COVID-19 Resources and Information
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Below you will find a comprehensive list of resources pertaining to the COVID-19 response. This guide will be updated regularly-- please check our
website
and Facebook page for updates.
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Who Is Hiring in Our Region?
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The Southwestern Commission's Workforce Development Department has compiled a list of businesses that are hiring in Southwestern North Carolina. This list will be updated regularly, so visit the link below to see any changes.
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Governor Cooper's Plan for Phase Two Reopening
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Interactive Map of Wifi Hotspots in the Region
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The Southwestern Commission has collected and mapped all free public wireless internet hotspot locations throughout the region. The interactive map below can be used to find the address and other pertinent information for each location.
If you know of any other hotspots that are free to the public, please send any information to Becca Scott (
[email protected]
).
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In response to the unique economic challenges of COVID-19, a consortium of public, private, and nonprofit partners have come together and launched an innovative recovery-lending program to help support entrepreneurs and stabilize North Carolina’s small business sector, known as
NC's Rapid Recovery Program
.
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US Economic Development Administration and Other Resources Available
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The US Economic Development Administration (EDA) has announced several new resources that are available. These resources as well as several other relevant resources are listed below (thanks to Hillary Sherman with the US EDA for providing this information):
Click
HERE
to learn more.
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Nantahala Health Foundation Launches COVID-19 Impact Recovery Fund Campaign
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Nantahala Health Foundation (NHF) has announced that it is launching the COVID-19 Impact Recovery Fund campaign. The purpose of this campaign is to match charitable donations dollar for dollar up to $100,000 in order to prepare for a post-COVID future.
In a press release, NHF writes, "The immediate threat has always been that the virus would spread and create pressures on our communities’ limited healthcare systems. Beyond that, however, we anticipate dramatic short- and long-term effects on our region’s education systems, workforce and local economies. By growing our resources and matching donations from the public, we will be better equipped to respond quickly and sustain that response over the duration of the recovery."
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The 2020 US Census Could Have Significant Financial Impact on Our Region-- Encourage Others to Respond!
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The 2020 US Census is in full swing, and this is a really important opportunity for our region to be counted and represented. For example, each Western North Carolinian who responds to the 2020 Census will bring the equivalent of $1,623 federal dollars per year, for 10 years, to the region.
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Dogwood Health Trust Lists New Opportunities to Use Their Leverage Fund
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For the past few months, Dogwood Health Trust has compiled a very thorough list of funding streams that are available for nonprofits and local governments. This effort is a part of their Leverage Fund, which was established to assist with the grant writing process for these funding streams.
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US Small Business Administration Loan Programs
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The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.
SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
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.
Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork.
Click
HERE
for a great overview of SBA programs from the Small Business and Technology Development Center.
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Information about Unemployment Benefits
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The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of Americans applying for unemployment insurance. In response, the U.S. Department of Labor has issued guidance to help states implement expanded unemployment benefits under the CARES Act.
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Information from https://des.nc.gov/need-help/covid-19-nc-unemployment-insurance-information
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Counties Create Resources for Local Businesses
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Local entities are working to create and provide resources for businesses. For example, several counties have created resources to help local businesses, such as Jackson County’s
All in Jackson Fund
, which will offer low-interest loans to small businesses in Jackson County who have been impacted by COVID-19. Also, Macon County has created “
Reopening Macon
," which includes a comprehensive list of resources for businesses as they begin the process of reopening.
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For more information on NC COVID-19 legislation click
here
.
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Additional Resources for Businesses and Nonprofits in Western North Carolina
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The Small Business Centers at your local community college are also an excellent resource. Contact
Katy Gould
with Haywood Community College,
Tiffany Henry
with Southwestern Community College, or
Kathryn Jenkins
with Tri-County Community College.
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Information for Older Adults
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Please call your local senior center for details on meal programs. Senior center staff continue to make well check calls to older adults on a regular basis.
May is Older Americans Month, and the theme for 2020 is "Mark Your Mark". Click
HERE
to access artwork, activity ideas, and other materials to help you observe Older Americans Month.
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Each county has resources for their citizens. The links below will take you to the county's response page.
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Resources Specific to Local Governments
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UNC School of Government
offers blog posts, webinars, and other resources and information for North Carolina public officials across a variety of subject areas about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
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