Business Support

Face Covering Ordinance
On Thursday, July 16, 2020 Travelers Rest City Council voted to pass a face covering ordinance. The ordinance has been extended and will remain in effect until March of 2021. The ordinance requires retail establishments and restaurants to require their staff to wear face masks. Below you will find a link to download the entire ordinance as well as ordinance fast facts to answer frequently asked questions. Download the July 18, 2020 Face Mask Ordinance: HERE


COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses

Employers’ Return to Work Guidance

 As businesses continue to operate it remains critical to our economic health that we all individually and collectively continue to follow guidelines that will minimize the spread of COVID-19. Here’s a helpful guide from DHEC that outlines ways to operate safely and includes links to other helpful resources.

 

 


Guidance from the CDC

The CDC has an extensive webpage for business owners to help plan, prepare and respond to the Coronavirus Disease. Topics include:

  • Symptom Screening
  • Masks and PPE
  • Screening for Sick Employees
  • Healthy Business Operations
  • Social Distancing Policies
  • Engineering Controls/Ventilation
  • Cleaning and Disinfection

 


US Small Business Administration

The US Small Business Administration offers multiple funding options for businesses to overcome challenges created by covid-19. .Links to specific programs and resources can be found on their website and include:

The Bank of Travelers Rest is currently a confirmed community based lender for TR businesses and can assist you in applying for PPP loans.

 

SCORE – Coronavirus Small Business Resource Hub

Sometimes talking with someone who understands what it takes to run a business can be very helpful. For over 50 years, SCORE has offered  FREE mentoring and they continue to do so through their Small Business Resource Hub.

Here are just a few links to their Hub to get you started:

Remote Mentoring – Mentors are available to participate in remote mentoring sessions via phone, email, and video. If you already have a SCORE mentor, ask them if you can use a remote mentoring method for your sessions. If you don’t already have a SCORE mentor, you can request a remote business mentor today.

Local Workshops and Events – In-person events are suspended, but Online support is available

LIVE webinars on your coronavirus-related concerns:
– National Resources and Policy Updates for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
– Marketing Advice to Combat an Economic Downturn
– Navigating Long-Term Uncertainty and the Aftermath of Disruption

Check out SCORE on Facebook

In addition to free mentoring and online workshops, SCORE is collecting resources to answer critical questions during the COVID-19 pandemic—and afterward. Please check their website frequently for updates as they add resources regularly.

More Business Resources During COVID-19

FAQs & Answers

How can I apply for a SBA economic disaster loan?
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). The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Eligible small businesses and nonprofits may apply online here

How can I add my Business to TR Take Outs or Buy Local TR? 
Tell us what you are doing to help get your products or services safely to your customers. Perhaps you offer delivery or online shipping, curbside service, extra in-store precautions, FaceTime shopping, gift cards, etc. Send us your information here.
Let us know, so we can help let our community know!

How can I contact my local representatives?
Call Congress with this simple message: The federal government must respond quickly and aggressively to keep small businesses solvent through the crisis. Small businesses need grants and subsidies. Loans alone will leave many small businesses crippled by debt and at risk of failure. Find your representatives here.

How do I sign up for Town business-related alerts?
To sign up, visit TravelersRestsc.com and click on “Receive the Talk of the Town Newsletter”. Enter your email address and we’ll make sure you stay up-to-date by receiving our newsletters and notices.