COVID-19 Resources for Businesses

The Asheville Downtown Association is working hard to keep up with the constantly changing information and resources surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Please be sure to get your information from reputable sources.

• Local information regarding the pandemic from Buncombe County
• Information from the State of North Carolina regarding the pandemic
• Information from the Centers for Disease Control
• Governor Roy Cooper's Staying Ahead of the Curve Plan (April 16, 2020)  

Last week, through a partnership with Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and other supporters, the One Buncombe Fund was launched. This fund is offering low-interest bridge loans to small businesses to provide quick access to funding for immediate needs. The One Buncombe Fund also provides assistance to individuals who have lost employment due to COVID-19 to assist with expenses like utility payments and mortgages. Applications are available now, at onebuncombe.org.

• US Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship's guide to the CARES Act
• Mountain BizWorks breaks down the resources for small businesses in the CARES Act
• Small business loan options

• North Carolina Department of Commerce Employment Security site

• Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Resource Page
• Asheville Grown Business Alliance Resource Page
• Dixon Hughes Goodman Resource Page
• Explore Asheville Resource Page
• International Downtown Association Resource Page
• Johnson Price Sprinkle Resource Page
• Main Street Alliance Resource Page
• McGuire Wood & Bissette Attorneys Resource Page
• Mountain BizWorks Resource Page
• Pisgah Legal Services Resource Page
• Platinum Group Resources and Weekly Webinars
• Ward & Smith Attorneys Resource Page

• Buy a gift card to your favorite business to use at a later date. Visit AshevilleStrong.com, a local directory of businesses offering gift cards.

• Shop online. Many of your favorite businesses have added online shopping and can deliver or are offering curbside pickup options.

• Order takeout from your favorite restaurant. Also, many breweries and craft beverage makers are offering online sales and pickup or delivery options. Don't forget to leave a generous tip if you're able.

• Virtually tip a laid-off restaurant or bar employee. The site cycles through employees who need your support.

• IamAVL.com started a musician’s relief fund for area artists. Make a general donation or direct your support to your favorite local musician.