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Assistance For Businesses Affected by COVID-19

Lincoln Economic Development Association (LEDA) is committed to supporting Lincoln County’s vibrant business community as it responds to the impacts of COVID-19.  We are working with state, regional, county, and local leaders to help our businesses during this uncertain time. 

Numerous resources are available to business owners to assist with navigating the financial hardship faced by many from the current situation.  In order to ensure as many local employers as possible are aware of these programs we have outlined them below for reference.  Many of these can be found on our Tools For Business website, you can access it at : https://www.resources4business.info/lincolneda/recession.html
 
SBA’s Small Business Disaster Loan Program is now open for North Carolina businesses to apply.  The program offers low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to North Carolina small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus.  To learn more please go to:  https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
 
The Small Business & Technical Development Center (SBTDC) has sent a new link to their website for additional help and resources.  http://www.sbtdc.org/coronavirus/
 
Golden LEAF Foundation is providing a NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program.  Businesses are eligible to apply for bridge loans of up to $50,000 with six months of no interest or principal payments.  To learn more please go to:  https://ncrapidrecovery.org

Gaston College has transitioned their Free Small Business Classes to Online Learning starting with “Preparing Your Business for the Threat of Coronavirus” as well as many other business classes.  Learn more at: https://NCSBC.net
 
During times of emergency, local and state government does have the authority to impose restrictions. To continue operations through a restriction or curfew, your business must apply for Re-Entry. The North Carolina Business Emergency Operations Center offers instructions on how to do so.  These can be found at: 
https://ncchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2020.3.22-Steps-to-Apply-for-ReEntry-Certification-from-NCBEOC.pdf

 For guidance on how the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) defines “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” please go to:  https://ncchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers-1-20-508c.pdf

These programs are also posted on our Facebook page, please search for Lincoln Economic Development Association.  We will continue to update the page with pertinent assistance as it comes online.  Any business owner needing to take advantage of these programs is urged to begin the process now, as most programs have specific budgeted funds for implementation.