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COVID-19 in Rutherford County

For up-to-date information about COVID-19 in Rutherford County CLICK HERE

Our office aims to be a resource for anyone in the local business community who has any questions or issues as we move forward.  We want to provide you with the resources currently available to business owners at the state level, as well as some local news and information pertaining to COVID-19. 

Need us? 
Call 828-287-6200 
Email: stephanie.rzonca@rutherfordcountync.gov

State, and Local Response

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Guidelines
Coronavirus.gov

CDC Guidelines for Businesses & Employers
Current guidance for COVID-19


North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
COVID-19 Information and Guidance

North Carolina Department of Commerce
Solutions for NC Businesses & Employers
The North Carolina Department of Commerce offers this page of resources below to help you navigate common issues you may encounter, as you help your company weather the unusual circumstances COVID-19 has brought to our state.
One good way to get started? Call Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) toll-free at (800) 228-8443. 
The experienced business counselors at Business Link North Carolina, which people also call "blink" or 'BLNC,' take questions over the phone and will then point you in the right direction towards answers and solutions. Counselors are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.  The BLNC team will connect you to the appropriate organization for assistance.  All inquiries will receive a confidential response within three (3) business days.  “Se Habla Español.”

Financial Assistance for Businesses
  • On March 27, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that has options to help small businesses affected by COVID-19.
  • U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan 
    • The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). 
  • Golden Leaf Foundation
    • COVID-19 Rapid Recovery for Small Business
    • The North Carolina COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Lending program supports North Carolina small businesses and family farms as they recover from the economic impact of COVID-19. This rapid recovery loan helps small businesses bridge the gap between when crisis strikes and when federal loans, insurance payouts, and other relief funds are approved, or businesses have time to recover.
  • Mountain Biz Works COVID-19 Rapid Response Loan
    • Mountain BizWorks is providing NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loans as as vital resource to help Western North Carolina small businesses be resilient and adaptive in the face of the corornavirus crisis. These are primarily designed to be a timely source of bridge loan financing until businesses can access SBA Disaster or other federal disaster funding.
  • Thread Capital
  • Self Help Credit Union
  • Carolina Small Business Development Fund

Technical Assistance for Businesses

Small Business Center Network 
Isothermal Small Businses Center - Click here for information
General businses counseling; business continuity and strategic planning; loan application assistance; financial projections and cash flow management; marketing assistance; provision of resource information and referral to appropriate agencies and sources of assistance. 

North Carolina Department of Commerce
Solutions for NC Businesses & Employers
The North Carolina Department of Commerce offers this page of resources below to help you navigate common issues you may encounter, as you help your company weather the unusual circumstances COVID-19 has brought to our state.
One good way to get started? Call Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) toll-free at (800) 228-8443. 
The experienced business counselors at Business Link North Carolina, which people also call "blink" or 'BLNC,' take questions over the phone and will then point you in the right direction towards answers and solutions. Counselors are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.  The BLNC team will connect you to the appropriate organization for assistance.  All inquiries will receive a confidential response within three (3) business days.  “Se Habla Español.”

Facebook Business Resource Hub
At Facebook, we’re working to keep people safe and informed about the recent outbreak of COVID-19. We know that as members of the communities you serve, businesses like yours may also be experiencing unexpected challenges, and we’re committed to providing as much support as possible.
Click  here to access Facebook's Business Resource Hub


NC Department of Commerce - Division of Workforce Solutions
Click here for information about the Rapid Response intervention program that helps employers and workers facing layoffs, closures, and other sensitive business actions. 

US Department of Labor Employment & Training Administration
COVID-19 or other public health emergencies Q&A - Click Here for answers to your questions on fair labor standards during this time of the coronavirus. 

SBTDC - Small Business and Technology Development Center
Helping businesses prepare for and recover from disasters. SBTDC has been identified as a "first responder" for business recovery in the state's disaster recovery plan. 
Services: 
-      Assessing the financial impact on your business
-      Reconstructing financial statements
-      Preparing your SBA disaster loan application
-      Exploring options with creditors 
Available for all small to medium-sized businesses in NC. Click here for more information.

Business Link North Carolina
Starting or Expanding a business or general business resource information for any size business in North Carolina. Click here to visit their webpage. 

NC Chamber of Commerce
Preparation, not Panic - A CORONAVIRUS Resource Guide for Businseses

Mountain Biz Works
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, keep your business up and running with these six tips.6 Tips to Keep Your Business Operational During COVID-19