Organizations providing rapid-response relief for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic

For information on supply chain resources, funding resources, counseling and government resources: EDPNC Business Relief Resources

NC Commerce Employer Resource Guide

For businesses that may be looking at layoffs or closing, this link has information on how/when to file a WARN notice.

NC COVID-19 Rapid Response Recovery for Small Business

The Golden LEAF Foundation announced $15 million in funding to launch a rapid recovery loan program in response to economic losses related to COVID-19. Golden LEAF funding will support the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program by enabling loans to be made to eligible businesses for up to $50,000 with zero interest and no payments for six months. If not repaid in six months, the loan will automatically convert to a term loan.

Click here for more info.

SBA Assistance Resources

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in modified and additional SBA resources to help our small businesses, small aquacultural businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and/or most private nonprofit organizations.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) The SBA has approved the North Carolina Governor’s request for a disaster declaration, and you may begin the application process.  Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Click here for more info.

SBA Resources for Counseling and Training

The following SBA backed organizations provide assistance to small businesses in the state; email and phone counseling are available.

Small Business Resources

NCWorks Career Center Information

While the NCWorks Career Centers throughout the High Country are currently closed to the public due to COVID-19, customers may still call the office to speak to a staff person regarding services/unemployment information. Center contact information can be found here.  You may also continue to access NCWorks Online at www.ncworks.gov.

Also, remember that NCWorks Career Centers are not actually “unemployment offices,” and we do not process Unemployment Insurance claims. We do help unemployed jobseekers to find new jobs. Currently, you do not need to visit NCWorks to file an unemployment insurance claim. To apply for unemployment benefits, visit www.des.nc.gov or call: 888-737-0259.

Additional information can be found here: https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-information.