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Emergency Alert Coronavirus Updates CORONAVIRUS UPDATES & OPENINGS Read On...

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CORONAVIRUS:  Small Business Assistance 

Burlington Economic Development is working closely with our fellow local government across Alamance County in addition to partners at the SBA, North Carolina Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC), the Alamance Community College Small Business Center (SBC) and the Alamance Chamber  to provide direct response and assistance to all business inquiries.  Please let us know your status and what resources are needed!

Another website to check out is our collaborative effort with others in Alamance County:

https://www.alamancestrong.com/

Business Outreach by City Staff

In the past weeks, city staff has been reaching out to local businesses surveying for updated contact information. These city employees have been asked to do this on behalf of the Economic Development Department. Please fill out the linked Google Form to allow the City to have better communication methods with our local businesses. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, thank you!

Google Form: Burlington Business Outreach

North Carolina Transitions into Phase Two "Safer at Home" Order

Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen announced on Wednesday, September 2nd that North Carolina will move into Safer At Home Phase 2.5 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions on Friday, September 4th at 5 pm. The State continues to monitor vital pandemic indicators that have encouraged this incremental approach to reopening aspects of our economy, please see more information below on what is now open. 

Read Executive Order 163 

Safer at Home 2.5 FAQs

What is now open? (starting 5:00pm September 4th)

  • Indoor Dining - 50% capacity and restrictions
  • Personal Care Business (salons, barbershops, massage parlors) - 50% capacity and restrictions
  • Pools - 50% capacity and restrictions
  • Gyms - 30% capacity and restrictions
  • Museums - 50 % capacity and restrictions
  • Playgrounds
  • Bowling Alleys - 30% and restrictions (treated in same fashion as gyms)

What is still closed?

  • Bars & nightclubs
  • Indoor entertainment venues (movie theaters, bingo, etc.)

Amended State of Emergency - Media Release

On Monday, April 6, 2020, the City of Burlington amended their local State of Emergency. This amended Declaration will take effect at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Please follow the below link to the document outlining the important changes to businesses, including car washes, retail stores over 7,500 sq.ft. and all non-essential business who have not been certified by the State Department of Revenue. 

Media Release

NC Dept. of Revenue Essential Business Registry

US treasury announces details on federal cares stimulus act 


ASSISTANCE FOR AMERICAN WORKERS AND FAMILIES

In the weeks immediately after the passage of the CARES Act, Americans will see fast and direct relief in the form of Economic Impact Payments. For more information, CLICK HERE.


ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.

Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.

For a top-line overview of the program CLICK HERE

If you’re a lender, more information can be found HERE

If you’re a borrower, more information can be found HERE

The application for borrowers can be found HERE


PRESERVING JOBS FOR AMERICAN INDUSTRY

The CARES Act assists eligible businesses looking for payroll support to keep Americans working. For more information, CLICK HERE.

The IRS rolled out a refundable tax credit that is 50 percent of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19. For answers to frequently asked questions, CLICK HERE.


PROCEDURES AND APPLICATIONS FOR TREASURY PROGRAMS

Guidelines and Application Procedures for Payroll Support to Air Carriers and Contractors under Division A, Title IV, Subtitle B of the CARES Act Link

Procedures and Minimum Requirements for Loans to Air Carriers and Eligible Businesses and National Security Businesses under Division A, Title IV, Subtitle A of the CARES Act Link


SBA  DISASTER LOAN INFORMATION 

The Alamance Chamber and Partners held a Small Business Administration webinar session with area small businesses on March 23rd.  A recording of that session can be found here.  More information on the SBA loans is available via the following links: 

SBA Disaster Loan Website

SBA Disaster Loan – Paper Forms

SBA Disaster Loan Website Index 

SBA Web Briefing on Disaster Loans 

SBA Disaster Loans and Assistance - How to Apply 

North Carolina SBA Disaster Declaration  

For in-person questions and consultation, please call the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center:  1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or send an e-mail: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov 


NC Restaurant workers relief Fund 

If you work in the hospitality industry and you’re struggling, apply now for relief funds. The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association’s nonprofit 501(c)(3) foundation serves hospitality workers and is accepting applications for relief grants for NC-based workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

Questions? Visit www.ncrestaurantreleif.com or email foundation@ncrla.org.






Business Resources 

Microenterprise Forgivable Loans

Microenterprise Loans 

Qualifying Burlington businesses with five employees or fewer can apply for forgivable loans of up to $7000.  Funds must be used for approved expenses related to COVID-19 impacts. The business owner or over half of employees of the business must have low- or moderate-income as defined by HUD to be eligible.    

 

“Small businesses and their employees continue to endure COVID-19 hardships, with many still not near recovery. We hope mobilizing this funding can help some Burlington shops and staff get back to business,” said City of Burlington Economic Development Director, Peter Bishop. 

 

Microenterprise Loans will be accepted and reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis by the City’s Economic Development Office until funds are exhausted. For more information about Microenterprise Loans, contact Blake Moyer via phone at 336-222-5081 or via email bmoyer@burlingtonnc.gov. 

 

If your business has received any federal assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic (for example PPP or EIDL Loans), please call our office before completing your application to learn if this will effect your eligibility. 


Applications available here: https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/BURLINGTON/Participant. Select Microenterprise Loan Application. 


CDBG Microenterprise Loan Program Guidelines


CDBG Microenterprise Loan Frequently Asked Questions


NEW FOR OUTDOOR DINING AND FITNESS CLASSES

Two existing tools have been modified to provide staff-level review of proposed outdoor seating at no charge. These applications are available now online at www.BurlingtonNC.gov/Planning.

1) A Temporary Use Permit allows restaurants to apply to use a portion of their parking lot to provide additional seating. Fitness studios could use the same tool to apply to use a portion of their parking lot for classes instead of parking.

2) An Outdoor Dining Permit allows applicants to request seating opportunities on public property (excluding streets). Once approved, outdoor dining is allowed until 30 days after the governor ceases restaurant capacity restrictions.

These applications, including proof of property owner approval, certificate of liability insurance, and a sketch plan, are reviewed and approved at a staff level which can be done expeditiously. 

Senior Planner Conrad Olmedo is handling this process. He can be reached directly at 336-513-5415 or by email at colmedo@burlingtonnc.gov.


Additionally, the Burlington Recreation and Parks Department is coordinating applicants for the Outdoor Fitness Permit, linked here. This permit will allow fitness classes to be operated by an establishment at one of Burlington’s park green spaces. 

Recreation and Parks Events Coordinator, Emily Crowley, is the staff contact for these applications. She can be reached at ECrowley@BurlingtonNC.gov or 336-229-3149.


STATE AND FEDERAL RESOURCES

EDPNC - COVID-19 Industry Resources 

NC Dept. of Health and Human Services

CDC Advice for Business Owners and Workplaces

NC Restaurant & Lodging Association Hospitality Business Info

Coronavirus in the Workplace: Legal Considerations

Federal Tax Relief due to COVID-19

State Tax Relief due to COVID-19


BUSINESS COUNSELING SERVICES 

City of Burlington Economic Development Office

Peter Bishop, Director, 336.222.5147

Blake Moyer, Project Manager, 336.222.5081

Burlington Economic Development is committed to providing prompt, professional service and resource connection with our partners during the Coronavirus crisis.  We are here to help with all aspects of your disaster or contingency plans and will provide regular updates via social media, web and more. 


Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)

Joel Harper, Central Region, Chapel Hill Office: 919.962.0389

Bob Weston, Piedmont Triad Region, Greensboro Office: 336.256.9300

The Small Business and Technology Development Center provides management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses, including those in distress. Most of the SBTDC’s services are free of charge, and all are confidential.  


Alamance Community College Small Business Center 

Ervin Allen, Director, 336.506.4312

The Small Business Center Network is here to assist you and your business with resources and assistance related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBCN works in partnership with Federal, State and Local organizations to provide the information and strategies to help your business move forward. 


Alamance Chamber of Commerce 

Mac Williams, President, 336.228.1338

The Alamance Chamber provides economic development and business services for the greater Burlington community with programs on workforce development, industrial recruitment and apprenticeship. 


How You Can Support Local Business

The Economic Development Department understands that the following weeks will be  VERY difficult for many of our local businesses and employees. We encourage citizens to continue to support our local businesses and below we will list a few constructive ways to support our local and small businesses in this time.

  • Buy gift cards or certificates: A little here and there can hold small businesses over
  • Shop online: Check Facebook and Instagram for the business websites or stores
  • Order Takeout: Curb-side grocery pick up is widely available as well around Burlington 
  • Tip well if you can: 20% or more is trending 
  • Call your local business to check on hours, delivery, website and to check in
  • Follow your favorite accounts and support them from home
  • Donate to your favorite non-profit.  
  • Volunteer your time for childcare, feeding, pet care or another charitable cause in your neighborhood



GOLDEN LEAF FOUNDATION, THREAD CAPITAL ANNOUNCE NCRAPIDRECOVERY.ORG 

The Goldean LEAF Foundation announced they have created a $15 million rapid recovery loan program in response to economic losses related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Golden LEAF funding will support NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loans for eligible businesses with the following terms: 

  • $50,000 maximum loan
  • 0% interest 
  • No payments for 6 months
  • If not repaid in 6 months, coverts to term loan

The NC COVID-19 Rpid Response Recovery Loan Program is managed by the NC Rural Center, a statewide nonprofit that has been supporting small business owners for more than 30 years. The Rural Center will lead a broad coalition of nonprofit lending partners to directly assist small business owners. Participating Rapid Recovery organization include Business Expansion Funding Corporation (BEFCOR), Carolina Small Business Development Fund, Mountain BizWorks, Natural Capital Investment Fund, and Thread Capital.

Information on this program can be found at ncrapidrecovery.org. 


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. 

COVID-19 Unempolyment Insurance FAQ

Link to Apply for NC Unemployment Benefits


COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FINANCE INSTITUTIONS (CDFI) LENDER RESOURCES 

Several North Carolina-based Community Development Finance agencies are actively developing specific lending tools in response to COVID-19. These are non-profit lenders committed to providing access to capital. 

Carolina Community Impact, Inc.

919.861.5321

Carolina Community Impact, Inc. provides access to credit building and asset building techniques and services through financial education and small-dollar consumer loans.


N.C. Community Development Initiative

919.828.5655

 Initiative Capital, the N.C. Community Development Initiative’s lending arm, provides strategic lending and investment for community economic developers and businesses that create jobs, promote economic growth and facilitate the development of affordable housing and community revitalization, particularly in low-resource areas of the state.

Self-Help Credit Union

Lending Office: 800.476.7428

Business Loan Webform

Self-Help’s mission is to create and protect ownership and economic opportunity for all. They do this by providing responsible financial services; lending to individuals, small businesses and nonprofits; developing real estate; and promoting fair financial practices.  Branch locations are in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

City of Burlington Coronavirus Response

See the Economic Development Department’s full response here: Coronavirus Blog Post

The City of Burlington has made a statement regarding the cancellation of city-sponsored events and programming through April 1st and information on City facilities. Find the press release here. The City will be constantly updating our Alerts webpage for the latest Burlington response in this ever-changing situation. For immediate questions regarding Coronavirus you may call the State’s Department of Health and Human Services hotline at 866-462-3821. 

We are working diligently to support and protect our community in a rapidly changing environment. Taking precautionary steps now in the best interests of our citizens and visitors is done in coordination with counsel and advice from our state and national leaders in numerous Federal, State and regional partners to assemble and communicate all resources to support your business.


NEWS RESOURCE PAGES FOR CANCELLATIONS

https://www.wxii12.com/coronavirus

https://myfox8.com/news/coronavirus/ 

WFMY News 2 Live Blog


CITY OF BURLINGTON CLOSURES

Burlington Coronavirus Information

City of Burlington Closures as of March 18

Effective Saturday March 14, City departments have been instructed to cancel all non-essential, city-sponsored events, activities, and programs involving public participation.  Beginning March 18, as a result of the increased urgency related to the current COVID-19 pandemic, The City of Burlington will close the following Recreation and Park facilities starting March 18, 2020 until further notice: 

  • Kernodle Senior Center located at 1535 South Mebane St., Burlington, NC 27215 (Previously closed March 14) 
  • Mayco Bigelow Center located at 849 Sharpe Rd, Burlington, NC 27217 
  • Fairchild Center located at 827 S Graham Hopedale Rd, Burlington, NC 27217 
  • Maynard Aquatics Center located at 1402 Overbrook Rd, Burlington, NC 27215 
  • Indian Valley Golf Course located at 1005 Indian Valley Dr, Burlington, NC 27217 

Parks and trails will remain open at this point. We encourage patrons to maintain distancing and use the trails while following CDC recommendations. These closures and modifications will be in effect until further notice. We will continue to evaluate and modify the closure schedule as necessary. 

Other closures effecting  Water &Sewer Billing, the City of Burlington Tax Office, and Animal Services can be found in the March 18 update document linked above. This page will be updated as the city makes decisions on other events and facilities moving forward.

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    P.O. Box 1358
    Burlington, NC 27216
    Phone: 336.222.5147
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