Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources & Updates
It is the goal of the Chamber to provide resources for businesses and the community at all times and especially during difficult times. We will continue to monitor local, state and federal updates and provide information to you through e-mails and social media as it becomes available.
The Chamber continues to act as a hub of resource and information for businesses and community members. If you need assistance or are seeking additional resources, please contact Lori Kelling at LKelling@westcountychamber.com or Heather Zerweck at HZerweck@westcountychamber.com.
If you are a Chamber member who would like to schedule a zoom call for “Connecting our Community” with Lori, please email her at LKelling@westcountychamber.com.
Latest Health & Community Updates
Updates from Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is a great resource for frequently asked questions along with information for businesses and residents. For the latest information, visit their website or view their COVID-19 fact sheet.
Updates from The Office of Sam Page, St. Louis County Executive
For the latest information from our County government concerning COVID-19, please visit www.stlcorona.com.
St. Louis County has also put together a page of resources for our community including mental health resources, educational resources as well as food, utilities and rent services and much more. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services hotline can be reached at (877) 435-8411.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a guide for employers to plan and respond to COVID-19.
Financial Support & Resources
Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance
The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest, long-term disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters to repair or replace uninsured/under-insured disaster damaged property. SBA disaster loans offer an affordable way for individuals and businesses to recover from declared disasters.
Small Business Resource Fund
The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and the St. Louis Development Corporation have launched a new ZERO-interest loan program of up to $5,000 over two years towards working capital (rent, payroll, accounts payable) for small for-profit businesses in St. Louis City/County that have sustained economic damage due to COVID-19. Applicants must demonstrate that their company’s jobs are threatened by the health crisis, and they must explain how the loan would retain those jobs. More info here:
https://stlpartnership.com/small-business-resource-fund-for-companies-that-sustained-economic-damage-due-to-the-covid-19/ —- STL Today Article (March 23, 2020)
The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership established the Small Business Resource Program to provide small $5,000 transition loans to small businesses to address some immediate issues. Through this program we provide a Hotline to connect the applicants to other resources including the Paycheck Protection Program(PPP) and the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program(EIDL). Our original round of funding, which was provided by repurposing some of the STL Partnership loan funds and with contributions from a coalition of 10 banks, provided us the opportunity to provide $5,000 loans to 120 county businesses. We have provided funds to nearly all of the 120 businesses and will reach that total within the next few days.
In addition, last week the St. Louis County Port Authority approved providing $1 million to the Small Business Resource Program to provide $5,000 small transition loans to 150 St. Louis County small businesses with a preference to the distressed areas in the Promise Zone areas of North St. Louis County and Lemay in South County. The objective is to help these businesses with immediate needs and help connect them to the larger federal resources. The Port funding also provides funding for technical assistance to the businesses and discretionary small $500 grants for a specific business need for those that might not qualify for the $5,000 loan program. Council members, chambers and associations within these areas will be involved in helping with outreach to the small businesses.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses.
Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.
If your business is impacted by the COVID-19, here are some facts for you to know
- There is no collateral needed for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan
- Best source is to go to is the U.S. Small Business Administration – SBA.GOV/DISASTER
- There are $350 billion lined up to help small business during the COVID-19 crisis – help is on the way!
- Depending on your business needs (small business up to 500 employees), you can apply for up to $10 Million in funding.
- Your funding must be used for regular operating expenses; payroll, utilities, supplies, normal purchasing.
- The loan will be forgiven up to 8 weeks of expenses if you follow the rules and guidelines. In other words, it will turn a ‘loan’ into a grant if you don’t ask for more money that you need in an 8-week time period. The SBA can guide you down the right road to help you.
- The SBA has ramped up support, staffing and they are ready to serve you!
- The SBA is working with local banks and credit unions to expedite payments – Your local banker can help you with this process.
- Sole proprietors and 1099 employees are included in this relief effort.
- Non-profits: 501(c)3 & 6 are eligible for funding via the SBA for COVID-19.
- Faith based programs offering childcare, soup kitchens and food pantries are eligible for funding via the SBA for COVID-19.
Paycheck Protection Program Guidance
The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
The Gateway Resilience Fund
This fund will provide short term monetary relief to employees and owners of independent bars, restaurants, and shops in the St. Louis area affected by closures and other circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak. Apply or Donate Now
City Resource Pages for COVID-19
City of Manchester & Their Small Business Resources – Click Here to Learn More.
Latest News from our Local School Districts
Rockwood School District Updates
Additional Resources
St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force
The St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force is an unprecedented collaboration that includes BJC HealthCare, Mercy, SSM Health and St. Luke’s. The St. Louis metropolitan area’s largest health care systems are working together to coordinate capacity, staffing, supplies and other issues to prepare for a coming surge of patients. The Task Force is also coordinating with public health departments, elected leaders and state and federal agencies to provide the best possible care to patients.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber has released a comprehensive resource kit for businesses.
Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has a great resource page for Missouri employers dealing with COVID-19.
St. Louis Regional Chamber
The St. Louis Regional Chamber has created a COVID-19 Regional Business Information Center including business resources and coronavirus toolkits.
West St. Louis County Chamber Takes Action
Members in Action
We have collected resources and updates from members as they’ve come in, and they are listed below. Each entry is updated as information becomes available. Please know, we are diligently working for your community throughout this challenging situation. Our businesses need us now more than ever. Please consider purchasing services, product and/or gift cards from fellow Chamber members to help them withstand the current pandemic. If you are a Chamber Member that would like to be added to this page for COVID-19 resources, please email Heather at HZerweck@westcountychamber.com.
H&R Block: is supporting communities nationwide by thanking frontline workers with free tax preparation – Visit their website for more information.
Alliance Technologies, LLC: Companies are learning where the pain points are as the transition to a remote model, both from a business continuity perspective and the way their staffing has changed. Alliance Technologies, LLC is offering complimentary Zoom sessions to hear what people are facing and beginning to plan out our resource allocation to service those needs appropriately. In the interest of being a good partner, they have decided to waive our onboarding fees (normally starting at $1,500) for new clients as a way to remove any barriers to getting the support they need. Visit their website for more information.
Kwik Kopy Business Solutions: 10% on online orders! Kwik Kopy Business Solutions specializes in digital and offset printing, mailing, business and much more. Contact Jason and his team at www.kwipkopystl.com today!
Marriott Residence Inn / Courtyard St Louis West County: Rooms are available and clean! They are taking extra precautions for any guests staying at their facility. If you are displaced because of the COVID-19 outbreak because of a cancelled or postponed project, need temporary housing while you work in St. Louis, or are currently working outside your home and need a place to stay, contact Marriott Residence Inn/Courtyard St. Louis West County at 314-339-7500.
SERVPRO Services: SERVPRO of South Ballwin/Fenton/West Kirkwood/Sunset Hills and SERVPRO of South Chesterfield/Wildwood are here to help! SERVPRO franchise professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC.
ADP TotalSource: Steve Ryman with ADP TotalSource is helping businesses who have questions about whether they should furlough employees, put them on unemployment, what the government is doing, and much more. ADP has put together an Employer Preparedness Toolkit that offers insights on how to manage this developing situation, including steps to ensure employee safety and business resilience. View these resources. Reach out to Steve at 314-482-6285 or Steve.Ryman@ADP.com with any questions!
Spectrum Business: Kim Michaels with Spectrum Business is helping individuals and businesses with internet and phone services. To learn more, contact Kim at 636-212-1557 or kim.michaels@charter.com today.
LegalShield/IDShield: Deborah Russell with LegalShield/IDShield is reaching out to help those who need identity theft protection and alerting everyone to be watchful for fraud. She is also assisting anyone who needs low-cost legal advice and a will. You can contact Deborah at myshieldinfo@gmail.com or 314-306-2845.
Two Men and a Truck: Two Men and a Truck is offering free next day delivery on all box and packing supply bundles! Call 314-963-7766 for information.
CORA Physical Therapy: CORA Physical Therapy have increased patient access to their telehealth platform now available in CORA Communities everywhere! Visit their website for more information.
EPS Networks: is a technology consulting firm that helps small to medium sized businesses get the most from their technology. We provide solutions for Disaster Recovery, Cloud, Voice, Cybersecurity, Microsoft, and a “Complete IT” package to manage your IT problems, & support your employees IT needs. They can help you with your remote work from home needs. You can contact Justin Schneller and this team at EPS Networks at: j.schneller@epsnetworks.com or 314-705-8073.
Dr. Kevin Postol | Family & Cosmetic Dentist | St. Louis: Their office is open but they are seeing limited patients to make sure they are maintaining a safe environment. If you need dental care or have a dental emergency, please call their office at 636-394-6044 or Dr. Postol on his cell 314-249-0123.
McGuire Furniture Rental and Sales: is open and has a ton of used office furniture at affordable prices! Call them today at (314) 997-4500.
West Newsmagazine: is continually sharing on social media about how to connect with businesses and looking for stories to share, especially about heroes in the community — businesses and people who are going above and beyond to help out. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
RANSON & ASSOCIATES, LLC: Shannon Ranson, MBA, CLF | AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE is here to help. They are fully staffed and working remotely to help their clients. Many people are exploring their life insurance policies right now and they have an agent who specializes in this type of insurance. If you need a quote, call them at (636) 391-4855 or email JRanson@amfam.com.
Movement 4 Life: offers resources to help people practicing social distancing to use their time at home to become happier, healthier, less painful, & more confident versions of themselves from the comfort & safety of their own homes. Online health coaching can help people who want to relieve pain, lose weight, improve nutrition, stay active while they can’t get to the gym, or manage stress naturally during these challenging times. Community members can request a FREE Online Health Coaching Consult today.
WCC Connecting our Community Video Series
If you are a Chamber member who would like to schedule a zoom call for “Connecting our Community” with Lori, please email her at LKelling@westcountychamber.com.
Lori Kelling & Heather Zerweck with the Chamber – Video
St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page – Video
Congresswoman Ann Wagner – Video
Tabitha Sarris with St. Louis Regional Chamber – Video
Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge with St. Louis Lambert International Airport – Video
Jill Gray with Higher Focus Photography LLC – Video
Mark Harder with St. Louis County Council, District 7 – Video
City of Wildwood Mayor Jim Bowlin and Economic Development Manager Julian Jacquin – Video
Kelley Lamm with Chesterfield Lifestyle Magazine – Video
Jason Jester with Kwik Kopy Business Solutions – Video
David Berger with Envision by Design – Video
Katie Thomas with BlueKeyCBD – Video
Meredith McVehil with Dave Ramsey Preferred Money Coach – Video
Henry Lovelace with Wild Horse Fitness – Video
Mayor of the City of Ellisville, Mike Roemerman – Video
Dr. Chad Doles with HealthSource of Ballwin – Video
Aaron Golchert with The BeLocal Guide of West County & GoatDangle – Video
Alex Fees with Rockwood School District – Video
Dr. Dave Candy with Movement 4 Life – Video
What Our Members Say About Us
"The West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce truly lives up to the community model of business. We share a belief that we are all in this together to build up our community and help businesses flourish so they can provide great jobs...The opportunities to get involved are endless. At the West County Chamber, members like each other. Come join us!"
Bruce Sheridan, Organizational Compass Inc.
"The West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce is a great place to meet others! The goal of the Chamber is to help members promote their business and contribute to the community in a fun and friendly atmosphere!"
John Hoover, U.S. Bank Home Mortgage
"This is a great Chamber for making business connections and getting involved with the local communities. I have met many friends through my involvement with the West County Chamber of Commerce."
Robin Monks, Cetera Investors
"Joining the Chamber has helped advanced our business during good times and bad. Glad we made the commitment to join over ten years ago. There is no better place to develop your business than the West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce!!!"
Sandy Chestnas, Owner SERVPRO of Fenton/South Ballwin
"The Chamber and member businesses are a critical part of Ellisville’s success. An investment in The Chamber strengthens our entire region and is simply good business."
Mayor Mike Roemerman, City of Ellisville
"The West County Chamber of Commerce continually provides the Parkway School District with business and community connections that ultimately benefit our students and educators. They willingly share information about the school district with the larger community. Information from the West St. Louis Chamber assists Parkway in our future planning. We very much appreciate our partnership."
Keith Marty, Superintendent Parkway School District
"This is the most amazing chamber I have ever seen! Lori Kelling and Heather Zerweck are the dynamic duo 🙂 They bring so much energy and a truly amazing culture to the West County Chamber of Commerce. The connections I created have made such a positive impact on my business!!"
Jay Grosman, Owner/Founder iAutoAgent
"The West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce has helped me grow my business for the past four years. Through their various networking meetings and events I've made business connections and friendships I otherwise wouldn't have. Their website and Facebook page are also a great resources for keeping up with local information and events."
Courtney Ruder, Ruder Realty