Preparing our
Community for
Economic Recovery
& Future Growth
We Mask Up to Keep Our Businesses Open!
Click Here to Download the Printable Poster
In the sections below you will find information about:
Business Restart
The links included here will direct you to additional trusted information providers and contacts.
- Open & Safe Printable Poster – Color
- Open & Safe Printable Poster – Black and White
- Open & Safe Sticker/Badge
- Business to Business Resources – Open & Safe 6-2-2020
- Restaurant Guidance (First Session): Conversation with John Felton – April 24, 2020
- Food and Drink Establishment Re-opening Guidelines Graphic
- Restaurant Guidance (Second Session): Conversation with John Felton – April 27, 2020
- Retail Guidance: Conversation with John Felton – April 23, 2020
- Tourism/Hospitality Guidance: Conversation with John Felton -April 28, 2020
- Business Guidance: Conversation with John Felton – April 28, 2020
- State of Montana Coronavirus Phase One Reopening Frequently Asked Questions
- Phase 1 Guidance for Pools at Licensed Public Accommodations (Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, Tourist Home, etc.)
- Gym, Movie Theater and Museum Re-opening Guidelines – May 14, 2020
- Event Venue Conversation with John Felton – May 27, 2020
- Protecting Your Business From Legal Liability While Reopening Webinar
- Gyms and Fitness Facilities Phase II Call with RiverStone and Yellowstone County Deputy Attorney – May 26, 2020
- Restaurants and Food and Beverage Phase II Call (Audio Only) May 22, 2020
- Event Venues Phase II Call – May 27, 2020
- Phase II Bar Seating Guidance
Community Resources and Information
The links included here will direct you to additional trusted information providers and contacts.
Community Support Services
If you are out of work or need additional assistance during this time, these resources may help:
- Montana 211 for Community Resources, Services and Assistance
- Montana Non-Profit Association Response and Resource Toolkit
Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)
Understanding the federal
response to COVID-19
The Billings Chamber’s business advocacy team carefully analyzed and summarized the federal legislation passed by Congress so you can better understand how it pertains to you.
- SBA Economic Impact Disaster Loan (EIDL)
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
- Loans and Grants
SBA Economic Impact Disaster Loan (EIDL)
Program Overview:
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance
Program Overview:
Program Overview In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000.
The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.
This is a federally funded loan directly with the SBA.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Updated 4-27-2020
Additional Funding Notice: The SBA will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders on Monday, April 27, 2020 at 8:30am MST.
Created through the CARES Act and implemented by SBA and local lenders, these SBA loans will help businesses keep their workforce employed during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
Program Overview
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their 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. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020.
Loans and Grants
New Allocations through the CARES Act to support businesses & individuals (11-17-2020)
The Governor announced that the state will be providing a third round of business stabilization grants. If you have received them in the past, you will received an email prompting you to accept a third grant payment.
The State will also be providing additional dollars to those who are filing unemployment. This news comes as the Governor provided the following change in restrictions in an effort to slow the rate of COVID-19 infections.
$75 million for Business Stabilization
$25 million for Interim Pandemic Assistance ($200/week for 4 weeks)
$3 million for additional Food Bank/Food Pantry Assistance
All applications must be done online.
Learn more about the criteria to apply and the programs that are eligible in this round of funding.
https://commerce.mt.gov/Coronavirus-Relief
Available Programs:
501 C3 Assistance
United Way and Billings Community Foundation have established a grant fund to assist 501c3 in our area.
Save Small Business Fund
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation – in partnership with Vistaprint and a coalition of supporting companies, foundations, and philanthropic donors – is working to provide financial relief through the Save Small Business Fund. The Fund is providing $5,000 in short-term relief to employers across the United States. These one-time supplemental cash grants are for businesses that have between three and 20 employees, and operate in an economically vulnerable community. The grant application will go live on Monday, April 20 at 3:00 PM ET / 1:00pm MT / 12:00pm PT / 11:00am Alaska.
- Employers
- Employees
Employers
COVID-19 has brought with it a wealth of uncertainty and red tape for employers, but we’re here to help you find your way through it. The resources you’ll find here are vetted and regularly updated so you can be confident you’re working from up-to-date information.
If you have a question we’ve not answered here, submit it to us by clicking here and our team will get you an answer within one business day.
Unemployment
Unemployment laws are changing in response to the pandemic. These resources will help you access up-to-date information as you make decisions for your business.
Remote Workforce
You probably already have your team set up to work remotely, but you may not be confident in your employment policies to support the arrangements. These resources can help you ensure you’re protected as you move your operations to a remote setup.
Employees
If you’ve been laid off as a result of COVID-19, we’re here to help you understand your rights and your opportunities. The resources you’ll find here are vetted and regularly updated so you can be confident you’re working from up-to-date information.
If you have a question we’ve not answered here, submit it to us by clicking here and our team will get you an answer within one business day.
Applying for Unemployment
Unemployment laws are changing in response to the pandemic. These resources will help you access up-to-date information.
Workforce/Employment Resources
Community members! We know we are in difficult times right now and many of you are finding yourself without work. Please check out The Billings Chamber of Commerce Jobs Board, MontanaWorks Job Search, as well as The National Labor Exchange for opportunities available now.
Additional Resources
Securing the services you need while unemployed can feel daunting. You may find assistance and/or guidance from these resources.
COVID-19 cases in Billings ‘more than we can accommodate’, health officer says
In September, Yellowstone County recorded its highest number of new COVID-19 cases, its highest number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Billings, and 22 COVID-19-related deaths, according to county public health officer John Felton during a press conference Monday(10/5/2020) afternoon.
Billings Gazette Ariticle 10-5-2020
Yellowstone County Economic Recovery Plan
Yellowstone County has encountered and overcome many economic challenges in its history, but the scale, scope, and speed of the economic stress imposed by the current
COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. Under the duress of this global crisis, the region’s solid, growing economy transformed within weeks into a recession of evolving proportions. Civic, business, and community leaders responded immediately, forming the Yellowstone County Economic Response and Recovery Team to react to the immediate needs of businesses; to support, guide, and provide advocacy for their recovery; and to develop a plan that will enable the community to thrive in a post-COVID-19 future.
Yellowstone County Economic Response and Recovery Plan 10-6-2020
Governor’s Directive
The Governor issued an updated directive on November 17, 2020.
Calendar of Events
Do you have information for the
community Economic Response & Recovery website?
We will be working to update this website with current resources.
If you have information to be added please email:
melanie@bigskyeda.org or Kelly@billingschamber.com
Economic Response & Recovery Team
Steve Arveschoug (Lead)
Big Sky Economic Development
Bill Coffee
Stockman Bank
Brad Anderson
Anderson Management Group
Brian Brown
First Interstate Bank
Bryan Wood
Woods Power Grip
Courtney Kibblewhite
Northern Ag Broadcasting
Martin DeWitt
SBA
Don Jones
Yellowstone County Commissioner
Ty Elkin
St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation
George Warmer
Coldwell Banker Commercial
John Brewer
Billings Chamber of Commerce
Katy Easton
Downtown Billings Alliance
Ken Lutton
Technology by Design
Kim Jakub
Exxon Mobil
Kris Carpenter
Sanctuary Spa & Salon/Joy of Living
Leonard Smith
NADC
Mary Walks Over Ice
NADC
Lilly Corning
Corning Companies
Matt Robertson
NAI Properties
Mike Seppala
Western Security Bank
Steve Simonson
Beartooth RC&D
Taylor Brown
Northern Ag Network
Mike Nelson
Northern Hotel
Shaun Brown
Billings City Council
Alex Tyson
Billings Tourism Business Improvement District
The Path Forward
As part of the Yellowstone County Unified Incident Command, an Economic Response & Recovery Team has been assembled to provide a business “restart” strategy for the community.
This strategy will support and sustain local businesses during this time of significant economic distress and prepare the community for economic recovery and future growth and development.
Step 1 for the Economic
Response & Recovery Team:
- Coordinate responses to the immediate needs of our business community
- Identify gaps in services and resources
- Guide the development of the community’s near-term (6 months to 1 year) economic recovery plan.