Resources for Small Businesses During COVID-19

We put this page together to keep you updated on recent changes in legislation that may affect your business.

More updates and resources will be added to this page as we receive them, so we encourage you to bookmark this page and check back periodically.

If you have any questions about your business insurance policies, please reach out anytime by calling 609-597-8507, emailing us atinfo@aiainsure.com or filling out our contact form.

New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)

Application window opens Monday, April 13th at 9 am.

The Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan program provides a direct loan of up to $100,000 to NJ-based small businesses and non-profits organizations that have existed at least one-year and has less than $5 million in annual revenue. These businesses have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak (including, but not limited to: reduction of business hours, complete closure of business, at least a 20% decline in revenue, employees unable to work, required to close by government, or disruption of supply chain).

To apply on April 13 at 9am or to access a copy of the loan application please go here.

Questions if your business is eligible? Learn about other State Emergency Programs and Federal Programs, check your eligibility here.

The NJEDA has established a new toll-free number specifically for inquiries related to NJEDA’s Small Business Emergency Assistance programs. Representatives are available at 844-965-1125 during the following hours:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m, Saturday and Sunday – 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

N.J. Governor Issues Emergency Grace Period on Nonpayment Cancellations

April 10, 2020

Gov. Phil Murphy issued Executive Order 123 on April 9, 2020, to prohibit the cancellation of property/casualty, life and health insurance policies for a certain period of time.

Specifically, the executive order prohibits the cancellation of any property/casualty or life insurance policy for a period of at least 90 days. This includes any policies that are financed by a premium-finance company. The order also prohibits the cancellation of health insurance policies, including dental plans, for a period of at least 60 days.

Any claims that arise during the emergency grace period must be paid without regard to any nonpayment of premiums by the policyholders. In addition, insurance companies are prohibited from seeking recoupment of any claims paid during the emergency grace period based on nonpayment of premiums. They also must waive certain late fees, interest or other charges associated with delays in premium payments.

Notification of the emergency grace period must be provided to the policyholders by the insurance companies. At the conclusion of the emergency grace period, a policyholder’s unpaid premium must be written off over a period of time that will be determined by the commissioner of the Department of Banking and Insurance.

READ ABOUT EXECUTIVE ORDER 123

Executive Order 122

Non-Essential construction is halted as of April 10th at 8 pm. This also includes new retail, and manufacturing safeguards. See full copy of order at the button below.

For Clarification to Non-Essential Construction and New Safety Requirements for Retail Business, follow this link.

READ ABOUT EXECUTIVE ORDER 122

COVID-19 Scenarios and Benefits Available

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued the chart below to provide general information about benefits and rights available in certain work situations affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The document provides information about earned sick leave, unemployment insurance benefits, temporary disability or family leave insurance benefits and workers’ compensation benefits.

SCENARIOS & BENEFITS

CARES Act

The CARES Act provides $2.2 trillion in federal funding to address the COVID-19 crisis, making significant changes to employer-sponsored benefits. Download the infographic below for details on how it improves benefits related to testing coverage, telehealth, paid leave, unemployment and student loans.

CARES ACT INFOGRAPHIC

The U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) is working directly with state governors to provide targeted, low interest loans to small businesses and nonprofits that have been severely impacted by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The document below will serve as an overview of SBA resources that provide small businesses with working capital loans that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

CARES ACT OVERVIEW

Federal Loan Information Quick Guides

The US Chamber of Commerce has put out a Small Business Guide to Emergency Loans – including Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Download below.

EMERGENCY LOANS CHECKLIST

Interested in Employee Retention Tax Credit for employers who are closed, partially closed or experiencing significant revenue loss due to COVID19? See the guide below.

EMPLOYEE RETENTION TAX CREDITS

Answers for Employers on COVID-19

March 27, 2020

This report summarized the state of the current situation we are in, offered some updates, and common questions from employers. Download it below.

ANSWERS FOR EMPLOYERS

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

March 18, 2020

As part of sweeping legislation—the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)—signed into law by President Trump on March 18, 2020, two laws were enacted that provide workers with paid leave for reasons related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Read some common Q&A on the act below.

FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT