Resources in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
With the outbreak of this novel coronavirus, many enterprises, organizations, institutions, communities, and people have been negatively impacted. This page contains a list of resources that are dedicated to providing support during this ongoing crisis.
Find the latest information regarding news in Maryland and different ways Marylanders can provide help through the Hogan Administration’s COVID-19 A-to-Z Resource Guide.
Marylanders Serving Marylanders
The Hogan administration is committed to being transparent, keeping Marylanders fully informed, taking actions based on detailed planning, and making decisions based on the facts on the ground.
Maryland Food Bank
As essential second responders, the Maryland Food Bank is working diligently to continue core operations amidst this public health crisis.
Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps
Volunteer today for this force of dedicated medical volunteers. Now recruiting active and retired health care professionals, medical students, and other interested volunteers.
Meals on Wheels
This organization provides support and safety-net services to seniors—a population that needs extra support during this crisis.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage. Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood. Right now, eligible and healthy donors are strongly urged to make an appointment to provide lifesaving blood products to patients.
World Health Organization COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund
This fund provides healthcare workers with essential resources, helps monitor the pandemic, and supports efforts to develop treatments and vaccines.
COVID-19 Small Business Survival Guide
Created by the Maryland Small Business Development Center as of 3/23/2020, one will find a number of resources and frequently asked questions which can help guide a business through this global pandemic. The resources focus on several different areas from marketing to CDC Guidelines for small businesses and the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan process.
All businesses are encouraged to review these tips and to consider applying for funds as there is a very real chance that if economic relief is not brought to those businesses in most need in the next few weeks their troubles will cascade into healthy businesses bringing those businesses down and the economy down as well.
Federal Funds are not a silver bullet and should be used in conjunction with the other strategies outlined below.
Having a plan and funds in place now can help to keep your business open and operating and your employees paid.
Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
COVID-19 Notice for Maryland SBDC Clients, Stakeholders, and Partners
The SBDC is committed to serving its clients during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) health emergency while maintaining a safe environment for all of its clients and staff. In order to do so, it must make the following adjustments:
Offices
Over the next three to six weeks, and possibly beyond, most of the SBDC office locations will be closed to the public, though that may soon change to all of its office locations being closed to the public as this crisis unfolds. Please, no walk-ins.
Consulting Services
New clients can request consulting assistance by clicking on the Smart Start Assessment the home page. Continuing clients may continue to contact their consultant by phone, web conference, or email.
Training
All in-person training scheduled during the months of March and April will be canceled, postponed or offered online. If a paid training class is canceled or postponed, participants may request a refund or apply the funds to another class. If the class will be offered online, registered participants will receive an email with instructions for participating in the online class.
Maryland State Government/Department of Commerce
- Department of Commerce Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Businesses
- Department of Commerce Letter to Business Community
- Guidance on business closures
- Department of Health COVID-19
- Department of Health COVID-19 FAQ
If you know of a small business in Maryland that has been impacted, please have them email the MD Dept of Commerce at Secretary.Commerce@maryland.gov
Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund
This $75 million loan fund (for-profit businesses only) offers no interest or principal payments due for the first 12 months, then converts to a 36-month term loan of principal and interest payments, with an interest rate at 2% per annum.
Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund
This $50 million grant program for businesses and non-profits offers grant amounts up to $10,000, not to exceed 3 months of demonstrated cash operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020.
Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund
This $5 million incentive program helps Maryland manufacturers to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) that is urgently needed by hospitals and health-care workers across the country. More details are expected to be announced by Friday, March 27, 2020.
Maryland’s Unemployment Insurance Benefits
Laid off employees will qualify for unemployment benefits if the coronavirus (COVID-19) causes an employer to shut down operations or cut back on operations. Maryland unemployment benefits are available to individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own if they meet the monetary criteria and the weekly eligibility criteria.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. If you have questions about this application or problems providing the required information, please contact our Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Coronavirus Response Toolkit
The U.S. Chamber has compiled CDC’s coronavirus recommendations for businesses and workers across the country. It continues to encourage American businesses to follow data-based guidance from the CDC and state and local officials.
CARES Act: What Small Businesses Need to Know
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the largest financial assistance bill ever, includes provisions to help small businesses.
Washington, DC Economic Partnership
WDCEP is continually monitoring the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) outbreak and its effect on Washington, DC. The following information is designed to help DC businesses as they navigate global health updates, public safety concerns, remote working and telecommuting, and more. To stay up to date on ongoing disease prevention tips and facts about COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resources.
DC Small Business Recovery Microgrants
Mayor Bowser has established a $25 million fund to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19 during this public health emergency. This funding will be dispersed through small business recovery microgrants.
WDCEP's COVID-19 Inormation and Updates
Follow the WDCEP on social media @WDCEP, and visit the WDCEP website to stay up to date on resources available to businesses.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
COVID-19 Resources for Applicants and Recipients of NIH Funding
The NIH is deeply concerned for the health and safety of people involved in NIH research, and about the effects on the biomedical enterprise in the areas affected by the HHS declared public health emergency for COVID-19. Due to the potential exceptional impact, the NIH wants to assure the recipient community that the NIH will be doing its part to help its recipients continue their research. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and the NIH will provide updated guidance and information as it becomes available.
Social Media for Public Health
This website, which is a partnership between Johns Hopkins University, George Washington University, and the University of Maryland, serves as a reference for resources and publications related to this topic, and hosts data and publications created by our group. This site serves as a platform for collecting data resources and publications in the fight against COVID-19, and it includes resources developed by the Social Media for Public Health team, as well as links to resources produced by others.
These resources are focused on social media data and how it can be used to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Possible applications include the combating of misinformation, supporting messaging from public health organizations and tracking information about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Forbes Small Business Relief Tracker
Funding, Grants And Resources For Business Owners Grappling With Coronavirus
Some 30 million American small businesses are high on the coronavirus’ list of victims. Nearly half of these companies say the pandemic is to blame for unprecedented revenue declines, and with no clear end in sight, the possibility of temporary closures has become a reality for many. In an effort to help business owners find financial relief, Forbes has rounded up all of the government agencies, private companies and nonprofit organizations that are extending support. Forbes will be adding to this list as the situation develops, so check the site regularly for updates.
Do Good Institute - Want to Do Good Now?
The Do Good Institute has compiled a list of resources for anyone who wants to help others during this difficult time.
Support Local Nonprofits
Help local organizations that provide direct services to vulnerable populations affected by coronavirus. A list of organizations in the DC metro area can be found at this link.
Donate Funds
Consider donating to national organizations focused on supporting those hardest hit by the crisis.
Donate blood
With thousands of blood drives across the country canceled because of the outbreak, the American Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers announced that the US is facing a “severe blood shortage.” Please make an appointment to donate through the Red Cross.
Narrate a short story
Do you have 5 minutes (or 14 Days) to spare? Narrate a short story from your phone and help 40,000 learn to read.
Stay Active
Help you and your family and friends stay active! Check out live streamed fitness and yoga classes.
Also, here are a few other ways to Do Good Now.
- Reach out to family and friends. Use this time at home to check in with a loved one and people you care about. Schedule a virtual coffee date or happy hour.
- Have grace. Recognize that this is a hard and stressful time for many people. Keep this in mind as you navigate throughout your day and offer people the benefit of the doubt, understanding that we are all doing the best we can. This includes yourself! Be patient with yourself and others and be kind to each other. We are all in this together.
- Support those around you. Whether this is ordering takeout from a local restaurant, or buying art from local artists or businesses you know aren’t operating as usual, make the effort to offer support, if you can.
Are you leading an effort to Do Good now? Do you know of one?
Connect and share with Do Good Institute on social media @DoGoodatUMD.