Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. We will continually update this guide as more information becomes available.
As COVID-19 has rapidly moved through the Charlotte community in recent days, startups, small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Mecklenburg County have rallied together to support local businesses of all shapes and sizes. When Governor Roy Cooper recently announced the executive order to close all bars and restaurants, effective at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17, the community scrambled online to find ways to support these businesses.
Local business owners Corri Smith of Black Wednesday and Garrett Tichy of Hygge rallied together to launch a new network, Support Local Or Else, that aims to promote and support local businesses during these difficult days. Small businesses have the opportunity to submit their business listing and a promotional opportunity for others to purchase. Current listings include a variety of deals from restaurants, apparel, breweries, fitness, services and more.
Resourcefulness and ingenuity are traits that many small business owners and entrepreneurs have in common, both of which are particularly important during times such as these. Restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops are moving from dine-in establishments to take-out opportunities. Businesses that offer in-person events are pivoting their strategies to bring their customers virtual opportunities to learn and connect.
Below, Charlotte Inno has begun to compile resources and articles that Charlotteans can use to navigate their business options during this pandemic. If you have additional resources to share, please let us know.
We will continually update this guide as new resources are discovered, but for the latest news, sign up for The Beat.
Last updated April 27th, 2020.
Resources
- COVID-19 Response in North Carolina - Stay up-to-date on the latest develops for the state of North Carolina as the NCDHHS closely monitors the pandemic.
- Charlotte Business Resources - The City of Charlotte has gathered top resources from their business partners to share for the Queen City community.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans – The U.S. Small Business Administration provides loan funding for eligible small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations. See if you qualify for assistance.
- Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources – The U.S. Small Business Administration compiled an easy-to-understand guide that will walk you through the relevant resources your business has access to during this time.
- EnergyBot Coronavirus Energy Resource Guide - EnergyBot compiled an online resource guide for information and programs related to utility bills.
- Harvard Business Review Provides Special Coverage of the Coronavirus – HBR provides the latest updates, relevant articles, and eBooks to help businesses handle the myriad of situations that can come up during COVID-19.
- A Field Guide to Remote Workshops - The switch to remote work has led to many of our partners asking about best practices for facilitating a remote workshop.
- Support Local Charlotte Businesses - The Charlotte Regional Visitor's Authority has put together a roundup of resources to help support local businesses throughout the region.
- Remote Working: Setting Yourself & Your Teams Up for Success - Whether you or your team are used to working remotely, this helpful guide provides ways to stay both productive and connected while working from home.
- Ten Steps to Effective Coronavirus Crisis Leadership - The Entrepreneurs Organization shared a compelling resource for leaders during a crisis.
- JPMorgan Chase Makes $50M Philanthropic Investment - Funds will support those hit hardest by the public health crisis.
- Charlotte Business Resources - A great resource for small businesses to connect and thrive throughout the city of Charlotte.
- Office of Economic Development - The Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development has many resources that may be beneficial to your business at this time and in the future.
- Carolina Small Business Development Fund - Providing funding and resources for small businesses and entrepreneurs, this website also has an abundance of education resources for organizations.
- A Guide to Remote Work for Startups - See how one startup's move to total remote work impacted their business and productivity.
- 10 Tips for Protecting Your Business From Coronavirus - Here's an accountants advice on how you can protect your small business during a pandemic.
- International Association of Business Communicators Resources - The IABC community has created a list of resources to keep up with the ever-changing media landscape during this critical time.
If you haven't already, check out the roundup of local events, many of which are now being held virtually.
