Coronavirus

At EDCKC, we’re committed to the economic growth and prosperity of all in KCMO. As we work together to weather today’s unfortunate circumstances, here’s a list of resources and information that we’ll update periodically.

National and Federal Resources
Missouri State Resources
  • Missouri Novel Coronavirus Information Hotline – 1 (877) 435-8411
  • Missouri Department of Labor
    • EMPLOYEES: The MODOL has updated guidance for employees facing unemployment including answers to questions regarding eligibility, shared work programs, and mass filing claims in response to Covid-19 as well as general information about unemployment, workers compensation and discrimination.
    • EMPLOYERS: The MODOL has several programs available to assist employers in addressing workforce issues in response to Covid-19 including a Shared Work Program to help minimize the need for layoffs, and a Mass Filing Claim program to assist employers and employees during a temporary mass layoff.
  • Useful links:
Unemployment Resources

The Electronic Mass Claims Filing System is designed to assist employers and their employees during a temporary mass layoff. Employee information provided by the employer, allows the Division of Employment Security to file an initial or renewed unemployment claim on behalf of employees quickly and efficiently. As part of the mass claims filing, a recall date is entered for temporary layoffs, not to exceed eight weeks from the last day worked.

The Shared Work Unemployment Compensation Program is an alternative to layoffs for employers faced with a reduction in available work. It allows an employer to divide the available work among a specified group of affected employees instead of a layoff. These employees receive a portion of their unemployment benefits while working reduced hours.

Disaster Assistance

SBA Loan Program

The U.S. Small Business Administration will be offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19. SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. To find out more, read the KC Chamber’s summary and info document.

Local Resources

City of Kansas City, Missouri

Due to Covid-19 City Council and certain City departments are temporarily operating under modified protocols including teleconferencing for some boards and committees, cancelations of meetings/events, closing of some facilities including, postponement of Municipal Court hearings and trials. Click Here for updates on modification to city operations.

Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund: a coalition of charitable, business and government partners has joined together to create the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to address the needs of the Kansas City region's most vulnerable communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Fund will support charitable organizations to both maintain their operations and services and increase their capacity to serve those impacted by COVID-19, including addressing the economic impacts on individuals and their families due to job interruption and reduction in income and benefits.

KC SourceLink Resource Portal: Updates on small business assistance for Kansas City businesses specific to the coronavirus (COVID-19) are being provided through a KC SourceLink business resource portal. You can find information here on:

  • Workplace Health Safety
  • Emergency Planning/Recovery Tips
  • Loans/Grant Programs
  • Remote Working
  • Local Business Resources
  • State Business Resources
  • Federal Business Resources

Entrepreneur Needs Survey: Please help everyone assess the needs of the small business community by taking and sharing this survey. Collected Data will help guide policy and decision-makers as funds become available.

Local Emergency Loans and Grants: AltCap provides flexible, patient capital to entrepreneurs and small businesses dealing with the negative impacts of COVID-19 such as loss of customers, income, supply chain disruptions and other issues. For immediate financing assistance, please contact info@alt-cap.org or (816) 216-1851.

Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City: we are continuing to offer revolving loans for small businesses through our Loan-Up program.

Assistance for Bars/Restaurants: Pursuant to City Code 10-340 businesses that have a retail sale by drink license can deliver alcoholic beverages. Must be in the closed, original package or container. Deliveries cannot be received by a person under 21 and must be made during the hours allowed under the license.  Pursuant to City Code 10-102, certain licensees can also sell alcoholic beverage in the original package on the licensed premises. For additional information contact Regulated Industries (816) 513-4560.

United Way: Workers needing emergency assistance with housing, healthcare, employment, food, childcare, legal assistance, transportation, disability assistance or other critical needs as a result of Covid-19 can access resources through their 2-1-1 resource directory.

Shop Local: This boosts our local economy and helps provide vital revenue to small businesses who are struggling.

Full Employment Council: While FEC’s Job Centers are closed at this time, support is still available via phone or email for all employment-related questions including: training, filing for unemployment, career assistance and more.

Utility Assistance
  • KCMO Water Services – Suspended water shut-offs for nonpayment
  • Evergy (Electricity) - Suspended disconnects for nonpayments, extended payment options, reduced reconnect fees, and no late fees until May 1 (residential and small business customers)
    Spire (Natural Gas) – Suspended disconnects and late fees until May 1, 2020
Internet Access
  • Spectrum – Suspended service terminations for 60 days, waiving late fees for residential and small business customers, partnering with school districts, and opening wi-fi hotspots for public use
  • Google Fiber – Suspended service terminations through May 15, 2020. Impacted customers must contact customer service to maintain service.

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