Yesterday afternoon, DCBIA joined a call convened by the Federal City Council with twenty business organizations and Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) on DC's coronavirus efforts. The Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development (DMPED) staff updated the business community on the latest announcements from the Mayor, public resources that are available to the business community, and the status of local response legislation.
Open communication is essential in fast-evolving crises like this one, and we are keeping open lines of communication between the business community and the Mayor.
Mayor Bowser has announced that restrictions are being tightened on public gatherings. Schools are closed. All bars closed and restaurants are now grab-and-go or delivery only as of 10 pm last night. Residents are encouraged to take every precaution to socially distance themselves and wash their hands often.
Small businesses should be able to apply for Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster relief. Mayor Bowser’s office submitted the first formal request to SBA for federal relief this weekend. As soon as DC is approved, area small businesses can apply for 30-year loans of up to $2 million. Some nonprofits are also eligible and can receive a lower interest rate. They can apply at disasterloan.sba.gov and should receive a determination of eligibility within two to three weeks.
As mentioned in previous alerts, the DC Council is also working fast to pass emergency legislation to provide relief to local businesses. The legislation has been updated. Summary and link to the legislation is below. There should be a vote at the legislative meeting today at 11 am.
For more information from the DC government about the coronavirus crisis and response, continue to visit coronavirus.dc.gov.
The Federal City Council will host another business community call with the Mayor's Office tomorrow afternoon. We will continue to keep you posted.
Take care of yourself and each other.
Best, CEO
More updates:
DC Council will vote on this proposed legislation below today beginning at 11 am. Watch hearing LIVE.
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