Improving Business in the Wilmington Region

COVID-19 Pertinent Information and Business Recovery Resources

North Carolina is taking a multi-phased approach – based on data from testing, tracing and trends and in consultation with members of the business community – to restrictions to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and save lives. Learn more below about restrictions currently in place.

Current Restrictions

The table below provides a general summary of restrictions imposed under recent executive orders as well as frequently asked questions and relevant guidance from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Additional guidance is also available.

  • Under Executive Order 195 , North Carolina remains under restrictions, some of which have been cautiously lifted under the state’s phased “dimmer switch” approach, as outlined in the table below, until at least 5 p.m. March 26,  2021.
  • Executive Order 183 (extended under Executive Order 190) is in effect until at least March 31, 2021.
Executive Order Summary More Information
Executive Order 195
  • Lifts the Modified Stay at Home Order established under Executive Order 181
  • Still requires face coverings in all public indoor settings
  • Allows many businesses to operate at 50% capacity
  • Extends onsite service of alcohol until 11 p.m.
  • Lifts the 100-person cap on some businesses that were operating at 30% capacity
  • Allows some indoor businesses – including bars and taverns, indoor amusement parks, movie theaters and indoor sports arenas – to open at 30% capacity (with a cap of 250 people)
  • Allows larger indoor arenas with a capacity of more than 5,000 people to open at 15% capacity with no cap (as long as additional safety protocols in place)
  • Increases the indoor mass gathering limit to 25 people (the outdoor mass gathering limit remains at 50 people)
Executive Order 183

Extended under Executive Order 190
  • Allows establishments holding certain permits from the ABC Commission, including restaurants, hotels, private clubs, private bars and some distilleries to sell mixed beverages to-go or for delivery
  • Requires the sale of alcohol for on-site consumption to cease at 9 p.m., but businesses subject to the order may continue to sell mixed beverages for off-site consumption until their business closes and in accordance with other applicable laws and regulations

For an all inclusive State Resource page

CLICK HERE

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.

Employment Resources and Money-Savings Tips for Workers Impacted by COVID-19

CARES Act

Business and Industry Resources

Wilmington Business Development Member Support Programs

Buildings & Sites