COVID-19 Response
During this difficult time…
The Douglas Design District is committed to serve as a resource and advocate for our small businesses and residents. With county- and state-wide bans, cancellations, and breaking news occurring on an hourly basis, we know this is new and overwhelming territory for all of us. Our local and state officials have committed to rolling out resources and relief as necessary, and we are also waiting on what federal level strategy continues to look like. You will find all of that information below, and we will continue to update as necessary.
Our Annual Meeting has been postponed indefinitely for this year, and we will look forward to providing our annual report later in the year.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Renee Duxler, our Executive Director, at this time. She will be speaking with local and state officials throughout the community in the coming weeks and months, and will be serving as a voice for all of our businesses and residents. Your questions, concerns, and feedback is both welcome, and necessary. You can reach Renee by phone at 316-512-8969 and by email at renee@dddwichita.com
For a list of our member businesses and their current available services, please check out our Support Local page.
Business Resources
State of Kansas Stay At Home Order Effective at 12:01AM on March 30, there is a stay-at-home order in place in Kansas until at least April 19; see order for a list of essential businesses.
Jennifer Hill, McDonald Tinker PA Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response act that changed paid leave and FMLA requirements that go into effect April 2. Small business owners who don’t have a trusted attorney to consult with on these changes can reach out to Jennifer for a free 15-minutes phone consultation by calling 316-263-5851.
Small Business Association Up-to-date info from the SBA, including disaster relief and CARES Act relief loan information for small businesses.
Verizon Small Business Recovery The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has received a $2.5 million investment from Verizon to provide relief grants to small businesses nationwide. LISC will provide grants of up to $10,000 to businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of COVID-19—especially entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically underserved communities who don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Saturday, April 4th at 11:59PM ET.
Hospitality Industry Emergency Relief Funds For restaurants, bars, lodging facilities, event and convention centers. Apply for up to $20K at zero interest for 3 years, with no payments the 4 months. (UPDATE: All money has been allocated, but will continue to accept application if new money opens up)
Kansas Department of Labor The Kansas legislature voted in a bill on March 17 that extended unemployment benefits to 26 weeks, and continued to waive the one-week waiting period to receive benefits. Click HERE for an unemployment and COVID-19 fact sheet for employees.
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation The FDIC’s website contains links and information for bank consumers, as well as information for financial institutions
USBG Charity Foundation The United States Bartenders’ Guild has a special emergency grant assistance fund that bartenders can apply for.
Facebook Small Business Grants Facebook has announced they’ll be launching a small business grant program very soon. Find out more information and sign up for updates.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Comprehensive and up-to-date news and resources for businesses, including Federal legislation updates and employee guidelines.
Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce News and updates about local legislation and initiatives prudent to small business owners and employees
ICT RESPONSE A website created by local small business owners that provides a directory of businesses amended hours or services; businesses must submit their info to be included.
Resident & Community Resources
ComCare Community Crisis Line 316-660-7500
Wichita Domestic Violence Hotline (316) 267-SAFE (7233)
Reporting Child or Elder Abuse 1-800-922-5330
Sedgwick County Health Department Up-to-date information, including a Public FAQ sheet on the novel coronavirus, as well as information on bans on local gatherings.
City of Wichita The City’s update on their COVID-19 response, as well as information on municipal facilities that remain open or with amended hours, as well as those that are closed.
United Way 2-1-1 The United Way of the Plains is serving as a connection point to link available resources, food, services, or supplies to those in need.
Unemployment Insurance Look up your eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits, as well as apply online.
Partners for Wichita Information on the availability and locations of box lunch meals for school children while schools are closed.
USD 259 Meal Program Information on meals available at local schools for children 18 and under throughout Wichita.
Childstart Childcare Search Find information on local providers that are available to provide childcare, as well as look into eligibility for childcare assistance. THERE IS CHILDCARE AVAILABLE FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS.
Childcare COOP Schedule Template Work with neighbors, co-workers, or friends to form a childcare coop to share in the burden of covering childcare in lieu of schools and some daycares being closed.
Cox Connect2Compete Information on enrollment for Cox Communications inexpensive home internet program. Some addresses qualify automatically; the first month is free and then it is $9.95/month thereafter.
Senior Services Inc. Information regarding the Meals on Wheels program for providing food to homebound senior citizens in our community
Closings and Cancellations KMUW is providing a landing site to look up area cancellations and closings
Wichita Eagle Restaurant Closings The updated web page on restaurant’s closing or change of hours, services provided.