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The North Carolina Economic Development Partnership has is offering assistance for businesses experiencing hardships due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Is your business experiencing supply chain disruptions due to the impact of COVID-19?

Find the manufacturer or supplier your business needs at www.manufacturednc.com. This database of suppliers contains every kind of thing produced in NC. Whether you’re a manufacturer who wants to localize your supply chain or a business searching for packaging suppliers, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here. N.C. manufacturers can register their businesses as well. Other businesses may be looking for you.

Looking for a low-interest lender?

U.S. Small Business Administration —The SBA has approved N.C. Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a disaster declaration. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in modified and additional Small Business Administration resources to help N.C. small businesses, small aquacultural businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and/or most private nonprofit organizations. Applicants are encouraged to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans online.

Interested in upcoming small business grant opportunities?

Facebook Small Business Grants Program — Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants due to the effects of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund — United Way Worldwide has announced that it has established the COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund to support affected communities and help the most vulnerable populations receive critical financial and social service support during the global crisis.

Do you need business counseling services, including layoff aversion strategies?

Business Edge Services — Business Edge is a series of layoff aversion strategies and activities designed to help North Carolina employers prevent or minimize job losses. Through Business Edge, workforce partners collaborate with business leaders to assess the needs of, and options for, “at-risk” firms, and to deliver services that address those needs.

Call 919-814-0400 or Toll-Free: 800-562-6333 (Choose Option 2 – Business Services) or emailDWS_BusinessServices@nccommerce.com

Do you need to file an Unemployment Insurance claim?

N.C. Division of Employment Security — If you have lost your job or been laid off, file an Unemployment Insurance claim. New changes to the state’s unemployment system have occurred due to the current impacts of the COVID-19 coronavirus in North Carolina. COVID-19 specific information is here. It has information for both employers and people seeking unemployment benefits.

Are state and federal agencies offering any payment relief or extended payment deadlines to me or my business?

Federal Coronavirus Tax Relief — The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are providing special payment relief to individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 Outbreak. The filing deadline for tax returns remains April 15, 2020. The IRS urges taxpayers who are owed a refund to file as quickly as possible. Although the IRS extended payment deadlines, it did not extend filing deadlines. For those who can’t file by the April 15 deadline, the IRS reminds individual taxpayers that everyone is eligible to request a six-month extension to file their return.

N.C. Department of Revenue Special Penalty Relief — In response to the federal payment relief, the N.C. Department of Revenue will not impose a penalty upon individuals and businesses who do not pay their outstanding State income tax liability on tax returns due on April 15, so long as the taxpayers pay the tax due by July 15.

For all general questions, call Business Link North Carolina at 800-228-8443.

BLNC staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. BLNC staff will connect your business to the appropriate organization for assistance. All inquiries will receive a response from a confidential business counselor within three business days. For more information, visit www.edpnc.com.