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  Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce | Norwich, CT 06360

COVID-19: Business Toolkit

​GNACC  is closely tracking the impact of the Coronavirus for our businesses and our community. Below are resources for advice on how your business and family can plan for and respond to the virus. We will update this page as information becomes available.   With the U.S. now reporting a number of COVID-19 cases, it’s important that businesses of all sizes and sectors continue to monitor the situation and are as prepared as possible to protect the health of their workers. ​
As the State of Connecticut begins reopening, one of the first questions asked is, “Where can I find funding”? Perhaps your need is a piece of equipment, inventory, renovation costs, or you haven’t yet applied for the Payroll Protection Program and you want to learn more about it.

Following is a list of resources (Small Business Reopening Resource Guide) that can help guide you, funders who work with small businesses, websites that are especially informative, and other relief programs that could help you. We hope you find this helpful and wish you much success as you take the courageous steps to reopen. The state, its agencies and its partners are here to support you!  DECD  
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development​

​SBA’S NEW Restaurant Revitalization Fund Program (RRF) (English)
SBA’S NEW Restaurant Revitalization Fund Program (RRF) (Spanish)


DID YOU KNOW?  US Foods in Norwich​ has multiple experts on this fund, it’s requirements and eligibility and can provide direction in terms of the steps needed to access these funds.  They can do 1-on-1 consultations as well as group virtual meetings to provide the support needed to access this funding. 
Women’s Business Development Council’s Equity Match Grant application opens Tuesday, September 7th!  The application will be open for 3 weeks: September 7th to September 28th, 2021. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years. We plan to announce final grant decisions in mid November​. For additional information go to our website. ​

Additional Business Resources:
  • CT.Gov Your one stop for doing business in CT
  • DECD Portal for information for veteran-owned businesses.  Statewide  Visit Website
  • CT Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC)  No cost business counseling, including business planning, marketing and finding capital. Register for assistance online by clicking on the yellow "COVID-19 Business Advising” button at top of page to register. Spanish-speaking support available.  Statewide  Visit Website  Call: (877) 723-2828
  • Women's Business Development Council:  No cost training and counseling, financial education and support finding capital. Emphasis on women-owned businesses.  Statewide Visit Website   Call: (203) 751-9550​
  • ​CT CARES SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS
  • State of CT Department of Labor​
  • Small Business Association
  • Official Guide to Government Information & Services
  • Read the Latest COVID GUIDANCE from CT.GOV
  • SCORE Certified volunteer business mentors offering support and business coaching. Contact the office nearest you for non-English speaking support.  Statewide Find a SCORE mentor    Find a SCORE location
  • Minority Construction Council, Inc.:  Business counseling for minority-owned construction contractors.  Statewide Visit Website  Call: (860) 882-0675
  • HEDCO  Business counseling and technical assistance.  Statewide  ​Visit Website   Call: (860) 527-1301
  • Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA) Business counseling, with a focus on Latino-owned small businesses. Spanish-speaking support available.   Statewide  Visit Website   Contact

​Efficiency Programs & Rebates | Norwich Public Utilities

​Arts & Entertainment:
  • Connecticut's Arts & Culture Industry Guidelines for Operating During COVID-19
  • Cultural Coalition Public Facebook Group Page with Daily Updates, News & Posts - Resources/Info/Q&A - COVID CultureSECT Arts & Cultural Org/Bus Artists​
  • Financial Relief Resources for Artists During COVID-19 - Artwork Archive
  • National Endowment for the Arts
  • Americans for the Arts Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource & Response Center
  • National Coalition for Arts' Preparedness & Emergency Response
  • CERF+ The Artists Safety Net​​
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SBA and Treasury Release Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application  Friday, May 15th:   The Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application.  CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION

​Recommended sources of authoritative, up-to-date advisories include: CBIA, SHRM, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, Connecticut Department of Public Health, OSHA, Ready.gov, and local public health authorities.

CBIA:  AN EMPLOYERS GUIDE 
Additional Business Resources: 
​The State of Connecticut is continuing to take major steps to protect our businesses and residents during the coronavirus crisis. Here are some updates:  
​
  • SBA Assistance:  https://www.sba.gov/  Attention to all business owners!!  
  • SBDC: Visit the new “COVID-19 Small Business Resources” page for information and resources to help your small business address the coronavirus pandemic. Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov  for more information on SBA disaster assistance.​   
  • ​Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
  • Mortgage Relief During COVID-19 Outbreak Connecticut Homeowners:
DECD's COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit: For specific questions related to small business, email the Joint Information Center at COVID19.JIC@ct.gov, or call the DECD SMALL BUSINESS HOTLINE at 860-500-2333. Individuals can call 2-1-1 for more information. For the most updated information, check ct.gov/coronavirus.com ​  
  • If you are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, the federal government is offering relief options to homeowners through the recently passed CARES Act. In addition, for those borrowers who do not qualify, many banks and credit unions in Connecticut are offering relief consumers may qualify for.  
  • ​​​ADVANCECT ​860-571-7136
    ​
    (www.advancect.org/covid-19-connecticut-response/formerly the CT Economic Resource Center (CERC).
  • RestoreYourEconomy  is your resource for up-to-date information related to COVID-19 and its economic impacts. 
  • ​Unemployment assistance: Workers directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic no longer must be actively searching for work to qualify for unemployment assistance.  DOL has more information about these and other changes.
  • COVID-19 and the American Workplace.  DOL​
  •  Fact Sheets, Q & A's; and Posters for businesses to post. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic  
  • Veteran Affairs: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/
Farms in CT where you can purchase food | Dairy farms in CT List

Utilities
  • Bozrah Light & Power
  • Eversource
  • Groton Utilities
  • Norwich Public Utilities
  • AT&T
  • Atlantic Broadband
  • Comcast (Xfinity)
  • Sprint
  • T-Mobile
  • Verizon​
Educational Resources By Grade 

Services Available & Volunteer Opportunities
The American Red Cross has expressed an urgent need for blood due to Coronavirus Outbreak. Learn more about coronavirus and blood donation.
Connecticut's COVID-19 Response
In light of the current health emergency, AdvanceCT wants to help businesses across the state. Please provide your feedback, and if you want to help other businesses in need, please add your contact information at the end of the survey so that we can contact you.
Governor Lamont Provides Update on Connecticut’s Coronavirus Response Efforts, Press Releases and more
Visit Uncas Health District for questions on Covid-19 Vaccines and Covid-19 Testing Sites in CT. 
​

Visit DPH Submissions System for more details on Covid-19 Forms and Registrations. Individuals with an underlying medical condition with increased risk for severe illness* Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccination
 
Many providers can be accessed through the VAMS scheduling system
​Click here to see if you are eligible ​for the vaccine and to make an appointment.


​Vaccine Finder: https://covidvaccinefinder.ct.gov/
  • UCFS's MyChart: https://www.ucfs.org/covid-19/
  • MyChart @ Foxwoods: https://mychartplus.org/myChart/Authentication/Login?
  • CVS: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine?icid=coronavirus-lp-nav-vaccine
  • Nutmeg Pharmacy: https://www.nutmegpharmacy.com/covid19-vaccine

If the issue is just transportation to get to a clinic, please know that Uncas, TVCCA, NHF, and UCSF have bus tickets to help. In dire situations, They take they to help. SEAT has added a bus from the Intermodal Transportation Center in Norwich Directly to the vaccination site at Foxwood and there had already been a bus to take people to Mohegan Sun.

Norwich Human Services is very interested in helping to get all our vulnerable populations to vaccination sites. Please reach out to for anything…help in registering, info on clinic, transportation,. Etc… Norwich Human Services | 860-823-3778

Rose City Senior Center: (860) 823-3700 Transportation is now available for seniors or residents of Norwich / Montville with disabilities to out-of-town medical appointments. Please call Anne or Mike at 860-889-5960 to check for availability.

The New London Senior Center, (860) 437 6339 The Eastern Connecticut Transportation Consortium, which serves people who are over age 60 or disabled in Bozrah, East Lyme, Griswold, Groton, Ledyard, Lisbon, New London, North Stonington, Preston, Salem, Stonington and Waterford.
Need help with your heating costs now that it's getting colder? Apply for heating assistance today!   You can make an appointment through our automated system (860-425-6681) or get your application started online. CLICK HERE
COVID-19 Testing:  Testing is available in many locations throughout CT. Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their primary provider.  Anyone who does NOT have a primary care provider should call 2-1-1 or visit the CT Testing Locator to located the nearest testing site.  Tests are available FREE OF CHARGE. 
CLICK HERE for the  CT TESTING LOCATOR

Additional Local COVID TESTING Sites:
  • UNCAS HEALTH: WHERE CAN I GET TESTED? Visit https://uncashd.org/covid-19-testing-in-ct/ for testing sites and locations.
  • Vaccine Finder: https://vaccinefinder.org/find-vaccine​

​A little help on how southeastern Connecticut seniors who are homebound or don’t have transportation for vaccinations and appointments.
 
Rose City Senior Center: (860) 823-3700

Transportation is now available for seniors or residents of Norwich / Montville with disabilities to out-of-town medical appointments. Please call Anne or Mike at 860-889-5960 to check for availability.
 
The New London Senior Center, (860) 437 6339
The Eastern Connecticut Transportation Consortium, which serves people who are over age 60 or disabled in Bozrah, East Lyme, Griswold, Groton, Ledyard, Lisbon, New London, North Stonington, Preston, Salem, Stonington and Waterford.

​If you need support finding resources for you and your family during the COVID-19 pandemic, dial 2-1-1, or visit 211ct.org.
​There are several food pantries and food banks in the state of Connecticut. With help from users like you we have compiled a list of some. If you know of a listing that is not included here please submit new food pantries to our database.
 
Visit www.foodpantries.org to see how YOU can GIVE BACK in your local community.
The CARES Act Provides Assistance to Small Businesses
​
The Paycheck Protection Program is providing small businesses with the resources they need to maintain their payroll, hire back employees who may have been laid off, and cover applicable overhead.

Great resources for Businesses and Workplaces: ​Plan, Prepare, and Respond provided by the CDC.

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Uncas Health District.  
If you have any questions, concerns, please contact the District at 860-823-1189.


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Great information for Regulated Establishments provided by the Ledge Light Health District.


​CT NOFA Farm and Food Guide
LOCAL FOOD BANKS:
https://www.uwsect.org/foodbank/food-distribution-sites
Additional Business Resources:  All employers should be implementing strategies to protect their workforce from the coronavirus while ensuring continuity of operations.

​U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation | Guidance for Employers to Plan and Respond to the Coronavirus
Strategies and tips to protect your workforce

​Shareable social graphics​ on how to keep families, schools, and businesses safe, and what to do if you get sick provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Volunteer & Donation Opportunities: 
​
For a list of volunteer and donation needs, visit the Volunteer & Donation topic page.  CLICK 2*1*1 
Meals for School Children
Groton Public Schools’ Student Nutrition Program
New London Public Schools’ Child Nutrition Program
Norwich Public Schools Food Service
Additional contact information to support your local businesses
  • Support Your Local Restaurants - Curbside, Take-out, and Delivery
  • Join the Quarantine Take-out Facebook Page and share!
  • Local Soup Kitchens & Pantries​​
 Copyright Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce.  All Rights Reserved.
187 Main Street, Norwich, CT 06360
T: 860-887-1647 | Fax: 860-887-9238 | info@norwichchamber.com
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  • Home
  • Chamber Area
    • Live & Work
    • Towns We Serve >
      • Norwich, CT
      • Bozrah, CT
      • Franklin, CT
      • Griswold, CT
      • Ledyard, CT
      • Lisbon, CT
      • Montville, CT
      • Preston, CT
      • Salem, CT
      • Sprague, CT
      • Voluntown, CT
    • About Us >
      • Our Team
      • Executive Board
      • Board of Directors
    • Contact
    • Chamber Logo Link
  • Membership
    • Chairman's Circle Members >
      • The AMERICAN Group
      • Backus Hospital
      • The Bulletin
      • Byrnes Agency
      • Centreville Bank
      • Chelsea Groton Bank
      • HUB International New England, LLC | Chelsea Insurance Agency
      • Collins & Jewell Company, LLC
      • CorePlus Credit Union
      • Dime Bank
      • Eastern CT Savings Bank
      • Foxwoods Resort Casino
      • Hall Communications
      • Mohegan Sun Casino
      • Norwich Public Utilities
      • US Foods
    • Membership Application
    • Member Benefits
    • Getting Involved - 10 Reasons to Join GNACC
    • Host a Business After Hours Event
    • Host a Ribbon Cutting or Grand Opening Event
    • Committees >
      • Ambassador Committee
      • Business Education & Membership Services Committee (BizEd)
      • Leadership Development Committee)
      • Economic Development Committee
      • Education Committee
      • Healthy Living Committee
      • Insurance Committee
      • Legislative Affairs Committee
    • Business Directory
  • Member Login
  • Business Directory
  • News, Events, & Programs
    • Chamber Calendar
    • Chamber News
    • Community Calendar
    • Submit a Community Event
    • GNACC Annual Golf Tournament
    • Uniting for United Food Drive
    • GNACC Duck Race New in 2022!!
    • Rock the Docks
    • Healthy Living Festival
    • GNACC Holiday Bazaar
    • Passport to Norwich
    • Leadership Program
    • Restaurant Week
    • Career Fairs and Workshops
    • Small Business Week
    • GNACC SHOP LOCAL 2021
    • Let's Go 860
  • Job Bank
  • Resources | LIbrary
    • GNACC Current Local Legislators
    • Business Assistance Team
    • COVID-19: Business Toolkit
    • Economic Development
    • Community Resources
    • Coupons
    • Veterans & Military * Resources & Discounts