In this unique and tumultuous time our community, we aim to help all members of our community remain safe and financially secure. In light of this, we ask that you consider our local businesses and their employees by supporting them in any way you can – whether by shopping online, purchasing gift cards or other considerations. This helps our workers maintain a stable income during an otherwise unstable time.
1. Wash your hands frequently
2. Avoid close contact with others
3. Cover nose + mouth around others
4. Cover coughs and sneezes
5. Clean + disinfect surfaces daily
The Latest
The Florida Chamber’s Business Snapshot Survey for August is now available for feedback. This information will be used to gain perspective on what businesses in the state of all sizes are dealing with as a result of COVID-19.
- Application instructions
- A frequently asked questions section
- A link to the application
- Individual assistance grant applications opened today, August 4, 2020, at 8 a.m. ($21.1 million allotted)
- Small and medium business grant applications will open on August 10, 2020 ($15 million allotted)
- Inter-government organization grant applications will open on August 17, 2020 ($8.3 million allotted)
Community Resources
CDC: How to Protect Yourself & Others
Uninsured Patient Advisor Hotline: 833-541-5757
Florida Tropical Weather/COVID-19 Co-Response Guide
Steps to Help Maintain Senior Wellness amidst COVID-19
Meals from Alachua County Public Schools
Meridian Behavioral Mobile Response Team
Business Resources
Florida Business Damage Assessment
SBDC Emergency Bridge Loan Program
SBDC Small Business Guide to COVID-19
SBA Small Business Loan & Guidance Resources
Small Business Council Toolkit
Reopening Businesses Digital Toolkit
Small Business Council Toolkit
Small Business Reopening Playbook
Coast PPP Loan Forgiveness Calculator
US Chamber PPP Loan Forgiveness Guide
Getting Your PPP Loan Forgiven, the Legal Way
Donnelly + Gross Checklist for Reopening Your Business
Donnelly + Gross Guide for returning employees with COVID-19 back to work
Donnelly + Gross – New OSHA Guidelines for reopening
Avison Young’s guide to Returning to the Workplace Amidst COVID-19
Policies Implemented
Alachua County Emergency Order 2020-21 (Phase 1)
Smart. Safe. Step-by-Step Reopening Plan
- All non-essential retail businesses may operate at 75% capacity with responsible social distancing and sanitization protocols.
- Restaurants have the option to offer dine-in service, but must limit to 75% capacity with 6 feet between each table. Salad bar/buffet use is limited.
- Bars, movie theaters, concert houses, bowling alleys and arcades are all allowed to reopen at 50% indoor capacity, with appropriate social distancing between groups and appropriate sanitation.
- Visiting nursing homes and long-term care facilities is prohibited.
- Masks are required in public places except for eating or drinking and those with a doctor’s note
- Bars are not allowed to serve alcohol for on-premises consumption per Emergency Order 2020-09
- All nightclubs remain closed
- Museums, botanical gardens and libraries may open but must limit to 50% capacity.
- Hair salons, nail salons and barber shops are allowed to open under certain restrictions.
- Restaurants may serve mixed drinks in sealed containers.
- Fitness centers and gyms may open to 75% capacity with appropriate social distancing measures
- Summer camps for children are allowed to reopen
- Burn ban in effect for Alachua County
- Gatherings of 50 or more people are strongly discouraged
Job Resources
CareerSource North Central Florida
DEO Reemployment Assistance Application
DEO Reemployment Assistance Resource Guide
Now Hiring Series – Payne Construction Group
Now Hiring Series – Union Correctional Institution
Now Hiring Series – Florida State Prisons
Now Hiring Series – Liberty Air
Now Hiring Series – SharpSpring
CARES Act/Paycheck Protection Program Resources
How to be tested
The Alachua County Health Department is offering COVID-19 testing to Alachua County residents, regardless of symptoms. Residents who want a COVID-19 test are asked to call 352-334-8810 for an appointment. A referral from a doctor is not required. If your insurance covers this, it will be billed and no copay is required. If not, it is free. We expect an initial surge of calls. You may have to call back.
Learn more about COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) from the Florida Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Working From Home Resources
Business Updates
- Keith Watson Events is offering rentals to DIY hosts. A 20% discount will be applied to your overall quote for all pick-up only rentals. Contactless pick-up also available.
- In partnership with the Florida Academic Lichen and Fungi Enthusiasts League, the Florida Museum of Natural History hosts “Mushrooms with the Museum” Aug. 16 from 3 to 4 p.m. This free virtual event features University of Florida scientists and experts from all over the country discussing the marvelous world of mushrooms including fungal biology and mushroom myths.
- James Moore & Co. CPAs has been named as one of the 2020 Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work For. This is the third time James Moore has received this award.
- Touching Hearts at Home has released a checklist to help with Hurricane Preparedness during COVID-19 for seniors.
- The Academy for Five Element Acupuncture clinic is now open. Academy for Five Element Acupuncture has adjusted its schedules and the office flow to maintain the maximum health and safety of our clinic community.
For a full list, visit our business updates page.
To see stories of community support, visit our Support GNV page.
Intermed Adopts Antonio’s
The InterMed Group found itself in a unique position to help during the Covid-19 crisis not only in the medical world, but in our own community. To give back they have adopted a small locally owned restaurant in Micanopy Florida, Antonio’s Cucina Italiana. Read more here.
Florida Food Service Feeds GNV
Florida Food Service, Inc. has partnered with the FEED GNV program to donate food and supplies to participating Restaurants, helping to alleviate up-front financial burdens and provide much needed support. Read more here.
Campus USA Supports GNV
Like many of our businesses and organizations locally, Campus USA Credit Union has been doing a great deal to Support GNV in this time of need. To see all the ways they’ve helped, click here.
Hitchcock’s Donates 3,000 Meals
With supply chains strained, and customers worried and stressed, Hitchcock’s Markets donated more than 3,000 meals on a single day, March 28, 2020 to residents in their community. Read the full story here.
New York Times: The Dos and Don’ts of Online Video Meetings
SkillCrush: The Essential Remote Work Tools You Need to Get Things Done
PopSugar: 60 Free Educational Websites Parents Can Access While Schools Are Closed
LinkedIn: New to Working Remotely? These Resources Can Help
The Next Web: 7 habits of exceptionally successful remote employees
For the Kids:
The GNV Coloring Book, Volume I
Captain Quarantine