statewide
Effective June 29, 2020, even if appropriate physical distancing is possible, organized events of more than 50 people are prohibited. The Executive Order enables local governing jurisdictions, such as the city, town or county, to approve events on the condition of meeting certain safety precautions, such as physical distancing.
Suspending special event licenses
Under the Executive Order, the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control shall cease issuing special event licenses for the period between June 29, 2020 and July 27, 2020.
Download Executive Order 2020-43
Governor Ducey Announces Enhanced COVID-19 Action Plan
Following COVID-19 case increases and hospitalizations, on June 17, 2020 Governor Doug Ducey announced enhanced actions to contain the spread of the virus and protect Arizona’s most vulnerable residents. The announced actions build on Arizona’s substantial efforts to boost testing, expand contact tracing, secure PPE for health care and frontline workers, fast-track resources to the most affected areas and more. Additional actions announced include the following guidance for businesses:
Increasing awareness of distancing and face-covering guidelines
Following outbreaks in select parts of the state, including along the southern border and in northeastern counties, ADHS today released updated guidance allowing local governments to implement mask and face-covering policies and determine enforcement measures. The guidance allows local authorities to tailor mitigation efforts specific to the local public health need.
Enhancing guidance to limit congregating
Arizona’s Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger Executive Order issued on May 12 requires businesses and other entities operating in the state to implement health and safety plans to protect workers and customers and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Updated guidance issued today by ADHS requires specific health measures be taken by establishments, including:
- Physically distancing of 6 feet;
- Providing employees with face-coverings and requiring usage;
- Conducting symptom checks for all employees before shifts;
- Requiring sick employees to stay home;
- And increasing the frequency of employee hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting.
Local law enforcement will have authority for enforcement of these guidelines.
Download Executive Order 2020-40
Download Requirements for Businesses
Download Requirements for Restaurants and Bars
Governor’s Executive Order "Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger"
On May 12, Governor Doug Ducey announced that the Stay At Home order in Arizona will be ending on May 15 and replaced by new guidance for the next stage of economic recovery. Arizona’s new Executive Order, which takes effect on Saturday, May 16, builds on Arizona’s comprehensive efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health, including public health guidance for businesses and individuals to ensure continued physical distancing.
The Arizona Department of Health Services also released additional guidance for businesses and customers as more industries resume partial operations. This guidance includes:
Pools, with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation - can reopen Wednesday, May 13 | Read the Guidance
Spas, with physical distancing and enhanced sanitation - can reopen Wednesday, May 13 | Read the Guidance
Download the Executive Order-2020-36
Governor’s Executive Order for Resuming Additional Business Operations for Barbers, Cosmetologists and Dine-in Restaurants
Effective Friday, May 8, 2020, barbers and cosmetologists may resume operations provided they establish and implement protocols and best practices for businesses to address COVID-19.
Business FAQ’s
Do you have other questions not answered below? Visit SBA’s Frequently Asked Questions for Lenders and Borrowers page and download the latest PDF. Be sure to check back frequently for updated Q&A.
- Q: Can I use my PPP funds to pay my employees bonuses?
A: Yes, the SBA guidance allows employers to pay employees bonuses, hazard pay or extra compensation so long as their total salary does not exceed $100,000 on an annualized basis for the funds to still qualify for forgiveness. However, bonuses paid to owners, self-employed people and general partners with PPP funds are not eligible for forgiveness. - Q: I received a PPP loan but my lender has since sold my loan to another entity. Can I still achieve forgiveness?
A: Yes. SBA allows lenders of PPP loans to sell the loans they process to other SBA lenders. The PPP loan buyer assumes responsibility for servicing the client so contact your new loan holder for ongoing questions and processing. Full SBA guidance for lenders regarding the sale of PPP loans can be found on the SBA’s PPP website under Additional Guidance For Lenders. Learn more… - Q: I received a PPP loan. How can I make sure I can achieve loan forgiveness?
A: Visit U.S. Small Business Administration application and instructions website to download the PPP Forgiveness Instructions and Application and to learn more. While the country is still waiting for the official guidance to be published by the SBA, an article in the Business Journal shared a few tips from experts on how businesses can achieve PPP loan forgiveness. The article’s advice is summarized:- Utilize as much of the PPP money as you can to help the business during the 8-week period (you have through June 30 to spend it).
- Bring back as many employees on payroll as possible. Even if you are not able to bring employees back, the fund can continue to pay them.
- Replace employees who decline to return to work and who prefer unemployment* (as an aside, we are hearing that documenting offers to return unwilling employees to the workforce is critical to the loan forgiveness process, especially if you’re unable to easily replace someone).
- If your full loan amount exceeds your expenses, leave the money in a savings account to pay it back once the term of forgiveness period is over.
- If the loan can’t be forgiven in the end, it’s still an attractive loan at 1% interest. Begin planning how much to save to give back and how much to keep as a traditional loan.
- Consult with your legal and financial advisors to determine your best plan forward.
View the article
- Q: The recent Executive Orders require “additional sanitization precautions” for my business to stay open. What does that mean?
A: Arizona Department of Health Services has published guidance for business to prepare for COVID-19. Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a COVID-19 planning guidance based on traditional infection prevention and industrial hygiene practices, among other resources on their COVID-19 page. - Q: I’m a restaurant looking to promote my curbside sales. What are my options?
A: There are a variety of new and popular digital options available that you may have already heard of, some you may not have: - Q. I am a business who can help manufacture essential products. Who should I contact?
A. Email the Arizona Department of Health Services at HEOC@azdhs.gov with a description of your capabilities and how your company can help. - Q. I am a business who wants to wants to provide free or reduced cost services to the community. Who can I contact?
A. If your scope of free or reduced cost service consideration is to the local or most vulnerable populations within our community, please contact Seth Dyson with the City of Surprise Human Services and Community Vitality Department at seth.dyson@surpriseaz.gov.
If your scope or free or reduced cost service consideration is regional or statewide, email the Arizona Department of Health Services at HEOC@azdhs.gov with a description of your capabilities and how your company can help. - Q: If my business is deemed “essential” and not required to close, am I still eligible for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program
A: Yes, all small business under 500 employees are eligible. - Q: Can I use the SBA Paycheck Protection Program to rehire staff I’ve already let go?
A: Yes. PPP funds may be used to hire staff let go on or after February 15, 2020 a result of COVID 19 restrictions. - Q: I’m a tenant in my building and I need help understanding my options through this challenging time. What resources can you provide me?
A: While we recommend you consult your commercial leasing agent for your specific needs, tenant representation subject matter experts at Keyer have compiled the Top 10 Answers Every Tenant Needs to Know About COVID-19. - Q: I’m a landlord of a multitenant building and I need help understanding my options through this challenging time. What resources can you provide me?
A: While we recommend you consult your legal advisor and lender to help understand the entirety of your options, here are some key points of recommendation:- Work with your tenants to minimize damage and preserve your assets.
- Be open to negotiating with your tenant, if possible. This doesn’t mean waiving your right to get paid, just understanding that it could be costlier to lose a tenant than keep the one you have.
- Have effective communication in writing – always.
- Have incident reporting procedures established.
- Be familiar with your lease terms.
- Be familiar with your lender requirements especially with regard to material changes to leasing agreements
- Be familiar with your insurance coverages including impossibility of performance and force majeure.
Governor's Office Business Guidelines - August 10, 2020
Requirements for Bars and Nightclubs Not Operating as a Restaurant
Requirements for Restaurants and Bars Providing Dine-In Services
Requirements for Indoor Gyms and Fitness Clubs/Centers
Requirements for Indoor Theaters
Requirements for Water Parks & Tubing Operators
View the Arizona Department of Health Services Phased Reopening Plan for Paused Industries release
Surprise Business Safe-to-Reopen Toolkit
3 Steps to Re-Opening Your Business: the 3 C’s
As you prepare to re-open your business safely, we understand this is an important time to rebuild consumer confidence and demand. However, we know there is a lot of information out there. Let’s keep it simple and remember the THREE C’s!
- Clean
- Coordinate
- Communicate
Clean: Maintain a sanitized environment, familiarize yourself and your staff with guidelines, prioritize staff health, wellness and hygiene, and prepare your business for reopening and operations!
Coordinate: Recognize the reality of reopening; take precautions with food and product safety; maintain proper social distancing guidelines; get ahead of reordering products and supplies.
Communicate: Make a plan with your leadership team; use ALL of your resources! Don’t forget – your resources include a local Economic Development Department that would enjoy helping you with a virtual ribbon cutting, virtual small business assistance and social media promotion!
The Surprise Economic Development Department has assembled lists of resources at the local, regional, county, state and federal levels to help you implement a safe re-opening strategy!
City of Surprise Re-Opening Resources
- Local Cleaning Supply Resources for Surprise businesses
- Decal and signage examples
- Schedule a Virtual Ribbon Cutting for promotion to the community; contact Kris Cassens at kris.cassens@surpriseaz.gov
- Virtual Small Business Assistance via the AZ TechCelerator Program / contact Julie Neal at Julie.neal@surpriseaz.gov
- Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce FREE Marketing and Advertising Campaign Enrollment
- Reopen with Confidence Program - English | Spanish
Re-Opening Restaurants
- Temporary Expansion of Premise Permits for Surprise Restaurants During Covid-19
- Surprise Restaurants - Clean, Coordinate & Communicate 1-pager
- Maricopa County Re-opening Food Establishment Checklist (County)
- Lista de Verificación para Reabrir Restaurantes (Spanish / Español) (County)
- Re-opening Checklist (Spanish) ~Lista de Verificación para Reabrir Restaurantes (County)
- ADHS Guidance for Restaurants (State/ADHS)
- FAQ - Re-opening Retail Food during COVID-19 (State/ADHS)
- Governor’s Guidance for Reopening Restaurants Governor’s Guidance for Reopening Restaurants (State/Governor’s Office)
- List N Products with Emerging Viral Pathogens AND Human Coronavirus claims for use against SARS-CoV-2 (Federal/EPA)
- Interim Guidance: Get Your Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events Ready for COVID-19 (Federal/CDC)
- Restaurants and Bars (Decision Tree) During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Federal / CDC)
- Restaurants & Beverage Vendors Offering Takeout or Curbside Pickup – English | Spanish (OSHA)
Re-Opening Retailers and Other Businesses
- MCDPH Guidance for Monitoring Employee Health for COVID-19 (County / MCDPH)
- Prevent Worker Exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19) – English | Spanish (OSHA)
- Retail - Phased Opening (State / Governor’s Office)
- Arizona Guidance for Retail Business (State / Governor’s Office)
- ADHS Guidance for Retail (State / ADHS)
- Retail Workers – English | Spanish (OSHA)
- Barbers and Cosmetologists (State / Governor’s Office)
- Governor Ducey’s Guidance for Barbers and Cosmetologists (State / Governor’s Office)
- Pools (State / Governor’s Office)
- Gyms and Fitness Providers (State / Governor’s Office)
- Spas, Massage Therapists and Personal Services (State / Governor’s Office)
- Dental Practitioners – English | Spanish (OSHA)
- Retail Pharmacies – English | Spanish (OSHA)
- Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Facility Workers – English | Spanish (OSHA)
- The Package Delivery Workforce – English | Spanish (OSHA)
- Rideshare, Taxi, and Car Service Workers – English | Spanish (OSHA)
- The Manufacturing Industry Workforce – English | Spanish (OSHA)
- The Construction Workforce – English | Spanish (OSHA)
Federal Re-Opening Guidance
- White House Guidance for Opening Up America
- CDC Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces
- EPA Guidance on Disinfectants and COVID-19
- OSHA Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) COVID-19 Legal Guidance
Industry-Led Re-Opening Guidance
- Local First Arizona Reopening for Arizona Restaurant Guide
- Cushman & Wakefield Recovery Readiness How-to Guide
- Cushman & Wakefield “The Safe Six” Workplace Readiness Essentials
- BOMA Guidance on Preparing Buildings for Re-Entry Amid COVID-19
- IAAPA Reopening Guidance – The Global Association for the Attractions Industry
- International Council of Shopping Centers Re-Opening Best Practices
- American Hotel & Lodging Association COVID-19 Cleaning Standards
- McDonald’s Reopening Customer Journey Infographic
Additional Recovery Resources
- Arizona Commerce Authority Business Financial Support
- Arizona Commerce Authority – COVID-19 Arizona Business Resources
- Do you own a Business Owner’s Insurance Policy? If so, Business Interruption may be part of your policy.
- Maricopa County Public Health – Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Coronavirus and COVID-19
- Maintaining or Restoring Water Quality in Buildings with Low or No Use
- Checklist: Restoring Water Quality in Buildings for Reopening
The Surprise Economic Development Department Has A Recovery Plan!
The Economic Development Department mission is focused on activities that attract new jobs to Surprise, increase retail sales within the community and enhance our quality of life – and this has not changed. Given the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the Surprise Economic Development Department is focused more than ever on activities that will help businesses and our local workforce make a successful recovery while helping to keep our community updated with respect to important services. Our newly launched 100-Day Business and Workforce Recovery Plan is driving our priorities toward a successful economic recovery.
View 100-Day Business and Workforce Recovery Plan
We appreciate and value any and all feedback, recommendations and communication received and genuinely appreciate the opportunity to provide business and workforce assistance services.
Have questions or recommendations? Please email us at econdev@surpriseaz.gov. Thank you!