Andrew P. DunningHelping businesses during COVID-19
Our state’s small businesses suffered enormous challenges due to the impact of COVID-19. Many are struggling financially and do not have funding for legal help. It is for this reason that Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, local volunteer attorneys and law firms, and Clark County are coming together to create a Small Business Legal Advice Project. With this project, Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada will match volunteer attorneys with small business owners who have legal questions.
In addition, Clark County is now accepting applications for the Small Business Stabilization Grant to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19 closures and restrictions. Applications may be submitted beginning June 17 through June 24, 2020. Information about this grant program and other programs to help local small businesses is found here.
The Small Business Legal Advice Project will answer questions about these topics:
- Understanding Emergency Directives and the impacts on business
- Employment issues
- Independent contractor issues and financial assistance options available
- Commercial evictions – when and to what extent are evictions permitted and what are tools business owners can use to mitigate issues
- COVID-19 liability and when businesses might be liable for COVID-19 consequences experienced by business patrons and customers
- FMLA benefits and what employers are expected to provide their employees under Covid-19 guidelines
The Small Business Legal Advice Project is not providing advice or services related to:
- Taxes
- Criminal matters
- Direct legal representation in a case
Eligibility requirements:
- Projected business profit decrease of more than 25% since March 12, 2020
- Total business employees must be 25 or fewer as of March 1, 2020
- You have no financial means to hire an attorney based on current economic conditions
Process:
Applicants must complete the online intake form and read the disclaimer and certification. This information will be reviewed for an eligibility determination. Eligible applicants will be notified and contacted by a pro bono attorney for an intake interview. The intake attorney may request supporting eligibility documentation and conduct a telephone interview to determine the specific assistance needed. The intake attorney will complete the appointment or, if the matter is complicated, may refer to a second participating attorney to respond to legal questions.
Please note if the intake form is incomplete and/or the certification is not signed and/or supporting documentation does not verify the information provided, we are not able to provide the requested legal assistance.
Click here for the online application form. Complete all of the fields and read the Disclaimer and Certification before submitting.
Small Business Resources:
As a part of the 2020 Economic Equity Tour, Caesars Foundation is offering a series of webinars from July 17th – October 9th that small business owners can sign up for to develop business and marketing skills. If you are interested click here to sign up.