Updates and Resources for Business
NAMM continues to monitor and post developments related to COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the advisements from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), among others, daily. We encourage NAMM members from outside the USA to contact their domestic business administration institutions and/or Chamber of Commerce, as well as their local music industry associations to learn about assistance available in your countries.
Disclaimers: Readers should be aware that given the unpredictability of the COVID-19 crisis, the federal government may alter its relief programs at any time. The information presented on this website is accurate as of the date of the posting.
The webinars below are intended as informational only and are not eligible for Professional Development credits or certificates.
Latest Updates
SBA Announces PPP Re-Opening and Issues New Guidance
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced yesterday that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. Initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guidance outlining Program changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility was released on January 6 in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.
“This updated guidance enhances the PPP’s targeted relief to small businesses most impacted by COVID-19.” said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. “We are committed to implementing this round of PPP quickly to continue supporting American small businesses and their workers.”
Key PPP updates include:
- PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
- PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
- The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
- The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
- Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
- Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:
- Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
- Has no more than 300 employees; and
- Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. Borrowers may choose any quarter for the year-over-year comparison.
The new guidance released includes:
- PPP Guidance from SBA Administrator Carranza on Accessing Capital for Minority, Underserved, Veteran, and Women-owned Business Concerns;
- Interim Final Rule on Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act; and
- Interim Final Rule on Second Draw PPP Loans.
For more information on SBA’s assistance to small businesses, visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares.
IRS Guidance Issued: Eligible PPP Expenses Now Deductible
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service issued guidance yesterday, allowing deductions for the payments of eligible expenses when such payments would result (or be expected to result) in the forgiveness of a loan (covered loan) under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
December 2020 COVID-19 Relief Package Explained
On Sunday, December 27, President Donald Trump signed the $2.3 trillion coronavirus relief and government funding bill into law, averting a government shutdown, and extending billions of dollars in coronavirus aid to millions. The bipartisan legislation provides much-needed relief to hard-hit businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has fundamentally altered our nation’s music and arts landscape with small business owners, manufacturers, employees, independent contractors, and music educators, among others, facing serious economic hardship.
View an informal 30-minute webinar summarizing the top-line relief provisions impacting NAMM member businesses. Or, read a summary of the relief package.
Since last March, NAMM has been at the forefront of advocacy and member education efforts concerning federal relief to assist NAMM members, their employees and family members, as well as countless others in the music industry.
President Trump Signs COVID Relief Package
On Sunday, December 27, President Donald Trump signed the $2.3 trillion coronavirus relief and government funding bill into law, averting a government shutdown, and extending billions of dollars in coronavirus aid to millions.
The $900B Coronavirus Stimulus Package and the $1.4T Appropriations Legislation provide aid for small businesses, schools, employees, gig workers, and venues. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation provides much-needed relief to hard-hit businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has fundamentally altered our nation’s music and arts landscape with small business owners, manufacturers, employees, independent contractors, and music educators, among others, facing serious economic hardship.
The legislation includes funding for:
- Small Business – a new round of forgivable PPP loans available
- Education
- Unemployment Insurance
- Direct payments to Individuals
- Tax Provisions
- Grants for Shuttered Venue Operators
- Coronavirus Relief Fund Extension
Read a complete December 22 summary of the package.
Employee COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance Released
Last week the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released new guidance on the extent to which employers can require employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Essentially, employers can require mandatory vaccines, as long they allow employees to receive the vaccine from a third party that does not have a contract with the employer and allow for reasonable accommodations under the ADA and Title VII.
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Past Webinars
Additional COVID-19 Resources
Music Retail Resources
Business Relief Resources
- NAMM Issues and Advocacy Resources
- Key Provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act")
- Paycheck Protection Program: US Treasury Borrowers Fact Sheet and Q&A
- SBA Paycheck Protection Details
- Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Respond to Covid-19 – Small Business Administration
- Step-By-Step Guide to Help Small Business Prepare to Access Fund
Global Resources
Overall
Australia
Austria
Brazil
Canada
- Canadian Music Trades COVID-19 Relief Updates
- Managing Financial Health in Challenging Times Guide
- The Government of Canada COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
- Retail Council of Canada Covid-19 Resources for Retailers
- Ontario Government Covid-19 Resource page
- Canadian Musician Trade: "Pushing Through the Pandemic"
France
- Coronavirus Information from the Government of France
- Updates from the French Music Instrument Makers Association (CSFI)
Germany
- German Government Aid for artists and self employed in creative industries
- Corona crisis: useful information
- Germany’s Society of Music Merchants SOMM COVID-19 website
India
Russia
Italy
Spain
United Kingdom
House of Worship Resources
Now more than ever, the connections and sense of community provided by houses of worship are critical. To best navigate this new normal, take advantage of these following resources, with cutting-edge ideas, tips and technologies to help your worship service continue to thrive.
Community
Live Streaming
- NAMM Webinar: House of Worship Streaming and Production in the COVID-19 Era
- Church Video + Streaming Handbook
- How to Live Stream Your Worship Service
- Top 5 Mistakes Churches Make About Streaming
- 5 Easy Steps to Your Best Church Streaming System
- Tips for Live-Streaming Your Worship Service
- Online Church Studio Tour | Broadcast Setup for Small Churches
- Live Streaming Setup for Churches 2020
- Perfecting Audio and Video for Livestream Church Services
- How to Livestream Worship Audio
Technology and Tools
Individual Relief Resources
Emergency Funding For Artists / Music Industry Professionals
- Federal State/Local Benefit Finder
- American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) Relief Fund
- Artist Relief Tree
- Equal Sound Corona Relief Fund
- MusicCare's Covid-19 Relief Fund
- Musicians Foundation’s Covid-19 Emergency Aid Grant Program
- SoundGirls Coronavirus Relief (for production techs who are now unemployed)
- Sweet Relief’s COVID-19 Fund
- American Federation Of Musicians
- The Blues Foundation’s HART Fund
- International Bluegrass Music Association’s Bluegrass Trust Fund
- Jazz Foundation’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund
- Music Health Alliance
- Small Business Administration’s Guidance & Loan Resources (COVID-19)
Emergency Funding for Musicians Infected with Covid-19 who Require Intensive Care
Mental Health Resources
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: text “HOME” to 741-741
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Support Act Wellbeing Helpline (free, confidential counseling service) for anyone working in music in Australia: call 1-800-959-500 or email admin@supportact.org.au
- Backline: a hub for artists, industry professionals and their families to access mental health and wellness resources
- Centers for Disease Control’s tips for managing anxiety & stress in regard to Covid-19
- Tour Support: response to COVID-19 includes providing one month of free online therapy through Better Help to independent touring contractors who are unemployed or were planning to join a tour that has been postponed or canceled)
- Jazz Foundation’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund
- Music Health Alliance
- Small Business Administration’s Guidance & Loan Resources (Covid-19)
Instrument Cleaning Resources
- NAMM's COVID-19 and Instrument Cleaning
- Third Round of Performing Arts Aerosol Study: Written Report of Data, Video Conversation of Results (with Lead Researchers and Co-Chairs), Let's Talk About Transmission (Video)
- The Piano Technicians Guild Suggestions for Safely Disinfecting Pianos
- CSFI's Good Practice Guide
- She Shreds Magazine's How to Disinfect Musical Instruments
- Volwein's Music: Instrument Hygiene for Musicians
- Connolly Music's Cleaning Your Brass Instruments
- CDC Cleaning Surfaces Guidelines
- Infection Control: Keeping Your Music Instruments Clean and Safe
- National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians's Instrument Cleanliness
- Amro Music's Video Series on Sanitizing Instruments: Wind Instruments, Stringed Instruments, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, Flute, Saxophone, French Horn.
- How to Sanitize Your Guitar By PRS Guitars
Live Event/Sound Resources
- PLSN/FOH Covid-19 Entertainment Technology Economic Impact Survey
- Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide
- MusiCares Coronavirus Relief Fund
- ESTA COVID-19 Resources
- USITT Industry Resources
- Lighting&Sound America COVID-19 Resources
- Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc. (SETC): COVID-19 Theatre Resources List
- Magnum Co.: Social Distancing Gig Guide: Tips for the COVID19 Downtime
- Live Design Magazine: Coronavirus Resources: Free Online Audio Training
- Front of House Magazine: Live Event Production COVID-19 Resources
- Sound and Communications AV Industry Video Chats About COVID-19
- 4Wall Blog - Resources and Training for Continued Learning