The City of Hollywood’s Office of Communications, Marketing and Economic Development is compiling information to assist businesses throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please see the following business-related updates and links to resources:

Schedule of Events 

• As a part of the Neighborhood Pride Program, the City of Hollywood’s Economic Development team launched its first series of Work Skills Training Scholarship Programs. All programming scheduled for the month of April is currently on schedule as planned. As the COVID-19 emergency continues to evolve, registered participants should continue to monitor the City’s website for the latest information regarding classes and workshops. 

• In partnership with the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the City’s Economic Development Team is planning a Facebook LIVE “COVID-19 Business Resources” event for next week. The goal of the event will be to address small business disruptions due to the outbreak. The discussion will focus on disaster programs currently available to small businesses at the State and Federal level and what information is needed to apply. Once the Facebook LIVE event is confirmed, we will share the day and time for business owners to participate.  

• Staff will continue to post the most up-to-date information on the City’s main website, and our Economic Development website.
 

Business Damage Assessment Survey
(Florida Department of Economic Opportunity) 

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) issued the Business Damage Assessment Survey to evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy. The survey’s feedback allows State Government to fully assess the economic impact COVID-19 is having on Florida businesses and industries, in order to mobilize the appropriate resources to help alleviate those pressures. The Business Damage Assessment Survey can be taken online. Results will be shared with state agencies and local partners, including the Small Business Administration. For inquiries/assistance with the survey, contact ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
 
 

Coronavirus COVID-19 Business Preparedness Resources

(Guidance provided by the Florida SBDC Network and other City of Hollywood partners)

Despite cases continuing to rise, it’s not too late to take proactive steps to protect your business, employees, and customers. Here are a few things you can do right now:

1. Know the signs and symptoms
Reference the fact sheet from the CDC for what you need to know about COVID-19

2. Update your disaster preparedness plan
Update your disaster preparedness plan to include guidance on COVID-19. A good plan will cover a number of things, including workplace safety precautions, travel restrictions, supply chain alternatives, procedures around remote work, and more. All of this should be documented to act as an easy-to-reference guide on how to keep the business running in difficult times.
• Get Prepared with “Open for Business” 

• Additional Small Business Preparedness Information

3. Communicate and educate your employees
Most likely, your employees are concerned about their health and well-being and have uncertainties about their work. Communication through a crisis is critical. Discuss proper hygiene etiquette and measures your office is taking to ensure workplace cleanliness and safety. Inform sick or at-risk employees that they should stay at home to minimize health and safety risks for your workplace. If employees are nervous about their safety, consider switching to phone calls or other face-to-face alternatives. You might also consider reducing employee travel or attendance of large meetings.

4. Look into business interruption insurance
Ask your insurance provider about insurance to cover unexpected major events such as COVID-19.

5. Don’t panic
In the midst of the pandemic, it’s easy to get frightened. Stay up to date with the latest information from the most reliable sources to guide you. For more information, download these helpful guides for information about the virus, tips to safeguard your employees, and for information to plan and respond to the virus:

• Fact Sheet: What You Need to Know about COVID-19 (CDC)
• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers (CDC)
• Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (OSHA)

Coronavirus COVID-19 Business Recovery Resources

Short Time Compensation Program for Employees
The Short Time Compensation program helps employers retain their workforce in times of temporary slowdown by encouraging work sharing as an alternative to layoff. This program permits prorated reemployment assistance benefits to employees whose work hours and earnings are reduced as part of a Short Time Compensation plan to avoid total layoff of some employees. 

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The program makes loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations in designated areas of a state or territory to help alleviate economic injury caused by COVID-19.

We will continue to monitor and update this information as it becomes available. Links to these established programs can be found on the City’s Economic Development website.

Please continue to monitor our websites: www.choosehollywoodfl.com and www.hollywoodfl.org for the latest updates.