NFIB Statement on Reopening Georgia’s Small Businesses
NFIB State Director Nathan Humphrey released the following statement on Friday, April 24: “Our members have the opportunity to begin reopening their small businesses. Georgia’s small businesses are really hurting, and it’s still uncertain how many of the businesses that had to close temporarily because of a crisis not of their own making will have the resources to reopen when the time is right. The COVID-19 crisis isn’t over, but Governor Kemp’s guidelines will allow entrepreneurs to evaluate whether to restart their businesses while protecting the safety of their customers and employees. Small business owners will take their individual circumstances and communities into account when deciding when and how to reopen under Georgia’s guidelines.”
Some businesses will be allowed to reopen on April 24
Governor Kemp issued an executive order on Monday, April 20, to slowly reopen certain businesses forced to close temporarily because of the novel coronavirus. In making the announcement, the governor citing data indicating that Georgia is on track to meet White House guidelines to restart the state’s economy.
The businesses being allowed to reopen on Friday, April 24, include fitness centers, bowling alleys, and hair salons. Kemp warned that it would not be “business-as-usual” and that businesses would have to adhere to social distancing and other guidelines. Click here to learn more.
Statewide shelter in place order
Gov. Brian Kemp signed an executive order on Thursday, April 2, calling on Georgians to shelter in place through April 13 to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. The order — which temporarily closes businesses such as movie theaters, fitness centers, and hair salons — supersedes the patchwork of local restrictions adopted in recent weeks. Read the governor’s order here.
Kemp urges small businesses to help fight COVID-19
Governor Kemp has called on tapping into Georgia businesses to help in the emergency response to put their businesses to work and to help fight COVID-19. Manufacturers and distributors able to assist in critical healthcare needs are encouraged to register here. Click here to learn more about the effort.
Teleforum with GA insurance commissioner
NFIB hosted a teleforum with Insurance Commissioner John King to discuss the state’s response to the coronavirus. Click here to listen to the replay (NFIB member login/ID required).
FAQ on COVID-19-related unemployment claims
The Georgia Department of Labor has posted a FAQ on emergency rules temporary/partial unemployment insurance benefits related to the coronavirus. Read it here.
The employment law firm Fisher Phillips has posted an analysis of Georgia’s and Atlanta’s response to the outbreak. Click here to read it.
Economic emergency loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration has posted guidance and loan resources for businesses impacted by COVID-19. It’s posted on the SBA’s website.
National
All resources, webinars, news releases, and lobbying activities can be found on this landing page. On it, you will find such information as:
- NFIB Small Business Legal Center article, How Small Business Can Prepare for Coronavirus
- NFIB Legal Foundation and NFIB Research Center webinar, How Small Business, Workers, and Workplaces Should Respond to Covid-19. Click here to listen to the 42-minute presentation
- The latest NFIB poll of its members about the coronavirus
