Business Resources for COVID-19

Visit Anchorage is closely monitoring developments surrounding COVID-19. We are working to provide information, resources, and programs to support business during this difficult time. We will continue to adjust and adapt our programs to get the best business outcomes given the circumstances.

Relief, Aid & Recovery Resources

Check out the resources below for best practices amid crisis, relief efforts underway, and nonprofit partners that can help.

The CARES Act has been signed into law. The federal package includes loans, grants, tax relief, and other assistance for communities, businesses, and individuals suffering economic damage as a result of COVID-19. U.S. Travel summarizes what's in the bill for the industry and answers frequently asked questions. The U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee has a brief on CARES Act for small business.

The U.S. Small Business Committee has specifics on the Paycheck Protection Program, part of the cares act intended to extend loans and loan forgiveness to employers with 500 employees or fewer.

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy proposed an Economic Stabilization plan on March 20. AIDEA has also announced a program to back loans to Alaska businesses.

Alaska small businesses are now eligible for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Business statewide can apply online now.

The Anchorage Assembly has also passed a resolution requesting state and federal help adjusting programs to help address the local economic and social effects of COVID-19.

Visit Anchorage encourages businesses to carefully document losses during this period should government assistance or other programs become available.  Note number of reservations and/or cancellations compared to last year, changes made to staffing or supply orders, and financial losses.

Upcoming Business Webinars

Here's a list of upcoming presentations of interest to tourism businesses. Unless noted, Visit Anchorage is not responsible for the content. Click for details on the organizer, presenters, and topics covered. All times below are Alaska.

Official Sources for COVID-19 News

Rely on these official sources for coronavirus information at the federal, state, and local level.

Current Situation

Some key developments:

• The state of Alaska has mandated a 14-day self-quarantine period for domestic and international arrivals to Alaska. New arrivals must quarantine in their home or hotel room for 14 or the duration of their visit, if it is shorter. This applies regardless of health. The order takes effect March 25 at 12:01 a.m. and lasts until April 21. Passengers arriving in Alaska will be asked to fill out a brief form listing recent travel and the location in which they will be self-quarantining. Read the details in health mandate 10 from the state. The municipality prepared guidelines for accommodations hosting quarantined arrivals.
• The Municipality of Anchorage is seeking donations of travel or single use-size shampoos, soaps, and other personal toiletries to support people sheltering at Sullivan Arena and Ben Boeke Arena. Businesses can coordinate donations by emailing or calling (907) 343-8018.
• On March 20, the State of Alaska issued a "strong advisory" urging Alaskans to cease non-essential out-of-state personal, business, and medical travel. Read the full advisory here.
• We're sharing travel-related updates to ensure visitors and locals alike get the best tourism-related information for Anchorage.
• Visit Anchorage has joined the mayor's Economic Resiliency Task Force to better advise the municipal response, and help develop support strategies for the business community. The task force, which represents nearly a dozen local industry groups and business organizations, seeks to gain an initial understanding of the effects of recent events on businesses and their employees, as well as a sense of what the future may hold for employers, employees, and the Anchorage economy.
• Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz declared an emergency on March 12. Anchorage closed all civic, cultural, and recreational facilities where large crowds can gather until April 14 in order to protect and preserve public health and safety. This includes the Dena'ina Center and Egan Center, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, and all municipal ice rinks including facilities in Eagle River. Read details.
• The Municipality of Anchorage also restricted dine-in service for food or drink at bars, breweries, and restaurants effective March 16 and extended through April 14. The order also applies to all entertainment facilities including theaters, gyms, and bingo halls over the same time period. The closure does not affect grocery stores or retail. The Emergency Order includes a ban on all events and mass gatherings with 50 people or more starting at March 16 until on April 14. The Alaska Small Business Development Center released tips for food businesses adapting to these requirements.
• The Anchorage Economic Development has compiled a list on their website of the businesses that remain open and have adapted to public safety mandates. To add your business to the list, email Tara Nokelby at tnokelby@aedcweb.com.
• Longer term, Canada has closed all ports to cruise travel through July 1. This closure would effect all Alaska sailings through the beginning days of July. The Port of Seattle has delayed the start of cruise season until the resolution of the public health emergency.