Economy
Economic stability and recovery is a key focus of the County. Our Economic Impact & Recovery team has been formed to
1) Minimize the current and future impacts on local businesses and retain as many jobs as possible
2) Serve as a conduit of information and resources for businesses, community stakeholders, and residents suffering hardship during this time.
Community Partners Grant Program
The Community Partners Grant Program aims to provide short-term economic support after identifying a need in order to successfully innovate amid recovery.
Salt Lake County’s strong relationships with partners like local chambers of commerce, housing authorities, legal aid, after-school programs, rental/mortgage assistance, and cultural arts are integral to successfully navigating the pandemic in our diverse communities.
The application is open to organizations from September 18-October 2, 2020.
Kem C. Gardner Institute: Salt Lake County Economy: What's on the Horizon?
Read the September 2020 Report Here.
SLCo Small Business Impact Grant
The $40 million program, funded through the County’s CARES Act allocation, is intended to aid businesses most severely debilitated during COVID-19. With a maximum award amount of $35,000, the SBIG is expected to benefit thousands of businesses.
Applications for Round 2 are open until 5 p.m. Sept. 18, 2020.
SLCo Small Business Impact Grant Information & Application
Economic Impact Information Portal
The Economic Impact Information Portal was created to address a gap in local economic indicators after surveying cities in the valley at the beginning of COVID-19. The tool provides targeted support to municipalities by increasing accessibility to local data and visualizing indicators, like monthly sales tax disbursements, Class B & C Road Funds, and a model of fiscal impact.
One of the dashboards in the Portal visualizes historic taxable sales comparing 2019 and 2020, showing decreases in multiple major business NAICS categories beginning with the onslaught of COVID-19 cases in Utah. However, it also shows that some industries saw increases – food and beverage stores, online retailers and building and gardening suppliers for home improvement.
Access the tool for impact insight.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) data for Salt Lake County
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released data on PPP recipients in Utah. From those spreadsheets, Salt Lake County has created a new dashboard on the Economic Impact Info Portal visualizing the number of recipients, cities they're located, industries that received aid, lenders who facilitated the aid, and the names of businesses receiving $1+ million dollar loans.
View the dashboard here: https://slco.org/slcomunidata
Download Salt Lake County's 7/6/2020 PPP data spreadsheet.
Download Salt Lake County's 8/8/2020 PPP data spreadsheet.
Consumer Sentiment Survey — July 2020
View the latest assessment of Salt Lake County Consumers here.
Consumer Sentiment Survey — May 2020
In early May, Salt Lake County staff dedicated to evaluating COVID-19's regional economic impact commissioned a Consumer Sentiment Survey, after seeing a gap in data available on the other half of the business reopening equation: consumer behavior and attitudes.
A high number of those surveyed -- 81% -- said they were more likely to visit a business if those businesses were following local health and safety guidelines. Respondents emphatically said they would feel much more or somewhat more comfortable if businesses:
- Sanitized high touch surfaces regularly
- Provided sanitizer in prominent locations
- Encouraged and maintained social distancing between customers
- Provided minimal contact and pick-up options
- Required daily symptom checks for all employee
Explore the entire Consumer Sentiment Survey by Y2 Analytics here.
Economic Impact Working Group
This group leads discussion, policy, and programs in the County and with municipal counterparts and other key regional stakeholders. To join EIWG's meetings and updates, email jcarroll@slco.org.
Support Utah Businesses
Stay Safe, Stay Open
Businesses Beware
(English/عربى/Español/中文/Tiếng Việt/)
- There are absolutely no fees necessary for businesses to file applications for federal or state aid. Do not work with organizations that tell you otherwise. It is recommended that you work with your existing bank or credit union should you have one, or find one from these legitimate sources: Utah Bankers Association or Utah's Credit Unions.
Boost Business Bingo
Bluffdale
Cottonwood Heights
- Cottonwood Heights COVID-19 information
- Cottenwood Heights Business Licensing
- Cottonwood Heights restaurants open during COVID-19
Downtown Alliance
- “Tip Your Server” Fundraiser: Donate to Salt Lake City food and beverage workers displaced by the coronavirus. More than $170,000 has already been raised. Establishments can select up to 5 employees to nominate for $500 grants.
Draper
Draper First
The City announced a new partnership in August 2020 with South Valley Chamber and Draper Journal to publish a monthly glossy insert in the Draper Journal promoting and highlighting local business reaching 15,000 residents. Business features, spotlight and directory advertising fees have all been covered by Draper City.
This will extend for a six-month period. For more information in participating, email: jeremy@southvalleychamber.com.
Other efforts:
- City Council adopted Ordinance 1430, allowing businesses to obtain temporary permits for extending the post of signs and waiving signage fees for those who file between March 20-September 19.
- Sign up for weekly information alerts by emailing info@draper.ut.us.
- All other COVID-19 updates
Herriman
City Shop Around Program
Other COVID Efforts
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Herriman business signage regulations for temporary sign permits are suspended to allow businesses to communicate they are open during the COVID-19 outbreak. Temporary signs must be placed on private property and may not create an unsafe condition or public nuisance.
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Building inspections will continue to be conducted. All business can be conducted by phone or online, (801) 446-5327. Meetings with the Planning Department and all other departments will be held electronically. Contact the respective departments to request virtual meetings.
Holladay
- Information for small businesses.
- Business Licenses Renewals have been delayed for 90 days, beginning March 16. Email any other questions to mlemmon@cityofholladay.com.
- In order to help Holladay businesses, the city added an addendum to their emergency proclamation to suspend portions on the city’s sign ordinance.
Midvale
- Resources for Midvale businesses
- Restrictions lifted on temporary sign ordinance for businesses to advertise adjustments to their services
- Declared March 13, and ongoing for 30 days, the city announced a local emergency during which commercial and residential water service will not be disconnected for non-payment.
- The City launched a "Keep Calm and Carry Out" social media campaign for restaurants.
Millcreek
Small Retail Business Promotion Grant
- Have a current Millcreek Business License as of January 31, 2020
- Demonstrate a business interruption caused by required closures due to the COVID-19 public health emergency totaling at least $5,000 of reduced retail revenue
- RECEIVE: Up to $5,000 in reimbursement for business advertising
- May include social media and digital promotions; direct mail; coupons; advertising space in print or online newspapers, magazines, or websites; radio; television; outdoor billboards or signage; flyers, doorhangers, and other printed materials; logoed T-shirts, hats, or merchandise; event sponsorships; or other legitimate marketing outreach to encourage increased sales and/or brand awareness. Cannot include consulting, payroll, or agency fees.
Apply to Millcreek between August 1 - August 31, 2020 HERE
Other COVID Efforts
- The city is waiving its sign ordinance to allow A-framed signs, balloons and banners.
- The Millcreek Business Council is asking businesses in the city to take the Millcreek COVID-19 Business Impact Survey.
- Businesses with license renewal in February, March, or April are allowed to pay up to 90 days late without late fee.
- "Millcreek is Open" weekly e-newsletter highlights local businesses still operating during COVID-19. Email businesscouncil@millcreek.us to get your business information on the list.
Murray
Riverton
- Beginning March 19, Riverton issued a directive to lift restrictions on permitted signs. For the following 60 days, the city allows temporary freestanding and wall-mounted banner signs to be installed without a sign permit. Questions surrounding temporary signage can be directed to the Riverton City Planning Department at 801-208-3138 or planning@rivertonutah.gov.
- Fill out a business survey from South Valley Chamber.
- Other Riverton COVID-19 Business Resources
- List of local restaurants
Salt Lake City
Sandy
Shop Sandy
- Sandy City is allowing a 90-day extension on business license renewal fees. Businesses needing an extension on business license renewals are encouraged to call the business license department at (801) 568-7252.
- Businesses needing to advertise changes in services or hours are able to use A-frames, banners, balloons, etc in park strips during this time.
- Those needing assistance with utility billing should call (801) 568-7110.
South Jordan
- If you have any questions, contact Brian Preece, Director of City Commerce, at bpreece@sjc.utah.gov.
South Salt Lake
- If you are unable to pay bills due to employment being impacted by COVID-19, please contact Utility Billing at (801) 483-6074 or by emailing utility@sslc.com to discuss alternative options.
- South Salt Lake COVID-19 Resources
Taylorsville
- Business Coronavirus Information Handout
- Letter from the Taylorsville Mayor
- Taylorsville City Surviving the Coronavirus -- Tips For Businesses
West Valley City
- As of March 17, West Valley City will no longer receive building permit applications in person; applications must be submitted online through the West Vally City Building Inspections website.
- For questions regarding West Valley City business concerns email nate.webster@wvc-ut.gov. Businesses can also visit West Valley City's COVID-19 relief page
Department of Workforce Services
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Rental Assistance Program:
Housing and Community Development Division launched a new Rental Assistance Program on May 11 for renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and ineligible for unemployment benefits. More than $4 million is available through several programs, which will be implemented by regional agencies throughout the state. Call 2-1-1 for details in your area.
COVID-19 Commercial Rental Assistance Program
- For businesses that have a current lease on a commercial property in the state that is the principal place of business, with fewer than 100 employees, and experiencing 50% or more loss of gross monthly revenue after March 1, 2020. More details, including qualifications, can be found at the State's Commercial Rental Assistance Program.
- Apply to the Commercial Rental Assistance Program.
Statewide Business Resources
- Resources curated by the Governor's Office of Economic Development
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Submit a Help Request to the state's Rapid Response Team
- Replies to unanswered questions from Utah businesses regarding the SBA loan programs.
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Navigating COVID-19: How to Save Your Business Series
- A forum providing direction to Utah businesses for help navigating the economic and health crisis, hosted by former Secretary of U.S. Health and Human Services and former Gov. Mike Leavitt.
Utah Leads Together Small Business Bridge Loan Program
- For businesses with 50 or fewer employees impacted by COVID-19, in loan amounts from $5,000-$20,000 with 0% interest for up to 60 months. Apply for the Small Business Bridge Loan Program.
- ROUND 2: Apply during April 13-16. Those who applied in Round 1 are automatically reconsidered for Round 2 if you did not receive a reward in Round 1.
General Overview
Read an overview of major federal programs and resources. The overview touches on the following:
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- Department of Labor
- U.S. Department of Treasury
- U.S. Economic Development Administration
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)
- U.S. Commercial Service
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- CDC
- World Trade Center (WTC) Utah
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Paycheck Protection Program
- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is sharing a Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
- 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.
SBA Utah District Office
NACCED COVID-19 Resource Page
- National Association for County Community and Economic Development is working to expand funding and resources for key housing and community development programs.
Coronavirus Small Business Issues and Solutions Guide : ChamberofCommerce.org
6 issues and questions businesses are facing:
- My small business qualifies as an “essential service” and is still open. How do I run my business effectively while minimizing the risk of infection for employees and customers?
- My small business is experiencing inventory and supply chain disruptions and we cannot keep certain products stocked.
- I am unclear about my insurance coverage during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
- My business has shifted to a Work-From-Home Policy. How do I manage employees effectively?
- How do I adjust my approach to marketing in the wake of this situation?
Private Companies' Small Business Grants Programs
- Grants available from Facebook for up to 30,000 businesses with 2-50 employees, for a total of $1 million in cash and advertising credits available.
- Google is pledging millions of dollars in grants, ad credits, and cloud credits.
- National Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
- SLCo Health Department shareable resources
- Compare the different federal and state loan programs.
- "Save Your Business" series by the University of Utah's Eccles School of Business. This series takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays. Register here.
Watch the first seminar from April 3, featuring former Gov. Mike Leavitt, Sen. Mitt Romney, ecologist Steve Alder, and other key Utah professionals.
- Google has created a webpage to help small businesses update their online information to reflect new work hours and other COVID-19 changes. Visit their page.
- Pluralsight remote courses for free
- 16 Remote Working LinkedIn professional development courses
Utah Policy: Guest opinion: Building a resilient workforce & economy post-COVID19 requires looking at the future of jobs
Salt Lake Tribune: As economy reopens, Salt Lake County residents remain wary of coronavirus
Deseret News: Unemployment claims high, but decline for 7th week in a row as Utah businesses reopen
ABC4: Survey shows Salt Lake County resident concerns about engaging with businesses during COVID-19
ABC4: Salt Lake County research shows over 33k jobs have 98% risk of becoming automated
Gephardt Daily: Salt Lake County disburses CARES money to municipalities
KSL NewsRadio: Scammers target immigrant and refugee businesses seeking COVID-19 aid
Telemundo Utah: Estafadores tienen en la mira a comerciantes de Utah que buscan préstamos
KCPW: Forgivable loans to pay your employees and a hotline to connect you with economic help
Gephardt Daily: Salt Lake County launches Business Relief Hotline amid coronavirus pandemic