If a business operation is notified that a person, occupant, or employee has tested positive for COVID-19, the business operation must immediately notify the Director of Public Health. Please call 816-513-6152.

General Information

• COVID-19 Health and Safety Guide for Businesses
• Guidance from US Chamber of Commerce on how small businesses can best survive the coronavirus. 
• Missouri Novel Coronavirus Information Hotline – 1 (877) 435-8411
• Updates for Kansas City businesses specific to the coronavirus (COVID-19) are being provided through a KC SourceLink business resource portal. You can find information here on:
  
  • Workplace Health Safety
  • Emergency Planning/Recovery Tips
  • Loans/Grant Programs
  • Remote Working
  • Local Business Resources
  • State Business Resources
  • Federal Business Resources

COVID-19 Assistance for Businesses

Spire creates new assistance program for Missouri small businesses impacted by coronavirus pandemic. With 98% of small businesses impacted financially, the natural gas provider offers up to $500 in assistance.

Mayor Lucas, Made in KC Launch Website to Connect Businesses with Local PPE Suppliers

Utility Assistance:

• KCMO Water Services – Suspended water shut-offs for nonpayment

Internet Access:

• Spectrum – Suspended service terminations for 60 days, waiving late fees for residential and small business customers, partnering with school districts, and opening wi-fi hotspots for public use

Bars/Restaurants

• Re-Opening Guidelines for KCMO Restaurants, Non-Essential Businesses
• Pursuant to City Code 10-340, businesses that have a retail sale by drink license can deliver alcoholic beverages. Must be in the closed, original package or container. Deliveries cannot be received by a person under 21 and must be made during the hours allowed under the license. Pursuant to City Code 10-102, certain licensees can also sell alcoholic beverage in the original package on the licensed premises. For additional information contact Regulated Industries at (816) 513-4560

Kansas City Emergency Loans and Grants

• EDCKC accepting applications for the Kansas City Missouri Small Business Relief Loan Fund (May 1, 2020)
• KC COVID-19 Small Business Relief Loan Fund - On March 31, 2020 a new community-backed $5 million small business relief loan fund was launched by AltCap to provide immediate relief to local small businesses experiencing extreme economic hardship due to COVID-19 related disruptions.  Must be located in Jackson, Clay, Platte or Cass Counties in MO or Wyandotte, Johnson, or Leavenworth counties in KS; Have 20 or fewer FT employees and less than $2.5M in annual revenue.  Priority to retail, food service, arts, hospitality, fitness, personal service, transportation and healthcare not involved in COVID-19.  Detailed information about eligibility and applications available here. 
• Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City continues to offer revolving loans for small businesses through their Loan-Up Program

 Federal Resources

• The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed.  This includes a new initiative called the Paycheck Protection Program that provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain their payroll during this emergency. 
  
  • Phase 3 of the Clay County grant program is now accepting applications. Twelve companies that have been impacted by COVID-19 will be chosen for a $30,000 unrestricted grant. Learn more and apply by Nov. 30.
  • View the Small Business Guide prepared by the US Chamber to inform businesses on SBA Loans and the CARES stimulus package
• Missouri has officially been declared a disaster area, and is eligible for federal assistance.  Click here for ongoing updates on Small Business Administration guidance and resources including the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance, SBA Debt Relief, SBA Expresss Bridge Loans and other SBA technical assistance resources.
• For resources and guidance for multi-family housing, visit the National Multi-Family Housing Council website.
  
  • Freddy Mac and Fannie Mae are also providing resources for multi-family properties.
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has launched an initiative providing grants for eligible small businesses.  If your business employees between 3 and 20 employees, and is located in an economically vulnerable community, find more information about applying for a grant here.

State Resources

• Missouri Department of Labor has several programs available to assist employers in addressing workforce issues in response to Covid-19 including a Shared Work Program to help minimize the need for layoffs, and a Mass Filing Claim program to assist employers and employees during a temporary mass layoff.
  • The Employment Transition Team can serve as a guide for business owners as well as staff to help connect laid-off employees connect with jobs.
  • Missouri One Start is helping essential businesses staff up to meet demand.

Covid-19 Assistance for Workers

• Workers needing emergency assistance with housing, healthcare, employment, food, childcare, legal assistance, transportation, disability assistance or other critical needs as a result of Covid-19 can access resources through the United Way 2-1-1 resource directory.
• Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund- A coalition of charitable, business, and government partners have joined together to create the Kansas City Regional Fund to collect donations to make grants to nonprofit organizations supporting the Kansas City region's most vulnerable communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• The Missouri Department of Labor has updated guidance for employees facing unemployment including answers to questions regarding eligibility, shared work programs, and mass filing claims in response to Covid-19 as well as general information about unemployment, workers compensation and discrimination
  • The Employment Transition Team can serve as a guide for business owners as well as staff to help connect laid-off employees connect with jobs.
• Looking for work in KC?  KCADC is helping local candidates find employment and temporary positions in KC.  Visit their TeamKC site for a list of local companies now hiring.
• Zippia has created a guide to assist those looking for work as well as navigating the new work-from-home norms.  
• Regional Workforce Intelligence Network has created a guide of additional resources available to both businesses and workers. 

Ways to Help Others

• Shop Local - This boosts our local economy and helps provide vital revenue to small businesses who are struggling.

Changes in Operations affecting Business Services

• City of Kansas City, Missouri- Due to Covid-19 City Council and certain City departments are temporarily operating under modified protocols including teleconferencing for some boards and committees, cancelations of meetings/events, closing of some facilities including, postponement of Municipal Court hearings and trials.  Click Here for updates on modification to city operations.
• Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City - EDCKC offices (300 Wyandotte and 18th & Vine) will close from March 19th through March 31st. Their team will work remotely via emails, texts and phone calls to conduct business and meet business needs during regular office hours. 816-221-0636
  • PIEA Board meetings will canceled until further notice.
• Beginning March 16th AltCap, Community Capital Fund, and Equity2 will transition to a remote work arrangement. They will continue normal business operations via email or telephone.