Alaska Business

Covers COVID-19

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 information for businesses looking to reopen, economic resources for businesses and individuals, links to mandates and advisories, and a few examples of Alaska businesses that are stepping up to help.

Whatever your job requires of you in the oncoming weeks, please always be conscientious and prioritize your safety and the safety of others.

Reopening Alaska

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.

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.

Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Grants

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority  has awarded sixty-two COVID-19 response grants totaling more than $1.2 million to partner organizations across the state. Based on the response to the program, and assessed partner need, trustees approved up to $1.5 million for this program. The Trust is still accepting applications for its COVID-19 response grant funding. For grant guidelines and eligibility information, please visit the Trust COVID-19 response grant webpage.

 

Resources for Individuals

Alaska Job Center Network

Job seekers and employers in The Last Frontier have access to a variety of employment services through Alaska’s Job Center Network.

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.

Mandates & Advisories

 

Who’s Getting Involved

  • The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Municipality of Anchorage, and Frontline Business Safety Initiative accepted a donation of PPE from the Taiwanese government and Tzu Chi Foundation that includes 8,500 surgical masks; 1,000 cloth masks; 500 KN95 masks; 100 goggles; and 120 coveralls.
  • GCI and Wells Fargo partnered to donate $20,000 to Providence Alaska to support the healthcare provider’s COVID-19 response efforts.
  • 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.
  • 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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