Governor Abbott’s Proactive Response to the Coronavirus Threat
"From before COVID-19 was first detected in Texas, Governor Abbott has leveraged state,
federal and local resources as well as private-sector support to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus
and to protect the health and safety of Texans across the state."
A high-level snapshot of actions taken by Governor Abbott; not inclusive of all briefings, hearings,
proclamations, calls, actions or related events in Texas
Governor Abbott's Proactive Response To COVID-19
Texans are battling a colossal challenge – one that has tested lives and livelihoods. The Governor's Economic Development & Tourism Office staff and community partners continue to work together to provide direct assistance and resource referrals to Texas businesses to overcome this crisis. We are also focused on recovery and the next steps to position our state and businesses for future success. Governor Greg Abbott and the Strike Force to Open Texas are diligently working to safely and strategically restart and revitalize all aspects of the Lone Star State. A series of phased business openings have allowed Texas businesses to reopen with certain occupancy limitations and minimum health standard protocols: Open Texas Checklists. For additional news and resources regarding the State's response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), go to gov.texas.gov/coronavirus.
An SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
The Paycheck Protection Program resumed accepting applications July 6, 2020, at 9:00 AM EDT in response to President signing the program's extension legislation. The new deadline to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan is August 8, 2020.
Congress approved an additional $310 billion in appropriations for the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan initiative through an amendment to the CARES Act. Eligible small businesses should work with an approved lender to apply and should carefully review PPP regulations and certifications required to obtain a loan on the SBA’s website (or visit the Spanish version of the page here ).
The SBA posted a new PPP loan forgiveness application, implementing the PPP Flexibility Act of 2020. In addition to revising the full forgiveness application, SBA also published a new EZ version of the forgiveness application that applies to borrowers.
Dear Fellow Texans and Economic Development Partners,
Governor Abbott announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has now granted Texas’ Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance declaration, making loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Next Steps: Small businesses who believe they may be eligible for an SBA EIDL should visit the SBA’s website where they can directly apply for assistance. The online application is the fastest method to receive a decision about loan eligibility.
For additional information on Texas business-related COVID-19 resources, including a list of required documentation for the SBA Loan process, visit gov.texas.gov/business/page/coronavirus.
We know this is a difficult time for all Texans. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office if we can provide any additional information.
Stay safe, keep healthy and continue to check in with us as we provide the latest updates and resources.
#TexasBizStrong
-Office of the Governor, Economic Development Team
