Resources for Businesses During COVID-19
The City of Isle of Palms is is committed to partnering with our businesses and community to navigate the outbreak of COVID-19. The City has compiled a partial list of resources available to support economic retention and recovery related to the novel outbreak. Should you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact Desiree Fragoso, City Administrator, at desireef@iop.net or (843) 886-6428.
Health and Safety
CDC Household Disinfection Guidelines
Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on household disinfection can be found here.
World Health Organization: COVID-19 Outbreak Center
Information and updates from the World Health Organization on COVID-19 can be found here.
SCDHEC Guidance for COVID-19 Scenarios for Businesses
SCDHEC is providing guidance for use by employers and employees to determine the best practices to utilize in various scenarios involving COVID-19 in the workplace. Read the guidance here.
Restaurants
Governor Henry McMaster has established guidelines for restaurants to follow if and when they choose to open for dine-in services. On Friday May 8, 2020 the Governor announced that effective Monday May 11, 2020 restaurants could open for indoor dining if those guidelines are followed. The guidelines include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Only allow 50% of posted occupancy inside, as determined by fire marshals
- Tables should be spaced 6-8 feet apart
- Additional cleaning and sanitizing guidelines for equipment, tables, chairs, etc.
- Additional guidance for health checks for all employees
- Social distancing guidance for employees and customers, including recommended
The guidelines in the document below announced on May 1, 2020 remain in effect.
On May 1, 2020, Governor Henry McMaster announced that beginning May 4, 2020, restaurants throughout South Carolina may provide outdoor customer dining service in addition to existing take out, curbside and delivery services.
The South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association has issued the following guidance to help restaurants:
South Carolina Restaurant Opening Guidance
Contact the SC Restaurant & Lodging Association - info@scrla.org
DHEC has provided resources and tools that support the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association's guidance:
Business Support
BCDCOG Revolving Loan Fund- CARES
The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded BCDCOG $560,000 in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. The federal money will be used to capitalize the BCDCOG CARES Revolving Loan Fund, aimed at stimulating long-term, private-sector investment and employment in the region. This effort will allow BCDCOG to assist the private-sector’s recovery from economic losses related to COVID-19 and to create and retain long-term job opportunities in the region by making funds available more quickly and easily available to borrowers.
For more information and instruction on how to apply, click Here.
MUSC Back2Business Program
The City of Isle of Palms City Council recently approved a 50% matching grant program to enable local businesses to participate in the Medical University of South Carolina's Back 2 Business Program. The program helps business ensure a safe and efficient re-opening amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Back to Business program aims to help businesses provide employees and customers a safe and healthy environment and help business owners to follow the latest evidence based guidelines to maintain a safe environment. Public health experts will develop a personalized plan with customized services and resources and mitigation strategies for a safe reopening. The City's grant program affords a match of up to $500 per business to participate.
MUSC Back2Business Program Informational Booklet
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
The United States Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship has created a page linked here containing information regarding how to navigate the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or CARES Act. This act provides the following to small businesses.
- A Paycheck Protection Program
- Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster loans
- Emergency Grants
- Small Business Debt Relief
Not all businesses will qualify for all programs but most will have some form of assistance available. Information about the CARES Act can also be found at the United States Department of the Treasury website here.
US Small Business Administration (SBA)
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits may apply online here.
The turn around time between submitting your application and cash in hand is about 30 days, so business owners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. There is no cost to apply. More information and instructions on how to apply are available here.
Lowcountry Local First
Lowcountry Local First is a 501(c)3 nonprofit cultivating an economy anchored in local ownership, because local-independent businesses are the cornerstone of our culture, economy, and character. They educate the general public on why it's important to choose local and influence them to do so. Lowcountry Local First works with local elected officials, decision-makers and opinion leaders to foster a better environment for creating and sustaining local businesses. They also deliver resources, programming, networking, mentorship and more to local businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Google for Small Business
Resources to help your small business manage through uncertainty.
Grants and ad credits through their Small Business Grants Program.
Main Street America
Resources, opportunities, and community response examples to help Main Street districts during this crisis.
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers guidelines for businesses and employers to plan and respond to COVID-19.
SC Department of Employment and Workforce
Resources and information for employees who may be furloughed or unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Coronavirus and Unemployment Frequently Asked Questions
SC Chamber of Commerce
Federal, state, and local resources available to businesses in South Carolina.
SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
If you have questions about how to best prepare for COVID-19 or any steps you should be taking at the moment, please call SCDHEC's help line at 1-855-472-3432.