Alaska Business
Covers COVID-19
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Now Available
We’re in the midst of an uncertain social and economic environment. COVID-19 has sparked worldwide health concerns, and attempts to prevent the spread of the virus are creating challenges for small and large businesses alike.
Alaska Business believes in our mission to be a resource for Alaska businesses, and as a member of the media, we do receive ongoing updates about the virus and how Alaska’s businesses are responding to it. We have compiled below Economic Resources; Mandates, Advisories, and Plans; Webinars and Expert Advice; and Cancelled/Changed Events.
Whatever your job requires of you in the oncoming weeks, please always be conscientious and prioritize your safety and the safety of others.
Resources For Businesses
ANC Small Biz Alerts
The Anchorage Economic Resiliency Task Force and the Anchorage Innovation Team have launched ANC Small Biz Alerts, a text messaging tool, to keep Anchorage business owners informed during the pandemic.
The service send texts to subscribers with information on everything from relief funds to safety criteria for businesses to operate.
Text STRONG to 907-891-7192 to subscribe.
AK CARES
AIDEA, the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, and Credit Union 1 have partnered to create the AK CARES Funding Program to support small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and unable to secure federal funding made available through the CARES Act.
Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program is an SBA loan that help businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 crisis. The SBA has published an FAQ, found here.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan
The COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan is available through the SBA; here is the loan application.
The Employee Retention Credit from the IRS
The IRS launched the Employee Retention Credit, designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll.
AK SAFE Guarantee Program
AIDEA is collaborating with Alaska’s financial institutions to provide loan guarantees up to $1 million per borrower for Alaska businesses impacted by the COVID-19 economic crisis. Information on the program can be found here.
National Endowment for the Humanities Emergency Funding
Alaska Humanities Forum is offering grants of up to $10,000 to cover operational costs and financial duress caused by COVID-19 to organizations with a demonstrated commitment to public humanities and/or cultural or civic programming. Click here for more information or to apply.
Resources for Individuals
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development is now accepting applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. It’s intended to provide aid to self-employed workers, those who are out of work because of COVID-19 but are not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, or those who have exhausted their UI benefits.
Unemployment Insurance
For those who have been laid off due to COVID-19, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development is accepting applications for Unemployment Insurance benefits online.
ANCHORAGE CARES
United Way has set up an emergency assistance fund, the ANCHORAGE CARES COVID-19 Response Fund, to help Alaskans who have lost a job or are facing a decrease in pay; follow the link to donate or apply.
Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation has established the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund to help restaurant industry employees; follow the link to donate or apply.
From the IRS
Those looking for information on their Economic Impact Payment can use Get My Payment, a new online tool developed by the IRS that can be used to track a payment or update direct deposit information. The IRS has also developed a web tool to allow quick registration for Economic Impact Payments for those who don’t normally file a tax return.
The IRS has extended “Tax Day” to July 15; here is the IRS Filing and Payment FAQ.
Plan to Reopen
- Here is guidance from Governor Dunleavy regarding reopening Alaska.
- Here is guidance from Mayor Berkowitz regarding reopening Anchorage.
- Businesses in Anchorage that prepare food or interact directly with the public can get assistance acquiring PPE through the Frontline Safety Business initiative.
- Alaska-based businesses can request PPE through Alaska MEP. Find more information and apply here.
Mandates & Advisories
- For those planning to travel out of Alaska, Alaska Airlines has published guidelines for its various destinations.
- Visit Coronavirus.gov for federal updates on COVID-19 in the United States; information on symptoms and what to do if you think you’re sick; and President Trump’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America.
- The Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy, the Department of Health and Social Services, and the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management launched a joint COVID-19 website, a one-stop-shop for Alaskans as they navigate the resources that the State of Alaska is offering.
Who’s Getting Involved
- The Alaska Safety Advisory Council donated eight-five N95 Envo-masks and twenty-five replacement filters for each mask to the MOA Municipal First Responders.
- Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance Donated $10,000 to Bean’s Cafe.
- The Alaska USA Foundation donated $100,000 in support of its nonprofit partners.
- Alaska Airlines launches #MillionMealsChallenge to feed families in need
- Alaska Mask Makers is a Facebook Group connecting those making masks with those who need them; check it out if you are interested in making masks or finding other ways to support the cause.
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ATIA Campaign Promotes Resident Travel Deals, Urges Alaskans to Support Local Tourism Businesses
The Alaska Travel Industry Association is asking locals to “Show Up for Alaska” by getting out and exploring with tourism businesses this summer.
AIDEA Announces AK CARES Funding Program
The purpose of the AK CARES Funding Program is to provide emergency relief grants to small businesses that were unable to receive support from federal funding made available by the CARES Act.
COVID-19 Disruptions Cause 13.1 Percent Job Loss in April
Alaska’s job count was down 13.1 percent in April from the same month last year, a loss of 42,200 jobs.
2020 Fair Canceled for First Time Since World War II
The cancellation is due to the continuing uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
A COVID-19 Story from a Rugged Alaskan
Despite being prepared to run the Boston Marathon, when Finstad was infected with the COVID-19 virus, it knocked him down and almost took him out.
Hecla Mining Company Continues COVID-19 Support
Hecla Greens Creek has worked with the City and Borough of Juneau to donate 30,000 protective masks to the City and Borough of Juneau and 25 cases of gloves to the Juneau Police Department.