SBA Expert Q&A Call

The Winston Salem Chamber is hosting a virtual meeting for employers to learn more about the Small Business Administration’s efforts to provide relief to businesses impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. Please join us for a Q&A featuring Levi Kinnard, SBA Economic Development Specialist with the North Carolina District Office.

Wednesday, March 25 at 10am
Dial in: (605)-313-6023 \\ Access Code: 80-52-93#

NC Rapid Recovery Loans

In addition to the SBA relief loans, NC Rapid Recovery Loans are also available through a program supported by the Golden Leaf Foundation. Learn more here:

NC Rapid Recovery

Essential Employer Designation Requests

COVID-19 has impacted the world, our nation, and our region. Cities and municipalities across the country have been forced to implement stay-at-home mandates to combat the virus. As these mandates become more prevalent, we have received inquiries regarding essential employer designations. Members who believe their work needs to continue should a stay-at-home order take effect can apply for an essential employer designation by emailing [email protected]. In your email provide the following information to support the request:

  • Business name
  • Point of Contact – Name, Title, Email Address, Phone Number
  • Business Address
  • Nature of business & why operations are critical
  • Business Website

In the event that public safety requires a stay-at-home mandate, you will still be able to access health care, shop for groceries and supplies, care for family members, and exercise outdoors while maintaining appropriate social distancing precautions.

Business Resources

With Governor Roy Cooper’s executive order on Monday, additional businesses have been mandated to close temporarily in order to control the spread of the Coronavirus. While we all must work together to reduce the impact on public health, the impact on businesses is also a concern. Find resources to contribute to your Coronavirus impact planning below:

Action Coach Pandemic Planning Workshop

Facebook Small Business Grant Program

Main Street USA Resources

We are asking businesses for their feedback so we can assess the resource needs and impact of social distancing on your organizations. Please respond to our survey:

Impact & Needs Survey

Education Resources

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools will be distance learning until May 15 in accordance with Governor Cooper’s executive order. We applaud WS/FCS’s efforts to connect students to the technology and resources that can help them succeed while learning from home. Breakfast and lunch continue to be available to-go at multiple school sites as well as some bus routes. The community is also stepping up to supplement distance learning efforts and provide childcare options for essential workers. Check out the links below and share some learning time with your children:

Wake Forest Offers Virtual Tutoring to WS/FCS Students

Old Salem Exploratorium 

Imprints Cares Childcare for Essential Workers

NWNC YMCA Childcare for Essential Workers

Find all of the Chamber’s resources for local businesses and COVID 19 response here:

Together for WS

COVID 19