April 30, 2020 - Requirements from the Governor's Executive Order for Open Businesses
March 31, 2020 - Federal CARES Act Information & Other Resources
Information summarizing the key small business loan provisions of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The summary was prepared by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The following links are also provide helpful information to businesses: https://www.sba.gov/ (federal) and https://edpnc.com/nc-business-relief-resources-covid-19/ (state).
Companies that have the capability to produce or contribute products to assist during the COVID-19 crisis, are asked to register via the following sites:
Info: https://www.manufacturednc.com/news
In-take form: https://ncsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7R1zT6a3ffz96Hr
March 24, 2020
Golden LEAF announces $15M for NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program
The Golden LEAF Foundation announces $15 million in funding to launch a rapid recovery loan program in response to economic losses related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Golden LEAF funding will support the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program by enabling loans to be made to eligible businesses for up to $50,000 with zero interest and no payments for six months. If not repaid in six months, the loan will automatically convert to a term loan.
Small Buinsess Center Network Announces Free Webinars - full schedule is below under files.
No Charge, but pre-registration required! Contact your local Small Business Center or visit https://www.ncsbc.net/ to register
To read the press release visit
https://www.goldenleaf.org/news/golden-leaf-deploys-15m-for-nc-covid-19…
Press Release from the Governor's Office
Mar 19, 2020
RALEIGH: The U.S. Small Business Administration granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a disaster declaration for small businesses that are suffering economic losses due to the new Coronavirus, COVID-19.
“Many small businesses are desperate right now and this SBA approval will help,” said Governor Cooper. “Even more is needed and we will continue to push for additional assistance while we work to protect the health of North Carolinians.”
At the Governor’s request, the SBA granted a disaster declaration to small businesses across the state, allowing affected businesses to apply for low interest SBA disaster loans.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov.
Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or 1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, or by emailing disastercustomerservice [at] sba.gov. Loan application forms can also be downloaded at disasterloan.sba.gov.
Raleigh
Mar 17, 2020
Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina restaurants and bars will be closed to sit-down service and limited to take-out or delivery orders starting at 5 pm tonight, March 17, 2020. Grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores, are exempt from this order and will remain open, though they may not serve sit-down food.
Additionally, the order lifts some restrictions on unemployment benefits to help workers unemployed due to Covid-19 and those who are employed but will not receive a paycheck. Additionally, it adds benefit eligibility for those out of work because they have the virus or must care for someone who is sick.
“We did not come to this decision easily. But North Carolina must keep fighting this pandemic with the right weapons,” said Governor Cooper. “During this time of uncertainty, I will keep working to protect the health and safety of North Carolinians and keep our state’s economy afloat.”
This Order will directly aid workers who may have lost wages in restaurants and meeting places due to mass gathering restrictions. For example, workers who lose income due to tips or scheduled work hours, but are still employed, would be eligible for benefits because of this Executive Order. Among other changes:
It removes the one-week waiting period to apply for unemployment payment for those workers who lose their jobs;
It removes the requirement that a person must be actively looking for another job during this time when many potential employers are closed and social distancing guidelines are in effect.
It allows employees who lose their jobs or, in certain cases have their hours reduced due to Covid-19 to apply for unemployment benefits.
It directs that employers will not be held responsible for benefits paid as a direct result of these COVID-19 claims.
It waives the requirement that people must apply for benefits in person; workers can apply for benefits online or by phone.
The full executive order is available HEREOpen PDF.
Make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS.
For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which includes daily updates on positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.