As of April 2, 2020 businesses with fewer than 500 employees will need to follow requirements for paying employees and offering leave based on the new requirements outlined in the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act. There are two summary documents that are posted on the Chamber's coronavirus information webpage. The first is from the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, and the other is from Chamber member, Paul Hilton with Human Resources Consulting. Please review these documents in detail. If you have specific questions, please post those in the comments below and we will get those answered for you.

The federal government is looking at additional actions to help businesses. On a call with the US Chamber of Commerce, we were told that the draft of a law being discussed includes a piece that would forgive SBA loans used for payroll expenses, IF the business maintains payroll for their employees during this time. I expect that there will be other details and requirements associated with that so stay tuned for more information. I will post that information as soon as it is available.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to call us Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm at 803-432-2525 or email me directly at akinard@kershawcountychamber.org. We are "open" (remotely) and are here for you!