
Here are some business-related resources as well as official informational websites to help keep the Greater Baltimore business community healthy and safe during the COVID-19 outbreak.
COVID-19 Resources: Planning for a Safe Reopening — The Greater Baltimore Committee has compiled resources that may be useful to you in planning for a safe reopening.
Tips and Resources for Maryland Businesses:
- Unemployment questions: Maryland Department of Labor
- Maryland Department of Labor: Work Sharing
- Maryland Department of Labor: BEACON One-Stop unemployment insurance application
- Business resources: Maryland Department of Commerce
- GoVax Mobile
- Maryland Department of Commerce: RELIEF Act of 2021
- Maryland Department of Commerce: COVID RELIEF Programs for Businesses
- Maryland Small Business Center
- Maryland’s COVID-19 Business Response
- Maryland Coronavirus Information for Business: Maryland.gov
- Md. Coronavirus/COVID-19 Information – Occupational and Professional Licensing COVID-19 info
- Maryland Manufacturing Network Supplier Portal
- Maryland Business Relief Wizard
- COVID-19 Relief Funds for Maryland Restaurants, Artists, Entertainment Venues
- Maryland Restaurant Relief Fund
- Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Federal Restaurant Grant Resource: Understanding the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) [Video]
- Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Federal Restaurant Grant Resource: SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund Webinar [Video]
- Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Federal Restaurant Grant Resource: Application portal
- Best Practices for Businesses to Reopen — General Business
- Best Practices for Businesses to Reopen — Restaurants and Bars
- Maryland COVID-19 & Contact Tracing Business FAQs
- Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act
- Small Business Resource Recertification
- Coronavirus Small Business Guide: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- COVID-19 Small Business Resource Center
- Small Business Majority Daily Updates
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Coronavirus Relief Options
- Small Business Administration Phishing Alert — August 12, 2020 update
- IRS: Coronavirus Tax Relief
- U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division: COVID-19 and the American Workplace
- U.S. Department of Labor Health Tips: osha.gov
- Kaiser Permanente: Prioritizing a psychologically healthy workforce in the time of Covid-19
- COVID-19 Mortality Risk Calculator
Funds for small businesses impacted by the coronavirus:
- COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund
- Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund
- Small, Minority and Women Owned Business Account COVID-19 Relief Program
- Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund
- MARBIDCO Pandemic Adjustment Loan Fund
- Save Small Business Fund
- Baltimore Together
The HEALS Act
Key provisions in the Republican-proposed HEALS Act (health, economic assistance, liability protection, schools) released July 27, 2020:
- Unemployment benefits
- The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
- Stimulus checks
- Back to work child care grants
- Schools
- Liability protection
- Coronavirus testing
- State and local governments
Paycheck Protection Program:
- SBA Paycheck Protection Program Direct Forgiveness Portal
- Paycheck Protection Program Information Sheet
- Paycheck Protection Program Application
- Find a Paycheck Protection Program Lender
- More information about loans from the Federal Reserve Board
The Greater Baltimore Committee will also provide updates on COVID-19-related state and federal legislation and highlight the impacts on business. See Special Update on State and Federal Legislation Related to COVID-19
Also see:
- Maryland Senate Recovery Now Amendment
- Maryland Delegation Members Announce an Additional $2.6 Million to Support Mercy Health Services’ COVID-19 Response — Dec. 9, 2020
- Congressional Letter of Support from the Business Community: COVID-19 Federal Relief
- Cultural Institutions Coalition Letter Sent to Congressional Leaders Aug. 6, 2020
- Letter from Regional Business Organizations to Md., D.C. & Va. Congressional Delegations regarding COVID-19 Relief Legislation
- Letter to Senator Ben Cardin regarding Congressional action to address economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Senator Cardin Statement on Passage of the Interim COVID-19 Relief Package
- Letter from Md., D.C., Va. Business Community Urging Support for Stimulus
Baltimore City Websites:
- baltimorecity.gov
- Baltimore Development Corporation
- Baltimore Job Hunters Support Group
- Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development COVID-19 Rent Support
- Baltimore City’s COVID-19 site
- Baltimore COVID-19 Asset Map
- Where to get tested for COVID-19
- Baltimore Department of Human Resources FAQ
- Baltimore Nonprofit Relief Fund
- Baltimore Together COVID-19 Resources for Businesses
- Baltimore Hotel Grants — In order to qualify for funding, hotels must have been open and operational prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and must have contributed to sales tax revenue. Grant money to be awarded March 31, 2021.
- Behavioral Health System’s Here2Help Hotline — The Here2Help Hotline (410-433-5175) is available 24/7, 365 days a year. It’s free and confidential.
- Mayor’s Office of Employment Development:
–Apply for Unemployment Insurance — Call 410-949-0022
–How to get a job — Call 410-396-3009
–MOED Job Board
Counties Websites and Resources:
Anne Arundel County
- County Executive Announces New Vaccine Policy for County Employees, Reimplements Mask Requirement in County-Owned Buildings — Aug. 2, 2021
- Anne Arundel County Business resources
- Anne Arundel County Department of Health
- Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corp.
- Anne Arundel County Dec. 3 FAQ on what is allowed to stay open
- Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman announces $1M grant program for nonprofits
- Annapolis.gov COVID-19 small business relief info
Baltimore County
- Olszewski Announces New Vaccination Policy for County Employees to Combat Spread of Delta Variant — Sept. 9, 2021
- Olszewski Announces Over $2.4M in Grants to Local Community Organizations to Support Pandemic Recovery — Aug. 25, 2021
- Amid Delta Variant Spike, County Executive Olszewski Declares Local State of Emergency — Aug. 24, 2021
- Baltimore County to Require Face Coverings in County Offices and Facilities — Aug. 12, 2021
- Baltimore County COVID-19 Resource Guide
- Baltimore County Business and Worker Assistance
- Baltimore County Small Business Restaurant Reimbursement Program
- Baltimore County COVID-19 Updates and Guidance
- Baltimore County Career Centers
- Baltimore County Grants to Support Visual & Performing Arts, Humanities Science and Cultural Organizations
- Baltimore County Grants to Assist Professional Artists, Musicians and Performers
Carroll County
Harford County
Howard County
- Howard County will Require Masks in Government Buildings — Aug. 12, 2021
- Howard County Government Buildings Reopen to Public — Aug. 2, 2021
- Howard County Executive Ball Files Emergency Legislation to Extend Outdoor Dining — July 21, 2021
- Howard County Executive opens applications for 4th round of business grants — May 11, 2021
- Howard County Executive Statement on Anticipated Mass Vaccination Site — March 23, 2021
- Howard County Countywide Updates & Dashboard
- Howard County Virtual Assistance Portal
- Howard County CARES Act Spending Dashboard
- Howard County COVID-19 Employee Resources
- Howard County employer FAQ
- Howard County Economic Development Authority
- Howard County COVID-19 Vaccination: Community Engagement and Response Grants
Montgomery County
- Indoor Mask Requirement to Take Effect Saturday, Aug. 7; Board of Health Regulation Based on Substantial Transmission of COVID-19 in County
- Executive Order: COVID-19 Local Order — Effective Dec. 15
Prince George’s County
- County Executive Alsobrooks Provides COVID-19 Updates, Including Expansion of Indoor Mask Mandate — Oct. 6
- Prince George’s County to Reinstitute Indoor Public Mask Mandate Due to Rise in COVID-19 Metrics — Aug. 5
- Prince George’s County Closures and Updates
State of Maryland Websites:
- maryland.gov
- The Hogan Administration’s COVID-19 response
- State Emergency Orders
- Live Updates from Gov. Larry Hogan
- COVID-19 Testing in Maryland
- Maryland Department of Health: health.maryland.gov, coronavirus.maryland.gov and covidLINK
- Maryland Health Connection: Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment
- Maryland Department of Labor: Upcoming Job Fairs and Recruitments
- COVID-19 Employee Rights
- Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation: News and announcements
- Maryland Department of Transportation Service Updates
- Maryland Unites
Executive Orders & Statements:
Baltimore City
Sept. 13, 2021 — Mayor Reaffirms Commitment to Distribution of $641 Million ARPA Investment Through Lens of Equity
Aug. 31, 2021 — Mayor Announces New Vaccination Policy for City Employees, Effective Oct. 18
Aug. 30, 2021 — Mayor Scott Announces Additional $2M in Support for Baltimore Nonprofits to Address Negative Financial Impacts of COVID-19
Aug. 5, 2021 — Mayor Scott Reinstates Indoor Mask Requirement in Baltimore City
June 1, 2021 — Mayor Scott updates special event permits guidance
May 19, 2021 — Baltimore City to Continue Outdoor Dining Street Closure and Seating Programs
May 17, 2021 — Mayor Brandon M. Scott announces 2nd round of nonprofit relief fund dollars to support Baltimore nonprofits impacted by COVID-19
May 14, 2021 — Baltimore City Capacity Restrictions to Align with State, Effective May 15
May 6, 2021 — Mayor Brandon M. Scott announces additional $2M funding for Baltimore City caterers, restaurants and taverns
April 30, 2021 — Mayor Scott, Health Commissioner announce updated guidelines for face coverings and graduation ceremonies
Feb. 17, 2021 — Based on Public Health Data, Mayor Scott Eases COVID-19 Restrictions
Feb. 10, 2021 — Mayor Scott, Health Commissioner announce new partnership with higher education institutions to perform vaccine outreach
Feb. 8, 2021 — Mayor Scott, Dr. Dzirasa unveil mobile health vaccination clinics
Feb. 3, 2021 — Mayor Brandon Scott announces 2nd round of grant funding for restaurants and taverns in Baltimore City
Jan. 27, 2021 — Mayor Brandon Scott’s Statement on Baltimore City’s COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy
Jan. 20, 2021 — Mayor Brandon Scott loosens dining restrictions in Baltimore City
July 23, 2020 — Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Baltimore City Guidance
Maryland
Get A Boost: Governor Hogan Encourages Eligible Marylanders to Get A COVID-19 Booster Shot, Details Outreach Efforts — Sept. 30, 2021
Governor Hogan Announces Immediate Authorization of COVID-19 Booster Shots For Seniors In Congregate Care Facilities — Sept. 8, 2021
Governor Hogan Announces Vaccine Mandates for Md. Nursing Home and Hospital Workers –Aug. 18, 2021
Governor Hogan Announces New Vaccination Protocols for State Employees — Aug. 5, 2021
Vaccine Milestone: Governor Hogan Announces Maryland Surpasses 7 Million Total Vaccinations — July 15
Gov. Larry Hogan Announces VaxU Vaccination Incentive — July 7
Governor Hogan Announces End of COVID-19 State of Emergency — June 15
Governor Hogan Announces Phased Demobilization of Mass Vaccination Sites — June 3
Governor Hogan Announces End of Statewide Mask Mandate — May 14
Sen. Ben Cardin’s State and Local Guide to the American Rescue Plan
Governor Hogan’s March 9 Executive Order regarding use of face coverings
Md. Department of Health March 9 General Directives concerning limiting the spread of COVID-19
Governor Hogan Announces $7M in Emergency Relief Awards for Main Street Communities — Feb. 23
Governor Hogan Announces $60M Pandemic Relief Grant Program for Child Care Providers Feb. 12
Governor Larry Hogan calls on Md. schools to return to in-person learning by March 1
Governor Larry Hogan’s July 1 Statement on $190M in COVID-19 Relief for Small Businesses, Higher Education and Non-Profit Organizations
Governor Larry Hogan’s April 24 Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery
National and International Resources:
- coronavirus.gov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- CDC Guidance on Face Coverings
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- FEMA Rumor Control
- The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America
- Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19
- healthdata.gov
- Office of the Surgeon General: 5 Things to Know About Household Cleaning
- World Health Organization Updates
- covidexitstrategy.org
American Diabetes Association Resources:
- Diabetes and the Coronavirus
- If you’re sick
- Knowing your rights
- Resources for professionals
- Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition
How you and your organization can help with the COVID-19 response
The GBC has been in contact with representatives for Baltimore City and the counties in the region regarding ways that GBC member companies and other private-sector organizations could assist as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here you can find requests and the correct contact to get more information about the request and coordinating a response. The GBC will update this information as new requests come forward.
PCs for People: PCs for People, a new nonprofit organization, funded by the Abell Foundation, is seeking donations of “retired” computers and computer equipment from the business community. This effort is in partnership with the Baltimore City Public Schools to help support their work to secure more devices to bridge the digital divide.
A certified electronics recycler, PCs for People works with businesses to safely and responsibly dispose of their excess technology by recycling, or repurposing, electronic assets and returning them to use in the local community.
PCs for People and the Greater Baltimore Committee are part of the Digital Equity Coalition, an initiative involving more than 60 organizations working to close the digital divide in Baltimore.
For more information or to donate computer equipment contact Kelly Hodge-Williams at khodgew@pcsforpeople.org or 410-207-7455.
Howard County Request: Do you have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that you are willing to donate? Please email ppe@howardcountymd.gov.
Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) Request: The State of Maryland is seeking to fill severe shortages of specific infection-control products, healthcare supplies, and other emergency relief offers of assistance. If you have bulk amounts of personal protective equipment in stock, please indicate the type and amounts and whether this is a donation or for purchase. All equipment must meet OSHA, NIOSH, FDA, CDC or other appropriate federal standard.
If for purchase, please advise on the price per quantity and ensure you are registered through eMMA to do business in Maryland. The link to register is emma.maryland.gov
For donations, you can also send your offers of assistance as follows:
- Private sector goods and services: psector@maryland.gov
- Individual offers of volunteers/donations: ngs.mema@maryland.gov
To give to an emergency fund in your county please seek out your local community foundation – many have emergency relief funds in place. In Baltimore please visit the Baltimore Community Foundation website and support the Baltimore Evolving Community Needs Funds. View a full list of funds in communities throughout Maryland on the MPN resource page — click the Response Funds tab.
Also see:
- GBC Legislative Forum features discussions on COVID-19 vaccine rollout, state budget, racial equity and more
- Statement of Donald C. Fry, President & CEO, Greater Baltimore Committee, on New State Measures to Assist Small Business Affected by Covid-19 Pandemic
- What GBC members & business leaders can do in the fight against COVID-19
- BD launches portable, rapid point-of-care antigen test to detect SARS-CoV-2
- Greater Baltimore Committee launches COVID-19 Business Recovery Advisory Council to help Baltimore Region’s Economic Recovery
- Baltimore Community Foundation Deploys COVID-19 Response Grants, Plans for Intermediate and Long-Term Needs Ahead
- Coalition for a Second Chance: How to help with issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic
- BBJ: 10 teleworking security tips from Maryland cyber CEOs
COVID-19: GBC Coverage and Response
Special Update on State and Federal Legislation Related to COVID-19
COVID-19 resources: Planning for a safe reopening
COVID-19 Resources: Baltimore Region’s School Opening Plans
Coverage of GBC Member companies’ philanthropic responses to COVID-19