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Business Resources

COVID-19 information, resources, and tips for businesses, organizations and workers.

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Last Updated: May 27, 2020

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This guide can be provided in other languages upon request to [email protected]

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About COVID-19

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus strain spreading from person-to-person. The virus originated in China but is currently spreading in the United States and other countries. Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath of difficulty breathing
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

These symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call the NM Department of Health at (855) 600-3453 for guidance. For more information on the virus visit the CDC’s website.

For all other non-health related inquiries call: 1-833-551-0518

For official information and updates on COVID-19 use the following resources:

Preparing for Reopening: COVID-Safe Best Practices

  • Limit operations to remote work, delivery or pick-up options to the greatest extent possible.
  • Arrange the workplace to provide 6 feet of distance between individuals.
  • Close common areas where personnel are likely to congregate (break rooms, coffee stations etc.)
  • Hold meetings remotely or virtually when possible.
  • Consider converting portions of your business to digital. Use ecommerce, promote tap and pay or digital payment methods, use delivery services, use booking and scheduling to stagger customer flow, offer discounts on shipping etc.
  • Wear a face covering (mandatory) and gloves (optional).
    • By Order of the Governor:
      • Effective May 6, 2020: Employees at restaurants and essential businesses operating as a retail space with a footprint greater than 50,000 square feet with be required to wear face-coverings
      • Effective May 11, 2020: All essential businesses operating as a retail space shall require employees to wear face-coverings.
      • Effective May 16, 2020: All New Mexicans will be required to wear a face-covering in public places, with exceptions for eating, drinking, exercising and medical requirements.
  • Make hand washing, sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, and other hygiene support available to employees and customers.
  • Install large plexiglass sneeze guards and registers where ever possible.
  • Train employees for daily cleaning and disinfecting of the workplace paying close attention to highly touched surfaces like door knobs, phones (cell phone too), elevator buttons, copy machines, restrooms etc.
  • Screen employees and customers before they enter. Individuals with a temperature above 99 degrees Fahrenheit should be denied entry. Send employees home who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

    • Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

      • Fever
      • Cough
      • Shortness of breath of difficulty breathing
      • Chills
      • Repeated shaking with chills
      • Muscle pain
      • Headache
      • Sore throat
      • New loss of taste or smell
    • Call the Department of Health at 1.855.600.3453 if you are exhibiting any of the symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Prohibit employees with known close contact to a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 to not return to work until after a 14-day self-isolation period.
  • Avoid all non-essential out-of-state travel.

Latest Orders of the Governor - As of May 27, 2020

Restaurants may offer dine-in service in outdoor seating areas at up to 50 percent of their outdoor area fire code occupancy. The following stipulations apply:

  • All retailers may operate according to COVID-Safe Practices (“CSPs”) at 25 percent fire code occupancy. (A “retailer” is any business that sells goods directly to the ultimate consumer or end-users and does not include wholesalers or suppliers, not does it include entertainment venues such as movie theaters, concert halls, or amusement parks);
  • Large retailers like big-box stores and grocery stores may also operate at 25 percent capacity as determined by fire code.
  • Non-essential businesses (other than retailers; such as office spaces, call centers) generally may operate according to CSPs at up to 25 percent of pre-crisis staffing levels. All employees should continue to work from home wherever possible;
  • Houses of worship may operate at 25 percent occupancy;
  • No dine-in service may be provided in indoor seating areas.
  • Outdoor dine-in service may only be provided to patrons who are seated.
  • Tables must be placed with at least six feet of distance between one another.
  • No more than six patrons may be seated at any single table.
  • No bar or counter seating is permitted.
    • Bars – defined as food and beverage service establishments that derived more than 50 percent of their revenue in the prior calendar year from the sale of alcoholic beverages – are not included in this provision and may not operate outdoor or patio services at present. Bars may continue to operate for take-out and delivery if permitted under their applicable licenses.
  • Masks will be required of everyone in public places, with exceptions for eating, drinking and exercising and medical requirements.

     

    State of NM Public Health Order as of May 15, 2020

    State of NM's COVID-Safe Best Practices for Individuals and Employers

    List of Essential Businesses

City of Albuquerque Updates on Outdoor Dining - As of May 27, 2020

  • City of Albuquerque will allow restaurants to add sidewalk seating. If you wish to add sidewalk seating, you will need to obtain an outdoor dining permit. Outdoor seating in parking lots, where it makes sense to do so will be allowed with permit approval.
  • The City of Albuquerque Planning Department will assist businesses who wish to add outdoor dining space with construction permits and other public safety requirements.

  • The City of Albuquerque will waive the $500 outdoor seating application fee for the next three months. The annual fee for the use of the city right-of-way ($2.50 per square foot) and the requirement for insurance to indemnify the city will still be applicable.

City of Albuquerque Planning Department

Outdoor Dining Permits

#SUPPORTLOCALABQ

The City also continues to urge all residents to support local businesses as often as they can. Purchase gift cards, order delivery or takeout a few times per week, tip extra if you can, shop online, and source groceries locally.

Visit Albuquerque, Albuquerque's destination organization has put together a list of restaurants and businesses still operating during the public health emergency.

Dining at a Distance Chart

Restaurant Submission Form

Interactive Dining Map

Shop Online Chart

Shop Online Submission Form

Additional lists can be found at iheartABQ, Yelp List, What's Open in New Mexico or Buy for Tomorrow, Today

We are also echoing small business social media posts on our accounts. Follow and tag us in posts on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, on social media at @CABQEconDev.

Guidance for Restaurants

Any employee experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as, fever, cough, or shortness of breath should call the NM Department of Health at (855) 600-3453 for guidance.

Per the 2009 FDA Food Code, employees must be restricted from working in any food service establishment if they have a sore throat and fever.

In addition, the City of Albuquerque Consumer Health Protection Division recommends restaurants take the following steps:

  • Provide food to-go or home delivery
  • Use single service items such as silverware, condiments, etc. for take-out orders
  • Do not allow the use or handling of reusable containers (personal cups, growlers, etc.) brought into a food establishment
  • Limit individuals in establishments picking up or placing food orders to no more than five (5) people, including staff.
  • Provide online or telephone order and payment options to limit cash handling and in person ordering of food. Promote tap and pay or payment transfer methods like Venmo. When possible, have customers swipe their own card.
  • Dedicate staff for in-person transactions. This individual would not make or assist in food service operations.
  • Employees serving customers for take-out, providing door or curbside service, or delivering food to homes are strongly encouraged to wear gloves and a basic face mask while performing these services.
  • Gloves must be worn by individuals preparing or handling ready to eat food. If gloves are worn for additional activities, such as cash handling, these individuals must wash their hands before putting a new pair on or after taking a pair off.
  • Retrain employees on proper hand washing and encourage them to wash their hands more frequently, especially after making contact with items used by guests.
  • Increase the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing all common areas in your facility. Pay special attention to frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, workstations, tables, chairs, menus, condiments, credit card machines, etc.
  • Ensure the proper sanitizing concentration are being used in all cleaning products. Make sure to follow all label guidelines or these products.
  • Make sure sick employees stay home. If an employee suspects they might have COVID-19, please have them contact the NM Department of Health at (855) 600-3453 for further instruction. Ensure that all staff understand your facility’s sick leave policy.
  • Call 311 to report businesses in violation of the Governor’s public health orders

See City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department's Food Inspection and Safety Guidance

The New Mexico Department of Health is the lead agency for the statewide Coronavirus response. Community members are encouraged to visit https://cv.nmhealth.org or call (833) 551-0518 for general questions.

Business Financial Assistance

City of Albuquerque - Micro-Business Relief Program

The City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department is providing a $500,000 Micro-Business Relief Program to provide vital economic support to small businesses needing assistance in overcoming the temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19. The City of Albuquerque will provide working capital grants of up to $5,000 for qualifying small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Applications to the Micro-Business Relief Program Closed on April 3, 2020

State of New Mexico – Help for Businesses Negatively Impacted by COVID-19

Business-Loan Guarantee Program

LEDA Zero-Percent Interest Loans

New Mexico MainStreet

State Investment Council - $100 Million Dollar Loan Fund

The State Investment Council authorized an emergency short-term loan fund for medium-to-large size New Mexico businesses that have been especially hard hit by the COIVD-19 pandemic.

All Together New Mexico Fund

The All Together NM Fund will be awarding $750,000 for grants to help New Mexico’s smallest businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic.The funding will be divided among four New Mexico nonprofit organizations that will award and administer grants of up to $5,000 for businesses with five employees or fewer.

Federal Assistance: CARES Act

Federal Government promises $350 Billion in assistance to small businesses.

Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act

CARES Act Summary

CARES Act FAQ

Learn how much each state will receive

US Department of the Treasury

Small Business Administration Guidance and Loan Resources

Paycheck Protection Program

Economic Injury Disaster Loans

SBA Express Bridge Loans

SBA Debt Relief

Non-Profit Financial Assistance

City of Albuquerque RFP for Emergency COVID-19 Related Contracts

The City of Albuquerque is issuing solicitation for emergency contracts to address the unanticipated loss of income, loss of job-related healthcare and the decreasing availability of support services, and unanticipated health costs. The City has allocated $1 million dollars to fund multiple projects.

  • Expanding access to residents not adequately served by federal aid;
  • Providing immediate support for the health and safety of individuals and our community;
  • Restoring lost access to behavioral health services because of COVID-19 restrictions;
  • Helping to retain housing, food security, and behavioral health stability when emergency restrictions are lifted;
  • Providing safe domicile and/or services for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, or abuse or neglect;
  • Providing additional supports for low-income and at-risk residents whose economic situation has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; and
  • Services rendered through these funds are offered in an equitable and inclusive manner.

The Request for Proposals packet is available through Friday, May 8, 2020 on the City’s website at https://cabq.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities and http://www.cabq.gov/family/partner-resources/request-for-proposals.

Emergency Action Fund for Non-Profits

Albuquerque Community Foundation and United Way of Central New Mexico have teamed up to deploy an Emergency Action Fund to support nonprofit organizations struggling with lost and non-recoverable revenue expenses due to COVID-19.

Support for the Creative Economy

City of Albuquerque Creative Economy Relief

Mayor Tim Keller and the Cultural Services Department believe in Albuquerque's Creative Economy and are ready to activate opportunities for arts organizations and local creatives to help sustain the creative ecosystem in our community. (News Release – April 7, 2020)

City of Albuquerque Urban Enhancement Fund Arts and Culture Project Recovery Funds
These funds will be immediately directed to fund Albuquerque arts and cultural non-profit organizations to enable them to continue to creatively provide arts and cultural programming for the community and employment for artists. (UETF Application - Deadline: Wednesday, April 14)

Albuquerque Creative DIY Media
Funds for projects range from $75 to $2,500 to contract with local creatives and artists to create engaging, original, and creative video content that is ready-to-air and stream on the city’s public access channels, social media, and other digital platforms. (ABQ Creative DIY Media Application - Deadline: Friday, May 1)

Youth Engagement Digital Programming
Funds for projects range from $250 to $2,500 to contract with local creatives and teaching artists who can create original, engaging video content designed to engage youth in educational activities connected to tarts and culture that can be broadcast and streamed on the city’s public access channels and/or other digital platforms. (Youth Engagement Digital Programming Application - Deadline: Friday, May 1)

Creative Quarantine
In order to stay connected with creatives and to provide artists with a connection to the community, CSD invites artists, creatives, and makers to check in and introduce themselves (via video) and report on what they are currently working on, how they are staying creative during a time of uncertainty, how access to resources may have changed, etc. Videos should be 5 minutes or less and can be uploaded to Dropbox.
These compilation videos will be distributed through other digital platforms, such as ABQtodo.com, during weekly social engagement roundups. While this effort does not come with a monetary investment, it is a unique in-kind opportunity to connect with diverse audiences.
(Creative Quarantine Dropbox - Deadline: Saturday, May 30)

DIY Video Tips on Phones and Tablets

Questions can be emailed to [email protected]. or visit https://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/

Film Industry

New Mexico Film Office list of resources and information

Support for Artists

Support for Farmers

Grant funds are available to New Mexico farmers, ranchers, and others via the New Mexico Farmers Market Association

USDA Food Assistance Program

Support for Pueblos

The All Pueblo Council of Governors (APCG) and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC), have created and are administering a Pueblo Relief Fund.

Bow and Arrow Brewery is accepting donations that will directly assist front line workers in their battle against the COVID-19 crisis throughout many Navajo communities. Navajo Relief Fund

Albuquerque Business Ecosystem Partners + Resources

Unemployment Information

NM Department of Workforce Solutions

In light of the Public Health Emergency, certain workers may be eligible for unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. Visit the link above for more information on unemployment or call 1-877-664-6984.

US Department of Labor

The U.S. Department of Labor has resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19.

Employment Opportunities

Workforce Connections

Smith’s is Hiring

Sprout’s is Hiring

CVS is Hiring

Dollar General is Hiring

NM U.S. Post Office is Hiring

Securitas Security Services is Hiring

Wal-Mart is Hiring

University of New Mexico Hospital is Hiring

Tipped and Service Worker Fund

Tax Deadline Extension, Utility Payment Relief, & Other Support

IRS Extends Tax Deadline

The 2020 tax deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020

NM Tax and Revenue Department Extends Tax Deadline

The 2020 tax deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020

NM Gas Company - Suspends Penalties for Late or Missed Payments

The NM Gas Company has suspended disconnections for non-payment through April 6, 2020.

PNM - Utility Bill Assistance

PNM has suspended electric service disconnections for nonpayment for residential and business customers, until further notice. Late fees will be waived for residential and business customers, effective immediately, until further notice.

Water Utility Authority - Payment Assistance

The Water Utility Authority has suspended disconnections for non-payment will be until further notice.

Comcast Internet Essentials

Comcast is taking immediate steps to help connect low-income families to the Internet at home. Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service, which is available to all qualified low-income households.

Free XFINITY Wi-Fi

Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country are available to anyone who needs them for free, including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. Once at a hotspot, you can select the “xfinitywifi” network name.

Verizon Relief Support

1. Verizon will waive overage late fees to support customers who may be financially affected by COVID-19.
2. Verizon announced two months waived internet and voice service charges for current Lifeline customers and new affordable internet option for low income households.
3. Verizon added 15GB of high speed data for wireless consumer and small business customers to be automatically applied with no customer action necessary.
4. Consumer and small business Fios and DSL broadband internet plans have no data caps.

T-Mobile Relief Support

1. All T Mobile customers on plans with data will have unlimited smartphone data on our network for 60 days.
2. All T Mobile customers with hotspot data will have an additional 20GB of mobile hotspot service for 60 days.
3. All T Mobile customers will have free international calling for all current T Mobile/Metro by T Mobile customers to level three impacted countries.
4. T Mobile pledges not to terminate service and to waive late fees to residential and small business customers due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

AT&T Relief Support

1. Will not disconnect their service to their clients (residential or small businesses) who can’t pay bills
because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Will not charge late fees to (residential or small businesses ) who have economic problems paying bills
3. Offering internet access for qualifying limited income households at $10 a month.
4. Will all open access points of Wi-Fi available for anyone who needs to use them.

Wells Fargo

1. Wells Fargo announced $175M in donations for housing stability, financial health for individuals,
resources small businesses, $2 million of which will focus on flexible capital, immediate cash boosts, and
financial coaching.
2. Wells Fargo is offering fee waivers, payment deferrals, and other expanded assistance for credit card,
auto, mortgage, small business, and personal lending customers who contact the company.

Bank of America Payment Deferrals

For those who need help making credit card, vehicle and/or home loan payments, you can submit an online request for a payment deferral.

1. Customers can request refunds including overdraft fees, non sufficient funds fees, and monthly maintenance fees on Consumer and Small Business deposit accounts.
2. Customers can request to defer payments and refunds on late fees for Consumer and Small Business credit cards, small business loans, auto loans, and mortgages/home equity loans.
3. In all of these instances, there will be no negative credit bureau reporting for up to date clients and all foreclosure sales, evictions, and repossessions are paused.
4. Bank of America committed $100M to local communities in need around the world.

Resources to Take Your Business Digital

Google Ad Credits for SMB's

Facebook Digital Gift Cards

Facebook Fundraisers

Marketing Your Business During COVID-19

COVID-19 Mainstreet America Resources

Food Delivery

Tips for Working from Home

  • Create a Morning Routine

Get ready for the day, make coffee, have breakfast, workout, watch the news - establish a routine that gets you ready for a full working day.

  • Set Ground Rules for Others In Your Space

Set boundaries and ground rules with other people in your home or who share your space for when you work. Agree on when to have lunch, when to take breaks, set times on when to interact and converse with one another so that you or they don't get disrupted.

  • Dedicate a Work Space

Not everyone has the ability to have a dedicated office in their home. Find a space that is quite, has good natural light, is removed from other distractions as much as possible. Its okay to switch up your workspace from time to time. Sit in a different chair at your kitchen table, try the couch, maybe work in your front or back porch.

  • Maintain Regular Hours

Set a schedule, and stick to it. Having clear guidelines for when to work and when to end your day helps to maintain work-life balance.

  • Make Daily/Weekly To-Do Lists

Making to-do lists can help you stay organized and on task. Its also a good feeling of accomplishment when you can cross something off your list.

  • Schedule and Take Breaks

A lunch hour and two 15-minute breaks seems to be the standard for full-time US employees. Know your employers policy on break times and take them. Give yourself adequate time during the day to walk away from the computer screen and phone. Safely, while maintaining social distancing, get out of the house. Your body needs to move, the fresh air and natural light will do you good - go for a walk around your neighborhood, go for a short drive to pick up lunch, work outside in your yard, sit outside in your front or back porch.

  • Check in With Your Leadership and Socialize with Colleagues

Tell everyone who needs to know about your schedule and availability often. When you finish a project or important task, let your team or supervisor know.

Loneliness, disconnect, and isolation are common problems in remote work life, especially for extroverts. Find a fun way to still socialize with your coworkers for things that are non-work related. Use chat channels, schedule a virtual lunch together, call one another, have a virtual happy hour.

  • Look for Training Opportunities

If you have time, now is a good time to learn a new skill. There are plenty of how-to tutorial videos and webinars that might help you learn a new skill that you can apply to your career.

  • Take Sick Days or Vacation as Needed

When you're not well, take the sick time you need. If you need an extra day off from work outside the weekend, take a vacation day. Getting a break is just as important now as it is when working from the office.

  • Communicate Clearly and Be Positive

Succinct and clear messages are great, but recognize that sometimes tone may interpreted in an email as it is not intended. Be positive, to the point where it may feel like you're being overly positive in order to avoid sounding like a jerk. Embrace the exclamation point! Find your favorite emoji :D.

  • End the Day with a Routine

Just as you should start your day with a routine, create a habit that signals the close of the workday. It might be signing off of the VPN or other work related networks, taking your dog for a walk, exercising, turning on the TV. Whatever you choose, do it consistently to mark the end of working hours.

  • Enjoy This Unique Time

Working remotely comes with unique perks that you may not have had when you are working in an office. Find joy in this time and your new ability to do things while working remotely that you may not otherwise be able to do.

Develop a Business Continuity/Contingency Plan

Evaluate Expenses and Borrowing Capabilities

  • Contact your financial institutions to understand current lending capabilities and make any necessary arrangements.
  • Take inventory and understand your current monthly expenses. Consider prioritizing payments based on size, due date, and disaster assistance related support offerings.

Double Check Your Insurance Coverage

  • You may have business interruption insurance coverage. Contact your insurance agent to review your policy and understand what you are covered for.

Anticipate Inventory and Supply Chain Disruptions

  • Who are your key partners, suppliers, and contractors? Contact them to anticipate any delays or shortages.
  • What raw materials does your business need to function? Ensure you have adequate supplies of inventory for a sustained period of 30 days.
  • Diversify distributor sources.

Avoid Scams

Verify the legitimacy of emails, phone messages, text messages, bills, etc.

Review Employment Policies and Procedures

  • Review, update, and communicate your employment leave policies and procedures. Implement flexible workplace and leave policies.
  • Do not require a healthcare provider’s note for employees who are sick to validate their illness or to return to work, as healthcare provider offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and not able to provide such documentation in a timely way.
  • Anticipate absenteeism. How can you back fill positions if employees are absent? Cross-train employees to carry out essential functions.
  • Unemployment will create an economic hardship. Consider alternative ways to keep employees employed, such as temporary reduced pay or permit flexible work hours like staggered shifts.
  • Update all employee contact information and share with your team.

Marketing & Communication

  • Minimize impact on your customers and business partners.
  • Communicate with your customers about the status of your operations.
  • Offer creative and incentivizing reasons for customers to patronize your business.
  • Consider converting portions of your business to digital. Use ecommerce, promote tap and pay or digital payment methods, use delivery services, use booking and scheduling to stagger customer flow, offer discounts on shipping etc.

Maintain Facility Cleanliness

  • Reduce spread of the disease among staff. Encourage hand hygiene at the entrance of your business or workplace by placing hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol in a visible location
  • Keep a supply of tissue, wipes, soap, and hand-sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol in a visible location and routinely refill.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
  • Check your maintenance contracts and supplies to ensure they meet the increased demand for cleanliness

Prepare for Social Distancing and Leverage Technology

Encourage and Practice Good Health and Hygiene

  • Avoid all non-essential out-of-state travel.
  • Take precautionary steps to stay healthy, such as:
    • Washing your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
    • Actively encourage sick employees to stay home.
    • Help encourage positive mental health with these tips from the CDC.
  • Call the Department of Health at 1.855.600.3453 if you are exhibiting any of the symptoms of COVID-19. Those symptoms include fever, cough, or trouble breathing. These symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus.

Communicate Clear and Accurate Information and Stay Informed

Information on Tourism

Other COVID-19 Resources

Contact Information

Economic Development Department

Small Business Office

505-768-3270