As Texas opens for business, you should read your policy and reach out to your insurance company or agent to help you review it. It’s a good time to find out what kinds of coverage you have, how they function, and if you have the right coverage for the risks associated with your business.

During this time, as your business changes and adapts, you may have different exposures for yourself, your customers, and your employees. Talk to your insurer about:

• Liability coverage. There can be different kinds of liability coverage. Liability covers things like customer accidents or injuries, defective products, errors in service, and libel or slander; and
• Workers’ compensation coverage. If a worker is injured on the job or falls ill as a result of a job, workers’ compensation coverage can pay for medical treatment, lost wages, and other benefits.

*️⃣  For more about COVID-19 and insurance-related information at:

Funding and Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small business suffering substantial economic injury due to COVID-19. To learn more about these Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), visit the SBA’s website.

On April 13th, Governor Abbott announced that Goldman Sachs and the LiftFund, along with other community development institutions (CDFIs), are partnering to give $50 million in loans to Texas small business that have been affected by COVID-19. To learn more, read Governor Abbott’s press release.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress on March 27, 2020. This act had several small business provisions for EIDL loan advances, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Small Business Debt Relief Program. Visit the SBA’s website for more information. Additionally, you can download the U.S. Department of Treasury’s PPP information sheet.

COVID-19 Testing

Governor Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) launched a COVID-19 Rapid Testing Pilot Program for front line workers at small businesses. This program will help small businesses conduct rapid tests on employees, to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

TDEM will provide local Chamber of Commerce organizations with testing supplies to allocate to small businesses that choose to participate in the program. For more information on this program, visit TDEM’s website.

*️⃣  If you’re interested in participating in the program, contact your local Chamber of Commerce organization. 

COVID-19 Vaccines

Governor Abbott, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the Texas Military Department (TMD) launched the State Mobile Vaccination Team Call Center. Businesses with 10 or more people wishing to be vaccinated can call 844-90-TEXAS, Option 3, to schedule a visit from a mobile vaccination team.

Other Resources

• The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) offers information and advice for employers facing layoffs or interacting with employees during a crisis. Visit their website for more resources.
• Sign up for COVID-19 related email updates from the Governor’s Office and TWC. Also, tune into the Governor’s YouTube channel for the latest Small Business Webinar.
• Call TWC’s Tele-Center 7am-7pm weekly at 800-939-6631, for questions or information about unemployment.
• Visit the US Government’s benefits information website to learn about federal help during the pandemic.
• If you belong to a trade association, contact them. They also may be able to help.
• Make sure your workplace is safe for you and your employees. Download the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA)’s pamphlet with tips for preparing your workplace for COVID-19. 
• Follow the CDC’s guidance for businesses and employers responding to COVID-19. Visit their website to learn more.