Alaska Business
Covers COVID-19
We’re in the midst of an uncertain social and economic environment. COVID-19 has sparked worldwide health concerns, and attempts to prevent the spread of the virus are creating challenges for small and large businesses alike.
Alaska Business believes in our mission to be a resource for Alaska businesses, and as a member of the media, we do receive ongoing updates about the virus and how Alaska’s businesses are responding to it. We have compiled below information for businesses looking to reopen, economic resources for businesses and individuals, links to mandates and advisories, and a few examples of Alaska businesses that are stepping up to help.
Whatever your job requires of you in the oncoming weeks, please always be conscientious and prioritize your safety and the safety of others.
Reopening Alaska
- Alaska Occupational Safety and Health is providing several resources to help employers reopen safely, including a COVID-19 Safety Plan, consultation visits, training opportunities, and more.
- Here are guides from the SBDC on reopening Alaska businesses by industry.
- Here is guidance from Governor Dunleavy regarding reopening Alaska.
- Here is guidance from Mayor Berkowitz regarding reopening Anchorage.
- Businesses in Anchorage that prepare food or interact directly with the public can get assistance acquiring PPE through the Frontline Safety Business initiative.
- Alaska-based businesses can request PPE through Alaska MEP. Find more information and apply here.
Resources for Businesses
AK CARES
The AK CARES Grant Program is now accepting applications under newly expanded eligibility guidelines: businesses that previously received any amount of federal funding are now eligible, as are businesses that are a secondary income for the owner.
ANC Small Biz Alerts
The Anchorage Economic Resiliency Task Force and the Anchorage Innovation Team have launched ANC Small Biz Alerts, a text messaging tool, to keep Anchorage business owners informed during the pandemic.
The service send texts to subscribers with information on everything from relief funds to safety criteria for businesses to operate.
Text STRONG to 907-891-7192 to subscribe.
The Employee Retention Credit from the IRS
The IRS launched the Employee Retention Credit, designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll.
AK SAFE Guarantee Program
AIDEA is collaborating with Alaska’s financial institutions to provide loan guarantees up to $1 million per borrower for Alaska businesses impacted by the COVID-19 economic crisis. Information on the program can be found here.
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Grants
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority has awarded sixty-two COVID-19 response grants totaling more than $1.2 million to partner organizations across the state. Based on the response to the program, and assessed partner need, trustees approved up to $1.5 million for this program. The Trust is still accepting applications for its COVID-19 response grant funding. For grant guidelines and eligibility information, please visit the Trust COVID-19 response grant webpage.
Resources for Individuals
COVID-19 Hotline
The Alaska Bar Association has launched a free hotline to help Alaskans who are struggling with legal issues as a consequence of the statewide impact of COVID-19 related to employment, family law, and debt and foreclosure issues. Call 1-844-263-1849 with a non-criminal legal question on Monday (employment), Wednesday (family law), or Friday (debt/foreclosure) between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. to speak with a volunteer lawyer.
Alaska Job Center Network
Job seekers and employers in The Last Frontier have access to a variety of employment services through Alaska’s Job Center Network.
AK Can Do
United Way and The Alaska Community Foundation, with support from the Rasmuson Foundation, have partnered to create AK Can Do, which allows Alaskans with the means to donate to COVID-19 relieve and Alaskans with a need to get assistance.
Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation has established the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund to help restaurant industry employees; follow the link to donate or apply.
Mandates & Advisories
- The State of Alaska COVID-19 website is a one-stop-shop for Alaskans as they navigate the resources that the State of Alaska is offering.
- The Anchorage Assembly has created a website that outlines it’s plans to use $156 million to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.
- For those planning to travel out of Alaska, Alaska Airlines has published guidelines for its various destinations.
- Visit Coronavirus.gov for federal updates on COVID-19 in the United States; information on symptoms and what to do if you think you’re sick; and President Trump’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America.
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AEDC Shares Insights from Its Recent COVID Business Impact Survey
“We have a long way to go to get back to ‘business as usual.’ We’re seeing lingering impacts to revenue, employment, supply chains, and vendor relationships,” says Bill Popp, AEDC president and CEO.
Pivot Plan Is Critical for Small Business Survival in Alaska
As Alaskan business owners rethink and retool how they do business, the SBA and Alaska SBDC have a clear message for the business community: you aren’t alone.
Alaska Pacific University Fights Hunger with $50,000 Grant from Mat-Su Health Foundation
The funds will allow the Alaska Tilth program to purchase Mat-Su farmers’ produce at fair market prices and in turn offer that produce to communities of need via the UAF Cooperative Extension’s SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education services.
The American Red Cross of Alaska Is Looking for Volunteers
The American Red Cross of Alaska needs volunteers to help before, during, and after disasters big and small in communities across the state.
Visit Healthcare Extends Hours at Anchorage Testing Sites and Opens Locations in Eagle River
In addition to opening two COVID-19 testing locations in Eagle River, several Anchorage locations are extending their hours and opening on additional days.
MOA Opens Application Period for Small Business Stabilization Fund
The Municipality of Anchorage has opened a second round of CARES Act dollars for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.