COVID-19 Business Resources

COVID-19 Business Resources and Information

Gwinnett County is closely monitoring the rapidly changing developments on COVID-19 across the country and the state. We are taking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state Department of Public Health, the Gwinnett-Rockdale-Newton County Health Department, and other agencies.

We will marshal resources and track down information to help our business community survive and recover amid the changing economic climate caused by the pandemic. This page will be updated continuously as new information and resources become available. We will also keep you informed via the County's website and social media of any changes in the delivery of County services. Please share this information with your network and neighboring businesses. Thank you for doing business in Gwinnett County and please keep your employees and families safe during this difficult time.

Gwinnett County COVID-19 Response and Resources

$20 Million in Grants & Loans Available
Gwinnett County is offering $20 million in federal CARES Act loans and grants for local for-profit businesses that have been hurt during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are intended to help businesses reopen their doors with such needs as deep cleaning facilities, modifying facilities to accommodate ongoing social distancing, restocking inventory, marketing to their clients, and/or paying staff in advance of reopening and achieving revenue. Apply by 5pm July 24.

Economic Development
Our Gwinnett County Office of Economic Development team will be available remotely to serve your business needs. They are available by phone, video conferencing, and email to assist you. Our Business Outreach assistance is still available, but we have postponed all in-person meetings and Coffee and Conversation networking events at this time.

Planning & Development
The Gwinnett County Department of Planning and Development at One Justice Square is operating with limited staff on-site but also has employees working remotely to respond to inquiries online. Residents and business owners are encouraged to take advantage of online services or email any questions or inquiries.

General Inquiries:
Planning&DevelopmentReceptionist@gwinnettcounty.com
Planning&Development@gwinnettcounty.com

State Resources and Information

The following information is provided by the Georgia Department of Economic Development regarding the Executive Order issued by Governor Brian Kemp on April 20, 2020. It provides guidance for partners and businesses on business operations in the state.

Guidelines for Businesses:
https://www.georgia.org/covid19bizguide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
https://www.georgia.org/covidfaq

The Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership at Georgia Tech have released webinars which may provide additional useful guidance for manufacturing facilities considering reopening operations. The webinar covers how to operate safely going forward and answers some financial questions about federal assistance.

For a full list of Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership webinars related to COVID-19 https://gamep.org/coronavirus/

Georgia Chamber of Commerce https://www.uschamber.com/co/small-business-coronavirus

Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce https://ghcc.org/

Federal Resources and Information

Main Street Lending Program

The Federal Reserve has established the Main Street Lending Program to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Georgia Department of Labor Information

The Georgia Department of Labor's Gwinnett County Career Center is currently only open for GDOL employees to ensure the agency can support customer needs and continue processing unemployment claims. Many services and resources are available online at gdol.ga.gov.

Georgia Department of Labor - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Individual https://dol.georgia.gov/covid-19-individual-faqs
Employer https://dol.georgia.gov/covid-19-employer-faqs

Unemployment Claims Information for Employers
Employers: You are mandated by the state to electronically file partial claims on behalf of your employees whenever it is necessary to temporarily lay workers off, reduce their work hours, or temporarily close due to COVID-19. Filing partial claims results in employees receiving unemployment insurance benefit payments faster, usually within 48 hours for claims filed electronically.

To electronically file an unemployment claim, click here. Please monitor the GDOL website at gdol.ga.gov for any updates to these guidelines.

Small Business Resources

Georgia Small Business Development Center – Response & Recovery

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Local Organizations
Small Business Development Center
SCORE North Metro
Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE)

Other Resources
Gwinnett Chamber Resources
Restaurant Resources
Retailer Resources
Georgia Chamber of Commerce Guidance Overview
Atlanta Small Business Network
The Georgia Center for Nonprofits

Pro-bono Marketing Tools
Constant Contact (small business support kit)
Mail Chimp
Hello Alice