[MainstreetManagers] Information and Updates

[Buffy Hughes]

Good afternoon.

I know all of you have been busy helping local small businesses and keeping the community engaged, but HOW ARE YOU? and HOW IS YOUR PROGRAM?  Some programs are struggling right now, and there is uncertainty moving forward.  We are starting weekly zoom meetings to check on and support each other, see what's working and what isn't, and see how the state staff can help.

As most of you know, I am the sector leader for the retail industry across the state.  All retail related questions, such as if a business is considered essential or not, are coming to me.  The Governor is issuing a new order in that regard, so the calls and request should slow down.  I can explain it all on our Friday call.

The staff is BUSY trying to keep up with all the new information coming out.  We are digesting the SBA loan, CARES Act, and researching other resources.  The Oklahoma Main Street Foundation allowed us to take over their website, so we are putting information and links there.  The National Main Street Center has a survey they would like your business owners to take.  There is a link to essential and nonessential businesses - I can answer specific questions.  At the bottom of this email are links to a simplified SBA loan checklist and the CARES Act (applications open on Friday).

Oklahoma Main Street Foundation
https://www.okmsf.org/
The Oklahoma Main Street Center is putting resources, webinar announcements, articles, and helpful information under the COVID-19 RESOURCES tab of the Oklahoma Main Street Foundation website.  Please let us know if you have other resources that would benefit others.

National Main Street Center Small Business Survey
Small Businesses and the Impact of COVID-19
Below is a survey seeking information from small business owners about the challenges they're facing as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Please answer these questions as openly and honestly as you can. Your answers will help us understand the challenges small businesses are facing across the country, inform policymakers and philanthropists about needs stemming from this crisis, and identify best practices in adapting to the new challenges Main Streets are grappling with.  This survey is also posted on the OMSC Facebook page.  Please share.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6K96DHF

Essential and Nonessential Business
Below is a link to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce COVID-19 resources.  There is a
https://www.okcommerce.gov/covid19/

Here is an easy to follow Small Business Guide and Checklist prepared by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/023595_comm_corona_virus_smallbiz_loan_final.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1ffC2KvgX3hQJBZzGy9DttxtIMFRdX3XoeOSrVV5xfPV__mABbkbDdMfc

CARES Act aka Paycheck Protection Program and Forgivable Loans
https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP%20Borrower%20Information%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

Please contact us with any questions, and I look forward to "seeing" all of you on Friday.

Take Care,
Buffy

Buffy Hughes
State Main Street Director
Oklahoma Department of Commerce
900 N. Stiles Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73104
E: Buffy.Hughes at okcommerce.gov<mailto:Buffy.Hughes at okcommerce.gov>
P: 405.815.5249
C: 405.664.1260
OKcommerce.gov/main-street


[OKLAHOMAMAINSTREETCENTER]

OK, LET'S COUNT! Census 2020
The 2020 U.S. Census is right around the corner! It is important that all Oklahomans are counted. Want to do your part to spread the word? Sign up for the OK, LET'S COUNT community partner email<https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/OKDOC/subscriber/new?topic_id=OKDOC_112>!
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When Everyone Counts, Everyone Wins!

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