Improving Business in the Wilmington Region

COVID-19 Pertinent Information and Business Recovery Resources

On June 24, 2020 Governor Cooper announced that North Carolina will remain in Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks. Cooper also announced that face coverings must be worn when people are in public places. 

Phase 2

Phase 2 lifts the Stay At Home order moving into a Safer At Home recommendation, especially for people at high risk for serious illness. Teleworking is also urged when possible.

Mass gathering limits in Phase 2 will be no more than 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors in most circumstances. These limits apply to the following: event venues; conference centers; stadiums and sports arenas; amphitheaters; and groups at parks or beaches.

Some businesses will remain closed in Phase 2 including: bars; night clubs; gyms and indoor fitness facilities; indoor entertainment venues such as movie theaters, and bowling alleys.

Certain businesses will be open at limited capacity with other requirements and recommendations including: restaurants at 50% dine-in capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements; personal care businesses, including salons and barbers, at 50% capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements; pools at 50% capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements. Employees of personal care businesses will be required to wear face coverings.

Childcare facilities, day camps and overnight camps will be open with enhanced cleaning and screening requirements. Retail businesses allowed to open in Phase 1 at 50% capacity will continue at that level.

Public health recommendations are provided for worship services to practice enhanced social distancing and other cleaning and hygiene practices.

The Safer At Home Phase 2 will run through at least July 17, 2020.

For full details on Phase 2, Click HERE.

For an all inclusive State Resource page click COVID-19 WEBPAGE

LOCAL RESOURCES

New Hanover County, visit Health.NHCgov.com/Coronavirus, or call the Public Health Coronavirus Call Center at 910-798-6800,  and follow the county’s trusted social media pages: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor.   

LOANS

Golden Leaf and the NC Rural Center have just introduced a new loan program called

NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loans

The new product is a rapid recovery loan that is designed to provide businesses with the capital they need before federal loans and insurance payouts are approved. The SBA process is an 8-21 day process. The process for this program is expected to be completed in 4 days (if all the info is provided).  These are 0% interest loans for the first 6 months, so they will be a great bridge option before the federal funds come in.

There is a very easy online application process that starts here.

SBA Loan Overview and Comparison Chart

SBA’s COVID-19 ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN APPLICATION is available here.

Click here for a list of the documents your business will need when applying.

Many small businesses have experienced significant disruptions and providing clear, relevant information to help support their business decisions at this time is critical.  Click here to review detailed resources available through the CARES act for small businesses provided by the US Chamber of Commerce.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

Below is an evolving list of resources to help business and industry navigate through this challenging time.

CARES Act

Business and Industry Resources

Wilmington Business Development Member Support Programs

Buildings & Sites