Coronavirus Resources
Updated March 31, 2020: We are in unprecedented times for our local businesses. From the tornadoes that disrupted so many lives a few weeks ago, to the global health crisis threatening our nation and community - there is not a single Nashville business that isn't confronted with immense challenge. We are committed to helping the Nashville business community weather this storm. The Chamber is working from home but we are still available by phone and online. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
The Chamber is part of a network of national economic development organizations who are gathering information on the impact that COVID-19 has had on business. We encourage you to fill out this survey to let us know how the pandemic has impacted your business. This will allow us to understand the impact on the Nashville region's economy.
If you have adjusted the services you provide (i.e. offering take out, discounts, etc.) and would like us to share these changes with fellow Chamber members, click here to join in on our #BeAGoodNeighbor campaign.
Responding to Coronavirus
Safer at Home Order - To further combat the spread of COVID-19, The Metro Public Health Department has issued a Safer at Home Order - directing all residents of Davidson County to stay inside their homes, and immediately limit all movement outside of their homes beyond what is absolutely necessary to take care of essential needs. For more information, please visit www.asafenashville.org.
Governor Bill Lee signs Executive Order issued safer at home guidelines that are in effect until April 14, 2020. This is not a mandated shelter in place order, but instead urges Tennesseans who are in non-essential roles to remain at home. The order restricts businesses that cannot safely operate during COVID-19 including businesses like barber shops, salons, recreational and entertainment outfits.
Updates to Metro Nashville's operations regarding their operations, as well as updated restrictions for local businesses.
Webinar featuring disaster recovery experts and small business resource providers- The Nashville Chamber and partner organizations co-hosted a "Managing Your Business Through COVID-19" discussing resources and tactics for local businesses to navigate this economic downturn.
Tennessee Talent Exchange powered by Jobs4TN is a new initiative to help Tennessee residents find work in the grocery, retail and logistics industries. To apply for jobs through the Tennessee Talent Exchange, please visit www.jobs4tn.gov.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - The CARES Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency. The Federal Government has just issued much anticipated guidance regarding the Paycheck Protection Program. For the latest overview, guidance for potential borrowers, and to view the application for this program, click here.
Tennessee Department of Human Services Emergency Pandemic TANF - Emergency cash assistance program for those impacted by COVID-19. Emergency Pandemic TANF will utilize existing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. TDHS encourages Tennesseans in need to apply online when the application becomes available in order to encourage social distancing.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Summary - This federal act was passed and signed into law last week. The bill addresses paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave, unemployment compensation, funding for food security programs, and free diagnostic testing. Click here for a deeper dive into the legislation.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance - Governor Bill Lee submitted a request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance to the U.S. Small Business Association this week. Tennessee small businesses and nonprofits that have suffered economic injury as a result of COVID-19 are now eligible to apply for up to $2 million in disaster loan assistance. Click here to download the paper application to see what information is needed before applying online.
Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development unemployment resources for employers and employees during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Launch TN partnership with Tennessee's COVID-19 Unified Command - Does your company have a solution or resource that can help fight COVID-19? The private sector serves an important role in partnership with public officials to address the challenges presented by COVID-19. As businesses develop proposals to address these challenges and to provide solutions, Launch TN will serve as the first stage for review and evaluation to make recommendations to state officials on which proposals and strategies will maximize Tennessee's efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. Launch TN has partnered with Governor Lee's COVID-19 Unified Command to fast-track solutions to major issues facing our state. Have a resource, capability, or solution to share? Click here to learn more and submit your proposal.
MNPS offering free student meals - along with food boxes provided by Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee at sites identified throughout Davidson County. MNPS is offering free breakfast and lunch to children in Nashville at locations throughout Davidson County.
United Way COVID-19 Response Fund - The COVID-19 Response Fund was established to quickly and effectively address both the health and economic challenges of this virus. Chaired by former Senator Dr. Bill Frist, the Fund will rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations, getting dollars to where they are needed most. For more information or to make a donation, please click here.
AT&T, Comcast, Spectrum / Charter Communications and Tennessee Broadband Association temporarily offering free internet service, waiving disconnect and late fees, providing access to wi-fi hot spots and other measures to help people at home access the services they need. Click here to learn more.
Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile are abiding by the FCC agreement, providing unlimited data to existing customers and will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
Deadline extended for REAL IDs - The federal government has extended the REAL IDs deadling to October 1, 2021. Please note, DMV locations will stay closed until May 18, 2020.
Tennessee extends franchise and excise deadline - The filing deadline for franchise and excise taxes has been extended to July 15, 2020.
#BeAGoodNeighbor to help small businesses - The Nashville Chamber wants to encourage the Nashville community to continue to support small businesses and hospitality industry, as they have been hit hard during these uncertain times.
COVID-19 Safety and Health Standards, Control & Prevention - An overview of information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus outbreak. Includes links to OSHA standards, control and prevention, by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Coronavirus Resource Page - A resource page by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, including links to Resilience in a Box and Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Quick Guides.
Comprehensive Coronavirus Information - Full resource page provided by the CDC