It is the mission of the city of Rocky Mount to advance the well-being, safety and quality of life for our community members, and we are in contact with local health agencies to monitor the spread of COVID-19.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu, though may be more severe in some people, and can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some cases can progress to pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and death. If you are sick or suspect you may have the virus, to keep from spreading illness to others, you are encouraged to stay home, except for seeking medical care, avoid public areas and do not use public transportation.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when needed. Please follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/citybeat and Twitter at @cityofrockymtnc
Small Business Assistance Grant Program
The City of Rocky Mount invites all interested and eligible small businesses with twenty-five or fewer employees, based in the City of Rocky Mount to apply for CARES Act CDBG-CV funding to assist in the preparation, prevention and response to coronavirus.
Download Application (300kb PDF)
Download Checklist (100kb PDF)
Nash Community College
The Small Business Wellness Clinic will help small businesses affected by COVID-19, assess the health of their business and develop a plan to address current issues.
Download flyer (PDF)
Downtown Cares Sponsorship
Downtown Cares is a local non-profit initiative designed to support seniors, frontline essential workers and local small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program assembles a care package of a meal, hand sanitizer and a mask for such groups utilizing items purchased from local small downtown businesses. The city of Rocky Mount will sponsor $1,000 toward the initiative.
Download proposal (PDF)
Resources from the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center
For Downtown Community Leaders (PDF)
Supporting the Local Economy (PDF)
Small Business Tips & Resources (PDF)
Marketing Downtown from 6′ Away (PDF)
Paycheck and Protection Program for Small Businesses
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses.
Emergency Loans Guide (PDF)
Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act (PDF)
SBA Disaster Loans for Businesses
Per the U.S. Small Business Administration, affected businesses may apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans. Applicants may apply online at disasterloan.sba.gov. Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Learn more about small business guidance and loan resources at sba.gov.
NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program
On March 23, 2020, the Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors approved funding to launch the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program, managed by the NC Rural Center. The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program will make loans to eligible businesses for up to $50,000 with zero interest and no payments for six months. Learn more here.
Further Resources
NC Department of Health and Human Services’ COVID-19 Response Page