BC&E Baltimore’s priority is to keep our members informed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are lists of essential resources and tools that will be helpful for your business.
Resources for Reopening
A number of government agencies and business groups have published information containing best practices and strategies for reopening the workplaces including:
Back to Business
State of Maryland – Best practices for Maryland’s companies reopening in correlation with the COVID-19 outbreak.
SAFE WORKPLACE: Best Practices and Baselines for Reopening Maryland
Maryland Chamber of Commerce
Readiness: A How-To Guide For Reopening Your Workplace
Cushman & Wakefield
Making Maryland Stronger
Maryland Manufacturing Network
Communities, Schools, Workplaces, and Events: Guidance for Where You Live, Work, Learn, Pray, and Play
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Safety Best Practices
Leaders from across Maryland’s construction and development community have assisted in developing best practices to help businesses across the state ensure the safety of its workers and clients.
Industry Resources
Construction Blueprint Series -New Realities for Contractors and How to Succeed Despite Them
(July 30) The fourth in our Construction Blueprint Series with panelists Chris Hoffman, Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Preconstruction Leader from DPR Construction, Sam Negahban, Senior Vice President from Brawner Builders, Inc. and Craig Smith, Senior Project Manager from Wohlsen Construction. We discussed the dual shocks of a global pandemic and a recession that have profoundly impacted safety protocols, scheduling, budgeting, supply chains, project pipelines and other key aspects of construction.
Construction Blueprint Series: The Future of Design Webinar
(May 27) The third in our Construction Blueprint Series with panelists Scott Davis- Bala Consulting Engineers, Matthew Ezold- Bala Consulting Engineers, John Gregg- GWWO Architects and Matthew T. Herbert- Design Collective. We brought together representatives of architecture and engineering firms to discuss how COVID-19 could impact future projects.
Construction Blueprint Series: Business Development & Marketing Strategies
(May 19) The second of our Construction Blueprint Series, our panelists Tim Bojanowski, Zest Social Media Solutions, LLC and John Dinkel, Dinkel Business Development discussed current business development and marketing strategies that will help construction industry firms succeed in a post COVID-19 era.
Construction Blueprint Series: Economic Forecast Webinar
(May 7) The first of our Construction Blueprint Series featured panelists Andrew Bauer, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, John Black and Brendan Harman, MacKenzie Capital, LLC who discussed the current commercial construction climate and what to expect in the coming months.
BC&E Webinar: Construction & COVID-19
(April 9) This webinar discussed COVID-19’s impact on the construction industry with panelists Ryan Deangler- CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, Terry Katz- HMS Insurance Associates, Inc. and Lisa D. Sparks- Wright, Constable & Skeen, LLP. The PowerPoint presentation is available here.
Construction Dive’s coronavirus headquarters: In-depth analysis for contractors
A roundup of our continuing coverage about how the virus is impacting the construction industry and U.S. economy and what experts say are the best practices for responding.
State of Maryland Resources
Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery
(April 24) – Governor Hogan’s plan outlines the steps necessary to begin Maryland’s economic recovery and to protect public health.
Maryland Department of Commerce – Maryland Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Business
Comprehensive site including the Governor’s executive orders, business closures, financial and tax assistance, employer and worker assistance details and licensing and permits information.
Governor Hogan’s March 23 Order: The Closing of Non-Essential Services
Additional Businesses, Organizations and Facilities That May Remain Open
(March 23) Businesses that may remain open include residential and commercial construction firms, engineering, surveying, architectural and interior design firms.
Additional Businesses, Staff Access for Non-Essential Businesses
(March 24) Provides direction about what to do when “non-essential” status is unclear.
Governor Hogan’s March 30 Order
This stay-at-home order directs Marylanders not to leave their homes other than for essential purposes, such as going to a job that is considered essential.
Employer documentation and out-of-state employees
(March 30) Employers may provide a letter for employees who are commuting to and from work and out-of-state workers are permitted to travel to their jobs.
Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Relief Loan Fund
This $75 million loan fund offers no interest or principal payments due for the first 12 months, then converts to a 36-month term loan of principal and interest payments, with an interest rate at 2% per annum.
Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund
This $50 million grant program offers grant amounts up to $10,000, not to exceed 3 months of demonstrated cash operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020.
State of Maryland Layoff Aversion Fund- Grant Applications
This fund designed to support businesses by preventing or minimizing the duration of unemployment resulting from layoffs. The award (up to $50,000 per applicant) will minimize the need for layoffs.
Federal Resources
What you need to know about COVID-19, its symptoms, how to protect yourself and your family and what to do if you think you are sick.
SBA Disaster Assistance
The entire state of Maryland has received designation for U.S. Small Business Administration assistance.
Paycheck Protection Program
Provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits. Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities (at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll).
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Guide to the Paycheck Protection Program
Detailed guide to help small businesses and the self-employed prepare to file for the federal loan.
Internal Revenue Service
Includes specifics on paid leave, tax credits for small and mid-sized businesses, July 15 filing deadline extension and deferring tax payments.
Department of Labor – Families First Coronavirus Response Act will apply to leave taken between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020
Employee Paid Leave Rights
Employer Paid Leave requirements
Questions & Answers
Occupational Safety and Healthy Administration
This site contains OSHA standards and directives (instructions for compliance officers) and other related information that may apply to worker exposure to COVID-19.
OSHA – Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Contains recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
What you need to know about COVID-19, symptoms, how to protect yourself and your family and what to do if you think you are sick.
World Health Organization
Latest updates from WHO including travel advice and myth busters.
Federal Government’s Response to COVID-19
A guide to government information and services such as travel, health and safety.