Ozark-Dale County EDC COVID-19 Resources

This page is designed to help employers and workforce in Ozark and Dale County respond to the challenges of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Information is changing often, and updates will be made on this site daily. We will provide the most up-to-date information available, but we ask readers to rely on official sources first and foremost and we will repost much of that information on this webpage.

Our national, state, and local public health agencies are confident that the best strategy to protect our population from further spread of the virus is social distancing—avoid large gatherings and maintain a physical distance of approximately 6 feet from others when possible.

Business Toolkit

Small Business Financial Assistance

Support Local Business

News & Updates

BUSINESS TOOLKIT

EMPLOYMENT / UNEMPLOYMENT NEWS & RESOURCES

COVID-19 Scenarios and Available Benefits
Provided by AlabamaWorks!
Workforce Flexibilities Memo
from the Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Transformation
COVID-19 Workforce Recovery Update Webinar
Presented by AlabamaWorks!
Alabama Department of Labor Resources
Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits – Alabama Department of Labor – Q & A
Bulk Filing of Unemployment for Employers
March 16, 2020 – Alabama Department of Labor – Alabama Announces Support for Workers Impacted by COVID-19
What happens if you lose your job due to coronavirus
Southeast AlabamaWorks Facebook Page Linking Dislocated Workers to Employers
Unemployment Claim Poster
COVID-19 Scenarios and Available Benefits Provided by AlabamaWorks!
Workforce Flexibilities Memo from the Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Transformation
COVID-19 Workforce Recovery Update Webinar Presented by AlabamaWorks!
Alabama Department of Labor Resources

LOCAL

STATE

Updated Orders Regarding Vehicle Registrations
Alabama Department of Revenue
Special Message from Governor Ivey to our Small Business Community
Office of the Governor
Order of the State Health Officer Suspending Certain Public Gatherings, Effective March 28, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m. on April 17, 2020, Alabama Department of Public Health
Alabama Order of The State Heath Officer Suspending Certain Public Gatherings (Statewide)
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Public Health have issued a statewide health order to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Included is the ruling on Healthcare and First Responder Childcare.
Alabama Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network – The University of Alabama
The Alabama SBDC Network is a statewide, inter-institutional program to enhance economic growth in Alabama by providing management and technical assistance to small businesses. Betsy Baker is the SBDC local contact. She may be reached at bakerb@troy.edu.
Alabama Department of Insurance
The Alabama Department of Insurance has issued guidance to health insurance carriers responding to the COVID-19 virus.
Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL)
ADOL Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced that Alabama workers who are not able to work due to COVID-19 will be eligible to file for unemployment benefits.
Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association (ARHA)
The ARHA represents over 1,200 members including restaurants, lodging, tourism, and hospitality service companies.

FEDERAL

U.S. Treasury Department
Provides specific information regarding resources available as a result of the Coronavirus. This is preliminary information and additional guidance is expected. Under the section entitled Assistance for Small Businesses, there are four links entitled:
U.S. Department of Labor
Provides information on COVID-19 related workplace safety, hours and leave, unemployment insurance flexibilities, dislocated worker support, and additional resources to help workers and employers prepare.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – The SBA has a number of resources available to assist small businesses during this time of uncertainty.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce – The U.S. Chamber website provides guidance on a number of topics regarding the virus and how businesses are responding.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act Title-by-Title Summary Prepared by the Office of Vice Chairman Leahy
Coronavirus Stimulus Package Infographic Provided by Manufacture Alabama

Additional Resources

Small Business Buckets
Options for small business funding
Facebook for Business
Managing through and building resilience during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Resources to help your small business manage through uncertainty
Here are some tips and recommendations to help you navigate this for your employees and customers.
Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS)
Six Ways to Prevent a Virus From Disrupting Your Business

Open for Business™
Prevent Business Disruption With a Business Continuity Plan
Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
International Franchise Association
How to Create a Youtube channel to talk about products
The Tools & Technology of Virtual Teams. Presented by Creative Circle
The People & Processes of Virtual Teams. Presented by Creative Circle
The resilient enterprise: leading through uncertainty and complexity Provided by Earnest & Young
Online strategies for businesses by Arnett Muldrow and Associated
Emergency E-Commerce How-To Webinar Provided by Locable
How the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” will impact your business. Presented by Miller & Martin
National Restaurant Association

American Hotel & Lodging Association
U.S. Travel Association
National Retail Federation
International Council of Shopping Centers
An EOS Company’s Guide to Surviving Coronavirus
Shake-Free Zone and Handwashing Signs
Symptoms for Staying Home Poster
COVID-19 and Business Continuity Webinar
Main Street Alabama COVID Tips
Your Questions Answered: What Does the Families First Coronavirus Response Act Mean for Employers? Presented by Baker Donelson
Families First Coronavirus Response Act — What Businesses with Under 500 Employees Need to Know. Presented by TriNet
COVID-19 Employer Update Presented by Barnes and Thornburg LLP
COVID-19: Managing Your Business During a Crisis. Presented by BDO
COVID-19 Webinar Series: Business Continuity Planning Webinar Recording Provided by Bradley
Fact Over Fear: Understanding COVID-19 Hudson Alpha Institute for Biotechnology
Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience in COVID-19 Response U.S. Department of Homeland Security
FFCRA Employee Rights Poster United States Department of Labor

SMALL BUSINESS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

STATE

Alabama Will Waive Employer Charges For COVID-19 Related Claims When Employers File Unemployment Claims Employees
Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington has temporarily ordered that relief be offered to employers whose employees must file unemployment compensation claims for weeks filed due to COVID-19 related issues. All charges will be waived against those employers who file partial unemployment compensation claims on behalf of their employees. These charges will be waived until further notice. ADOL is encouraging all employers who can file on their employees’ behalf to do so.

Alabama Department of Revenue Extends Relief to Small Businesses
Effective immediately, the Department of Revenue is extending relief to small retail businesses that are unable to timely pay their February, March, and April sales tax liabilities.

FEDERAL

Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
US Chamber of Commerce

The Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act
Small Business Development Center

SBA Loan Program For Up To $2 Million For Qualifying Businesses And Non-Profits
Governor Kay Ivey announced today that small businesses across Alabama negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic are eligible for assistance under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The program will help qualified businesses and non-profit organizations recover from economic losses tied to the abrupt downturn triggered by the COVID-19 disease.

Learn more at SBA Disaster Loans for COVID-19.
View webinar detailing strategies to navigate the cash flow crunch and providing information on SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan. The Small Business Development Centers across the state will help businesses apply for the SBA Disaster Loan. Betsy Baker is the SBDC local contact. She may be reached at bakerb@troy.edu.

S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA has a number of resources available to assist small businesses during this time of uncertainty.
SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus
SBA provides low-interest disaster loans
SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
Fact Sheet—Economic Injury Disaster Loans by US Small Business Association
Preparing to Apply for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (COVID-19) Provided by Small Business Development Center
SBA Online Loan Application

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

We understand the following weeks will be difficult for many of our local businesses and employees. We encourage citizens to continue to support local businesses. Below are a few constructive ways to support local and small businesses at this time.

Buy gift cards or certificates: A little here and there can hold small businesses over
Shop online: Check Facebook, Instagram, and other social media outlets for business websites or stores
Order from restaurants with Delivery, Drive-Thru, Carry-Out, or Curbside Pick-up options
Tip generously
If you are a business with employees working extended hours, consider bringing in meals from a local restaurant.

March 20,2020 – 5 ways to support your local Alabama restaurants during the COVID-19 outbreak

Restaurant Employee Relief Fund: National Restaurant Association

NEWS & UPDATES

STATE

Alabama Department of Public Health
For more information about COV1D-19 and how it is currently impacting the state of Alabama

FEDERAL / INTERNATIONAL

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The most up-to-date information on the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Scroll to the bottom of the home page to enter your email address to receive updates about COVID-19.
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
This page contains links to resources on business resilience and disaster recovery.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation – Corporate Aid Tracker
When disasters strike, businesses mobilize their expertise, capabilities, and community resources to assist with the relief and recovery efforts. Use this site to see what companies are doing to assist with the needs of businesses and communities in responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19).