Houston COVID-19 Resources
With the U.S. reporting an increased number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, it’s important that businesses of all sizes and sectors continue to monitor the situation and are as prepared as possible to protect the health of their workers. Please use this page to view the latest updates and resources.
10 Day Application Period Begins Monday, July 13 for $30 Mil Harris Co. Small Business Recovery Fund
Application website goes live Monday, July 13 at 8:00 am: http://www.harriscounty-sbrfund.org/. Website will likely not be functional until this date/time.
Monday, July 13 the Harris County Small Business Recovery Fund (SBRF) website will begin accepting applications for the $30 million grant program designated for struggling small businesses that have not yet obtained financial assistance from other COVID-19 relief. Qualifying small businesses and non-profits operating in Harris County, but outside Houston city limits, with 30 employees or less (including the owner) are eligible for up to $25,000. Grant money can be used to cover payroll costs, rent and accounts payable, among other operating expenses. Funding comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
The SBRF will be open for ten business (10) days beginning Monday, July 13, 2020 at 8:00 am CST and will close Friday, July 24, 2020 at 3:30 pm CST. During the 10-day application period, applicants will be able to submit online applications at any time. Telephone operators will also be available to assist applicants at any time during the application window. Eligible businesses will be selected via a lottery process.
Governor’s Report To Open Texas
Governor Abbott released the Report to Open Texas, which lays out the plan for reopening a group of closed businesses across the state in a phased approach. On April 27, Governor Abbott released the Report to Open Texas, which lays out a clear plan for reopening closed businesses across the state in a phased approach. In the ensuing weeks, the Governor has signed a series of executive orders outlining reopen timelines and safety protocols for specific industries.
Access the full report via the link below and find guidance by sector.
State Reopen Protocols By Industry
Work Safe Resources for Houston Area Employers
Mandatory Mask Requirement in Commercial Establishments
On June 19, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed an executive order requiring all businesses and commercial entities in the county that provide goods or services directly to the public develop, post and implement a Health and Safety Policy. This policy must require, at a minimum, that all employees and customers wear a mask while on the premises when in close contact with others.
Rethink Reopen Rebound
The Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce is here to help support business efforts to safely reopen your business and help our area’s economy recover. We have crafted a series of questions to help you RETHINK how to REOPEN in order to safely & successfully REBOUND.
Managing COVID-19 Cases in the Workplace
Business Resiliency Planning
Health & Safety Signage for Businesses
Reopen Houston Safely Report
Reopen Houston Safely - Monitoring Dashboard
CDC: Safety Practices for Workers Who May Have Had Exposure to COVID-19
OSHA: Guidance for Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Industry Best Practices for Reopening
To ensure the safe, sustainable and successful reopening of our local economy, the Partnership has curated these industry best practices and trade association guidance to help businesses develop plans to protect the health of their employees and minimize the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Businesses have a vested interest in getting this reopening right. They want to keep their employees and customers safe — and feeling safe.
High Touch Sectors
General Guidance
Office/Knowledge Sectors
Industrial Sector
Healthcare Sector
Logistics/Transportation Sector
Small Business Sector
Social Service Sector
Education Sector
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal package of measures to provide economic support to the business sector, employees, individuals, and families in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Paycheck Protection Program
Applications Open: Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act , the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides federally guaranteed loans to small businesses to assist with economic downturn during pandemic.
Employee Retention Tax Credit
Under the CARES Act , the ERTC provides tax credit to private employers, including non profits who are closed or experiencing downturn and revenue loss during COVID 19 pandemic.
Economic Disaster Recovery Loan
US Chamber Guide to ERTC
Main Street Lending Program
US Senate Guide to CARES Act
Small Business Administration Resources
Additional funding resources are available for small and medium sized businesses to aid in disaster recovery.
SBA Express Bridge Loans
Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.
Other SBA Disaster Assistance
SBA Debt Relief
The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SBA Daily Webinars
SBA: 3 Step Process for Disaster Loans
Houston Area SBA Lenders
List and link to all SBA lenders in the Houston Area
State & Local Recovery Resources
State and local governments have developed resources to assist businesses navigating the current situation and recovery.
Governor’s Report To Open Texas
This detailed report helps Texans understand phase one by outlining the new protocols, guidance, and recommendations. The report also includes a series of Open Texas Checklists that outline DSHS minimum standard health protocols for all Texans.
Office of Texas Governor Business Resource Site
US Congressman Dan Crenshaw: Coronavirus Updates and Resources
Resource page updated on the latest coronavirus developments including National and Texas resources.
Texas Association of Business Resource Toolkit
Texas Association of Business is working to inform and equip businesses with the most important and up-to-date information to prevent the spread of the virus and prepare businesses for the near and long-term impact.
Texas COVID Relief Fund
The Texas COVID Relief Fund will provide critical funding and resources to organizations across the state working on the ground to support the economic recovery of local communities. Funds raised will be distributed through grants focused on the areas of community and economic development, healthcare, and education.
U.S. Dept of Labor Resource Site
Texas Workforce Commission Coronavirus Resources
Additional Business Resources
Coronavirus Small Business Survival Guide
Interim Guidance for Implementing Safety Practices for Critical Infrastructure Workers
Public Health Resources
Harris County Resources
Our community plays a vital part in helping stem the spread of COVID-19. The county has compiled an overview that includes screening tool, public health resources, Stay at Home Order and other pertinent resources.
Harris County Disaster Recovery
Updates, housing and financial assistance, mental health and other general information to assist during Coronavirus.
The Texas Department of State Health Services
DSHS is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in responding to the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) that is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness worldwide. Includes case counts, Texas Executive Orders & Public Health Disaster Declaration and other resources.
City of Houston Emergency Operations Center
Updates of local cases and resources around the City of Houston
COVID-19 Screening Locations
Things to consider when looking for a
drive-thru testing site and test results.
World Health Organization
Global case updates, travel advise and more from WHO
US Center for Disease Control & Prevention
Latest information from the CDC on the US response to the coronavirus.
John Hopkins: Case Dashboard
Live look at confirmed cases around the world by country and region.
Lake Houston Area Community
#LHAOpen4Biz
LHAC has created a website specifically for businesses operating during COVID-19. Take a quick survey to be listed on a webpage that is promoted via social media.
Humble ISD
Humble ISD schools closed through Friday, May 1. Online learning and meal distribution will continue while buildings are closed.
City of Humble
In an effort to be proactive in combating the prevalence and spread of COVID-19, effective Monday, March 23 city facilities will be closed to the public until further notice. Includes a list of closures and more information.
Lone Star College- Kingwood
Lone Star College-Kingwood facilities are closed through April 30. LSC Online classes resumed March 23 and all remaining online classes resume April 13. Learn more about how LSC is responding to this developing situation.
