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COVID-19 Resources for Businesses

Resources for Uptown businesses during COVID-19

We are here to help.

Our work & commitment right now: As part of the national effort to control the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and per the stay at home order announced on March 27 by Governor Cooper, the Uptown Shelby Association office is closed to the public until further notice, with our staff working remotely. Uptown Shelby Association staff will continue to be available during our normal business hours of Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm. The best way to reach us is via email. Kindly allow up to 3 business days for a response. 

COVID-19 Resources

updated 5/7/2020 at 2:22 pm

Note to users: The references to resources, companies, or programs mentioned below are not intended as endorsements by the Uptown Shelby Association. Please review carefully and determine what options are best suited for your business. 

Resources for businesses & employers

  • Tips & articles from the NC Main Street Center: https://www.ncmainstreetconference.com/tips-and-articles
  • Re-opening: 
  • Financial assistance:
    • Note: as of 4/24, there is an additional round of funding for the PPP fund and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program. Applications re-opened on 4/27 at 10:30 am. 
    • NC Main Street Center list of funding resources: https://www.ncmainstreetconference.com/funding
    • Overview of SBA assistance: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance 
    • CARES Act and Phase 4 assistance -- Massive demand is projected for small business support from these federal relief efforts, so applying quickly is recommended if you are interested.
      • Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act (from the US Senate): https://tinyurl.com/v3yowmd
      • Application for new Payroll Protection Program (PPP) is available: This program seeks to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19 maintain payroll and cover costs associated with rent, utilities, and other overhead payments. These loans can be forgiven if borrowers primarily use it to maintain their payroll. Info on CARES Act from US Treasury. PPP FAQs (updated 4/26).
      • Here are three things to know before you fill out an application: 
        • Check with your local bank first to see if they are participating in PPP—many are prioritizing clients with whom they have an existing relationship. 
        • If you don't have a local banking relationship, check SBA's website to find an approved lender.
        • The law expands the number of institutions that can provide PPP loans. If you are unsure if a lender is authorized, check the SBA site or contact the Charlotte district office. 
      • Important: 
        • We recommend you contact your bank FIRST. Other entities are also accepting applications, including Mountain BizWorks, PayPal, Kabbage, and some online banks.
        • There is a funding cap, so the Treasury Department recommends applying as soon as possible.
      • Overview from the US Chamber: 
        • Economic Injury Disaster Loan Guide: The CARES Act expanded the SBA’s long-standing Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), which includes $10,000 grants for eligible applicants. The EIDL program was created to assist businesses, renters, and homeowners located in regions affected by declared disasters. The guide is available at: uschamber.com/eidl
        • Employee Retention Tax Credit Guide: The CARES Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses as a result of the coronavirus. The guide is available at: uschamber.com/ertc
        • UPDATED: Coronavirus Emergency Loans: This guide outlines steps to help small businesses and self-employed individuals check eligibility and prepare to apply for a loan. 
    • Grants (items in gray have expired)
    •  Loans (other than SBA/EIDL):
      • Shelby1Fund Small Business Loans aim to provide a rapid source of assistance for City of Shelby-based businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. Details and application: https://www.mountainbizworks.org/coronavirus/covid-19-loans/shelby1fund/. 
      • Kiva: 0% interest, crowdfunded loans https://www.kiva.org/borrow
      • NC COVID-19 Rapid Response Loan Program: Loan managed by the GoldenLeaf Foundation to support businesses experiencing economic losses. This is intended to be a bridge loan; it is not a grant. Businesses should visit the website for more information and to apply: https://ncrapidrecovery.org/ Note: as of 5/4, there is an additional $125 million in funding from the state. 
  • Business continuity planning:
    • Families First Coronavirus Response Act: employee paid leave rights: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave
    • SBTDC: (scroll about halfway down the page) : http://www.sbtdc.org/coronavirus/business-assistance.html
    • Business Planning Pandemic Checklist: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/pdf/businesschecklist.pdf
    • Questions to Ask: https://ncchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/Sample-Pandemic-Preparation-Questions.pdf
    • Small Business Resilience Toolkit from Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/wywtjyc
    • Cyber-security for working from home: https://www.cyberreadinessinstitute.org/cyber-readiness-news/securing-a-remote-workforce
    • People topics at SBTD: http://www.sbtdc.org/coronavirus/people.html (unemployment, FMLA expansion)
    • Online course: Leading Through Corona: a manager’s guide to leading employees through change + uncertainty. From the host: "ALL non-profit leaders + any small business owner who is financially waiving the white flag right now can get access to this online course for free by filling in this short form." 

    • If your business is having to lay off employees, or even shut down, Isothermal Planning & Development Commission (IPDC) has resources that can assist you.  Please reach out to Patty Thompson (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 

    • If your business is looking to hire people during this time, IPDC can help you promote the job openings, and help you screen candidates. Please reach out to Sarah Crank (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Annette Staley (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 

  • Workplace health & safety:
  • General: 
    • SBTDC list of financial resources: http://www.sbtdc.org/coronavirus/money.html
    • Isothermal Planning & Development Commission list of resources: https://regionc.org/covid19resources/
      • IPDC can help you apply for COVID-19 related disaster relief loans (SBA, GoldenLeaf, and others) - they can help you complete and file your application, or assist you with any questions you may have during the application process.  Please contact Sarah Kopkin (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Nick Byrd (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 
    • Helpful overview of major loan options - summarized by our friends at Mountain BizWorks https://www.mountainbizworks.org/coronavirus/covid-19-loans/
  • Business advising:

Local & state health & safety updates

Resources for impacted workers 

About this Page

The content of this page is intended to assist in sharing information about resources available to individuals and businesses in relation to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Content is updated to the best of our ability and knowledge, and does not serve as an endorsement of any product, program, or business. 

*please note* This list is a continual work in progress and will be updated daily to the best of our ability. If information is incorrect or a link is broken, kindly contact us (info (at) uptown shelby . com); please make sure to provide detailed information and, if possible, correct info.

Thank you!