COVID-19
INFORMATION & UPDATES FOR BUSINESSES
This page is frequently updated and features a selection of top requests for information from business owners and employees. If you do not find what you are looking for or have something to share, please contact our office. The East Providence Area Chamber is here to help you and your business.
Local and State News Media
Businesses and Residents
Rhode Island Department of Health has a vast range of current COVID-19 related information on their Web site.
RHODE ISLAND DEPT OF LABOR & TRAINING (RI DLT)
If you are out of work because of COVID-19, Unemployment Insurance claims are processed faster and can be more generous than TDI/TCI.
File an Unemployment Insurance Claim
Click here for the latest RIDLT Information regarding Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19)
Presentar un reclaimo de UI
Rhode Island self-employed/independent contractors and gig workers are eligible for unemployment benefits. Details and application here.
Difficulty Processing Unemployment Claim
A new online form is available to help you get answers, if your application or claim has a problem. Click here to reach the RIDLT form.
November 30: Rhode Island goes on "pause" for two weeks. The Pause is intended to reduce community transmission of COVID 19 by dialing down overall mobility and reducing social gatherings. These reductions are key to stemming Rhode Island’s recent increase in cases and hospitalizations over the winter months. Click here for FAQ about "The Pause."
November 4, 2020: Rhode Island Commerce Corporation began accepting requests for applications for Rhode Island Hotel, Arts & Tourism (HArT) Grants. The State has allocated $20 million for the program, with eligible businesses and nonprofits able to receive grants of up to $1 million on a competitive basis.
The Rhode Island HArT Grant Program is a competitive grant program that aims to prevent closure of arts, culture, hospitality & tourism businesses and institutions while also building resilience to shifts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting their workforce, and engaging with their communities. Details here.
Restore RI Grant Application Portal
Process revised for easier use and more eligibility opportunities
The Restore RI Grant is targeted at small businesses that have been most severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will provide eligible businesses with grants of up to $30,000.
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More businesses are now eligible including sole proprietors, non-profits and businesses without employees
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Businesses with 50 or fewer employees now eligible to apply (reminder – no cap on the number of employees for restaurants or caterers)
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Employment, revenue, and expense documentation not required to be uploaded.
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Streamlined grant amount calculation and decreasing the amount of revenue loss needed from 50% to 30% for all businesses (and you just need to show that for one single month)
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Businesses can now count intendent contractors as FTEs in award calculation
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Streamlined process for sole proprietors and business entities without W-2 employees or independent contractors
If you originally tried to apply and thought it was cumbersome or difficult – please give it another try. CommerceRI has Zoom office hours for businesses that need help in getting through the application.
For any additional questions about the Restore RI program or application, please contact the RI Commerce Small Business Hotline at (401) 521-HELP or email info@commerceri.com.
ReopeningRI.com Details and checklist for applying for Restore RI grants here.
Current information and resources for business owners regarding operating guidelines for Phase III, COVID-19 Control Plan template and more.
East Providence Business Owners/Employers
City of East Providence Web site featuring COVID-19 related executive orders from Mayor DaSilva, relief loan program for small businesses, contact information for city departments and more.
Update: November 4, 2020: The City of East Providence Take It Outside grants are still available to East Providence small businesses. Details and application here.
Executive Order for East Providence Restaurant Outdoor Dining from Mayor DaSilva. Reopening on May 18, 2020.
Online Permit Application for East Providence Restaurant Outdoor Dining. No fee.
COVID-19 Relief Loans for East Providence Businesses
$1K-$5K loans. Application and details here.
Barrington Business Owners/Employers
Town of Barrington Web site featuring COVID-19 related executive orders from Town Manager Cunha and his Daily Updates for businesses and residents, contact information for town departments and more.
MASSACHUSETTS
November 6, 2020 - Stay at home advisary between 10pm & 5am goes into effect. Details for businesses, residents and visitors here
