COVID-19

The Coronavirus outbreak is prompting necessary public safety measures that impact the workforce and economy. It’s time to work together to minimize the spread of the virus and protect our employees, clients, and the community to the greatest extent possible. We know you’ll have questions about how to keep your business safe and healthy, too.

At the Chamber, we’re following expert guidance from official sources at the local, state, and national levels. We’ve gathered the resources below for you to reference as you make plans for your business. We will notify you as decisions and policies are announced for businesses and the economy.

It is more important than ever that we work together to support local businesses. Learn more and join the conversation here.

*The Alamance Chamber seeks to provide access to recommendations, regulations, services and expertise to its members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this mission remains constant. Prior to acting, investors should consult their own professional advisors for information and counsel specific to the individual and unique situations faced by organizations, individuals and corporations. The opinions, interpretations and recommendations of the Alamance Chamber are informational only and should not be relied upon by the recipient as legal or professional advice. The Alamance Chamber makes no representations as to the accuracy or reliability of the content contained herein. Users of this information accept any and all risks associated with the use of such information and agree that the Alamance Chamber has no liability to user.


News & Updates:

Applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) 2.0 Opens 1/11/21

High level overview, First Draw (time) applying: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Top-line-Overview-of-First-Draw-PPP.pdf

High level overview, second time applying (different eligibility rules): https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Top-line-Overview-of-Second-Draw-PPP.pdf

Second Draw applicants can have no more than 300 employees, must have used the first round for eligible uses only, and can show at least a 25% decrease in gross receipts between 2019 and comparable quarter in 2020.

List of lenders by state: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/PPP_Lender_List_200625.pdf

High Level Summary:

SBA is reopening the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for First Draw Loans the week of January 11, 2021. First Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations.

Eligible small entities, that together with their affiliates (if applicable), have 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors—can apply. Entities with more than 500 employees in certain industries that meet SBA’s alternative size standard or SBA’s size standards for those particular industries can also apply.

Borrowers can apply for a First Draw PPP Loan until March 31, 2021, through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, eligible non-bank lender, or Farm Credit System institution that is participating in PPP.

Companies can apply for a second round (second draw).

The SBA (below) and US Treasury sites remain the best places for up to date information and guidance.

SBA is probably the best place for up to date info  https://www.sba.com/funding-a-business/government-small-business-loans/ppp/2nd-draw-details/

Business Resources

Community Recovery Loan Program

The Chamber is proud to be a partner announcing a new Community Recovery Loan Program for local businesses. The program has a 4% fixed interest rate, no payments for  the first six months, no fees, and an easy application.  As a bonus, borrowers can request free technical assistance for their business to help set them on the best path to recovery. Visit our Community Recovery Loan Program page to learn more.

Lights-On COVID Recovery Loan

An economic program designed to support small to mid-sized businesses in the NC Triad area whose revenue has been impacted by the pandemic. The Lights-On COVID Recovery Loan, sponsored by the Piedmont Triad Regional Development Corporation, offers interest-free, 5-year, non-forgivable loans, with emphasis on downtown and agricultural businesses that can provide proof of hardship.

Open & Safe Commitment

As North Carolina enters into a phased reopening of our economy, we all need to do our part to ensure we continue to minimize the spread of COVID-19, while also helping regain consumer confidence. In order to keep Alamance County healthy and our economy strong, we would like to invite you to take the Open & Safe pledge. Learn more about this pledge, and submit yours today by visiting the Open & Safe page on our website.

Smart Re-Start Guide

We, as a community, are reopening our economy with a phased approached. We all need to do our part to ensure we continue to minimize the spread of COVID-19, while also helping regain consumer and citizen confidence. In order to keep Alamance County healthy, safe, & our economy strong, we are introducing our Smart Restart Guide. The Alamance Chamber encourages responsible reopening for Alamance County.  You can download the guide here.

Getting Your Business Ready to Return to Work?

Lear Corporation has created a Safe Work Playbook, an interactive guide for COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and response. They are providing access to their guide as a resource as other companies look to develop their action plans for either reopening or increasing activity in their plant or business. Click to view both an interactive version and a downloadable PDF of the Safe Work Playbook.

Emergency Child Care for Essential Workers:

If you are an essential worker of COVID-19 Essential Businesses and Operations (as defined in Executive Order 121) and are in need of emergency child care because of COVID-19 closures, there are a number of resources available to ensure that your children are safe and taken care of. To learn more about the resources available, or to complete the application for financial assistance for emergency child care, click here.

Family Forward NC –  Rapid Response for Adaptation to COVID-19:

Family Forward NC created a Rapid Response program to help employers adapt to the conditions caused by COVID-19. They provide no-cost human resources assistance and consultation to help employers that are reopening or retooling, with the goal of building workplace resilience for families that will endure even after the crisis. to

Guidance for Producers of Critical Medical Equipment and Supplies:

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina has produced a guide for companies that are producing or have pivoted to producing needed items to address COVID-19. Click here to view EDPNC’s comprehensive guide to ensure your company is listed where it should be and has access to supply chain assistance and other manufacturing resources.

U. S. Chamber of Commerce CARES Act Guide:

Congress has approved $350 billion in emergency loans for small businesses to help them keep workers employed. In fact, if small businesses maintain or later restore their payrolls, they may not have to repay some — or possibly any — of the loan. Here’s a guide and checklist from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to help your small business through the process.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Guide:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has compiled a resource page for Small Businesses. This page will be updated frequently with new resources to assist you and your business throughout the Coronavirus crisis. Click here to view the page.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Step-by-Step Guide
on How to Apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan:

If your business is struggling in the wake of COVID-19, these steps provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will help guide you through the application process for a low-interest small business loan. Click here for more information.

Video Communication Service:

MVP Video & Promotions is offering a service to facilitate producing a short video message for businesses to communicate with clients, customers, and/or employees. The purpose behind offering this service is to help the business community remain as strong as possible through this uncertain time. For more information about this service and the process, click here.

#AlamanceStrong Business Services Webpage:
Alamance Strong is a unified approach to COVID-19 business support. The #AlamanceStrong website is brought to you by a consortium of your community’s economic developers, business organizations and local governments. Our group feels that a clear, unified and supportive voice is needed now and going forward to help business owners recover from this pandemic. The Chamber, along with other partner agencies are here for you. Together we are #AlamanceStrong.

Unemployment/Human Resources

As an employer you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). This is a federal program that provides temporary payments in a federally declared disaster area whose employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result. Business owners who are self-employed, farmers, or commercial fishermen who is unemployed as a direct result of the disaster may be eligible.

  • NC Department of Employment Security
    (888) 737-0259
    Information on unemployment for both employers that need to file an Unemployment Claim, or for employees that need to file for benefits.
  • CAI – Coronavirus Recovery Command Center for NC Employers
    (919) 878-9222 or (336) 668-7746
    Info@capital.org
    CAI, a non-profit membership organization to support management and human resources functions for NC employers. They have established a Recovery Command Center, and are hosting weekly calls on various employment/HR related issues.

 

Public Health & Employer Resources

Find information here for your business and employees.

Alamance County Health Department
North Carolina COVID-19 County Alert System:
National Health Information:
Count on Me NC:
  • Count On Me NC is a public health initiative that empowers visitors, guests and businesses to help keep everyone safe from COVID-19. Visit the Count On Me NC Website to learn about available business training and support.
National Business Information:
Control and prevention measures, health and safety standards and additional resources:
Information on business relief policies, small business loans and more:

The SBA has approved the request for North Carolina’s disaster declaration to provide low-interest federal loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19. These loans can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, AP and other bills. Business owners in need are encouraged to apply below.

Planning and response plans and a timeline of recent announcements:
Business toolkit and national advocacy efforts:

Working Remotely

Work, teach and learn from anywhere:
  • Google
    • If your business hours have changed, be sure to keep your customers informed by updating your Google Business listing here.
Technology resources for businesses of all sizes:
Conference Calling made easy:

ComTech is offering a free conference calling service for sixty days, at no charge to you and no contract to sign. With many in-person meetings now being transitioned to phone or virtual meetings, this service provides your own private phone number that meeting participants dial at their designated meeting time. For more information, click the link below to email confbridge@comtechnc.com to request your 60-day conference calling service.


Community Resources

#Help4Alamance is a way to help Alamance County neighbors during the COVID-19 crisis. Current needs are still being assessed but could include food, housing, childcare and transportation.


Local/Additional Resources