Business Resources

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Webinar January 14

See information below about this grant and the webinar Thursday, January 14 to learn more about eligibility.

Statewide Face Covering Requirement

Effective Friday, June 26, businesses and organizations statewide are required to enforce face coverings for all employees, customers, and patrons under Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 147. Learn more about the order here, along with face covering guidance and recommendations for businesses here.

Need help sharing this message?

Download these flyers below, in English and Spanish, and post in a prominent location to keep our community safe and informed.

   

 

   

(Re)Open for Business  

Download the Re-Open for Business documentNew Hanover County Public Health is offering assistance and expertise to local restaurants, businesses, and organizations on preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the reopening process. If you are a business owner or manager seeking help with individual processes and safety measures, you can contact the Coronavirus Call Center at 910-798-6800 to talk through your questions and get connected to more resources. If needed, our team can deploy to meet with restaurants or businesses on site (maintaining all protective measures) to talk through processes that facilitate cleanliness and physical distancing.  

Download the (Re)Open for Business PDF 

 

View the latest guidance, recommendations and best practices during the reopening process: 

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant

As part of the Covid-19 relief signed into law on December 27, 2020, the Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act (the “Hard Hit Act”), sets aside $15 billion in grant funding for “shuttered venue operators” that have been severely affected by COVID-19.  Administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant offers a critical lifeline for the nation’s performing arts venues, movie theatres and museums.

Qualifying venues / individuals / entities can get up to a $10 million grant through the program (significantly more than the $10,000 maximum available through EIDL Grants). And unlike PPP, this isn’t a loan that is forgivable under specific circumstances. It is an outright grant.

As of now, you cannot combine this grant with a PPP loan.  However, this only applies to PPP loans received after December 27, 2020. If you received a PPP loan before this date, you can still qualify for a shuttered venue grant. (The restriction covers both first and second draw PPP loans.)

Categories of individuals or entities (for-profit, nonprofit, or government-owned) that are potentially eligible for grants include:

  • live venue operator or promoter;
  • theatrical producer;
  • live performing arts organization operator;
  • talent representative;
  • movie theatre operator; or
  • “relevant” museum operator.

The North Carolina District Office of the SBA will be holding a webinar this Thursday, January 12th at 3 PM ET to share grant details, specific eligibility details /  who may apply, how to prepare, etc.

Register for the webinar here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/shuttered-venue-operators-grant-webinar-registration-136050549857

Reopening & Safety Guidance

Business & Employer Resources

  • Financial Support for Small Businesses – Information for small businesses about loans and other financial assistance available from state sources
  • Unemployment Insurance – Information and frequently asked questions for employers related to COVID-19 and unemployment insurance
  • IT & Cybersecurity – Resources and assistance from trusted state vendors, free and affordable internet service offerings, as well as cybersecurity tips for teleworking, video conferencing and avoiding phishing scams
  • More Business Resources – Find out about supply chain, business counseling services and more from the N.C. Department of Commerce

The Business Emergency Operations Center (BEOC) is a central point for businesses to reach out in the event they need assistance. The BEOC also serves as a connection between the New Hanover County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and businesses that might have goods or services needed by the EOC to perform their duties. The BEOC was formed after Hurricane Florence with the hope that no businesses fall through the cracks during any future disasters in our area. 

The Wilmington Chamber is serving as the key partner with the county to set up the Business EOC. The dedicated phone number for the BEOC is 910-762-2611. The email address is businesseoc@wilmingtonchamber.org. 

Full-service restaurants may now apply for assistance through the Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief Program administered by the NC Department of Commerce. Restaurants can apply for up to four months of rent or mortgage interest capped at $20,000 per location, for up to two locations. Learn more at NCCommerce.com/murr.

Reopening & Safety Guidance

View materials and print flyers for your establishment by clicking here

Learn about the Small Business Grant Program that distributed $1.3 million in awards to local businesses in June.

COVID-19 Information

Health: 1650 Greenfield Street • Wilmington, NC 28401 • Phone 910-798-3500 • Fax 910-798-7834 • Human Services Fax 910-798-7824
Environmental Health: 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 140 • Wilmington, NC 28403 • Phone 910-798-6667 • Fax 910-798-7815
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