This page will be updated on a regular basis
- USDA Coronavirus Information
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for COVID-19
- FEMA Eligible Emergency Protective Measures fact sheet for states and tribal nations who have emergency declaration for COVID-19.
- Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma COVID-19 Response
- NFIB’s Guide to New Federal Lending Options
Updates:
Please use the following link to learn how the USDA Community Facilities Programs can be used by public bodies, non-profit organizations and federally recognized American Indian Tribes for funding opportunities.
USDA Community Facilities Programs
USDA provides state specific information and programs. For information for Oklahoma please click the following link.
USDA information for the State of Oklahoma
Shop local as much as possible!
As you know this is a very difficult time for small businesses around the country, and here at home. We must do our best to support our local small businesses that make our communities unique. Please support your favorite restaurant, shop, or business and shop local – here are a couple of ideas:
- Buy a gift card to use later or online.
- Shop locally online – if a business does not have an online store, call and make an order over the phone.
- Use drive-thru, or order takeout/to-go – and don’t forget to tip. Most servers rely on tips to make ends meet and without dine-in patrons their tips are almost non-existent.
- Send flowers to a friend to brighten their day, especially if they are elderly or live alone.
- Keep your memberships current – most places rely on your dues to operate.
- Ask business owners you know how you can help.
For Businesses
OEDA’s cities, towns, and counties (and our region, state, nation, and the world) are facing unprecedented times in an uncharted territory with the novel (new) coronavirus pandemic, also known as COVID-19. Business closures (mandated and un-mandated) are affecting many people’s livelihood, mental and physical health (in addition to the actual virus!), and future careers.
There is a lot of information out there about COVID-19, but which sources are trustworthy? Below are resources of information OEDA has reviewed and considers to be viable sources that we trust. We will update this webpage as much as possible, but if you have any questions please contact Jonathon Cross or Lacey deWindt-Morris and we will work to find answers for you.
Sources for information provided on this page include:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)
- National Association of Development Organizations (NADO)
- Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC)
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
ODOC COVID-19 Monthly Industry Webinars
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC) is hosting monthly webinars with Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce Sean Kouplen, addressing the COVID-19 situation and business needs.
Webinars take place the first Wednesday of every month. Business leaders are encouraged to attend webinars for sectors in which they do business
| Industry | Days and Times | Webinar Link | Meeting ID |
| For-profit Businesses in all Industry Sectors | 9 AM | https://okcommerce.zoom.us/j/91855148566 | 918-5514-8566 |
| EDOs/ Non-profits | 2 PM | https://okcommerce.zoom.us/j/99730772301 | 997-3077-2301 |
FRAUD ALERT
Scammers are using the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) name to con small businesses and individuals during the COVID-19 crisis through phone calls, emails, text messages and letters.
Please note:
- If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the SBA, suspect fraud.
- Emails from SBA or other legitimate government agencies will always end in .gov
- There is no cost to apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and SBA will never ask you to provide a credit card.
- Do not release any private information (social security number, date of birth, etc.) or banking information in response to an unsolicited caller, letter, email, or text.
- If you are in the process of applying for an SBA loan and receive email correspondence asking for PII, ensure that the referenced application number is consistent with your application number.
- An SBA logo on an email or web page does not guarantee the information is accurate or from the SBA.
- Check for spelling and grammatical errors in an email and be wary of clicking on any links or attachments.
- For help with applying for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, call 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. You can also use a text telephone (TTY) by calling 1-800-877-8339.
- For inquiries regarding support for small businesses, send an email to answerdesk@sba.gov
- Visit the Small Business Cyber security site to learn more about small Business Cyber security tips, common threats, training, and best practices. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/small-business-cybersecurity
- Visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cyber Infrastructure site for small business resources. https://w.gov/publication/stopthinkconnect-small-business-resources
- Trust your instincts! If something seems too good to be true, then it probably is too good to be true.