Local Resources

Mecklenburg County Open for Business Tool:

Mecklenburg County's COVID-19 Recovery and Renewal Task Force has launched a new online tool, Mecklenburg Open for Business. This new tool helps residents locate businesses in Mecklenburg County that are open during the pandemic.

Mecklenburg Open for Business is easy to use. Just type the business name or address in the search bar and results will appear instantly. You can also search for open businesses near you. By adjusting the distance feature, you can find businesses within eight miles or less of your location.

Mecklenburg County Small Business Emergency Stabilization Loan Fund: In response to the economic impact of the current health crisis, Mecklenburg County has partnered with Carolina Small Business Development Fund to create a program designed to assist the County’s small businesses. Mecklenburg County small businesses that have been profitable for two years with 50 or less employees may be eligible.

Mecklenburg County Microbusiness Stabilization Fund: To mitigate the economic impacts caused by COVID-19 for Mecklenburg County's most vulnerable businesses, the County has committed $1,000,000 of readily available, federal CDBG funds to create the Microbusiness Stabilization Fund. Microbusinesses in the County (excluding Charlotte and Mint Hill) with 5 or less employees may be eligible.

State Resources

North Carolina Restaurant Workers Relief Fund: Any hospitality employee of a North Carolina restaurant or hotel facing significant financial hardship due to a lay-off, furlough, or reduction in hours as a direct result of COVID-19 can apply for the NC Restaurants Workers Relief Fund.

Federal Resources

Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance & Resources: SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters. SBA disaster loans can be used to repair or replace the following items damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster: real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, and inventory and business assets.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: The U.S. Department of Treasury CARES Act provides fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, and small businesses, and preserve jobs for American industries.

Paycheck Protection Program: The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.