Additional COVID-19 resources

For the most comprehensive, up to date information nationally and locally please visit the State of Connecticut COVID-19 portal and the CDC COVID-19 Resource page.

On behalf of the staff at Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board, we would like to offer a brief update on how COVID-19 is impacting our programs and customer service and the steps we are taking to ensure the safety of our community and staff. As the virus increasingly impacts our communities, we are adapting out practices to ensure we can continue to provide limited services to our customers. We are reviewing information daily from reliable sources like the CDC to ensure the decisions we make prioritize the safety and health of residents and vendors who provide services to our region. After careful consideration, effective March 17th, please be informed of the following precautionary actions:

The NRWIB office located within the comprehensive American Job Center, at 249 Thomaston Avenue in Waterbury, CT will remain open for staff but is closed to the public for further notice. The American Job Centers throughout the state have closed their doors to the public as of 12 PM March 18th, 2020. We encourage you to visit ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-online to file your initial claim or continue to file your weekly claims. Our affiliate offices located at 185 Main Street in Danbury and 59 Field Street in Torrington will also remain open for staff only and closed to the public. Any questions regarding this and or services, please contact the executive Director by email at Catherine.Awwad@nrwib.org.
If office closure becomes necessary we will send out an updated communication on our website and social media platforms. We are proactively preparing staff to have the ability to telework should our office shutdown completely going forward. We understand that the coronavirus is a cause of concern throughout our state and we are taking the matter very seriously and staying informed as best as we can. Thank you for your understanding. Please check back periodically for continued updates.

The NRWIB staff is currently assisting the CT Department of Labor in providing basic information about unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 public health crisis. You may call with questions at any of the following numbers:

(203) 574-6971
(203) 730-0451
(860) 496-3500
SPANISH (203) 755-5117

The same information is available by viewing these Frequently asked questions by CTDOL, or downloading this PDF about questions about filing.

If you are a client of JFES, SNAP, HUSKY or use any DSS services, you can find information here.

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

CT Recovery Bridge Loan Program

To provide emergency cash flow relief to small businesses and nonprofits negatively impacted by the coronavirus, Connecticut is now offering qualifying organizations with 100 or fewer employees access to no-interest loans. Under the Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan program, a qualifying business or nonprofit organization can apply for a loan of up to $75,000 or three months of operating expenses (whichever is lesser). This $25 million short-term emergency loan program will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The program will be administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and expedited with the administrative and underwriting support of Connecticut Innovations.

Eligibility
To be considered for this program, your business or nonprofit must:

Have no more than 100 employees
Be in good standing with the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) & DECD
Have been profitable prior to March 10, 2020— with no adverse personal credit reports 60 days past due the past six months
Not be involved in real estate, multi-level marketing, adult entertainment, cannabis or firearms; nor be a state elected public official or state employee

Terms & Conditions

Loan maximum of (a) $75,000 or (b) three months operating expenses, whichever is less
0% interest rate
12-month term, with 6-month extension available per request
Freely pre-payable
Working capital loan
Personal guarantee and credit score required

How to Apply

Click here to apply

If you are a small business with operations effected by COVID-19 please check the links below for assistance:
Governor Lamont's Executive Order - COVID - 19
English - SBA Disaster Assistance News release
Spanish - SBA asistencia en caso de desastre a las pequeñas empresas
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan information
SBA resource guide to loan information
IRS information regarding payroll & taxes

EMPLOYER RESOURCES

Northwestern CT Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Resource Guide

JOB SEEKER RESOURCES/JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE

If you are seeking employment, please see a list of employers hiring essential workers immediately by clicking HERE.

To make an appointment for a virtual/over the phone employment support session with Career Resource, INC please click here.

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE DUE TO JOB LOSS OR OTHER MAJOR LIFE EVENT?

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Access Health CT announced a NEW Special Enrollment Period for qualified uninsured Connecticut residents. This Special Enrollment Period will be open from March 19 to April 2, 2020. To see if you are eligible call 855-805-4325 (TTY: 1- 855-365-2428).

Click here to learn more about this special enrollment period

CHILDCARE RESOURCES

Search for a childcare program near you via 2-1-1

The Goddard School - Danbury

AaBbCc Early Learning Center of Danbury