Preparing your business

for COVID-19

Supplies are needed! If you are able to donate the following unexpired items, please contact us.

  • nitrile gloves (any size)
  • coveralls / tyvek suits / medical gowns (any sizes)
  • face shields / goggles
  • N95 masks
  • P100 masks / Air Purifying Respirators

The SCBP is committed to building a prosperous and sustainable future for our business community, particularly in challenging times. Our experience in economic recovery from unplanned events tells us that, as federal and state entities take action, available resources will become better defined. We are committed to keeping you informed to ensure your business has practical, appropriate, and accurate information.

Additionally, we encourage our members to keep us up-to-date on their activities so we may continue to best serve the community.

Keep us updated

Snapshot of resources:

  • Somerset County Department of Health
  • Somerset County Tourism
  • NJ Business Action Center
  • Small Business Administration
  • New Jersey Economic Development Authority
  • Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board
  • Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
  • World Health Organization
somerset county business partnership logo
business.NJ.gov via NJ Business Action Center

One of your staff members just traveled. Should they stay home?

What should you do if an employee gets sick while at work?

Are there any special recommendations for cleaning?

What programs are being developed by the state to support businesses being impacted by the outbreak?

NJ Business Action Center (NJBAC) is answering these questions and more as they relate to the business community. Check them out.

You can reach them directly:

By Telephone: 1-800-Jersey7

Chat: https://business.nj.gov/

CoVID-19 Specific: cv.business.nj.gov

The SCBP has also compiled a list of bills that have been introduced into legislation. For a list of these bills and to keep track of their progress please click here.

Somerset County Tourism

Hotels, restaurants, event planners, and meeting professionals all have unique needs. Somerset County Tourism has created a toolkit for hospitality and tourism industries to provide answers to their questions.

This continually evolving resource also has a list of open and temporarily closed businesses, as well as postponed and canceled events.

Get more resources and answers for your hospitality and tourism industries.

NJEDA

The NJEDA is making tools available to New Jersey businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The NJEDA has announced a series of programs aimed at helping area businesses. These include:

NJ Entrepreneur Support Program, which is a $5 million program that will create a guarantee to support repayment of an investor loan advanced for working capital purposes and is designed to encourage investors to support businesses within their portfolios.

COVID-19 Relief Package

Access them here.

For an easy way to to see if your business is eligible, please see this eligibility wizard on the NJEDA’s website.

By Telephone: 609-858-6767

Web Resource: https://www.njeda.com/about/Public-Information/Coronavirus-Information

Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board

Your local workforce system will continue to update partners and the community as the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic evolves.

COVID-19 Jobs and Hiring Portal also is now open and will be updated regularly.

For jobseekers and employees, enhance skills and obtain industry recognized credentials with SkillUp.

Contact onestop@co.somerset.nj.us for assistance as office locations are closed but operating remotely.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

Uncover programs that are available to help small businesses and guidance to help you during this time.

The SBA has a variety of temporary funding options available to small businesses affected by COVID-19. These include:

The Paycheck Protection Program that was designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll by providing each small business a loan up to $10 million for payroll and certain other expenses. If all employees are kept on payroll for eight weeks, the Small Business Association will forgive the portion of the loans used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Up to 100 percent of the loan is forgivable. Find out more information on this program here.

EIDL Loan Advance that will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.

SBA Express Bridge Loans that enable small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.

SBA Debt Relief that provides a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of 3/19/2020 all 21 counties in NJ have been approved for US Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (Disaster # NJ-00057). For more information, please see the SBA website here. Or for some quick facts on the program, click here.

Web Resource: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

Local Small Business Development Center: https://www.sbdcrvcc.com/

Somerset County Department of Health

The Somerset County Department of Health is dedicated to fostering healthy lifestyles and a safe environment through effective leadership in public health, comprehensive planning, development of proactive community partnerships and a continued commitment to public health service.  Additionally, SCDOH is the lead agency responsible for countywide Public Health emergency planning and response activities.

Check the County’s site for daily updates on COVID-19.

You may also sign up to receive direct communication on the Local Information Network Communication System that connects public health departments with hospitals, laboratories, emergency responders, medical providers, schools, and other community organizations.

Director and Health Officer/Epidemiologist of Somerset County Department of Health, Dr. Namitha Reddy addresses the FAQs of COVID-19.

NJ Department of Health

Get information from the New Jersey Department of Health that has resources for the general public, schools and businesses, healthcare professionals, and more. You can also submit questions to the NJ Department of Health.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control offers a situation summary, information on signs, symptoms, and what to do if you are, or believe you are sick with COVID-19. Please check their site for further information and what to be aware of.

The CDC has issued reopening guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting workplaces, public spaces, businesses, schools, and homes. These guidelines also include practices to help businesses and organizations to develop a plan and revising it as developments are made.