The well-being of the county’s businesses and citizens is a priority for us at Rockingham County Economic Development. We have been closely monitoring the numerous updates and gathering resources as they become available in an effort to help manage and reduce any hardships Rockingham County’s workforce may feel as an impact of this epidemic.
Below is an evolving list of resource pertaining to state and federal COVIC-19 announcements, programs, and information to help navigate through this challenging time. If you are aware of anything that needs to be added to the list, please email tmartin@co.rockingham.nc.us.
Direct Contact Information
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Hotline-1866-432-3821
Stay-At-Home Order
- Large outdoor venues with seating greater than 10,000 may operate with 7% occupancy for spectators.
- Smaller outdoor entertainment venues, such as arenas or amphitheaters, may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity – or 100 guests, whichever is less.
- Movie theaters and conference centers may open indoor spaces to 30% of capacity – or 100 guests, whichever is less.
- Bars may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity – or 100 guests, whichever is less.
- Amusement parks may open at 30% occupancy, outdoor attractions only.
- The limits on mass gatherings will remain at 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
- The 11 p.m. curfew on alcohol sales for in-person consumption in locations such as restaurants and outdoor bars will be extended to Oct. 23.
Information for Employers
US Small Business Assistance
- US Small Business Administration: Guidance for Small Businesses
- US Small Business Administration: COVID-19 Small Business Loans and Information
- US Small Business Administration: Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (*round three of funding was opened 6/12/20)
The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened up a third round of funding for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Relief. Those businesses with less than 500 employees may be eligible for an advance of $1,000 per employee, up to a $10,000 maximum. This advance does not have be paid back. Additionally, there are Economic Injury Disaster Relief loans available, but a completed loan application is not a requirement to receive grant funding.
- Revised Paycheck Protection Program Guidelines: On Friday, June 12, The U.S. Small Business Administration along with the U.S. Department of Treasury issued new and revised guidelines for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The new law, which was signed June 5th, 2020 by President Trump, expands eligibility for business owners who have past felony convictions.
Local Assistance
- Local US Small Business Administration: Local Assistance
- Golden Leaf Small Business Loans-up to $50k with zero interest and no payments for 6 months
Payroll Protection Program
- Payroll Protection Program Borrower Application Form
- Find eligible lenders here
General Business and Small Business Resources
- US Chamber of Commerce: Resource Page
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce-Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
- CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers: see here
- NC Small Business and Technology Development Center
- NC Department of Commerce COVID-19 Resources: see here
- PBA COVID-19 Relief Fund: Professional Beauty Association: see here
- Facebook Grants-offering cash grants and ad credits for eligible small businesses.
- GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund-$500 grants to any small business that raises $500 on a GoFundMe
- The Red Backpack Fund-up to $5,000 for women-owned businesses
Business Operations Information
- What to say? Templates for member/client communications
- Prepare for possible disruption
- Identifying critical employees and ensuring that work-at-home systems
- CDC checklist
- Establish a response team
- U.S. Chamber guidelines and webinar
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services practices
- OSHA guidelines maintain your business operations
- Prepare your supply chain
- Emergency remote-working plan
- Lead your business through the coronavirus crisis
- 8 strategies to set up remote work during the coronavirus outbreak
- How brand managers should address COVID-19
- Coronavirus could force teams to work remotely
- Business planning for the COVID-19 Coronavirus
- Business Resilience and Continuity Planning Resources
- Remote Work Resources
- Count On Me NC training-As businesses open their doors and invite the public back in, cleanliness will be of utmost importance. Completion of this training will grant the business recognition and reassure the public that the business is taking extra precautions to keep them safe.
Food Services Industry Information
Shelter in Place Information
- Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
- Critical Manufacturing Sector
- Sample Letter for Essential Activity-During a “shelter in place” situation, essential businesses may remain open. During this time, it is suggested that particular steps be taken should questions arise. Many employers are providing a letter of sorts for employees to keep in their car to prove their destination is for essential activities. A sample of the letter is in the link just above.
Information for Employees/Self Employed
COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance Claims
Under Executive Order #118, individuals who, as a direct result of COVID-19, are separated from employment, have had their hours of employment reduced, or are prevented from working due to a medical condition caused by COVID-19 or due to communicable disease control measures may apply for unemployment assistance immediately.
- Order removes the one-week waiting period for individuals to apply for benefits
- Order removes the requirement that a person must look for another job during this time
- Order also allows employees, who lost their jobs or who have had their hours reduced due to COVID-19 issues, to apply for unemployment benefits
- Order instructs the Employment Security office to not allocate charges to employers’ accounts for individuals who are paid benefits for reasons related to COVID-19
- COVID-19 Unempolyment Insurance FAQ
- Link to Apply for NC Unemployment Benefits
- The Top 11 Unemployment Questions Related to the Cornavirus Answered
Relief Funding for Employees/Self Employed
- North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Foundation-Provide qualified applicants with $500 within 5 days of their application to help with immediate expenses.
- PBA COVID-19 Relief Fund: Professional Beauty Association-Provide $500 to licensed beauty professionals as a short-term aid for immediate needs such as food and bills.
Information Pertaining to Agricultural Work
- USDA Assistance for Farmer’s and Ranchers.-NC Farmers & Ranchers: May Apply for Financial Assistance via USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.
Information For Re-opening Your Business
As the State of North Carolina prepares to ease restrictions surrounding sheltering in place, including non-essential business practices, there is a lot of uncertainty and concern for safety as well as compliance. Below is information to help you navigate opening your doors as well as keeping yourself and your employees safe. For more information on the COVID-19 Executive Order, please visit here.
- Returning to Healthy Business Operations Checklist
- Frequently Asked Questions on Cloth Face Coverings
- Operational Toolkit for Businesses Considering Reopening
- Back to Work Safety Guidelines
- Guidance On Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- What Employers Need to Know
- OSHA’s Response to Workplace Safety and Coronavirus Exposure
- OSHA COVID-19 Safety Standards for Employers
- Recovery Readiness: A How-To Guide to Reopening Your Workplace
- Piedmont Triad Regional Council-Helping Organizations Safely Reopen Through Workplace Restart
- Signage Options