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
Overview Reopening with Care Reopening recommendations and guidelines
The way we live and work is changing, and some of the new ways that we interact with each other will become routine. At the same time, many of our pre-COVID-19 work habits will be reinforced and will continue to shape how we do business.
The level of uncertainty in the economy is at an all-time high and the recovery is difficult to predict. Although there has been no single policy or proposed response, individual businesses, states, and regions have been taking steps to help their citizens and businesses through this trying period. We're here to help, and have pulled together some information across the board to assist with a variety of questions you'll have when you're ready to reopen for business.
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
Overview Reopening with Care Reopening recommendations and guidelines
The way we live and work is changing, and some of the new ways that we interact with each other will become routine. At the same time, many of our pre-COVID-19 work habits will be reinforced and will continue to shape how we do business.
The level of uncertainty in the economy is at an all-time high and the recovery is difficult to predict. Although there has been no single policy or proposed response, individual businesses, states, and regions have been taking steps to help their citizens and businesses through this trying period. We're here to help, and have pulled together some information across the board to assist with a variety of questions you'll have when you're ready to reopen for business.
|
What's Open in CT Sector Status Notes
Amusement parks Open Must follow sector rules | english PDF (12/11/20) Bars: Closed Beaches (state) Open Must follow safety guidelines Beaches (town) Partially Open Check with individual town or review this list from DEEP Bowling alleys Open Must follow sector rules Construction Open Must follow safe workplace rules DMV Partially Open- All deadlines for IDs & other credentials extended 180 days [info] - In-person services require an appointment - Select services can be completed online Gyms and Fitness Studios Open Must follow sector rules Hair Salons and Barbershops Open Must follow sector rules | english PDF (2/2/21) Hotels Open Must follow sector rules Indoor Events / Performing Arts english PDF (2/26/21) Indoor Recreation english PDF (2/16/21) Libraries Open Must follow sector rules Nail salons Open Must follow sector rules Manufacturing Open Must follow safe workplace rules Museums and zoos Open Must follow sector rules Offices Open Must follow sector rules Outdoor Events english PDF (2/26/21) Personal Services english PDF (2/26/21) Retail Open Must follow sector rules Restaurants Open Must follow sector rules School (PreK-12, summer) Open Must follow summer school rules Sports / fitness facilities (gyms, pools, etc.) english PDF (2/26/21) State Campgrounds Open All campers must make reservations in advance State Parks Open Must follow safety guidelines Summer camps Open Must follow sector rules Spas Open Must follow sector rules Tattoo Parlors Open Must follow sector rules Theaters Open Must follow sector rules Additional Business Resources:
Efficiency Programs & Rebates | Norwich Public Utilities Arts & Entertainment:
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:
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. 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
Volunteer & Donation Opportunities:
For a list of volunteer and donation needs, visit the Volunteer & Donation topic page. CLICK 2*1*1 |
Click here to see if you are eligible for the vaccine and to make an appointment.
Connecticut residents can schedule an appointment for the clinic here by selecting the Mohegan Sun location. Appointments will also be available through the state's COVID Vaccine Appointment Assist Line (877-918-2224), which is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 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/
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:
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. More Information about Testing for Covid-19
CT Main Street Center is providing knowledge & tools to help our Main Streets survive the devastating effects of COVID-19 and return stronger than ever. To that end, they have developed a FY21 educational programming around the theme of Recovery & Resiliency. Small Business Resource Library
NAVIGATING A NEW REALITY — TOGETHER "Taking a look ahead at “new reality” possibilities and working to compile potential reopening strategies, ideas, hints and tips for businesses, business districts and organizations as we enter the COVID-19 recovery phase." ReOpen Main Street 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. 
Uncas Health District.
If you have any questions, concerns, please contact the District at 860-823-1189. 
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 |
