It is a true honor to work alongside the wonderful business community we are privileged to serve. We begin by thanking you for the tremendous work you have done to make Wake Forest the special community it is and we want to assure you that we are and will continue to advocate for your interests in what has become an unprecedented, unpredictable season for all of us.

Every person in the world has been impacted by COVID-19. The battle to thwart both the health and economic effects of the virus is changing daily, if not hourly. Pause for just a moment and reflect back on your daily routine and plans as little as two weeks ago. Did you plan to attend a concert, sporting event, or church? Our short-term shift in attention, time, and money will all have long-term implications on our nation’s recovery. Uncertainty is overshadowing both the availability of adequate healthcare resources to battle this pandemic as well as the subsequent and substantial economic hardship that continues to unfold. We deeply empathize with the very real concerns many of you have for the future of your businesses. Know that our hearts and hands are open and ready to help in whatever capacity they can.

Nevertheless, there is hope. Wake Forest has a history of being steadfast and resolute through difficult times. This community perseveres. In the 1950s & 1960s, when then Wake Forest College moved to Winston-Salem, our people felt and dealt with the shock of losing the heart of the community. In response, the Town recruited industries like Schrader Bellows and Athey who breathed jobs, opportunity, and purpose back into the community and who have since been replaced by even stronger industries. In 2008, many of us felt the weight of our nation falling weak to the Great Recession. Despite what was certainly a season of hardship, Wake Forest’s economy proved largely resilient. There was below average unemployment and some 248 residential building permits issued that year. These economic indicators were significantly better than many of our peers. While these trials may now seem distant - and we pray far from the reality of where our economy is headed - they represent important victories and cast a ray of light during these dark days. In short, our community bounces back and will bounce back yet again. We overcome. Our community will take what purports to be a bleak outlook and, through hard work and perseverance, make something beautiful from it.

As we write this, our federal government is taking unprecedented action to provide tangible financial support to businesses across the country who are facing employee layoffs and even permanent closure during this challenging season. While they come at a great cost, we are hopeful and eagerly anticipate these measures stemming the tide of greater economic hardship until the health impacts of the pandemic are given the time necessary to improve. Work is also already underway by the North Carolina State Legislature to provide additional resources to adversely impacted businesses and individuals in the recovery that lies ahead.

As we collectively endure the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope you find the accompanying resources useful. In addition, Wake County has established a hotline at 919.856.7420 and webpage specifically for businesses to make inquiries relating to its ongoing coronavirus response, including county proclamations.

In Wake Forest, we believe opportunity is just as abundant as community. While community must look different for the time being, we look to the future with excitement, having full assurance that you - the people who make Wake Forest the exemplary place it is - will come out better than before. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, your families, and your employees. Now more than ever, we are standing with you, and we look forward to once again enjoying all the richness your businesses offer this community very soon.

Found here is a comprehensive and frequently updated collection of business-centered resources from the US Small Business Administration, Triangle and state-wide business resources, business operation tips and information, technology resources, healthcare resources, and general news.

Wake County COVID-19 Information

Wake County COVID-19 Business Guidance: http://www.wakegov.com/covid19/Pages/bizfaq.aspx

Wake County Business Guidance Hotline: 919.856.7420

Wake County COVID-19: Email covid19.questions@wakegov.com

Wake County Public Health Hotline: 919.856.7044 (Multiple languages available)

For additional information, please visit Wake County's COVID-19 web page.

Town of Wake Forest COVID-19 Information

Town of Wake Forest COVID-19 Municipal Information

Support our Local Restaurants: Wake Forest, NC

North Carolina Resources

North Carolina Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Guide

NC Biotech Center COVID-19 Resources for NC Life Science Companies and Researchers