We understand COVID-19 is a major concern for CWE businesses and employees. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we will provide the most up-to-date information we have. Please check back here for updates; we will update this page with new resources as we receive them.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). All businesses in Missouri and Illinois are eligible to apply. Loans can be made for up to $2 million. Submit an application to SBA for a disaster loan here. For more information on the three step process for obtaining a disaster loan, click here.

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. This advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application. This loan advance will not have to be repaid. Click here to apply.

Small Business Resource Fund
The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, and the St. Louis Development Corporation are offering a zero percent interest loan of up to $5,000 for small businesses in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County that have sustained economic damage due to the COVID-19 crisis. Loan details can be found here. To apply, click here. For questions about the program, please email bizhelp@stlpartnership.com.

St. Louis Community Foundation
The St. Louis Community Foundation has established two funds to help small businesses and nonprofits:

• Gateway Resilience Fund: This fund will provide short term monetary relief to employees and owners of independent bars, restaurants, and shops in the St. Louis area affected by closures and other circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here to apply.

• Regional Response Fund: This fund will be used to direct resources to regional nonprofits that are working with local communities disproportionately affected by the coronavirus crisis and its economic fallout. Click here to donate now.

Curbside STL
CurbsideSTL was created to help support our local restaurant and retail businesses and their workers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Click here for information on restaurants providing pick-up, curbside, and delivery service.

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation: Restaurant Relief Fund
The Restaurant Employee Relief Fund was created to help restaurant industry employees experiencing extraordinary hardship in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Through this fund, grants will be made to restaurant industry employees who have been impacted by COVID-19, including a decrease in wages or loss of employment. Grants will be awarded as soon as possible to those individuals who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria, as reviewed and verified by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). Click here for more information.

The Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation
They’ve formed a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund for small businesses and their restaurant workers, and is currently accepting donations. To donate, click here.

Missouri Department of Economic Development COVID-19 Business Resources
Employers are encouraged to use these resources and stay informed of guidance provided by public health officials as they encounter challenges related to COVID-19.

COVID-19 Regional Business Information Center
The St. Louis Regional Chamber is keeping the most up-to-date website to provide information on COVID-19, with information on business resources, regional resources, travel, and event updates. Please check their website often to see the latest information.

Other Resources

• City of St. Louis COVID-19 Updates are available here.
• Sign-up to get emergency alerts and notifications from the City of St. Louis through its NotifySTL Emergency Alert system. Text, voice, and email alerts communications available.