COVID-19

Thank you for coming together during this unprecedented time. Your love of plants and this industry is helping pique the interest in so many people. We need to capitalize on this interest and continue to cultivate it so they may become lifelong gardeners and appreciators of plants. This would not only be a win for our industry, but also the environment and the health of our communities. Below are resources that we have compiled to help you as we make our way through these uncharted times. I appreciate your time and understanding as we navigate the rapid change and adopt new ways of conducting business. I have implemented a number of these programs for my own employer. You are always welcome to call the CNLA office at (800)-562-0610.

Stay Well,

Dustyn Nelson CANP, CNLA President

Below are links to several resources. Changes are happening at such a rapid pace, to provide you the most up to date information we felt it was best to provide links rather than our own information. There are far more resources available as well that may pertain to your situation. CNLA is here to support you, if you have any questions about any of the programs please contact us.

CDC Guidance

These guidelines produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must be obeyed to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all.

Protect Yourself – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses & Employers – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html

Unemployment

COVID-19 & CT Unemployment – http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF

Paid Leave (FMLA) for Employees – https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave

Paid Leave (FMLA) for Employers – https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave

Shared Work – http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/progsupt/bussrvce/shared_work/index.htm A program that allows employers to reduce hours and retain skilled employees by providing an alternative to layoffs. The reduced hours are compensated by the Shared Work program as a portion of the normal unemployment benefits.

Employee Furlough Letter – https://www.cbia.com/resources/coronavirus/coronavirus-employer-guidance/employee-furlough-letter/

Employees & Families

Direct Payments to Individuals and Families – https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know

Updated Tax Deadlines & Relief – https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

Idea Center – COVID Sales Tips

Tips From CNLA President – March 18th Email

Garden Center Resources – https://www.americanhort.org/general/custom.asp#retail

Marketing Plants – https://www.americanhort.org/general/custom.asp#plants

Businesses

Connecticut Small Business Development Center “Emergency Business Response” – https://files.constantcontact.com/54cefd39001/bdea7e76-e118-4940-adce-bb196ee086cd.pdf

Resources to Help Your Business – https://sba.thehartford.com/business-management/small-biz-owner/small-business-resources/?cmp=EMC-SC-SBA-89286012&eml=1

Essential Employee Sample Letter – https://blog.extension.uconn.edu/permission-for-essential-food-and-agricultural-employee-work-032120/

Small Business Guide – https://courtney.house.gov/sites/courtney.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/The%20Small%20Business%20Owners%20Guide%20to%20the%20CARES%20Act.pdf

Paycheck Protection Program (under Assistance for Small Businesses) –https://home.treasury.gov/cares A forgivable loan program with the goal of keeping workers on payroll.

Paycheck Protection Program Lenders – https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/resource_files/CT_Lenders_Fiscal_Year_2020.pdf
A list of institutions in Connecticut that are approved SBA Lenders.

Employee Retention Tax Credit – https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-employee-retention-credit-under-the-cares-act A tax credit for employers who’s operations were suspended or gross receipts declined by more than 50%.

COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application – https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/ Up to $2 Million loan to overcome the temporary loss of revenue.

Farmer Relief Fund – https://farmland.org/farmer-relief-fund/

Facebook Small Business Grants – https://www.facebook.com/business/grants Available soon

CT Safe Store Rules, effective April 7, 2020 – https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/Essential-Safe-Store-Rules

Updated Tax Deadlines – https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/COVID19/DRS-COVID-19-Response-FAQ

H-2A Q&A – https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.americanhort.org/resource/resmgr/h2a-covid.pdf

H-2A Q&A #2 – https://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/pdf/DOL-OFLC_COVID-19_FAQs_Round%202_04.01.2020.pdf

H-2A Updates – https://www.farmers.gov/manage/h2a

Guidelines released for businesses to reopen – https://ctsbdc.com/covid19-businessresourcecenter/