Businesses and Non-Profits Resources
- Have Questions or need assistance? Contact us by filling out the COVID-19 Business Inquiry Form.
- For funding resources, please visit Recovery Resources for Businesses.
Information and Guidance for DC Businesses
Mortgage and Rent Savings
On April 7, DC Council passed emergency legislation creating a mandatory 90-day mortgage deferment program for residential and commercial mortgage holders who request one. No late fees or penalties would accrue, and repayment of the deferred amount could be done via payment plan, not through a required balloon lump payment. This program requires landlords to pass along proportionate savings to their tenants if they receive a deferment. View a summary of the entire bill.
CBE Support
The emergency legislation passed on April 7 also requires that all government contracts signed during the public health emergency, but not providing a service related to the public health emergency, subcontract at least 50% of the value of the contract to Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs). The legislation authorized advance payments where needed to CBE contractors.
Unemployment Benefits: Information for Employers
- Partial Employment (for reduction in hours): If you are temporarily reducing hours of work for your full-time employees, they may be able to receive unemployment insurance benefits without needing to look for work.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Employers
- Expansion of Unemployment Insurance Benefits under the New CARES Act
- For more information, visit the Recovery for Individuals page.
Mass Gatherings
On March 24, in order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, Mayor Bowser issued an order that requires temporary closure of the on-site operation of all non-essential businesses and prohibits gatherings of 10 or more people.
- Restaurants & Taverns: Through May 15, restaurants, cafes, coffee/tea shops, bars, and other food service locations offering only delivery, grab-and-go, and carryout can stay open.
- Retail Establishments: Grocery stores and certain retail establishments may remain open. Please see the Mayor’s order for additional information.
- Nightclubs, Multi-Purpose Facilities, Health Clubs, Health Spas, Massage Establishments, and Theaters: Such establishments must suspend operations as of March 17, 2020.
- Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA): Check ABRA website for updates.
Alcohol Delivery
ABC-licensed restaurants and taverns are able to sell beer, wine, and spirits for carry-out and/or delivery to DC residences in conjunction with the purchase of one or more prepared food items. Before an eligible restaurant or tavern may sell beer, wine, and spirits in closed containers for carry-out and delivery, they must register with ABRA—no exceptions. Registration can be completed in five (5) minutes or less.
Utilities
- Utility Disconnections Prohibited: The COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 passed on March 17, 2020 prohibits electric, gas, and water from being disconnected for non-payment for the period of time while the Mayor has declared a public health emergency.
- Pepco is waiving new late fees and suspending service disconnections through at least May 1 and will be working with customers on a case-by-case basis to establish payment arrangements and identify energy assistance options. Customers who may be challenged in paying their Pepco bill should contact Pepco Customer Care at (202) 833-7500.
- Washington Gas is waiving late fees and suspending service disconnections. Please contact Washington Gas at 1-844-WASHGAS (927-4427) or visit their E-Service portal at eservice.washgas.com for assistance.
- DC Water has already suspended service disconnections for non-payment and is also waiving late fees and offering more lenient repayment terms for customers who fall behind on their bills. For assistance, please contact DC Water at (202) 787-2000 or [email protected].
Insurance
The Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) has been monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on insurance industry.
- DISB Commissioner Order 01-2020 for guidance for insurance carriers
- FAQs on Insurance Issues Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Insurance During Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Business Interruption Insurance
For all insurance-related questions regarding COVID-19, please contact DISB at (202) 727-8000, or [email protected].
Business Registration & Permitting
For business registration and permitting, it is strongly encouraged that you continue to #SkipTheTrip and use the digital tools provided at DCRA’s website. For questions, please contact the DC Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs at (202) 442-4400 or [email protected].
Tax Filing Deadline Extension
DC Pushes Tax Filing Deadlines to July 15, Matches Federal Extension
Resources for Employers
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Guidance for Employers: The Centers for Disease Control has issued guidance for businesses and employers on how to plan, prepare, and respond to COVID-19.
- OSHA’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has developed guidelines for how companies can prepare their workplace for COVID-19. Please see their COVID-19 Website for more information.
- Department of Labor Guidance on COVID-19 & Wages & Hours: Department of Labor provides information on issues related to COVID-19 and the effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family & Medical Leave Act.
Other Resources
DC Health Guidance
- Guidance for Grocery Stores
- Guidance for Medical Marijuana Facilities
- Guidance for Essential Food Distribution Providers
- Guidance for Construction Sites
- Guidance for Employers in Non-Healthcare Settings
- Guidance for Essential Non-Healthcare Workers on Staying Safe in the Workplace
- Guidance for Persons Who Tested Positive for COVID-19
- COVID-19 Sample letter for businesses, schools, and community organizations
- COVID-19 Sample letter for employee with no exposure
- COVID-19 Sample letter for employee who has exposure