The Office of Economic Development and Innovation commits to supporting Raleigh’s vibrant business community as it responds to the impacts of COVID-19. We are monitoring guidance from federal, state and local public health authorities and resources provided by the State and Federal Government.
If you're a local business and are interested in resources to help enforce compliance with safety guidelines:
- Wake County Assets
- NC Department of Health and Human Services (Prevent and Protect Media Kit)
- City of Raleigh Social Distancing Media Kit
The City of Raleigh continues to remain operational, but some services are still limited. Visit the City of Raleigh's COVID-19 Response page for more information.
For Questions Regarding If You Can Be Open for Business call the Department of Revenue 877-252-3052.
Phase 3 Information
Executive Order 188 begins Jan. 8, 2021 at 5 p.m. and continues for four weeks through Jan. 29, 2021. Its new provisions include
- Certain businesses and facilities are ordered to close to the public between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. (the “Night-Time Public Closure Period”). This includes restaurants (with exceptions for take-out and delivery), bars, entertainment venues, parks, museums and aquariums, certain retail establishments, and other businesses and facilities specified below and in the order.
- All individuals in North Carolina must stay at home or the place they will remain for the night between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. (the “Stay at Home Period”) unless an exception applies.
- The sale and service of alcoholic beverages is prohibited for on-site consumption between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
- Events or convenings outside of the home must end by 10 p.m. and guests must leave the establishment and travel home or to the place where they will stay for the night.
- Large outdoor venues with seating greater than 10,000 may operate with 7% occupancy for spectators.
- Smaller outdoor entertainment venues, like arenas or amphitheaters, may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
- Movie theaters and conference centers may open indoor spaces to 30% of capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less.
- Bars may operate outdoors at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100 guests, whichever is less. Indoor bars remain closed.
- Amusement parks may open at 30% occupancy, outdoor attractions only.
- The limits on mass gatherings will be reduced to 10 people indoors and 50 people outdoors.
State and public health officials will continue watching the key COVID-19 trends over the next several weeks to determine if any further restrictions can be eased when the current Executive Order expires Jan. 29 at 5 p.m.
Funding for Small Businesses
Raleigh, Wake County and N.C. Humanities Council are among many groups with programs for small businesses during COVID-19.
Learn more about these programs
Find Out More About:
- Government Information
- Business Finances
- Health Recommendations for Businesses
- General Business Resources
- Legal Assistance
- Childcare and Employee Support
- Curbside Pick-Up Zones for Restaurants
- Community Matters
- Social Distancing Media Kit
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Return to the City's main COVID-19 Information page.
Small Business Listening Session
Session was held on March 16, 2020
Webinars
- (4/1/20) Insights from Raleigh Businesses and the Loan Process Use password Insights1 to access the recording.
- (4/8/20) Solutions for Business Tenants and Landlords
- (4/15/20) Financial Solutions for Wake County Child Care Providers
- (4/22/20) COVID-19 SBA Support for the Small Business Owner
- (4/30/20) NC Unemployment Benefits for Business Owners
- (5/7/20) Raleigh COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund English | En español
- (5/13/20) Mindful Re-Opening - Safety Precautions for Small Businesses
- (5/20/20) Caring for Your Team During COVID-19 Re-Opening
- (6/11/20) Parking, Curbside Pickup, and Outdoor Dining – Phase 2 Guidelines and Recommendations
- (1/13/21) COVID-19 Stimulus Relief Package 2 new! | View the presentation slides