COVID-19 Resources for Businesses
Due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, the Frisco EDC shares the following links for business and community related resources.
FREE COVID-19 SALIVA TESTING IN FRISCO EXTENDED THRU OCTOBER 31
Free COVID-19 saliva testing at Dr Pepper Ballpark has been extended thru October 31. The testing site is open Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and is open to all North Texas residents. Click here to register (registration is required). Test results are available within 48-96 hours.
GOVERNOR ABBOTT REVISES OPEN TEXAS PLAN
On Thursday, September 17, Governor Greg Abbott issued a revised Executive Order GA-30. See the revised Executive Order here. The City of Frisco has also updated the Open Frisco at a glance document. See the revised Open Frisco at a glance here.
HELP THE FRISCO ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Help Frisco’s economic recovery by completing a quick, 6-minute business survey to help local, state, and federal officials understand how businesses like yours have performed and the challenges you’re facing. Survey closes Wednesday, September 9, 2020. Click this link to begin the survey: bit.ly/TXRecovery.
COMMISSIONERS COURT APPROVES COLLIN CARES SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM
On August 24, 2020, The Commissioners Court approved the Collin CARES Small Business Grant Program, setting aside $15 million of CARES Act funds for businesses physically operating within Collin County, exclusive of the City of Dallas. A link to the application can be found here beginning September 4, 2020.
The Collin County Government website (collincountytx.gov) states that up to a $25,000 grant per business will be awarded for eligible businesses that experienced a gross revenue loss of greater than 15% due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible businesses will receive up to $5,000 unless documentation is provided showing actual incurred costs of up to the $25,000 maximum. These grants are taxable.
For general program information, click here. For program details, click here. To read the press release, click here.
SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS TO LAUNCH FOR FRISCO BUSINESSES
Two small business grant programs are launching for Frisco Collin County- and Denton County-based businesses. These small business grant programs are designed to assist businesses that experienced financial hardships due to COVID-19. See the Small Business Grants Program flyer. View the Frisco EDC’s full press release.
For Frisco Collin County-Based Businesses:
UPDATE: The application window for the Frisco Collin County-based Small Business Grants program has closed. For a list of grant award recipients, click here.
Beginning June 24, the City of Frisco will launch an economic recovery program for small Frisco businesses (less than 100 employees and less than $15 million in annual revenue per location) located in Collin County that have been impacted by COVID-19. The $3.1 million funding for the program, known as the Frisco/Collin County Small Business Grants Program (SBGP), is provided by Collin County as part of the CARES Act, which was signed into law earlier this year. The City of Frisco has engaged the National Development Council (NDC) as a third-party administrator to manage the application process and disbursement of funds to grant recipients as approved by the City of Frisco.
Applications for Frisco/Collin County SBGP will open on Wednesday, June 24 at noon and be accepted until Tuesday, June 30 at noon. Based on financial hardship and the percentage of closure, businesses are eligible to receive up to $50,000, must meet eligibility requirements and must operate in the Collin County portion of the City of Frisco. Some of the allowable expenses are rent, utilities, contract labor, payroll and more. A complete list of criteria, eligibility requirements and program details can be found here. The application will be live at the same link beginning June 24 at noon.
For more information about the Frisco/Collin County program, click here or visit https://ndconline.org/ntxsmallbiz/city-of-frisco/. For application questions, call (toll free) 1-833-696-0804 or email ntxsmallbiz@ndconline.org. Please leave a message and you will be contacted within one business day.
For Frisco Denton County-Based Businesses:
UPDATE: The application deadline for Phase II of the Denton County OPEN program has been extended to July 7, 2020 at NOON.
For Frisco businesses located in Denton County, information about Denton County OPEN can be found here. Applications for Phase II of Denton County OPEN will be accepted June 22 – July 6. Denton County will manage the OPEN Phase II application process and dispersal of funds as they did for Phase I.
For information about Denton County OPEN, visit https://dentoncounty.gov/open or call 940-349-4280.
GOVERNOR ABBOTT ESTABLISHES STATEWIDE FACE COVERING REQUIREMENT, ISSUES PROCLAMATION TO LIMIT GATHERINGS
On Thursday, July 2, Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order requiring all Texans to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, with few exceptions. The Governor also issued a proclamation giving mayors and county judges the ability to impose restrictions on some outdoor gatherings of over 10 people, and making it mandatory that, with certain exceptions, people cannot be in groups larger than ten and must maintain six feet of social distancing from others. Read the press release.
GOVERNOR ABBOTT TAKES EXECUTIVE ACTION TO CONTAIN SPREAD OF COVID-19
On June 26, Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order limiting certain businesses and services as part of the state’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. This decision comes as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the positivity rate in Texas increased above 10%, which the Governor previously stated would lead to further preventative action. The targeted, measured directives in the executive order are based on links between certain types of businesses and services and the recent rise in positive cases throughout the state.
The order includes the following:
All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 PM today. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.
Read the press release. Read the City of Frisco’s updated Open Frisco at a glance for June 29.
GOVERNOR ABBOTT PAUSES FURTHER PHASES TO OPEN TEXAS
On June 25, Governor Greg Abbott announced that the State of Texas will pause any further phases to open Texas as the state responds to the recent increase in positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Businesses that are permitted to open under the previous phases can continue to operate at the designated occupancy levels and under the minimum standard health protocols provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services. View the Governor’s statement.
OSHA Publishes Guidance for Return to Work
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published Guidance on Returning to Work to assist employers and workers in safely returning to work and reopening businesses deemed by local authorities as “non-essential businesses” during the evolving Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Employers can use this guidance to develop policies and procedures to ensure the safety and health of their employees. Click on the blue text above to view the document.
Links for Updated State Checklist and City of Frisco's June 4 At A Glance
On June 2, the Frisco City Council amended its emergency ordinance to align with Governor Greg Abbott’s revised Executive Order and The Governor’s Report to ‘Open Texas.’ All essential businesses remain open under the operating guidelines previously provided by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Read recommended state ‘Checklist.’ Read the City of Frisco’s June 4 At A Glance.
Governor Abbott Announces Phase III to Open Texas
On Wednesday, June 3, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the third phase of the State of Texas’ plan to safely open the economy while containing the spread of COVID-19. Under Phase III, effective immediately, all businesses in Texas will be able to operate at up to 50% capacity, with very limited exceptions. Business that previously have been able to operate at 100% capacity may continue to do so, and most outdoor areas are not subject to capacity limits. All businesses and customers should continue to follow minimum standard health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Read the Governor’s Executive Order (GA-26). Read the press release.
Governor Abbott Announces Additional Services and Activities That Can Open Under Phase II
On Tuesday, May 26, Governor Greg Abbott, issued a proclamation expanding additional services and activities that can open under Phase II of the state's plan to safely and strategically open. With this proclamation, water parks, recreational sport programs for adults, driver education programs, and food-court dining areas within shopping malls can begin operations with limited occupancy or regulations to protect the health and safety of Texans.
Beginning Friday, May 29th, water parks can open but must limit their occupancy to 25% of normal operating limits. Food-court dining areas within shopping malls can also immediately resume operations, but malls are encouraged to designate one or more individuals who are responsible for ensuring health and safety practices are followed. View the Open Texas Checklist for Waterpark Operators. View the Open Texas Checklist for Waterpark Visitors. View the Open Texas Checklist for Adult Recreational Sports Operators. View the Open Texas Checklist for Adult Recreational Sports Participants. View the Open Texas Checklist for Texas Driving Schools.
Minimum standard health protocols outlined by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) are recommended and located on the Open Texas webpage.
Governor Abbott Issues Revised Checklist for Professional Sports Leagues to Re-Open
On Friday, May 22, Governor Abbott issued a revised checklist for Professional Sports Leagues in Texas to re-open. View the revised Professional Sports Leagues Checklist.
Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Terminating Air Travel Restrictions Related To COVID-19 Pandemic
On Thursday, May 21, Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order (GA-24) terminating air travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor's new order immediately terminates all restrictions contained in the Governor's previous Executive Order (GA-20) that mandated temporary quarantines for air travelers arriving from the following areas of the United States: California; Connecticut; New York; New Jersey; Washington; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; or Miami, Florida.
View the Governor's Executive Order (GA-24) relating to the termination of air travel restrictions as part of the safe, strategic plan to Open Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster.
Governor Greg Abbott Announces Phase Two to Reopen Texas
On Monday, May 18, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Phase Two of his plan to safely and strategically open Texas while minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Under Phase II, restaurants may increase their occupancy to 50% and additional services and activities that remained closed under Phase I may open with restricted occupancy levels and minimum standard health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). For checklists and additional information, visit the Strike Force to Open Texas website or read the press release from the May 18 announcement.
Via Executive Order, the following services and activities may open under Phase II.
Child Care Centers (May 18)
Massage and Personal-Care Centers (May 18)
Youth Clubs (May 18)
Rodeo and Equestrian Events (May 22)
Bowling Alleys, Bingo Halls, Simulcast Racing, and Skating Rinks (May 22)
Bars (May 22)
Aquariums and Natural Caverns (May 22)
Zoos (May 29)
Day Youth Camps (May 31)
Overnight Youth Camps (May 31)
Youth Sports (May 31)
Certain professional sports without in-person spectators (May 31)
Office, Manufacturing Reopenings
Published May 15, The City of Frisco's Office, Manufacturers Reopenings at a glance includes links to additional reopening guidelines and resources. Additional resources can also be found on the Open Frisco, Open Texas webpage.
Collin County Commissioners Court Launches Collin CARES Recovery Program
On Monday, May 11, the Collin County Commissioners Court took the first steps to distribute direct financial assistance for housing, utilities, and groceries; increased COVID-19 testing; personal protective equipment; and, cities' COVID-19 costs and recovery efforts.
Collin County’s city partners are gearing up to create and manage applications for this unprecedented assistance program in the coming weeks. Collin County will share information on eligibility requirements and much more on their website. Read the media release here. Thank you for your patience.
Denton County Commissioners Approve Denton County OPEN Program for Small Business
On Friday, May 8, Denton County Commissioners approved the Denton County OPEN program to fund grants to small business. Applications will be accepted starting at noon on Wednesday, May 13 through noon on Wednesday, May 20. Detailed program information can be found on the Denton County website or or read the press release.
Governor Abbott Announces Plan to Reopen Texas Economy
On Monday, May 5, Texas Governor Greg Abbott filed Executive Order GA-21. View Governor Abbott’s Open Texas Checklists, including Checklists for Office-Based Employers and Office-Based Employees, effective May 18.
Some highlights to note about GA-21:
Texans, except where necessary to provide or obtain an essential service or a reopened service, should continue to minimize social gatherings and in person contact with those who are not in the same household.
People over the age of 65 are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible. Individuals are encouraged to avoid contact with those 65 and older.
Those who do leave the home, whether young or old, should implement social distancing and good hygiene
Essential Services include those listed under CISA guidance as well as churches, congregations, and places of worship
Reopened Services consist of the following:
In-store retail at 25% occupancy (25% does not include employees)
Dine-in at restaurants at 25% occupancy (no occupancy limit on outside seating; 25% does not include employees)
Movie theaters at 25% occupancy (25% does not include employees)
Shopping malls at 25% occupancy (food court, play areas, and interactive displays must remain closed) (25% does not include employees)
Museums and libraries at occupancy of 25% (25% does not include employees)
Golf course operations
Local government operations
Services provided by one individual in an office setting (note this will be expanded on Monday, May 18th)
Wedding venues and services required to conduct weddings, subject to either the guidelines on churches (if held in a church) or at 25% of indoor occupancy (if held indoors at a non-church). Note, it is strongly encouraged to hold weddings outside
Wedding receptions, subject to the guidelines on restaurants (if held at a restaurant) or subject to 25% of indoor capacity (if held indoors). Again, strongly encouraged to hold outside.
Starting on Friday, May 8, 2020 the following will be opened:
Cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, and nail salons may open but should follow guidelines set forth in Open Texas
Tanning Salons may open but should follow guidelines set forth in Open Texas
Swimming pools may operate if outdoor or indoor but must follow occupancy levels set forth
Starting on Monday, May 18, 2020 the following will be opened:
Services provided in an office may operate with the greater of five individuals or 25% of the total office workforce
Non-essential manufacturing [services] at 25% occupancy
Gyms and exercise facilities and classes, whether indoor, outdoor, individual, or group, at a 25% occupancy
On Monday, April 27, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced detailed plans to reopen the state of Texas’ economy. The Stay At Home order issued by Governor Abbott in March expires on Thursday, April 30. A new order will go into effect on Friday, May 1 and allow some businesses to reopen. Read Governor Abbott’s Plan to Reopen Texas. Read the press release regarding Governor Abbott's April 27 announcement.
For information regarding reopening Frisco, visit the Open Frisco, Open Texas page on the City of Frisco’s website. View the City of Frisco’s Open Frisco at a Glance guide for frequently asked questions.
Additional Business and Community-Related Resources
The City of Frisco maintains pertinent up-to-date information relevant to the progression of prevention efforts in the community. The City of Frisco is in two counties, Collin and Denton, and both counties have issued emergency declarations. The City of Frisco is applying Denton County’s definition of “essential businesses” to its STAY AT HOME notice. Read the Denton County STAY AT HOME order in its entirety. In addition, the City of Frisco has produced this guide for convenient reference of essential services. This is not an exhaustive list.
The Frisco Chamber of Commerce provides relevant business information for local employers affected by interruptions caused by preventative measures.
Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (WSNCT) is dedicated to working with employers and job seekers during this time of uncertainty. Visit the WSNCT Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Updates site for information and updates regarding localized services available to businesses and workforce affected by operation interruptions.
The Texas Workforce Commission offers resources to employers and job seekers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources for employers can be found by clicking here. Resources for job seekers can be found by clicking here.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) are available to assist local businesses. For Collin County businesses, visit Collin SBDC or call 972-985-3770. For Denton County businesses, visit North Central Texas SBDC or call 940-498-6470.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has designated COVID-19 as a qualifying event for the provision of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for businesses and private non-profits in affected communities. The SBA Economic Injury Disaster Declaration for Texas has been approved. This should allow access to the EIDL program for the entire state of Texas. Applications are required for consideration. Click here for more information and the application.
Paycheck Protection Program is an SBA loan designed to provide direct incentive for small businesses to keep workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities. PPP is available April 3, 2020 through June 30, 2020. Click here for more information and to apply.