Today, Representative Norman held a call for small businesses that was ENTIRELY a Q&A for those businesses to get some insight into the various federal programs available for small businesses. I wasn't able to make the live call time but was able to listen to it after the fact, and it was very interesting. To listen to the call, go to this recording on Facebook. One note: Past President of the Chamber Board and Chamber member, John Thomas with SubStationII in Lugoff was one of the people who were on the call and asked a question. Glad you were able to participate, John!

Here are a couple of takeaways from the call:

1. If you go to your bank and they are not willing to take your application for the Paycheck Protection Program (because you don't have a business account with them or some other restriction), call Representative Norman's office at 803-833-0544. You will probably get voicemail but be specific about the problem you're experiencing. The Representative wants to know where there are any roadblocks to getting the funds businesses need.
2. If you applied for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan before March 27 (via the SBA website), please return to the website and apply again. The application has been updated and it is much easier and includes all of the recent changes enacted by the CARES Act. Unfortunately, responses to those applications are running behind but they are working through them as quickly as possible. If you have problems or questions, you can call their customer service line, 800-659-2955, the SC SBA District office at 803-765-5377 or email.
3. If you are self-employed or are a non-profit (and therefore, don't normally pay into the unemployment system), and are now unemployed due to this pandemic or the requirement to close your business, you should apply for unemployment. Sadly, the state unemployment system wasn't updated to allow for these applications to be approved and they are still working on the online system to add this functionality. However, on this call, they suggested that you still apply for unemployment because for anyone that is denied, they will be going back to review denied applications to see if they should have been approved. If you have questions or need additional help, you can call Jamie Suber at 803-737-2252 or email him.