COVID-19: Resources for Business Owners and Workers
Scotch Plains and its health department along with our County, State and Federal Health Agencies are closely monitoring the Coronavirus outbreak and its potential impact in the United States and our area in particular.
Everyone can do their part to help us respond to this emerging public health threat.
This webpage is dedicated to important updates and resources as it relates to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on small business owners.
NJ Economic Development Authority: COVID-19 Economic Relief Package
NJEDA has announced the launch of initiatives aimed at stabilizing and revitalizing local small businesses, mid-size businesses, and startups or other early-stage companies during this time of need in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Detailed information and eligibility requirements for the new programs are available at cv.business.nj.gov. There is additional information available on the following:
- SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
- SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE LOAN PROGRAM
- PROGRAMS TO MOBILIZE CAPITAL TO MICRO-, SMALL, AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES
- ENTREPRENEUR SUPPORT PROGRAM
- CREDIT FLEXIBILITY TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Survival Guide & Resources
The coronavirus is causing financial difficulties for businesses across the U.S. COVID-19 has brought the world’s economy to a grinding halt. The economic impact and recovery will last for months, and potentially even years. As congress and other government authorities move to save different areas of the economy, it’s important to understand what resources you have available to you as a small business owner.
Everyone’s first priority during this pandemic should be to stay safe and healthy — but maintaining your business’s health can be equally important. Take advantage of the resources in this section so you can stay informed and lessen the impact of the crisis.
Important Links for Small Business Owners
- Coronavirus: 8 Things Your Small Business Needs to Do
- Coronavirus Best Practices for Small Businesses
- 3 Expert Strategies for Curbing Coronavirus-Related Business Losses
- Everything You Need to Know About Coronavirus Federal Small Business Stimulus Aid Programs
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act: What Businesses Need to Know
- Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: What Small Businesses Need to Know
- 10 Commonly Asked Coronavirus Small Business Loan Questions
- How to Apply for an SBA Disaster Relief Loan
- How to Get an SBA Coronavirus Emergency Payroll Protection Loan
- Staying Connected With Customers Through the Coronavirus Outbreak
- 7 Things to Do When Creating an Emergency Work-From-Home Policy for COVID-19
Coronavirus Information for New Jersey Small Businesses
Important Links for Small Business Owners
Economic Assistance for New Jersey Businesses
- How do I apply to the NJEDA Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan? (Application now open)
- What new State financial support programs is my business eligible for? How do I use the Eligibility Wizard?
- What grants are available via the NJEDA Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant?
- How is the State backing small business loans via the NJEDA Small Business Emergency Assistance Guarantee Program?
- What assistance is available for existing NJEDA business customers via Payment Moratorium/Loan Fee Forgiveness?
- Can I get help applying to federal or State financial assistance programs?
Business Operation Restrictions
- Does my business need to close?
- What is the status of New Jersey ports and supplies imported through them?
Human Resources and Finances
New Jersey Launches Job Portal to Connect Out-of-Work Residents to Opportunities in Critical Industries
Did you lose your job or have your hours reduced as a result of COVID-19?
Businesses across New Jersey need thousands of workers for immediate hire. Learn more about who is hiring in your community.
Employers in critical industries should submit information about openings with urgent hiring needs related to COVID19 at jobs.covid19.nj.gov/intake.
As of Monday, April 13, there are currently over 50,000 jobs listed throughout the state by over 600 different companies.
New Jersey COVID-19 On Demand Hiring Portal for Employers
Please complete this form for each specific job that you are currently hiring for.
If you are hiring for more than five (5) positions, or you are hiring for a specific position at more than five (5) locations, it is recommended that you complete the intake process by downloading the MS Excel worksheet here.
Please note: information provided by your company will be made available to the public through the COVID19 Jobs Portal and will be subject to the Open Public Record Act.
The State of New Jersey has received submissions from hundreds of employers across the state, highlighting tens of thousands of jobs they are urgently looking to fill. We are working to post all jobs as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience as we work to connect employers and New Jerseyans as quickly and efficiently as possible.
If you have questions, please contact
Social Distancing Guidance for Essential Retail Businesses
Social distancing involves taking measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting the opportunities for exposure. The general recommendation is to avoid crowds and close contact by keeping six feet between yourself and others. When social distancing is properly implemented, it can be an important strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Grocery Stores and Specialty Food Stores Executive Order No. 107 designated grocery stores and other stores that sell food goods as essential. The supply chain for these stores has not been disrupted and these stores are permitted to operate during their normal operating hours. These stores should continue to follow social distancing and hygiene best practices.
Click here to view the New Jersey Department of Health Social Distance Guidelines for Retail Businesses.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
Have general questions about Covid-19?
Call: 2-1-1
24-Hour Phone Hotline: 1-800-962-1253
Text: NJCOVID to 898-211
New Jersey State Department of Health
24-Hour Phone Hotline: 1-800-222-1222
- Rahway Health Department
- Scotch Plains Library Health Resources
- Union County First Alert
- Union County Coronavirus Updates
- Union County Drive-Through Covid-19 Testing Center
- New Jersey State Department of Health
- Covid19.NJ.gov
- NJ Governor Phil Murphy's Office
- New Jersey Business Portal
- New Jersey State Job Portal for Out-of-Work Residents
- New Jersey Transit
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- World Health Organization
- U.S. SBA Disaster Loans for Businesses