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These resources have NOT been vetted; they are from resources that seem credible, but as with all resources, use your best judgment and do not consider these endorsed by LDEI.
Lowcountry Small Business Resources
Rep. Joe Cunningham releases this resource guide for small businesses.
Unemployment Aid
The federal government has provided states with new resources and flexibility to grant unemployment benefits to workers laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment claims are now being expedited. Please visit the Department of Employment and Workforce for information on how to file a claim.
Resources for Small Businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued Disaster Declarations for all South Carolina First District counties and opened an online application portal for Lowcountry small businesses to apply for its Economic Injury Disaster Loans. made available by the Small Business Administration. Lowcountry businesses can apply for low-interest, emergency loan assistance through the SBA. Applicants are encouraged to apply online at or call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955.
Coronavirus Tax Relief
The IRS now has a dedicated section on their website focused on resources to help taxpayers and businesses affected by the coronavirus.
The resource list compiled by the city’s Business and Neighborhood Services division has been updated to include a list of lenders in South Carolina approved by the Small Business Administration.
Farmers Markets
The 2020 seasons of the Charleston Farmers Market in Marion Square and West Ashley Farmers Market in Ackerman Park, both scheduled to begin in April, are suspended until further notice.
Plastic Ban
The city is suspending the plastic ban and collecting business license late fees for 60 days.
Curbside Parking
The city is implementing temporary curbside parking relief zones to provide support for local businesses that are fulfilling curbside pickup and delivery orders in lieu of dine-in service. The temporary pickup zones will be clearly marked with “Temporary Curbside Parking” signs, which will be in place by tomorrow (Saturday) morning.
Most of the zones are being implemented where there are currently loading zones, on-street metered parking or time-restricted parking. These spaces are free for use by restaurant employees, delivery drivers and curbside pickup patrons while fulfilling orders to enable an efficient flow of business. A map of the zone locations is available.
Decision-making regarding the selection of these temporary zones is ongoing, based on the number of businesses providing these services, the physical restrictions that may exist, and the availability of city resources.
Want to take over some public space for outdoor dining? Apply here.
Charleston guidelines for outdoor dining.
Here's how it went when some re-opened
A list of those helping f&b/hospitality workers
Lowcountry Local First encourages you to be part of the Adopt A Restaurant program
Story about how virus has affected farmers
Great ideas from Dames all over
Virtual meetings offered by Ben's Friends for those dealing with addiction.
State not loosening alcohol restrictions.
Advocacy from chef-activist Matt Jennings.
Resource article from Food & Wine
Rolling Stone article about whether restaurants can recover
Article on how contagion spreads in spaces like restaurants
Story about how the CARES Act doesn't seem to CARE about indie restaurants
One-time $500 Grant for Restaurant Workers
Emotional/mental health resources
Coastal Community Foundation Relief & Recovery Fund
Share Your Story to Save Restaurants
What You Can Do NOW to protect your business
Check out this great video op-ed! Words by Stephanie Burt, www.southernfork.com; creative by Brennan Wesley, brennanwesley.com