The COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) event is a rapidly changing situation and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce is closely monitoring updates and guidance from our federal and state partners.
Information posted here may change regularly as new guidance and resources become available for individuals, businesses, and non-profits experiencing health and economic impacts related to COVID-19.
If you, or someone you know, experience symptoms or are worried about your health, visit the Oklahoma Department of Health website for information.
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Oklahoma will begin implementing a three-phased approach to open Oklahoma’s economy back up starting April 24, 2020.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Needs
Businesses opening back up can find suppliers of personal protective equipment and other COVID-related supplies in our PPE Source Directory.
There are a number of programs for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Administration provides an overview and comparison of them.
We have provided additional information specific to Oklahoma businesses along with local assistance and guidance information below.
Oklahoma Bounce Back Assistance Program
The Oklahoma Bounce Back Assistance Program was created to stimulate economic growth and combat the negative effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the state’s economy. This program will support high-impact new capital investment across a broad range of industries that will diversify the state’s economy, lead to new product development or increase capacity at Oklahoma’s existing companies.
SBA Emergency Business Loan Program
Small Business Administration COVID-19 Disaster Loan
This program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
NOTICE: SBA is unable to accept new applications at this time for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program (including EIDL Advances) based on available appropriations funding.
Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
SBA Loan Help
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce has staff available to assist small businesses with filling out disaster loan application forms. Companies needing assistance with the application forms and economic development organizations aiding businesses in their communities should contact Ray Little at ray.little@okcommerce.gov or 405-815-5227.
Paycheck Protection Program
PPP Small Business Loan Program Overview
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
All loan proceeds used to cover payroll, rent, mortgage interest payments and utilities during the 8 weeks after the loan funds will be forgiven.
PPP Help
For additional assistance, email OKSBAquestions@okcommerce.gov.
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program USDA Purchase & Distribution Program
USDA is partnering with regional and local distributors, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat products. USDA Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS) will procure an estimated $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month in a variety of dairy products and $100 million per month in meat products to provide boxes of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks and other non-profits serving Americans in need. USDA will award contracts for the purchase of the agricultural products, the assembly of commodity boxes and delivery to identified non-profit organizations that can receive, store and distribute food items.
COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide
USDA and its Federal partners have programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. These programs can support recovery efforts for rural residents, businesses and communities through:
- technical, training, and management assistance;
- financial assistance; and
- state and local assistance.
Business & Non-profit Resources
COVID-19 Industry Webinars with Secretary Kouplen
Recurring weekly webinars addressing the COVID-19 situation and business needs are scheduled on Wednesdays. Webinars are limited to 1000 participants and are first come, first served.
Calls are organized by industry to deliver specific information. Join the calls that are appropriate for your business.
CDC Business Guidance
Follow CDC guidance to maintain a safe work environment and plan your response.
Oklahoma Works COVID-19 Page
COVID-19 is having a unique impact on certain elements of Oklahoma’s Workforce System. This page will serve as an update on unemployment insurance, American Job Centers, companies hiring, resources, and other workforce needs.
Printable Workplace Posters from CDC
Download and print handouts and posters to educate your employees about best workplace practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nonprofit Resources
Guidance and resources for Oklahoma non-profit enterprises from the Oklahoma Center for Non-profits.
Main Street Business and Community Resources
Updates from the national Main Street program and best practices for local Main Street programs.
Business & Non-profit Resources
Oklahoma Unemployment Insurance
If you are closing temporarily or permanently due to economic or health disruptions from COVID-19, there is new guidance from the Oklahoma Employee Security Commission.
New Sick Leave & Family and Medical Leave Act Benefits
Paid sick leave and FMLA related to COVID-19 are now required for some businesses with under 500 employees. Refundable tax credits will help employers pay for the new, required benefit.
Talent Exchange for Employers
Oklahoma Works is working to quickly connect job-seekers to employers who need new workers right now. Complete the Employer Information form to alert Oklahoma Works to your current job openings.
Resources for Individuals
Filing for Unemployment
If you have questions about filing for unemployment, or new programs addressing unemployment related to COVID-19, contact the Oklahoma Employee Security Commission.
Talent Exchange for Job Seekers
Oklahoma Works is working to connect displaced workers with available employment. Complete the Job Seeker form on the Talent Exchange and Oklahoma Works will share your information to local employers who need employees to fill current job openings.
Manufacturing Supply Chain Needs
Ventilators, PPE and Critical Healthcare Needs
The state is actively seeking to purchase ventilators, personal protective equipment (PPE) or other critical supplies. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce and Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance are also working to connect suppliers and manufacturers who could produce these critical products if their supplies and needs are matched. Fill out the form to let us know how your company can help.
