Business Council of Alabama The Voice for Alabama Business
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) continues to closely monitor the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on job creators, workers, and families. BCA is working closely with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to monitor the recent outbreak and its potential impact on the economy and the business community. The U.S. Chamber, in partnership with the White House, U.S. government agencies, and foreign government officials, has provided the most up-to-date information to ensure both employers and employees are prepared to address this issue.
September 30, 2020 update
Statewide Mask Mandate
Governor Ivey and Dr. Harris announced a statewide mask mandate which went into effect on Thursday, July 16 at 5:00 p.m. This mandate has been amended to expire on November 8, in addition to our amended safer at home order, also in effect until November 8.
- Click here to view amended safer at home order
- Click here for a quick reference of what’s changed and what to expect in the future
- Click here to view frequently asked questions about the mandate
- Click here to download a collection of graphics to use in your business to encourage your customers and employees to wear masks.
July 8, 2020 update
Revive Alabama: COVID-19 Cash Grants for Alabama Small Businesses
Governor Kay Ivey has announced the Revive Alabama grant program to support small businesses in Alabama that have been impacted by COVID-19. Revive Alabama will reimburse small businesses up to a combined $100 million for expenses they have incurred due to operational interruptions caused by the pandemic and related business closures.
May 17, 2020 update
Reopen Alabama PPE and Material Resource Guide
BCA and CCAA have teamed up with Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, Alabama Works, Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Alabama Works, and West Alabama Works to develop a database to help connect businesses with personal protection equipment (PPE) vendors and suppliers. This resource guide will serve as a conduit in helping businesses locate and acquire the supplies needed to open safely, protect their customers and employees, and adhere to public health guidelines.
Combating the Coronavirus Toolkit provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce includes:
- Guidance for employers to plan and respond to the Coronavirus
- Workplace tips and resources for employers to combat the virus
- Corporate aid tracker for details on how businesses are helping nationwide
- Survey on business impact results from the American Chamber of Commerce in China
- Resilience in a Box toolkit created in partnership with UPS
- Additional resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Information from the U.S. Small Business Administration:
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has provided information on available SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance. This program is designed to make economic injury assistance available to small businesses affected by the Coronavirus. SBA also shared the following contact information if you have specific questions:
- For States (Alabama) and Territories in Federal Regions I-V, contact: Kem Fleming, Director of Field Operations Center East, at kem.fleming@sba.gov;
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For other requests for SBA Office of Disaster Assistance HQ, contact Alejandro Contreras at alejandro.contreras@sba.gov
In addition to the resources included above, the U.S. Chamber and CDC suggest:
- Actively encouraging employees to stay home when sick.
- Emphasizing the importance of hand washing and respiratory etiquette by all employees.
- Routinely cleaning all frequently touched surfaces and providing cleaning wipes to employees to do the same.
- Making fact-based decisions regarding travel and complying with the latest guidance, specifically surrounding international travel.
- Maintaining business as usual with limited disruptions while monitoring the evolving situation.
- Mitigating household fear by keeping all employees informed on the facts of the situation and educating them on how they can prepare for the potential impacts of the virus.
BCA and Bradley webinar “What Your Business Needs to Know about the CARES Act.” BCA and Bradley webinar “Managing a Remote Workforce and the Latest Guidance from DOL on FFCRA” BCA and Balch and Bingham webinar “Back to the Office: What Employers Should Consider Before Unlocking the Doors During COVID-19” BCA and Adams and Reese webinar “Navigating Paycheck Protection Program Compliance and Forgiveness” BCA and Lightfoot Franklin & White, LLC webinar “Government Enforcement Actions After COVID-19” BCA and Bradley webinar “Navigating the Changing Landscape of the Paycheck Protection Program”
Useful Articles and Resources for businesses effected by COVID-19
Webinars about COVID-19 related issues