We have gathered the considerable library of resources we have amassed in one location. Here you will find all the compiled articles on helping you to understand the impact of past, present, and upcoming legislation on your business, tips on how to navigate your business insurance, member business tools and resources, and numerous federal, state, and industry resources.
2.24.21 - Small Businesses with Fewer Than 20 Employees Given Exclusive Access to PPP Loans for the Next Two Weeks
The Biden administration announced that PPP loans will be available during an upcoming two-week period only to businesses with fewer than 20 employees. The 14-day exclusive application period, which applies to both first time and second draw loans, is designed to allow lenders to focus on serving these smallest businesses. Learn More.
12.31.20 - The Latest COVID-19 Relief Legislation: What’s in it for Flooring Retailers, Contractors, and Installers.
After months of deliberation, Congress enacted and the President signed a $2.3 trillion omnibus spending package, which includes the long-awaited $900 billion coronavirus stimulus bill. The World Floor Covering Association (“WFCA”) has been actively lobbying on behalf of its members and the Act includes many of the relief provisions proposed and supported by WFCA, including adjustments to and expansion of the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) and tax deductions and credits. Learn More.
PPP Loan Application Deadline Extended
It’s not too late! The application deadline for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which provides forgivable loans to small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has been extended to Aug. 8, 2020. There remains approximately $130 billion available. Learn More.
The Small Business Administration Issues New Rules and Forms on PPP Loan Forgiveness
The Small Business Administration (“SBA”) has issued new rules and forms on calculating the amount that a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan will be forgiven. In addition, SBA has issued two new application forms to request forgiveness of the PPP loan. The new rules and applications provide some clarifications, impose new limits on the amount that can be forgiven, and raise a number of unanswered questions. Learn More.
SBA Reopens the Economic Injury Disaster Advance Loan - They Are Available Again
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. The Act allows businesses with less than 500 employees to apply for a Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) of up to $2 million. These loans include advance of up to $10,000 that does not have to be repaid. Learn More.
It Is Not Too Late To Get A PPP Loan
The Small Business Administration (SBA) just announced that there are still funds available for PPP loans. As the law is currently written, PPP loans may be available only until June 30, 2020. All qualified businesses, including independent contractors and sole proprietors consider applying for a PPP loan. Learn More.
Congress Makes Major Changes to PPP Loans to Ease the Forgiveness Requirement
Congress has now passed the PPP Flexibility Act and it has been sent to the President for his signature. The PPP Flexibility Act makes several important changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans, including some that overrule SBA’s interpretation. Lobbyit, the firm that represents WFCA on Capitol Hill, has lobbied on behalf of WFCA’s members to provide needed changes and flexibility in the PPP. Learn More.
Congress Is Considering Extending the 8 Week Requirement on PPP Loans
A bipartisan bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX-21) that would permit businesses receiving PPP loans to use the funds for 24 weeks, not just the 8 weeks in the current law. The bill would also remove the requirement that 75% of the loan be used for payroll expenses, and would extend the period for paying back portions of the loan that are not forgiven from two years to at least five years. Learn More.
PPP Loan for Partnerships - New Rules Allow Retroactive Increase in the Loan Amount
The SBA published an interim final rule advising that if you are “a partner in a partnership, you may not submit a separate PPP loan application for yourself as a self-employed individual.” Rather, the partners compensation should be “reported as a payroll cost, up to $100,000 annualized, on a PPP loan application filed by or on behalf of the partnership.” Learn More.
PPP Loan Forgiveness-New Rules Ease Certification of Need
This week the SBA issued a new FAQ that addresses the requirement that the borrower of a PPP loan certify that the “[c]urrent economic uncertainty makes this loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the Applicant.” The SBA has previously provided that to satisfy this certification, a borrower had to show that it did not have the "ability to access other sources of liquidity sufficient to support their ongoing operations in a manner that is not significantly detrimental to the business.” Now they have shared that borrowers of PPP loans under $2 million will not have to show they did not have access to other funds, such as a line of credit or savings, to have the loan forgiven. Their certification of necessity will be deemed enough. Learn More.
Employees That Do Not Want to Come Back to Work: How It Impacts Your PPP loan
Over recent weeks the WFCA has conducted numerous Zoom Conferences taking questions from hundreds across the industry. Since the first round of the PPP Loans began to appear in member’s bank accounts, one of the most frequently asked questions has to do with the “forgiveness” aspect of the loan. In this update, our legal counsel - Jeff King, gives further clarity to this topic and guidelines on how the loan might be impacted by those employees who choose not to return to the workplace. Learn More.
SBA Loans – UPDATE 4.20.20 - NEW Main Street Lending Program
Get the latest information. We have compiled updates on the program and options for your business. Learn More.
Understanding PPP Loans - Update 4.7.20
The application process for the SBA’s PPP loans began on Friday of last week. $70 billion has been assigned by banks to those applying for loans. Participating banks are only working with pre-existing customers; already the federal government is committing to extend the loans beyond the initial $350 billion. To help members understand the PPP loan program, WFCA has provided basic information on the loans here. Learn More.
Updates on the PPF and EIDL Loans
4.2.20 - Updates on The Payroll Protection Program (PPP)and COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). Businesses should consider starting the loan process and the WFCA is prepared to help. Learn More.
In its ongoing effort to provide members with information during the Coronavirus crisis, WFCA had provided links to other resources pertaining to loans and grants available during this crisis. WFCA does not verify the accuracy of the content on these sites, and providing the link should not be perceived as an endorsement of the material contained therein.
From the Small Business Administration:
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Long-term loans for payments of fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Advance Loan – Offers small businesses a one-time advance up to $10,000 of the EIDL to cover costs in the short term. This loan advance will not have to be repaid. -
- SBA Paycheck Protection Program – Incentive loans to keep workers on small business payrolls. If all employees are kept on payroll for eight weeks, SBA will forgive the portion of the loans used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Up to 100 percent of the loan is forgivable.
- All SBA Coronavirus Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources (including those above)
New Jersey Governor Updates COVID-19 Workplace Protocols
New Jersey’s Governor signed Executive Order 192 (EO 192), which requiring businesses that operate during the continuing COVID-19 crisis to implement workplace safety protocols effective November 5, 2020, at 6:00 a.m. Significantly, EO 192 provides for the establishment of complaint and investigation procedures to resolve non-compliance. Learn More.
OSHA Issued COVID-19 Guidance for In-Home Repair Services
The Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued new guides that can help reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus for workers who perform in-home repair services. It is important that every installer take steps to protect themselves, employees, and customers. Learn More.
Payroll Tax Holiday: The Decision Can Leave Employers Liable
As part of addressing the economic impact of COVID-19, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a Notice that employers may suspend withholding and paying to the IRS the employees' portion of the Social Security payroll taxes. The payroll tax "holiday," or suspension period, runs from September 1 through December 31, 2020. Learn More.
EEOC Determines That A Business Can Not Test Its Employees For Covid-19 Antibodies
As businesses begin to open, it is important to know what steps are required and what are not permitted to protect customers and employees. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued guidance on what is allowed and what is prohibited under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Recently, the EEOC updated its guidance on COVID-19 to clarify that employers may not test employees for COVID-19 antibodies. Learn more.
OSHA Publishes New Guidelines for Reopening Businesses
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have issued a number of guidance on recommended steps to take to protect employees from contracting COVID-19. Its most recent guidance addresses employers that are reopening non-essential businesses. The guidance supplements the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ previously developed guides. Learn more.
Riot Protection
What can you do to protect your business during times of unrest? Risk Strategies has put together some tips to protect you, your people, property and livelihood during any emergency, but especially now as cities across the country face rioters and looters. Learn more.
Liability Waivers to Protect Against COVID-19 Claims
With many states and localities easing their shelter in place orders, flooring retailers and contractors will begin reopening their facilities and bringing back employees. It is important that each retailer and contractor take steps to protect employees and customers from exposure to the coronavirus to minimize the risk of liability if they contract COVID-19. WFCA has published Reopening Safely—A Practical Guide that suggest steps to take to protect their employees, subcontractors and customers from the coronavirus. Floor covering retailers and contractors should also consider having customers sign liability waivers to limit claims for damages if a customer contracts the coronavirus. To assist members, WFCA and CFI have provided sample forms of liability waivers. Learn more.
How to Correctly Wear a Respirator
OSHA has put together a training video and a workplace poster detailing the steps to safely and effectively wear a respirator at work. To view the training video or get a donwloadable PDF for the workplace, please click the link. Learn more.
Opening Back Up - CDC Workplace Decision Tree
The CDC has provided a tool is to assist employers in making (re)opening decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially to protect vulnerable workers. It is important to check with state and local health officials and other partners to determine the most appropriate actions while adjusting to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local community. Utilize this basic decision tree as a resource. Learn more.
Bring Employees Back to Work: Be Careful Not to Discriminate
As flooring retailers and contractors begin to reopen, they will need to determine which employees they will bring back to work. In deciding who will return, employers may want to protect who may be susceptible to the coronavirus, such as older employees, pregnant women, or individuals with pre-existing conditions, and not offer to bring back those employees. Such a decision, however, could expose the employer to charges of violating federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and Title VII of the Civil Rights, as well as state and local laws. Learn more.
Reopening Safely - A Practical Guide
With many states and localities easing their shelter in place orders, flooring retailers and contractors will begin reopening their facilities and bringing back employees. We have put together an overview on the steps you need to take to reopen safely. Learn more.
Update Your Google "My Business" Profile - Update 4.21.20
Staring the week of 4.27.20, it will be FREE to sell on Google. Click below to learn about important updates you can make to your Google My Business Profile, including a COVID-19 update post, adding products, and creating a merchant account to take advantage of the changes coming to Google. Learn more.
Business Interruption Insurance and Coronavirus
It is recommended that flooring retailers and contractors file a claim for business interruption insurance if they have such coverage. While insurance carriers are likely to dispute coverage of this loss, it important to have the claim on file and not simply accept an initial denial of coverage. Learn more.
“Shelter-in-Place” Orders: The Nation Looks Forward
Update 4.27.20 - To assist members, WFCA has provided below two links that act as guidance on how to interpret the evolving orders and how states around the country are working towards cautiously re-opening. Learn more.
Fraud During the Coronavirus
With all the disruption of business as a result of the coronavirus, companies are vulnerable to fraud. Jeff King discusses in his latest blog. Learn more.
Pandemic Property and Casual Tips
As your business enters into uncharted territory in addressing Business Shutdowns and those Essential Businesses, Risk Strategies is aware of the potential issues you may face. Learn more.
Free Access to WFCA University
One of the cornerstones of the WFCA is the exclusive education for our members. Access to the WFCA Online University is free until the end of June. Please click the link to sign up. Learn more.
FCIF Gala Rescheduled
The event will be rescheduled for Spring of 2021. The new date will be forthcoming shortly. Tickets, sponsorships, and tables previously purchased will automatically be shifted to the new date. Learn more.
We have gathered additional outside training resources here. WFCA does not verify the accuracy of the content on these sites, and providing the link should not be perceived as an endorsement of the material contained therein.
Online Training and Tips from Tortal Training
- Virtual Meeting Tips Podcast -From the Training Unleashed podcast, a business leadership expert and an expert in the field of virtual meetings discuss what virtual meetings are, different kinds of virtual meetings, best practices for virtual meetings, how to get started using virtual meetings and more.
- Work from home Podcast - Training Unleashed host Evan Hackel, CEO of Tortal Training, is joined by Team Tortal who share their experiences working from home. As Tortal has been a virtual company for many years, the team’s knowledge is quite extensive. Topics discussed include best practices for working from home, how to stay productive in your home environment, how to achieve work-life balance, managing a virtual team, and much more.
- What to do now, with Franklin/Covey’s Chris McChesney podcast - Evan Hackel, CEO of Tortal Training, sits down with Chris McChesney. Chris is a professional speaker, best-selling author, and the Global Practice Leader, Execution Practice for FranklinCovey. Some topics discussed in this episode include best practices for dealing with ambiguity, how successful leaders approach new ideas, engaging a fearful staff, the importance of executing your goals in today’s climate, and more
- COVID 19 Prevention Video
- COVID 19 Prevention Video Spanish
The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act
4.2.20 - For a comprehsensive guide on the impact of the CARES Act on your business, please review this helpful guide from The US Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Learn more.
FFCRA Update – 3.31.20
U.S. Department Of Labor Announces Additional Guidance Explaining Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave Under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Learn more.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: Update – 3.28.20
What is Provided in it for the Flooring Retailer and Contractor. Learn more.
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Updated 4/1 - Canada has a host of resources to help small businesses and individuals deal with the impact of the Coronavirus. We have put together a summary of the Economic Response Plan as well as some useful links. Learn more.
We have gathered additional resources from the government. We will continue to add content to this list. In its ongoing effort to provide members with information during the Coronavirus crisis, WFCA had provided links to other resources. WFCA does not verify the accuracy of the content on these sites, and providing the link should not be perceived as an endorsement of the material contained therein.
State by State Resource Links
The impact of the Coronavirus on our communities is unique to each state. Click on your state for the most up to date information. Learn more.
National Governors Association
- An excellent and comprehensive resource site for all things COVID-19 related. Current Information On The Status Of COVID-19 In The United States And Abroad, What Actions States/Territories Have Taken To Address It, And The Latest Efforts By The Federal Government. Click here.
National League of Cities
- COVID-19 RESPONSE RESOURCES FOR LOCAL LEADERS - Local elected officials are distinctly positioned to protect the health and safety of America’s residents and to provide reassurance in times of crisis. The National League of Cities developed this resources website and a Pandemic Response email series to support cities, towns and villages during the COVID-19 outbreak. A great resource to understand how national efforts connect to your community. Click here.
From OSHA:
- Prevent Worker Exposure to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Tome Medidas para Prevenir la Exposición de los Trabajadores al Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- 2020 Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
From the Department of Labor:
- COVID-19 (or Other Public Health Emergencies) and the Fair Labor Standards Act Questions and Answers
- Key Takeaways - Cash Flow Relief Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
From the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:
In its ongoing effort to provide members with information during the Coronavirus crisis, WFCA had provided links to a collection of resources around the spread, control, and prevention of COVID-19. WFCA does not verify the accuracy of the content on these sites, and providing the link should not be perceived as an endorsement of the material contained therein.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus page
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- How COVID-19 Spreads
- Symptoms
- Prevention & Treatment
- What to do if you are sick
- Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
- CDC Coronavirus FAQ Sheet
- CDC Travel information
- Taking Care of your Behavioral Health: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
- WHO
- The Ultimate Handwashing Guide from the group that provides training materials to Certified Nursing Assistants
In its ongoing effort to provide members with information during the Coronavirus crisis, WFCA had provided links to a collection of resources from other industry associations as well as other industries. WFCA does not verify the accuracy of the content on these sites, and providing the link should not be perceived as an endorsement of the material contained therein.
Architect Magazine
Architect Magazine has compiled an up to date Coronavirus state-by-state tracker of construction limits. Check to see how shelter in place may impact planned or in-progress work. Click here.
National Wood Flooring Association
The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) and Hardwood Floors magazine continue to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The NWFA has put together a resources section on their site for their members. They will regularly update this webpage with related industry news, event cancellations, and resources you may find helpful. Learn more.
Natural Stone Institute
The Natural Stone Institute has gathered a host of resrouces:
Overview of COVID-19 Resources
Includes: COVID-19 Exposure Presentation, Preparedness, and Response Plan
National Tile Contractors Association
An important video update to all of their members from Bart Bettiga, Executive Director, National Tile Contractors Association. View it here.
International Surface Fabricators Association
A collection of resources ISFA has aggregated, along with a calendar/list of opportunities to engage and learn in a virtual environment (webinars/facebook live streams, etc.) Learn more.
Indiana Limestone Institute of America
- We work frequently with Leanne Coffman here in the stone belt. She's been advising companies on protocol and preventative measures directly and has been working with larger safety training groups to get the word out. (see link below) She has put together a podcast for Safeopedia and Xfactor - "COVID-19 Know Your Facts & Have a Safety Plan."
National Retail Federation
- National Retail Federation call with Dr. Nancy Messonnier and Dr. Lisa Koonin -
On February 28, NRF hosted more than 450 members for a conference call with Nancy Messonnier, MD, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Lisa M. Koonin, DrPH, MN, MPH, Health Preparedness Partners, LLC, a subcontractor of General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT). Listen to the call above to learn more about what retailers need to know about the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
