A State-by-State Guide to COVID-19 for Small Businesses and Employees

The COVID-19 pandemic is evolving quickly across the globe. In the United States, most states are in the process of making official statements on precautionary measures that will be implemented to inhibit the spread of the virus.

We wanted to put some additional resources together for our retailers out there and will try to keep this page updated frequently. We’ll attach links to all state resources but always double check for any additional updates that aren’t on this page. And if you find something helpful that would be worth adding, just shoot us a message!

These resources are meant to help business owners help navigate the COVID-19 crisis by offering up-to-date information on each state’s response. We’ve also included many resources for financial assistance for both employers and employees. Remember to take care of your team in any way possible during these tough times.

For general financial assistance, here are several resources that small business owners should look into:

Small Business Administration
Facebook Small Business Grants Program
WaFd Bank Small Business Lifeline
US Bank
Community Lending Works
The Timely Help
CCD Business Development Corp
State Chambers COVID-19 Websites
Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia

Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland

Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey

New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina

South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Alabama

Implemented official order of suspension or public gatherings and mandatory social distancing
Activated price gouging law for any businesses that are attempting to exploit consumers for essential products
Prices cannot be more than 25% above what they were 30 days ago and the penalty is up to $1,000 per violation.
Business Council of Alabama resources
SBA disaster relief application
Unemployement FAQ
Waives employer charges for COVID-19 unemployment claims

Alaska

Has declared a State of Emergency
Closed all dine-in services and all entertainment facilities that host larger crowds
Business resources for COVID-19
SBA disaster loan available
Schedule a Alaska SBDC consultaion
SBDC workshops
Tips for food businesses during COVID-19
Alaska Health Department Info

Arizona

Has declared a State of Emergency
Requires insurance companies to cover out-of-network patients
Waives all copays, coinsurance, and deductibles for COVID-19 related cases
Protects consumers against price gouging
Legal primer for businesses for COVID-19
Local First Arizona resources
Small business loan guide
Arizona Commerce relief

Arkansas

Has declared a State of Emergency
Announced relief for businesses and child-care providers
SBA Fact Sheet
Arkansas Chamber of Commerce resources
Guidance for employers
Quick Action Loan program
Employee issues webinar

California

Has declared State of Emergency
Executive order for all citizens to remain at home
Labor Commissioner’s Office FAQ on COVID-19 Laws
Essential workers/industries exemption list
California Retailers Association guide to COVID-19

Colorado

Has declared State of Emergency
All non-essential businesses closed

Connecticut

Has declared State of Emergency
Most recent Executive Order – March 23
All non-essential businesses must be closed

Delaware

Has declared State of Emergency
FAQ on COVID-19 for citizens and businesses
All non-essential businesses must close
List of essential businesses
FAQ for businesses

Florida

Has declared a State of Emergency
Executive Orders for business closure
All 2020 Executive Orders

Georgia

Has declared a State of Emergency
Small business loan assistance and FAQ
Guidance for businesses during COVID-19
Strategies for small businesses

Hawaii

Has declared a State of Emergency
Most recent Supplementary Proclamation – March 23
Urges businesses to allow additional sick leave for COVID-19

Idaho

Has declared a State of Emergency
Employer FAQ on unemployment insurance
Department of Labor guide to COVID-19

Illinois

Has declared a Disaster Proclamation
Essential services Executive Order
Stay at Home order declared
FAQ on COVID-19
Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) resources

Indiana

Has declared a State of Emergency
FAQ on COVID-19
Stay at Home Executive Order
Essential businesses and services list

Iowa

Has declared a Disaster Proclamation and State of Emergency
Unemployment insurance FAQ for employers
Voluntary Shared Work Program

Kansas

Has declared a State of Emergency
Guide for businesses during COVID-19
COVID-19 FAQ
Guide to Shared Work Program

Kentucky

Has declared a State of Emergency
Requires employers to provide accrued sick leave to employees
Prohibits price gouging from retailers
Encourages additional sick leave for employees
All non-essential retail is closed for in-store traffic

Louisiana

Has declared a State of Emergency
Stay at Home order issued
All bars, restaurants, gyms, theaters, casinos, and similar places are closed until April 12, aside from delivery