COVID-19 Resource Guide
Updated: 3/27/20, 4:00pm
We all know that business can be challenging. The conditions that are present today increase the challenge. If we all do one small thing to help our members, collectively we can have a huge impact. Our members are hardworking people that are always there for us, let’s be there for them.
CLICK HERE for a comprehensive list of all of our member restaurants, and whether they're open or not and in what capacity.
CONTINUE TO SHOP LOCAL & SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ECONOMY
* Buy gift certificates today to use later or to give as gifts
* To avoid crowds, order a product or service and have it delivered or request curbside pick-up.
* Keep your subscription services or memberships (gyms, art classes, music lessons, dance, etc.)
*Leave positive reviews for businesses that you frequent on sites like Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Facebook.
* Reach out to local business owners that you know and ask them directly how you can help. They may have an idea specific to their business.
SRI Chamber Members: Please contact us and let us know what we can do to help you and your business.
We will be updating this page with links to resources for our small business members and community members as they become available, as well as putting together a list of our retail/restaurant member businesses that are open and offering take-out, curbside pick-up and/or delivery. Please be aware that these lists will change often, so please keep checking back for up-to-date information.
RI Commerce Corporation: COVID-19 Resources
CDC: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses & Employers
RI Department of Labor & Training: Workplace Fact Sheet
U.S. Small Business Administration: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Assistance
OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration): COVID-19 Guide
Facebook For Business Resource Hub
Google For Small Business: Resource Page
RI Small Business Development Center
LISC RI - CARES Act Policy Brief
**********************************
In Governor Raimondo's daily press conference today (March 27th), the governor said she was extending the following until April 13th:
A full list of Executive Orders can be found here.
**********************************
New Guidelines For Large Retailers and Grocery Stores (beginning at 5pm 3/26)
**********************************
ATTENTION SOUTH KINGSTOWN BUSINESSES
All essential businesses remaining open in the Town of South Kingstown must post a copy of this order in a prominent place, so that it is visible to all people entering the business.
**********************************
Get Comfortable Working Remotely: Tips and Tools
Monday, March 30th @ 12:00pm
Thanks to COVID-19, most of us will be working remotely! Do you need a crash course/survival guide? Join Tony and Jen Silbert of Spartina Consulting for a 30 minute Zoom session to learn how to stay connected and productive in our new reality. They will share tips and tools for virtual meetings and how engage, collaborate with your team/organization, learning how to stay motivated/connected, and how to learn/adapt during uncertain times.
Because of the interest in this Zoom session and limited capacity, we are asking the anyone that would like to participate please register for this FREE session here.
A link to the zoom session will be sent to you once you have registered.
**********************************
Request from South County Health for Face Shields and Masks
South County Health is seeking donations of Personal Protective Equipment, specifically face shields, N95 masks or regular masks (surgical masks and procedure masks).
If you do have any, please be contact Christine Foisy 401-788-1608 or donations@southcountyhealth.org
Thank you very much for your consideration.
**********************************
Governor Raimondo and Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott are requesting medical supplies to bolster the State's inventory as we address the COVID-19 emergency. If you are a researcher, supplier, or manufacturer in possession of personal protective equipment, medical or lab supplies and are willing to donate or sell them, please read details about needed supplies and submit a Medical Supply Donation Form at the link below.
Click here for more information.
**********************************
SBA Disaster Assistance
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved Governor Raimondo's application for assistance and will offer low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital up to $2 million to Rhode Island small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/el. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
If your business has questions regarding SBA loans and access to capital, please call RI Commerce Small Business Hotline at (401) 521-HELP or e-mail info@commerceri.com.
Press Release - March 17, 2020
Three Step Process: Disaster Loans
SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus
**********************************
Verizon recently announced the launch of Pay it Forward Live, a weekly streaming entertainment series that will include music, gaming, comedy and more in support of small businesses affected by COVID-19. The weekly series will debut on Thursday, March 26, at 8:00 p.m. ET with a performance from Dave Matthews.
Understanding the toll of small businesses closing their doors to help fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Verizon will donate $2.5 million to Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a national nonprofit that has invested $20 billion to fuel economic opportunity for people and communities across America. Over the course of the series, all viewers who tune in will be encouraged to tag their favorite local businesses and make a purchase in advance for when the crisis is over and the businesses reopen. As consumers engage, Verizon will unlock an additional $2.5 million in funds, bringing the total donation to a potential $5 million.
LISC will use the funds to provide grants of up to $10,000 to businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of COVID-19, especially entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises that don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital in historically underserved communities. LISC will launch an online process for small businesses to submit applications for grants. Applications will be reviewed and then entered into a lottery. The grants are designed to help business owners fill urgent financial gaps - from paying rent to meeting payroll - until they can resume normal operations or other financing becomes available.
Read the full press release and sign up for updates on the launch of these grants here.
**********************************
Microsoft has agreed to provide their Office 365 E1 program for free for six months to all R.I. employers. That includes web-based Microsoft Office applications, resources to support telecommuting such as meetings and instant messaging, as well as remote file sharing. This offer extends to businesses of all sizes — whether you have one employee or one thousand employees.
To learn more on how to access these offerings, visit the dedicated webpage here.
Other companies have also made a number of tools available:
**********************************
Announcements from Cox & Verizon on residential & small business relief.
**********************************
The Rhode Island Bankers Association (RIBA) and Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) announced a collaborative effort on behalf of their customers, members and communities, to publicly reinforce the safety, security and reliability of financial services throughout the state. View the full press release here.
**********************************
Under The Dome - Legislative Update 03/23/20
With the State House being closed, no sessions or hearings are being held this week, and a return date has not been set. This weeks edition of "Under The Dome" (a weekly legislative update provided by the RI Chamber of Commerce Coalition) has information that is relevant to the current situation including information on a possible disaster emergency funding board, the Rainy Day Fund, and what you can do to help. View the update here.
**********************************
An Important Message From ServiceMaster By Mason
"Reduce exposure and the spread of harmful viruses, bacteria and germs at your business or home with this helpful HIGH TOUCH CLEANING CHECKLIST. And if you need sanitizing and disinfecting services at your facility, ServiceMaster By Mason can help! Our Electrostatic Spraying is 99.99% effective in killing harmful viruses, bacteria and germs such as Influenza H1N1, Norovirus, MRSA, C.Diff, Mononucleosis, COVID19, HIV, Blood-borne Pathogens, Hepatitis & more. ServiceMaster also uses EPA-registered disinfectants that have qualified under the EPA’S Emerging Pathogen standard for use against COVID19. Whether you need viral or bacterial cleanings from an office ravaged by flu, infectious disease cleanup, or taking preventative measures for employees, clients & guests, ServiceMaster By Mason has a proven technology and process to ensure your business or home is a clean & healthy environment. Call 800-934-5869 CT & RI.
Before a business hires a company to do the sanitizing and disinfecting needed, they should make certain that they are using EPA approved products and process, or they wasted their money. They should ask any potential company for a product/process letter showing it’s approved."
SRI Chamber members: If you are offering a specific service like the one above that your fellow chamber members can utilize during this time, please let us know.
We all know that business can be challenging. The conditions that are present today increase the challenge. If we all do one small thing to help our members, collectively we can have a huge impact. Our members are hardworking people that are always there for us, let’s be there for them.
CLICK HERE for a comprehensive list of all of our member restaurants, and whether they're open or not and in what capacity.
CONTINUE TO SHOP LOCAL & SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ECONOMY
* Buy gift certificates today to use later or to give as gifts
* To avoid crowds, order a product or service and have it delivered or request curbside pick-up.
* Keep your subscription services or memberships (gyms, art classes, music lessons, dance, etc.)
*Leave positive reviews for businesses that you frequent on sites like Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Facebook.
* Reach out to local business owners that you know and ask them directly how you can help. They may have an idea specific to their business.
SRI Chamber Members: Please contact us and let us know what we can do to help you and your business.
We will be updating this page with links to resources for our small business members and community members as they become available, as well as putting together a list of our retail/restaurant member businesses that are open and offering take-out, curbside pick-up and/or delivery. Please be aware that these lists will change often, so please keep checking back for up-to-date information.
RI Commerce Corporation: COVID-19 Resources
CDC: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses & Employers
RI Department of Labor & Training: Workplace Fact Sheet
U.S. Small Business Administration: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Assistance
OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration): COVID-19 Guide
Facebook For Business Resource Hub
Google For Small Business: Resource Page
RI Small Business Development Center
LISC RI - CARES Act Policy Brief
**********************************
In Governor Raimondo's daily press conference today (March 27th), the governor said she was extending the following until April 13th:
- Ban on gatherings of 10 or more people, indoors or outdoors
- Order that anyone who is able to work from home do so
- Order closing dine-in service at restaurants and bars
- Ban on close-contact businesses
A full list of Executive Orders can be found here.
**********************************
New Guidelines For Large Retailers and Grocery Stores (beginning at 5pm 3/26)
**********************************
ATTENTION SOUTH KINGSTOWN BUSINESSES
All essential businesses remaining open in the Town of South Kingstown must post a copy of this order in a prominent place, so that it is visible to all people entering the business.
**********************************
Get Comfortable Working Remotely: Tips and Tools
Monday, March 30th @ 12:00pm
Thanks to COVID-19, most of us will be working remotely! Do you need a crash course/survival guide? Join Tony and Jen Silbert of Spartina Consulting for a 30 minute Zoom session to learn how to stay connected and productive in our new reality. They will share tips and tools for virtual meetings and how engage, collaborate with your team/organization, learning how to stay motivated/connected, and how to learn/adapt during uncertain times.
Because of the interest in this Zoom session and limited capacity, we are asking the anyone that would like to participate please register for this FREE session here.
A link to the zoom session will be sent to you once you have registered.
**********************************
Request from South County Health for Face Shields and Masks
South County Health is seeking donations of Personal Protective Equipment, specifically face shields, N95 masks or regular masks (surgical masks and procedure masks).
If you do have any, please be contact Christine Foisy 401-788-1608 or donations@southcountyhealth.org
Thank you very much for your consideration.
**********************************
Governor Raimondo and Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott are requesting medical supplies to bolster the State's inventory as we address the COVID-19 emergency. If you are a researcher, supplier, or manufacturer in possession of personal protective equipment, medical or lab supplies and are willing to donate or sell them, please read details about needed supplies and submit a Medical Supply Donation Form at the link below.
Click here for more information.
**********************************
SBA Disaster Assistance
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved Governor Raimondo's application for assistance and will offer low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital up to $2 million to Rhode Island small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/el. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
If your business has questions regarding SBA loans and access to capital, please call RI Commerce Small Business Hotline at (401) 521-HELP or e-mail info@commerceri.com.
Press Release - March 17, 2020
Three Step Process: Disaster Loans
SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus
**********************************
Verizon recently announced the launch of Pay it Forward Live, a weekly streaming entertainment series that will include music, gaming, comedy and more in support of small businesses affected by COVID-19. The weekly series will debut on Thursday, March 26, at 8:00 p.m. ET with a performance from Dave Matthews.
Understanding the toll of small businesses closing their doors to help fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Verizon will donate $2.5 million to Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a national nonprofit that has invested $20 billion to fuel economic opportunity for people and communities across America. Over the course of the series, all viewers who tune in will be encouraged to tag their favorite local businesses and make a purchase in advance for when the crisis is over and the businesses reopen. As consumers engage, Verizon will unlock an additional $2.5 million in funds, bringing the total donation to a potential $5 million.
LISC will use the funds to provide grants of up to $10,000 to businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of COVID-19, especially entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises that don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital in historically underserved communities. LISC will launch an online process for small businesses to submit applications for grants. Applications will be reviewed and then entered into a lottery. The grants are designed to help business owners fill urgent financial gaps - from paying rent to meeting payroll - until they can resume normal operations or other financing becomes available.
Read the full press release and sign up for updates on the launch of these grants here.
**********************************
Microsoft has agreed to provide their Office 365 E1 program for free for six months to all R.I. employers. That includes web-based Microsoft Office applications, resources to support telecommuting such as meetings and instant messaging, as well as remote file sharing. This offer extends to businesses of all sizes — whether you have one employee or one thousand employees.
To learn more on how to access these offerings, visit the dedicated webpage here.
Other companies have also made a number of tools available:
- Cisco is offering free WebEx video conferencing and a remote-work adoption toolkit to help guide businesses in their transition to working at home.
- Google is offering free access to their Hangouts Meet, another video conferencing system, for all of their GSuite and GSuite education customers.
**********************************
Announcements from Cox & Verizon on residential & small business relief.
**********************************
The Rhode Island Bankers Association (RIBA) and Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) announced a collaborative effort on behalf of their customers, members and communities, to publicly reinforce the safety, security and reliability of financial services throughout the state. View the full press release here.
**********************************
Under The Dome - Legislative Update 03/23/20
With the State House being closed, no sessions or hearings are being held this week, and a return date has not been set. This weeks edition of "Under The Dome" (a weekly legislative update provided by the RI Chamber of Commerce Coalition) has information that is relevant to the current situation including information on a possible disaster emergency funding board, the Rainy Day Fund, and what you can do to help. View the update here.
**********************************
An Important Message From ServiceMaster By Mason
"Reduce exposure and the spread of harmful viruses, bacteria and germs at your business or home with this helpful HIGH TOUCH CLEANING CHECKLIST. And if you need sanitizing and disinfecting services at your facility, ServiceMaster By Mason can help! Our Electrostatic Spraying is 99.99% effective in killing harmful viruses, bacteria and germs such as Influenza H1N1, Norovirus, MRSA, C.Diff, Mononucleosis, COVID19, HIV, Blood-borne Pathogens, Hepatitis & more. ServiceMaster also uses EPA-registered disinfectants that have qualified under the EPA’S Emerging Pathogen standard for use against COVID19. Whether you need viral or bacterial cleanings from an office ravaged by flu, infectious disease cleanup, or taking preventative measures for employees, clients & guests, ServiceMaster By Mason has a proven technology and process to ensure your business or home is a clean & healthy environment. Call 800-934-5869 CT & RI.
Before a business hires a company to do the sanitizing and disinfecting needed, they should make certain that they are using EPA approved products and process, or they wasted their money. They should ask any potential company for a product/process letter showing it’s approved."
SRI Chamber members: If you are offering a specific service like the one above that your fellow chamber members can utilize during this time, please let us know.
