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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Resources for the Cooperative Business Community

NCBA CLUSA continues to closely monitor the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As the situation evolves, NCBA CLUSA is referring to guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization to inform our operations in the U.S. and in the 21 countries around the world in which we implement development projects.

As cooperatives everywhere face the impacts of COVID-19 on their businesses and communities, we are making the following resources available as a service to our members and the co-op community. In the webinars and information below, learn what you need to know to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan or Paycheck Protection Program from the U.S. Small Business Administration, get best practices on managing finances and cash flow during crisis, find legal and risk management tips on navigating business interruptions, and more.

If you have additional resources you would like to share with the co-op community, or if you have questions about COVID-19’s impact on your co-op, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Please note: The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this page is to promote understanding and knowledge of the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential effects on cooperative businesses. NCBA CLUSA is not providing advice on legal, health, or public health issues. Consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and federal and local authorities for more information related to public health. For legal advice, please consult with your attorney.

Thank you to our members for making the following resources—and our advocacy work—possible

As a membership association—comprised of co-ops, cooperative associations and those who support our mission of advancing the cooperative business model—NCBA CLUSA relies on our members for resources and strategic vision. If you’re not a member, please consider joining NCBA CLUSA. During this COVID-19 crisis, there has never been a more important time for co-ops to come together to defend and advocate for the cooperative business model.

Help support this work

Webinar: Demystifying SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans

Hosted by NCBA CLUSA and the U.S. Small Business Administration, this webinar offers advice on navigating the application process for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Watch now

Webinar: COVID-19 and the Co-op Business Community

NCBA CLUSA, law firm Dorsey and risk management leader Marsh provide advice on preparing your cooperative for potential business interruptions related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Watch now

Webinar: Managing Finances and Cash During Crisis

Hosted by NCBA CLUSA and Shared Capital Cooperative, this webinar offers advice on navigating the financial challenges caused by COVID-19, addressing issues ranging from cash flow management to working with vendors and lenders.

Watch now

Watch in Spanish

Apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan

In response to a coalition letter from the co-op community led by NCBA CLUSA, the U.S. Small Business Administration has made all small cooperative businesses eligible for its new Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). Intended to provide emergency relief to the economic impacts of COVID-19, this bill provides $10 billion in funding available for EIDLs. Cooperatives adversely affected by COVID-19 are encouraged to apply early for assistance in keeping their doors open and employees paid.

Apply here  FAQ Sheet

Apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan

In response to advocacy efforts by NCBA CLUSA and the co-op community, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has published an interim rule indicating that most cooperative sectors are eligible to access Paycheck Protection Program loans, including agriculture, purchasing, consumer food and worker co-ops. Created by the CARES Act, this program provides low-interest loans of up to $10 million—issued by private lenders and guaranteed by SBA—that can be forgiven if borrowers meet certain requirements.

Find an eligible lender  FAQ Sheet

Did your co-op apply for an SBA loan and receive funds? Let us know! 

Additional Resources

  • FAQ - Paycheck Protection Program View
  • FAQ - Emergency Disaster Loan View
  • FAQ- Employee Retention Tax Credit under the CARES Act View
  • PPP Loan Forgiveness Application View
  • COVID-19 Business Relief (ICA Group) View
  • Letter to Administrator Carranza - CARES Act View
  • Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance View
  • CUNA Mutual COVID-19 Resource Page View
  • Supporting Your Credit Union Through Difficult Times- CUNA View

COVID-19 news from NCBA CLUSA

Advocacy
PROMAC II gets fertilizer donation to avert hunger crisis in the wake of Covid 19 August 5, 2020 read more
Advocacy
In FY21 spending package, House preserves funding for critical cooperative development programs July 28, 2020 read more
Advocacy
Reimagining resilient food systems for food security post-COVID and beyond read more
Advocacy
From farm fields to grocery shelves, America’s cooperatives are bringing resilience to the country’s food supply read more
Advocacy
Reforms and investments needed for co-ops and small businesses to weather COVID-19, NCBA CLUSA says in letter to Congressional leaders July 22, 2020 read more
Advocacy
Local Organizations Can Provide Insight Essential to Mitigate Covid-19 Impacts July 9, 2020 read more