COVID-19: RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES, WORKERS |
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Amid all the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, TNECD is working closely with other state agencies and federal partners to confront the ongoing economic challenges.
We have a comprehensive list of resources on TNECD.com for Tennessee employers and workers. We encourage everyone, especially local officials, to please share these resources with businesses, citizens and stakeholders. We will be making updates to the resource page on a regular basis.
This week's newsletter provides additional information about new programs announced in the last week and existing resources workers and companies can access.
TNECD continues to operate without disruption, so if you have any questions or need assistance, please use our team as a resource. |
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'DO YOUR PART, STAY APART' |
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 | | Governor Lee urges all Tennesseans to adopt preventive health measures. |
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First and foremost, Governor Bill Lee is urging all Tennesseans to adopt preventive health measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
The "Do Your Part, Stay Apart" campaign urges all Tennesseans to practice safe social distancing, stay at home as much as possible, avoid gatherings with friends, and maintain a six-foot distance from others if you do travel outside the home.
Governor Lee has also established a website specific to COVID-19 updates that can be found here. |
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SBA RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES |
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Last week, we told you Governor Lee was requesting SBA Disaster Loan Assistance for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Those loans are now available to Tennessee small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have suffered economic injury from the fallout of the novel coronavirus.
Small businesses can apply online for loans up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. Additional COVID-19 guidance from the SBA can be found here.
Beginning Monday, March 30, TNECD will host twice daily webinars for SBA-loan related inquiries.
The morning calls from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. CDT are for businesses impacted by the Middle Tennessee tornadoes earlier this month and also COVID-19. WebEx login information is available here. Password: 1234.
The afternoon calls from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. CDT will exclusively assist Tennessee businesses with COVID-19 disaster loans inquiries. WebEx login information is available here. Password: 1234.
Additionally, Congress is expected to finalize a $2 trillion package this week that includes major provisions for small business relief. We will provide updates on those federal resources as they become available. Check back on our resource page. |
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UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS AND EMERGENCY CASH ASSISTANCE |
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For employers and employees, there's a series of state programs available to help those who have lost a job and are temporarily out of work.
The fastest and most efficient way to file an unemployment claim is at www.Jobs4TN.gov. Businesses that have reduced hours or closed due to COVID-19 can expedite the unemployment claim process for employees by submitting an employer-filed mass claim. Additional resources can be found on the Department of Labor & Workforce Development's website.
The Department of Human Services is also making essential financial resources available to certain families that have been significantly impacted economically by COVID-19. More information can be found here on the TDHS website. |
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TENNESSEE TALENT EXCHANGE TO CONNECT WORKERS WITH JOBS |
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Alongside unemployment benefits, the State is also spearheading a new initiative, the Tennessee Talent Exchange, which will quickly match Tennesseans who are out of work because of COVID-19 with businesses that are currently experiencing a surge in job openings.
The Tennessee Talent Exchange is designed to connect job seekers with companies hiring in the grocery, retail and logistics industry. Workers can enter their information here. |
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Even with all this turmoil, countless Tennesseans have stepped up to meet the challenges from COVID-19.
TNECD has been sharing some of these stories on our social media pages, including the efforts by Pigeon Forge distilleries to produce hand sanitizer and Oak Ridge National Lab's use of its supercomputer to identify potential drug compounds to combat the novel coronavirus.
In the days and weeks ahead, we are going to continue to highlight the resilient response by Tennesseans.
If you know of any businesses or individuals providing essential services in your community during this time, please email our communications team at ECD.Communications.Office@tn.gov. We want to share their stories, whether it's companies donating or producing personal protective equipment or the work of first responders and health care providers. |
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