Coronavirus resources - what you need to know

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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. 

SBA-Approved lenders

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

Tips in the Jar

Groceries for F&B folks

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.

Filing for unemployment

CVB Blog of Who's Open

Resource article from Food & Wine

ServSafe Classes

An idea to tip your servers

Dining at a Distance

Rolling Stone article about whether restaurants can recover

Article on how contagion spreads in spaces like restaurants

NRA Guidelines for Reopening

Financial Resources

Story about how the CARES Act doesn't seem to CARE about indie restaurants

One-time $500 Grant for Restaurant Workers

All about the CARES Act

IRS and Paid Leave

GoFundMe for small businesses

Quickbooks Small Biz Relief

Emotional/mental health resources

Coastal Community Foundation Relief & Recovery Fund

Food safety and Coronavirus

Share Your Story to Save Restaurants

What You Can Do NOW to protect your business