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.
CDC Business Guidance
Follow CDC guidance to maintain a safe work environment and plan your response.
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.
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.
Oklahoma Essential Business Guidance
The Governor of Oklahoma has issued Oklahoma Executive Order 2020-07 which requires all non-essential businesses in all 77 counties to close effective 11:59 PM, March 25, 2020.
Follow the steps below to determine whether your business is considered essential.
Business owners self-determine their status by following the guidance of the Executive Order and Memorandum. No certification or documentation from the Department of Commerce is required.
Step 1
Review the Executive Order and Memorandum to determine if your business qualifies as part of an essential industry.
Step 2
Review the Oklahoma Essential Industries List with NAICS codes and business descriptions below that the Oklahoma Department of Commerce developed based on the Executive Order and Memorandum.
Step 3
After reviewing the Executive Order, Memorandum, and Oklahoma Essential Industries List, business owners may fill out the Essential Industries Inquiry Form to request clarification for their industry regarding status as an essential business or to request their industry be considered for inclusion as an essential business.
Individual business exemptions are not granted through this process.
Essential Business Concerns
If you are concerned that a business is operating unsafely or failing to comply with the Executive Order or a local order, contact your local authorities.
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.
SBA Emergency Business Loan Program
Small Business Administration COVID-19 Disaster Loan
Oklahoma small businesses are now eligible for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. The program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
Teleconferences and Loan Application Help
Commerce is hosting teleconferences for Small Businesses seeking more information about the SBA loan program.
Teleconference notes and frequently asked questions (FAQs) from previous calls are now available.
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.
Both borrowers and lenders can find more information at the SBA website.
How to Apply for PPP
To apply, contact your banker or a bank that provides SBA loans and fill out the PPP application form.
PPP Questions
For additional assistance, email OKSBAquestions@okcommerce.gov.
Emergency Non-profit Funds
Communities Foundation of Oklahoma
The disaster relief fund will deploy resources to community-based organizations on the front lines of the COVID-19 outbreak and related community needs. Funds will be granted to the following groups that work with people and communities affected by the disaster.
- Nonprofit regional health organizations
- Government entities
- Nonprofit organizations
- Churches
- Schools
Contact Rachel Hunter at 405-488-1450 or visit www.cfok.org
Oklahoma City Community Foundation
Organizations providing services and assistance to individuals impacted by COVID-19 are eligible to apply to receive a grant from the fund, beginning April 1, including:
- Nonprofits
- Churches
- Government agencies
- Schools
Call 405-235-5603 or visit www.occf.org
Tulsa Community Foundation and the Tulsa Area United Way
Tulsa Community Foundation and the Tulsa Area United Way have established the Tulsa Area COVID-19 Response Fund, dedicated to increasing resilience among the region’s most vulnerable individuals and families. Funds will be used to support local non-profit agencies addressing the needs of individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 related hardship, primarily due to temporary unemployment, lost income, or unexpected food and childcare expenses.
Call 918-494-8823 or email info@tulsacf.org
United Way of Central Oklahoma
United Way of Central Oklahoma has established the COVID-19 Response Fund dedicated to increasing resilience among our most vulnerable individuals and families. This fund will support Partner Agencies of United Way of Central Oklahoma, United Way of Logan County and United Way of Canadian County. It will be used to address the needs of those individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 related hardship primarily due to temporary unemployment, lost income or unexpected expenses related and due to COVID-19.
Call 405-236-8441 or email info@unitedwayokc.org
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief is assisting area churches that have been serving food.
Contact dwilliams@oklahomabaptists.org or visit www.okdisasterhelp.org
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.
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.
Healthcare 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.
