Criteria Updated for Small Businesses Requesting Disaster Assistance Loans

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-Press Release, U.S. Small Business Administration

As part of the Trump Administration’s aggressive, whole-of-government efforts to combat the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and minimize economic disruption to the nation’s 30 million small businesses, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza issued revised criteria for states or territories seeking an economic injury declaration related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The relaxed criteria will have two immediate impacts:

  • Faster, Easier Qualification Process for States Seeking SBA Disaster Assistance. Historically, the SBA has required that any state or territory impacted by disaster provide documentation certifying that at least five small businesses have suffered substantial economic injury as a result of a disaster, with at least one business located in each declared county/parish. Under the just-released, revised criteria, states or territories are only required to certify that at least five small businesses within the state/territory have suffered substantial economic injury, regardless of where those businesses are located.

 

  • Expanded, Statewide Access to SBA Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses. SBA disaster assistance loans are typically only available to small businesses within counties identified as disaster areas by a Governor. Under the revised criteria issued today, disaster assistance loans will be available statewide following an economic injury declaration. This will apply to current and future disaster assistance declarations related to Coronavirus.

“We’re very encouraged that banks and financial institutions are responding to the President’s efforts to mobilize an unprecedented public-private response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. As a result, most small businesses that need credit during these uncertain times will be able to obtain it. However, our goal is to ensure that credit is available to any and all small businesses that need credit but are unable to access it on reasonable terms through traditional lending channels,” said Administrator Carranza.

“To that end, the SBA is relaxing the criteria through which states or territories may formally request an economic injury declaration, effective immediately. Furthermore, once an economic injury declaration has been made in a state or territory, the new rules allow the affected small businesses within the state or territory to apply for a disaster assistance loan.”

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for each affected small business. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

Process for Accessing SBA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Relief Lending

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.
  • Any such Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
  • SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will coordinate with the state’s or territory’s Governor to submit the request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance.
  • Once a declaration is made, the information on the application process for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance will be made available to affected small businesses within the state.
  • These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
  • SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
  • SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response, and the SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible.
For additional information, please visit the SBA disaster assistance website at SBA.gov/Disaster.
Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Granville Chamber Announces Members With Open Drive-Thru, Food Delivery

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-Information courtesy the Granville County Chamber of Commerce

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce has received information from some food service Chamber members regarding their menus, pick-up and delivery options. We encourage everyone to be supportive of our members and do business locally. As other Chamber member businesses share their information, our offices will send email updates.

Bojangles – drive-thru & take-out

Chick-fil-A, – 200 Trade St., Henderson; (252) 436-0010 – drive-thru and curbside delivery via the Chick-fil-A app

McDonald’s – drive-thru & take-out

Owl House Cafe – 209 N. Main St., Creedmoor; (919) 864-0820 – delivery, curbside pickup and take-out.

Simply Delicious Catering – 702 N Main St., Creedmoor; (919) 528-7400 delivery, take-out

Sunrise Biscuit Company – 128 Williamsboro St., Oxford; (919) 693-6178 – pick-up/take-out

Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. – 117 Wall St., Oxford; (919) 725.-9402 – take-out, delivery within 10-mile radius

Veneto’s Pizzeria – 124 W. Church St., Creedmoor; (919) 528-3839 – take-out, curbside pickup and delivery

For specific information such as delivery radius, times, menu items, etc., please contact the business directly. For Chamber-related questions, call the Chamber office at (919) 693-6125 or email wanda@granville-chamber.com.

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Granville County Government Makes Operational Changes

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

While at this time there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Granville County, for the safety and security of the community, Granville County Government is taking precautionary measures, following guidance from CDC, and working closely with Granville Vance Public Health. With everyone’s safety in mind, we have implemented the following operational changes:

Granville County Senior Services: All three Senior Centers (Oxford, Creedmoor and Stovall) are closed to participants until further notice. This decision was made in an effort to protect participating older adults from the COVID-19 virus, as senior residents are the most vulnerable. Group activities, classes, group meetings and special events have been canceled; however, tax assistance, offered on Thursday evenings in small groups, will continue until notified.

Home delivered meals will continue and congregate meals (on-site) will still be available as a drive-through option. Those not able to use the drive-through option should call the Senior Center at 919-693-1930 to inquire about being placed on a home-delivered route.

KARTS has also made the decision to temporarily discontinue the around-town shuttle until further notice.

Granville County Library System: All four branches of the Granville County Library System remain open but hours have changed. Until further notice, The Richard H. Thornton and Stovall libraries are now closing at 5 p.m. and the South Branch is closing at 5:30 p.m. All events and programs scheduled through the Granville County Library System are canceled until further notice.

In addition, meeting rooms will not be available for public use until the state of emergency is lifted. All services to nursing homes and assisted living centers have been postponed until further notice, and Legos, toys and kits from the children’s area will not be available for use. Deadlines for all materials currently checked out will be automatically extended. Please contact your local public library for more details.

Granville County Animal Management:  Animal Control and the Animal Shelter for Granville County are observing the following guidelines until further notice: 1. Fees will be waived for adoptions and rescue pulls; 2. Rabies vaccinations for owned animals are being suspended; 3. Visitors to the shelter can only come into the facilities for purposes of adoption or rescue, or if looking for lost animals. For questions, please call 919-693-6749.

Parks and Recreation: Although tournament play has been canceled, Granville Athletic Park remains open for public use. Residents are asked to follow health recommendations for gatherings, including social distancing. Avoid being closer than six feet from anyone, whenever possible, and limit physical contact. Remember that gatherings are limited to 50 people or less. Reservations for picnic shelters and other amenities can still be made by calling the GAP at 919-693-3716.

Granville County Courthouse:  To help minimize the exposure of the Coronavirus in North Carolina, by order of the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, many court matters are being continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020. Exceptions to this general rule are proceedings necessary to preserve statutory and constitutional rights in criminal cases, such as first appearances; and proceedings necessary to obtaining emergency relief, such as protective and restraining orders. Matters that fall into these exceptions will proceed as necessary and required by law before the Court.

Cases that will be continued and rescheduled until after April 13, 2020, include 1. Magistrate’s and Small Claims Court; 2. Regular Civil and Criminal District Court; 3. Civil and Criminal Superior Court; and 4. Most Estate and Special Proceedings Hearings before the Clerk.

The Clerk’s Office will mail notice of a new hearing date for all matters that are continued and are rescheduled. Residents are encouraged to handle any other matters with the court over the phone or by mail if they are able to do so. Contact the Clerk of Court’s office at 919-690-4800.

Meeting cancellations: Several committee meetings and meetings of independent boards have been canceled or postponed. For a listing of canceled/postponed meetings and events scheduled through Granville County Government, please visit www.granvillecounty.org for notices.

NC Governor Logo

Governor’s Order Closes Sit-Down Restaurant Service, Lifts Unemployment Restrictions

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-Press Release, Office of NC Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina restaurants and bars will be closed to sit-down service and limited to take-out or delivery orders starting at 5 p.m. on March 17, 2020. Grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores are exempt from this order and will remain open, though they may not serve sit-down food.

Additionally, the order lifts some restrictions on unemployment benefits to help workers unemployed due to Covid-19 and those who are employed but will not receive a paycheck. Additionally, it adds benefit eligibility for those out of work because they have the virus or must care for someone who is sick.

“We did not come to this decision easily. But North Carolina must keep fighting this pandemic with the right weapons,” said Governor Cooper. “During this time of uncertainty, I will keep working to protect the health and safety of North Carolinians and keep our state’s economy afloat.”

This Order will directly aid workers who may have lost wages in restaurants and meeting places due to mass gathering restrictions. For example, workers who lose income due to tips or scheduled work hours, but are still employed, would be eligible for benefits because of this Executive Order. Among other changes:

  • It removes the one-week waiting period to apply for unemployment payment for those workers who lose their jobs;
  • It removes the requirement that a person must be actively looking for another job during this time when many potential employers are closed and social distancing guidelines are in effect.
  • It allows employees who lose their jobs or, in certain cases have their hours reduced due to Covid-19 to apply for unemployment benefits.
  • It directs that employers will not be held responsible for benefits paid as a direct result of these COVID-19 claims.
  • It waives the requirement that people must apply for benefits in person; workers can apply for benefits online or by phone.

The full executive order is available HERE.

For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which includes daily updates on positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.

Granville County Logo

Three Granville Senior Centers Closed to Public Until Further Notice

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

At their March 16 meeting, Granville County Commissioners voted to close all three Senior Centers (Oxford, Creedmoor and Stovall) until further notice. This decision was made in an effort to protect participating older adults from the COVID-19 virus, as senior residents are the most vulnerable.

Group activities, classes, group meetings and special events have been canceled as of Wednesday, March 18 at 8 a.m. Tax assistance, offered on Thursday evenings in small groups, will continue until notified.

Home delivered meals will continue to be delivered, and congregate meals (on-site) will still be available as a drive-through option. Congregate participants may pick up meals at the Oxford Senior Center, 107 Lanier Street, between the hours of 11 a.m. and noon, but must order one day ahead by calling 919-693-1930.

Those utilizing the drive-through services of the satellite centers should call the Centers in Creedmoor (919-528-0848) or in Stovall (919-693-3383) to make arrangements.

Those not able to use the drive-through option should call the Senior Center to inquire about being placed on a home-delivered route.

KARTS has also made the decision to temporarily discontinue the around-town shuttle until further notice.

Those with questions are asked to call 919-693-1930; however, the doors of all three Senior Centers will remain open between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday as staff will be available to provide one-on-one assistance and answer questions as needed.

29 Granville Sites Start March 18; Free Meals to ALL Children

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— from Granville County Public Schools, Dr. Stan Winborne, Assistant Superintendent of Operations & Human Resources,
Public Information Officer

Great news! We handed out 758 FREE meals today at just three sites (CG Credle ES, BSMS, & Mt Energy ES)! Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18, we will begin our drive-thru meal service at 29 sites across the county! These FREE meals are offered to ALL children aged 2-18. Families can simply visit the most convenient site and pick up as many meals as they need for their children. No documentation needed, no questions asked. Children do not need to be present to collect the meals.

(Please share English and Spanish.)

Also starting tomorrow, we will have four buses that will make door-to-door delivery to vulnerable populations of students. This includes disabled, medically fragile, homebound and/or homeless students.

NOTE: While this door-to-door service is not being offered to the community at large, we will do our best to add any family facing critical needs or unique circumstances during this national crisis.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the leadership of our Director of Child Nutrition, Patricia Crute and Director of Transportation, Harry Wilkins and their team members for executing such an ambitious plan so quickly. Truly impressive!

Finally, thanks in advance to everyone for your hard work in making sure our children do NOT GO HUNGRY!

Granville County Library System

Granville Co. Libraries Implement Precautionary Measures; Remain Open

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-Press Release, Granville County Government

All four branches of the Granville County Library System have implemented precautionary measures to reduce the risk of virus exposure to patrons and staff. Measures being taken include:

  • All events and programs scheduled through the Granville County Library System are canceled until further notice;
  • Meeting rooms will not be available for public use until the state of emergency is lifted;
  • All services to nursing homes and assisted living centers have been postponed until further notice;
  • Computers and seating have been reconfigured in observance of the “social distancing” recommendation by health officials;
  • Legos, toys and kits from the children’s area will not be available for use until further notice;
  • Deadlines for all materials currently checked out will be automatically extended;
  • Cash handling is limited.

These measures have been approved by the Granville County Board of Commissioners and are now in effect.

In addition, patrons are encouraged to return books via the book drop box, outside of the library facilities, when possible, and are reminded that E-books are also available.

While all four libraries remain open, please note that operating hours at your local branch may change. For questions or more information, please call:

  • Richard H. Thornton Library, Oxford: 919-693-1121
  • South Branch Library, Creedmoor: 919-528-1752
  • Stovall Branch Library: 919-693-5722
  • Berea Branch Library: 919-693-1231

or visit the Granville County Library System’s website at https://granville.lib.nc.us/.

Oxford Logo

City of Oxford Announces Closures, Cancellations & Postponements

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-Information courtesy the City of Oxford

As the number of cases of COVID-19 rises in North Carolina, the City of Oxford is making the health and safety of our citizens and employees a priority. The City is closely monitoring the situation and taking the necessary precautions to maintain a safe workplace and community.

What We Ask of our Visitors

While City Hall will remain open for now, we encourage our citizens to:

  • Limit in-person visits to City Hall and its outlying departments by using phone, email, or other electronic means.
  • Pay utility bills using one of the following methods:
  • Online at municipalonlinepayments.com/oxfordnc
  • By phone at 833-259-4017
  • By mail to PO Box 506 Oxford, NC 27565
  • By Utilizing the drop box outside of City Hall
  • There will also be a new walk-up and pay on the outside of City Hall by Friday, March 20, 2020. The hours of operation will be 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • If you must visit City Hall or the Operations Center, call ahead to ensure the staff member will be on site.
  • Maintain ‘social distancing’ of 6 feet from other people when possible, as recommended by the CDC.

What we Are Doing to Help Citizens

The City of Oxford will postpone utility disconnections for non-payment and waive transaction fees that are associated with online/bank payments for City utilities, including late fees.

Keep in mind, that even though the water will not be disconnected for non-payment during the next 30 days, you are still responsible for your account balance and any water used during this suspension time.

Closings, Cancellations, and Postponements

  • HPC meeting on Thursday, March 19
  • The City of Oxford Parks & Recreation Department is suspending all programs, including activities in Hix Gym and Public Works Meeting Room, until further notice.
  • Facility rentals through March 30, 2020, will be canceled, renters will receive a full refund or may reschedule for a future date.
  • 2020 Easter Egg Hunt
  • Spring Break Camp
  • Spring Break Lego Camp
  • Volleyball and Baseball Registration will continue through Friday, March 20, 2020, the season will be postponed for two weeks, and we will re-evaluate at that time.

If you have any questions, please call City Hall, 919-603-1100, and watch our website www.oxfordnc.org for updates as they become available.

Granville County Chamber of Commerce

Granville Co. Chamber Remains Open & Encourages Community to ‘Shop Local’

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Letter sent to Granville County Chamber of Commerce members from Chamber President Cecilia Wheeler and Executive Director Ginnie Currin:

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce is continuing to work on your behalf in our community and with government officials during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Chamber’s goal is to ensure that information that we share is accurate, informative and researched. Our goal for business and nonprofit members is to ensure the safety and well-being of your employees, volunteers and customers.

Our community goal is to continue to support local in ways that are safe and appropriate.

Please be assured that we are going through this together. Let’s count on each other to be calm, rational and considerate. We encourage everyone to check on your neighbors and at-risk community members by calling them via phone or sending private messages via social media, rather than visiting in person.

Our 124 Hillsboro Street, Oxford office will be open daily, 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Our South Chamber Office will continue its part-time schedule – Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. Please feel free to reach us at 919.693.6125, wanda@granville-chamber.com and 919.528.4994, tawheeler@granville-chamber.com. Our Chamber staff will be available for messages, phone calls, emails, etc.

The Granville County Chamber of Commerce’s offices are committed to provide an avenue for connecting with businesses and to be available to our Chamber members for questions and concerns. “It’s More Important Than Ever Before to Support Local Businesses!”

We can provide you with contact information for elected officials – local, state and national.

Contact for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Resources on COVID-19; www.cdc.gov; 800-CDC-INFO, 800.232.4636; open 24/7.

Thank you for your investment in our community!

NC Governor Logo

Governor Cooper to Announce Closing of NC Restaurants, Bars for Dine-in

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-Press Release, Office of NC Governor Roy Cooper

Governor Roy Cooper and members of the Coronavirus Task Force are holding a media briefing today at 2 p.m. At that briefing, Governor Cooper will announce a new executive order in response to COVID-19 that closes restaurants and bars for dine-in customers but allows them to continue takeout and delivery orders.

The executive order will also include an expansion of unemployment insurance to help North Carolina workers affected by COVID-19.

The order is expected to be effective by 5 p.m. today, Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

More information about the order and other updates on North Carolina’s response to COVID-19 will be available at today’s media briefing. The briefing is at 2 p.m. at Joint Force Headquarters, 1636 Gold Star Dr, Raleigh, NC 27607.

View live stream here: https://www.ncdps.gov/storm-update