COVID-19 Resources
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, DDI has put together a running list of resources for downtown businesses and residents in need, as well as a status report on what we and local government entities are doing to assist. The situation is very fluid, so this page will be updated often as new information becomes available.
If you're a business owner who would like to discuss available assistance in more detail, please contact President/CEO Nicole Thompson at [email protected].
Want to help?
This page is primarily for those seeking resources, but we have also included information on how you can help support local businesses and their staff. Thank you for supporting the downtown Durham community.
Where to find the latest information about COVID-19
These federal, state and local resources are reliable and are updated regularly with new information about the pandemic and ways to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Durham County Department of Public Health Weekly Data • January 11
17,115
Total Cases
+1,339
191
7-Day Moving Average
+38
Metric:
Sustained leveling or decreased trajectory of lab-confirmed cases over 14 days.
Status:
North Carolina's trajectory of lab-confirmed cases is increasing. Durham's trajectory of lab-confirmed cases is increasing.
Visit the Durham County Department of Public Health Data Hub for in-depth analyses and information.
Vaccine Availability:
Visit Durham County Department of Public Health's vaccine information page for information about the roll-out and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine.
NC Current Restrictions
Executive Order | Summary | More Information |
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Executive Order 183 |
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Executive Order 181 - English - Spanish |
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Executive Order 180 - English - Spanish |
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Executive Order 176 - English - Spanish |
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Executive Order 169 - English - Spanish |
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Executive Order 153 - English - Spanish |
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Reopening Updates, Guidelines & Suggestions
Greenlight Durham – COVID Testing Resources
Greenlight Durham is a partnership between the City of Durham and Duke to provide an online resource for the Durham small business community that provides COVID monitoring, guidance, and testing. This application will connect businesses with streamlined testing (at no out-of-pocket cost), provide symptom monitoring for employees, and connect employees to community health workers and other social services resources. Registration is required and there are a limited number of slots.
Sign your business up for this resource.
Back on the Bull
Back on the Bull is an online planning tool developed by Duke's Center for Advanced Hindsight and the creative team at McKinney, with guidance from the Durham County Department of Public Health. Back on the Bull offers a voluntary self-certification tool for businesses operating during the pandemic, with printable signage that makes it easier for business owners and stakeholder groups to prominently display the specific safety measures they've adopted in response to COVID-19. The signage is in compliance with recent statewide Safer-at-Home orders. Back on the Bull is a one-stop shop where Durham residents, visitors, stakeholders and business owners can learn more about Durham’s current Safer-at-Home Order, COVID-19 data reports, actionable steps to prevent the coronavirus from spreading, and what one can expect when venturing into public. Visitors to the site can also use the searchable map to see which Durham businesses and organizations have implemented industry-specific safety guidelines.
Count on Me NC
Count On Me NC is a state-wide public health initiative created by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association that empowers visitors, guests and businesses to help keep everyone safe from COVID-19. The platform includes training modules for restaurant safety as well as general business modules. Businesses that complete the modules can print a certificate to display. The site also includes links to safety checklists for businesses as well as other resources.
PPE Supplies
If your company needs a large supply of PPEs, the Durham Chamber partnered with New Day Care Products and other local Chambers to bring you ChamberPPE.com. This site brings all of the PPE products together in one place at the best prices they have found anywhere – and Chamber Members receive an additional discount with code "Durham Chamber." Products include: KN95 Masks, Touchless Thermometers, Nitrile Gloves, and Sanitizer Liquid & Gel. The products have been bundled into affordable kits to suit your business' specific needs. Products are also available a la carte. Membership to the Durham Chamber is not required but members do receive a discount.
Utilities
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City of Durham Water Department: Recommendations for Preparing Your Building/Facility for Reopening
When buildings are vacant or operating at significantly reduced capacity for a long period of time, the water that would flow every day is left sitting in the pipes and devices. Disease-causing microorganisms, like the one that causes Legionnaires’ disease, can begin to grow. Corrosion control can be impacted. To make sure that you remove any stale and potentially unhealthy water in your building’s system, we are asking you to follow these steps as you prepare to reopen your property to employees and customers.
The key to preparing your facility is to flush the water systems and devices. For larger buildings, a single flush isn’t enough to re-establish good water quality, so it’s important to plan ahead and include flushing as a part of the cleaning and routine maintenance that will have to be completed before reopening. This also protects the health of any staff or occupants still working on the premises. We recommend performing a final flush in the 24 to 48 hours before a building officially reopens.
Resources for Businesses & Organizations
Federal Funds
Warning About Business Assistance Scams
There are organizations and entities that are advertising that they can provide assist businesses during the PPP process….for a “small” fee. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THIS. There are numerous entities that provide free assistance – LaTasha Best-Gaddy at SBTDC, LaShon Harley at SBC, the Women’s Business Center of North Carolina ([email protected]) and the 7a banks. Please, do not be tricked into thinking you need to pay for assistance.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
NC Independent contractors and self-employed workers out of work because of COVID-19 can apply for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance beginning Friday, April 24. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is a federal program for people who are unable to work as a result of COVID-19 and not eligible for regular state unemployment benefits, such as self-employed workers and independent contractors (1099 employees). More information, including how to apply, can be found here. Apply for the grant here.
Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Stimulus Bill)
On March 27, the U.S. Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act stimulus bill.
- Here's a guide to the stimulus bill put out by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act—prepared by the US Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship
- Coronavirus Response: Guide to New Federal Resources—prepared by US Representative Price’s office
- Economic Relief Resources from Senator Tillis’s Office
- US Small Business Administration—COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
State Funds
North Carolina COVID-19 Relief Bills
On May 4, Governor Cooper signed two relief bills into law. The relief package, which was passed unanimously, includes almost $1.6 billion in relief measures for critical expenditures related to public health and safety, educational needs, small business assistance, and continuity of state government operations. Of this amount, $1.4 billion has been appropriated and $150 million is set aside in a reserve fund for future local government needs. Provisions that apply to businesses are below.
- Limited Business Immunity: Gives essential businesses and emergency response entities immunity from civil liability claims from a customer or employee as a result of conducting business with or being employed by these entities during the pandemic.
- Small Businesses: Appropriates $125 million to the Golden Leaf Foundation for additional low-interest loans to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
- Read the full bills here:
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RETOOLNC
FUNDING for HUBs and DBEs – North Carolina minority and women-owned businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic will have access to guidance and $12 million in grants to help them weather the crisis, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The North Carolina Department of Administration has launched a new grant program, RETOOLNC, to help North Carolina Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms impacted by COVID-19. RETOOLNC was created under Governor Cooper’s Executive Order No. 143 to address disparities in communities of color exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The state’s Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses, in partnership with the Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF) and the North Carolina Institute for Minority Economic Development (the Institute), will offer guidance on business development through the RETOOLNC program and administer $12 million in funding to assist in the economic recovery of state-certified minority and women-owned businesses. North Carolina certified HUBs and DBEs must meet specific criteria to receive funding from the RETOOLNC program.
To learn more about the RETOOLNC initiative, visit the NC HUB Office website for details. HUB firms interested in receiving state certification can email [email protected] or call 984-236-0148 for assistance.
The Institute RETOOL NC Information
The Institute RETOOLNC Application
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NC Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief (MURR)
NC Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief (MURR) is a $40 million Relief Program to help offset fixed costs like rent, mortgage interests and utility bills for specific businesses/industries that have NOT been able to operate during COVID. Eligible applicants will be able to apply for up to two or their business locations--$20,000 per business location. Applications for this assistance should open next week and will be handled on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED basis.
To learn more about this program, administered by the NC Department of Commerce, you should register for one of the upcoming free educational webinars offered by the department over the next two weeks. For more information on the webinar schedule and the program, visit https://www.nccommerce.com/grants-incentives/disaster-recovery/mortgage-utility-and-rent-relief-murr-program. It is advisable that interested applicants register for one of these webinars AND monitor frequently information provided at the above link.
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Small Diverse Business Emergency Relief Fund
Small Diverse Business Emergency Relief Fund is open to minority or women-owned small businesses whose operations & revenue are affected by reduced customers, and clients. The relief fund will provide grants for up to $1,000 for rent, utilities, and other operational expenses of small businesses that have been impacted by a decline in business due to COVID-19. These funds are not expected to be repaid. Businesses applying for grant funds must operate in North Carolina, be a small minority owned business, and must demonstrate the immediate needs for resources. Funds will be administered through the Women’s Business Center of North Carolina.
Local Funds
City of Durham Small Business Recovery Fund
NEW OPPORTUNITY for businesses that suffered a significant disruption in operations during 2019. These businesses, that aren’t able to show profitability in 2019 will be considered on a case-by-case basis for assistance/funding. If you submitted an application for a loan or grant and you experienced an interruption or disruption in operations in 2019, PLEASE RESUBMIT AN APPLICATION.
The program is now launching a second round of funding beginning July 20, with $414,000 in grant funds and approximately $1.4 million in loan funds available for distribution. The criteria for both programs have been updated, with Durham County businesses now eligible to apply; previously, only businesses within the city limits were eligible. Both grant and loan applications will be selected for review on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.
In addition, businesses that can satisfactorily document reasons for a significant disruption in operations during 2019 that impacted their profitability will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Given the continuing economic impact of the pandemic, loan applicants can also now submit documentation showing a 25% or more Covid-related loss for the months of April-June 2020.
Eligible businesses are those with fewer than 25 employees, including home-based businesses and food trucks, which are subject to additional criteria. Businesses with revenue of less than $500,000 may apply for grants up to $10,000. Businesses with revenue of more than $500,000 are eligible for loans of $5,000 to $35,000 with a 3% interest rate and repayment terms up to 10 years. Borrowers will make only interest payments during the first year with principal payments deferred up to a year.
Download the informational flyer.
Grants
Loans
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UDI Community Development Corporation
UDI Community Development Corporation (UDI/CDC) is the recipient of a COVID-19 Recovery and Resiliency Project award from the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Agency (EDA), as part of EDA’s CARES Act Recovery Assistance. Eligible businesses can apply for LOANS up to $50,000. For more information, please contact UDI CDC directly at 919-544-4597.
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Small Business Association
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Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
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SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus
- Businesses with an SBA 504 loan may be able to refinance or restructure the loan.
- Multiple loans can be consolidated or refinanced
- Up to 90% loan-to-value (first and second combined)
- Cash out available of up to 85%
- Click here for more information
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Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) can help with applying for an SBA Disaster Assistance Loan
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Small business owners interested in SBA disaster assistance loans should call Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) at 1-800-228-8443
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BLNC staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Se habla Español si es necesario.
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Call volume in BLNC is expected to be high, and callers may need to leave a message and await a returned call.
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BLNC counselors will gather basic information from callers and refer the case to the most appropriate resource – small-business experts with the either the Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC) or the state’s Small Business Center Network (SBCN) – for assistance.
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SBTDC and SBCN small-business counselors will assess needs – working, for example, to assist with the preparation of any SBA loan application materials that may be appropriate.
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- Documents that may help:
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Golden LEAF NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan
- The North Carolina COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Lending program supports North Carolina small businesses and family farms as they recover from the economic impact of COVID-19. This rapid recovery loan helps small businesses bridge the gap between when crisis strikes and when federal loans, insurance payouts, and other relief funds are approved, or businesses have time to recover. UPDATE: As of March 26, Golden Leaf has received applications in excess of the current $15 million funding level and are actively seeking additional funding to expand the program. Applications already submitted are being processed in the order they were received. You are welcome to continue with your application, and Golden Leaf will review it as additional funding becomes available.
- Apply for a Rapid Recovery Loan
Other Resources
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Reboot, Recover Rebuild (R3) Program for Small Businesses
If your business has been affected by COVID-19, contact the Durham Tech SBC to request free counseling. Through the R3 program, you can receive counseling on a variety of topics, all free of charge.
Resources for Individuals
Grants
- COVID-10 SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM
The COVID-19 Support Services Program is an innovative new program to support individuals in targeted counties who need access to primary medical care and supports to successfully quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19. These support services will be funded through approximately $17 million of North Carolina Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. To be eligible for support services, individuals must first be identified by a medical professional or a state or local public health official as needing to quarantine or isolate because the individual:
- Tested positive for COVID-19,
- Is waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test,
- Was exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or
- Needs to do so as a precautionary measure because the individual is in a high-risk group (e.g. over 65; suffers from underlying health conditions, such as respiratory or chronic disease or compromised immunities).
- The individual must attest to certain additional eligibility criteria
What Support Services Will Be Available?
- Nutrition assistance such as home-delivered meals or groceries;
- A one-time COVID-19 relief payment, provided in response to the federally-declared COVID-19 public health emergency, to assist the individual and his or her family in meeting basic living expenses such as housing, food, utilities, medical costs, child care costs, and household bills while in isolation or quarantine;
- Private transportation provided in a safe manner to/from testing sites, non-congregate shelter, medical visits, and sites to acquire food (if delivery is not feasible);
- Medication delivery; and
- COVID-related over-the-counter supplies, such as a face mask, hand sanitizer, thermometer, and cleaning supplies.
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Housing Opportunities and Prevention of Evictions (HOPE) Program
A new statewide initiative that may provide rent and utility assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income renters experiencing financial hardship due to the economic effects of COVID-19. The new program will help prevent evictions and utility disconnections in order to promote housing stability during the ongoing pandemic. HOPE is an initiative of the NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency, a division of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. The HOPE Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program – Coronavirus and the U.S. Department of the Treasury Coronavirus Relief Funds. For more information, visit HOPE’s website.
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Day One Fund
This fund is being established as a partnership with Day One Disaster Relief and supported by community leaders: Mayor Steve Schewel; City Council Members: Vernetta Alston, Javiera Caballero, DeDreana Freeman, Jillian Johnson, Mark-Anthony Middleton, and Charlie Reece; and members of The Durham County Board of Commissioners.
The funds raised will be distributed to the most critical need, in the most equitable way possible.
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Durham Artist Relief Fund
Funds donated here go directly to artists and arts presenters in Durham who have been financially impacted by cancellations due to COVID-19, with priority given to to BIPOC artists, transgender & nonbinary artists, and disabled artists (note: we will try to help as many artists with need in Durham as we can).
Loans
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Latino Credit Union Solidarity Loan
LCCU is offering this loan to members who have lost their regular income due to the COVID-19 crisis. LCCU members can borrow between $500 and $2,000 at 1% APR with terms of up to 24 months.
To apply you will need to have established a membership with LCCU on or before March 15. No current proof of income will be required. Ability to repay will be based on the income you received before the hardship started. And the first payment may be deferred up to 90 days.
Apply by contacting any LCCU branch during business hours.
Education
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Durham Tech Back to Work Initiative
Durham Tech is our community’s safety net during this time of unprecedented unemployment. We provide the training you need now for employment and economic upward mobility.
The Initiative: Durham Tech will provide training and support with short-term courses that provide our community with skillsets needed for jobs and later offer opportunities to Durham Tech’s guided pathways when those students return for later training.
How we’re helping: Durham Tech is offering a number of high-impact courses to help students get opportunities for immediate employment in growing industries. Courses are targeted toward short-term courses with less than a year of classroom time to help students get back to work quickly. Offerings focus on high-demand occupations including health, biotechnology, skilled trades, information technology and more. Additional courses will continue to be added, including BioWorks, Nurse Aide, Core Construction, and Human Resources Development.
Counseling
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Disaster Distress Helpline
The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7/365 crisis counseling and support for anyone in the U.S. experiencing distress or other behavioral health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster, including public health emergencies. Calls to 1-800-985-5990 and texts of “TalkWithUs” to 66746 are answered by a network of independently-operated crisis centers around the US, who provide psychological first aid, emotional support, crisis assessment and intervention, and referrals to local/state behavioral health services for follow-up care & support.
- Spanish speakers can call the hotline and press “2” for 24/7 bilingual support or text “Hablanos” for Spanish to 66746
- Deaf/Hard of Hearing – TTY 1-800-846-8517 or can text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
- Callers to the hotline can connect with counselors in 100+ languages via 3rd party interpretation services; to connect with a counselor in one’s primary language, indicate preferred language to the responding counselor and they will connect to a live interpreter
Ways to Help
Support local businesses with your business
DDI maintains up-to-date information on the status of downtown restaurants and retailers. It is still a good idea to call or check social media to see what services are available at individual businesses.
Add Your Business
Support Local Businesses and Staff with Donations
Downtown Durham, Inc. is providing this list as a service, and unless expressly indicated, is not affiliated with any of the fundraisers listed below. Please use your best judgment when giving to online fundraisers.
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Day One Fund
This fund is being established as a partnership with Day One Disaster Relief and supported by community leaders: Mayor Steve Schewel; City Council Members: Vernetta Alston, Javiera Caballero, DeDreana Freeman, Jillian Johnson, Mark-Anthony Middleton, and Charlie Reece; and members of The Durham County Board of Commissioners.
The funds raised will be distributed to the most critical need, in the most equitable way possible.
As an example, the funds will be used to:
- support individuals whose livelihood was impacted by the outbreak
- purchase medical supplies
- purchase cleaning supplies
- provide community support for those who are most vulnerable**Aid will be distributed to communities who currently have confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses.**
Any funds raised beyond what is needed to help impacted communities will be reserved for future community disaster relief in Durham and North Carolina.
Day One Fund -
Durham Artist Relief Fund
Funds donated here go directly to artists and arts presenters in Durham who have been financially impacted by cancellations due to COVID-19, with priority given to to BIPOC artists, transgender & nonbinary artists, and disabled artists (note: they will try to help as many artists with need in Durham as they can).
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Durham Arts Council Arts Recovery Fund
All Fund proceeds will go directly to the Durham arts community impacted by COVID-19. This fund supports local nonprofit arts organizations, artists, artist collectives, arts presenters, arts venues and arts businesses.
The DAC Arts Recovery Fund is working in partnership with the Durham Artist Relief Fund established by Northstar Church of the Arts. The two funds will support, cross-promote, and coordinate with each other to maximize resources available to the arts community. The Durham Arts Council Arts Recovery Fund is able to expand the emergency resources by attracting and administering dollars on behalf of public and private funders that are not able to channel their support through a GoFundMe platform. Individual donors may give through either campaign, or both.
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Duke-Durham Fund
With an initial commitment of $5 million from Duke, the Duke-Durham Fund will provide assistance to area non-profits, small businesses, and community based organizations.
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Brij
This new platform, created by a Kenan-Flagler faculty member, allows individuals to donate directly to local businesses.