COVID-19 response

I know this is a hard time for everyone, and I want to help keep you as informed as possi-ble. There are reliable links to very informative websites from experts at both state and fed-eral levels. Please go to these websites for facts...don't rely on rumors and opinions. Thank you for what you are doing to care for and serve our commu-nities in so many ways.

The following is a synopsis of the actions, support or re-sources the Iowa Economic Development/Iowa Finance Authority (IEDA/IFA) has undertaken or made available in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Information on all re-sources can be found at iowa-businessrecovery.com unless otherwise noted.

From March 17-20, 2020, IEDA/IFA conducted tele-phonic outreach to economic development groups, chambers of commerce, tourism industry partners, Main Street directors, financial services entities and business membership organiza-tions.

IOWA ECONOMIC DE-VELOPMENT AUTHORI-TY:

Federal Programs

U.S. Small Business Admin-istration Economic Injury Dis-aster Loans (EIDL) collaborat-ed with HSEMD to secure Economic Injury Worksheets required to obtain disaster dec-laration from SBA. EIDLs of up to $2 million are now avail-able to help meet financial obli-gations and operating expens-es. Iowa applications are cur-rently being accepted at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

CDBG Grant Funds

Community Development Block Grant funds now availa-ble to support infectious dis-ease response necessary for citizens in Iowa.

• $2.4 million available

• No match funds required Eligible applicant

• All 99 counties

• All cities, EXCEPT Ames, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rap-ids, Council Bluffs, Daven-port, Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City, Sioux City, Water-loo and West Des Moines

Eligible usage

• Job training to expand health care worker pool

• Provide additional testing, diagnosis or other services at a fixed or mobile location

• Provide additional equip-ment, supplies, and materials necessary to carry-out a public service

• Create an expanded meal delivery service for quarantined individuals or replace congre-gate meals site- MUST be a NEW or EXPANDED service. Can't use federal funds to supplant funds or services that already exist.

State Initia-tives/Programs

Business Survey- IEDA is collaborating with the Universi-ty of Northern Iowa- Institute for Decision Making (IDM) Survey and Strategic Market-ing Services on a statewide census of how micro to major businesses are being impacted by COVID-19. As of the deadline (March 23, 2020), IDM has received 13,501 completed surveys from all 99 Iowa counties (see Interactive map on iowabusinessrecov-erycovery.com)

Iowa Small Business Relief Grants/Tax Deferral

IEDA and the Iowa De-partment of Revenue (IDR) are providing a joint application for Small Business Relief Grants and Tax Deferral for businesses with a location in Iowa. Applications being ac-cepted now until noon on March 31, 2020.

Grants

• Assist small businesses in maintaining or reopening busi-ness operations

• Range from $5,000-$25,000. Funds can be used to assist eligible businesses in maintaining operations or reo-pening business, but not used to pay debts incurred prior to March 17, 2020

• Must have employed be-tween 2-25 people prior to March 17, 2020

Tax Deferral

IDR reviewing applications to determine if appropriate to grant a deferral for sales and use or withholding tax

Targeted Small Business Sole Operator Relief Fund

This program is jointly ad-ministered by IEDA and the Iowa Center for Economic Success. The program will pro-vide grants of between $5,000-$10,000 to sole pro-prietorship or single member LLC businesses that are also certified as Targeted Small Businesses (TSB) by the State of Iowa. Businesses who are not currently certified TSBs may submit a certification appli-cation and be considered for assistance through the pro-gram. Applications will be available beginning March 25 and will remain open until funds have been exhausted.

• Must be Certified Target-ed Small Business or have submitted a certification appli-cation by April 10

• Business must be able to demonstrate COVID-19 im-pact

• Business must be primary source of income for business owner applying

• Business must be in exist-ence for 12 months prior to April 10

IOWA FINANCE AU-THORITY:

Eviction Suspension (March 20 Proclamation)

Temporarily suspends some evictions under the Iowa Uni-form Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the Manufac-tured Home Communities or Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in certain circumstances.

Foreclosure Suspension (March 22 Proclamation)

Temporarily suspends the foreclosure proceedings, or the prosecution of ongoing fore-closure proceedings, on resi-dential, commercial, and agricul-tural real property located in the State of Iowa.

Real Estate Industry

"It is critical to Iowa's economy that county auditors, recorders, treasurers, and courthouses remain accessible and maintain minimal operations throughout the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Given the central role county officials play to our real estate industry and larger economy, a discon-tinuation of these services could have a devastating im-pact on Iowa," said Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds.

If you have a small - medium size business in Iowa, this information is a great resource for what is currently available to assist in this distressing time.

Of all the numerous web-sites with information about the coronavirus, I am still rec-ommending using Corona-virus.gov. It has up-to-date information about how to pre-pare and protect yourself as well as what to do if you think you are sick.

As President Trump has mentioned, we have 15 critical days to slow the spread of the virus.

I would once again like to thank all of my constituents here at home who have allowed me the privilege and honor to serve as their voice in the Iowa House. Continue to be safe by practicing social distancing, proper hand-washing, covering your cough/sneezes, and disin-fecting surfaces frequently.

If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please feel free to reach out. You can contact me by email at Linda.Upmeyer@legis.iowa.gov or by phone at 515-281-3551.