Chamber Today: SBA issues PPP guidance on laid-off employees

SBA Issues PPP Guidance on Laid-off Employees
Who Refuse to be Rehired
Businesses that received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans can exclude laid-off employees from loan forgiveness reduction calculations if the employees turn down a written offer to be rehired, according to new guidance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which warned that employees who reject offers of reemployment may find themselves ineligible to continue receiving unemployment benefits. Also: SBA allows increased PPP loans to partnerships, extends safe harbor to May 18

Ellie’s Grand (Re)Opening! – May 20
A Message from Ellie’s: “Almost exactly one year ago we opened the doors to Ellie’s at 225 Weybosset Street for the very first time. Today we’re overjoyed to inform you of Ellie’s grand (re)opening, which will involve a gradual return to service beginning with pre-order breakfast, lunch, and dinner takeaway starting on Wednesday, May 20th!”

Getting to a New Normal for Our Kids
A Message from Governor Gina Raimondo: “Today, I want to talk about how we can preserve some of the activities our kids are looking forward to – graduation, summer camp, and sports – while keeping them safe from COVID-19.”

DUE MONDAY: Action Items for RI Business Owners
If you are reopening your business in Phase 1, please note that you must complete and sign the following documents by Monday, May 18: 1) COVID-19 Control Plan and 2) COVID-19 Checklist.

RI Student Loan Authority Launches Free Service
to Help Employers Implement Tax Free Repayment
of Employee Student Loans
The Rhode Island Student Loan Authority recently announced it will offer complimentary assistance to companies that wish to implement a student loan repayment program for employees, which will now be a tax free benefit included in the recently passed Federal stimulus legislation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social Enterprise Greenhouse Launches
COVID-19 Response Incubator
Social Enterprise Greenhouse has announced the launch of its new COVID-19 Response Incubator, a seven-week virtual incubator targeting the social and public health challenges that have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

Today’s Big Question:
Why Does Everyone Want A Dog?
One of the bright spots amid the coronavirus pandemic has been the spike in pet rescues. Though shelters are closed, video meet-and-greets, online profiles, and curbside adoptions have helped some shelters and rescues empty their kennels.

F.L. Putnam Investment Management Company
Hires RI Wealth Exec. Peter Miniati as Private Client Advisor
F.L. Putnam Investment Management Company has announced that Peter Miniati, CFP®, JD has joined the firm as a Private Client Advisor in the firm’s Providence office. Mr. Miniati expands F.L.Putnam’s local team to eight professionals.