Business Resources

Here are resources compiled to assist MRV businesses deal with the COVID-19 Crisis

Unemployment Insurance Claims
In an effort to facilitate increased applications to its Unemployment Insurance Claims Center, the Vermont Department of Labor has announced the creation of an electronic formand staffing increases to assist those individuals impacted as a result of COVID-19.

In addition, the Department has tripled the overall number of staff at its Unemployment Insurance Claims Center and has added a supplementary number for the intake of initial claims.  As the Department prioritizes its response to the significant number of claims, certain regional offices will be closed to the public, while others will be providing services by appointment, as well as virtually. To make an appointment, individuals may contact their local Career Resource Center.

For individuals looking for more information on how they may be impacted, the Department encourages them to visit the Department of Labor website.

Individuals looking to establish an initial claim can contact the Department of Labor in the following ways:
Phone:

  • Full-Service Filing of Claims: 1-877-214-3330 (individuals should try this line first)
  • Supplemental Initial Claim Intake: 1-888-807-7072 Electronic:
  • Electronic Form for Initial Intake

Insurance
Coronavirus & Business Insurance – thanks to John Jamieson for supplying this important information

Banking
Be in touch with your bank as soon as possible if you foresee issues making loan payments or need a short term loan for working capital. This sage advice comes from the VP of Commercial Banking at the Northfield Bank a loyal chamber member and champion of our community.

Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration has created a SBA Guide for Small Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to COVID-19.We have also been in touch with our contact at the Vermont SBA office. They want the business community to know that they working closely with their Disaster Loan folks, the State of VT, Emergency Management and others.  They have some basic info about the SBA Disaster Assistance Resources for Businesses.  They expect the state’s Emergency Management Office will be putting out instructions for affected businesses as the coordination of this has to go through them.  The local SBA office will keep us posted as the situation develops.

Business Resources