COVID-19: Resources and Updates for the Downtown Boise Community

The safety of Downtown Boise’s residents, workers, and visitors is of the utmost importance to us here at the Downtown Boise Association. We want you to know that we are monitoring all recommendations and updates from government officials surrounding COVID-19 and we will inform our stakeholders of relevant changes. First and foremost, prioritize and take all health and safety precautions for yourself and others in our community. Our community health as a whole depends on working together, and our small businesses are the lifeblood of the Downtown Boise economy. We want to make sure they continue to stay successful while maintaining appropriate public health safety measures. For questions, please contact info@downtownboise.org.

This Is YOUR Downtown, Ways to Support Them Now Here!

Dine Local

Shop Local

Below are resources and updates for both business and the community:

Financial Resources for Businesses & Individuals

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act:

Brief summaries of federal resources available for Idaho businesses and individuals from Sen. Risch’s office on March 26, 2020:

IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief

GoFundMe Small Business Relief Initiative

U.S. Small Business Administration: Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

Facebook Small Business Grants Program

COVID-19 Response Fund for Idaho (for vulnerable populations support)

Business Resources

This Is YOUR Downtown Marketing Campaign

Restaurant Resources from Shamrock Foods

Hello Alice (an AI platform aggregating resources for small businesses)

Uncharted Territory: How COVID-19 Could Affect Your Retail Business - A WhizBang! Retail Training Guide to Preparing Your Store for the Global Spread of Coronavirus

Webinar Recording: National Resources and Policy Updates for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Idaho Commerce COVID-19 Information

Idaho's Small Business Development Centers: Resources

America's Small Business Development Centers: Resources

Idaho Women's Business Center: Resources

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Combating the Coronavirus

CDC: Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers

Here’s a great Working From Home WiFi Resource Hub from our friends over at metageek.

How to Support Downtown Businesses

If you are not able to visit stores and restaurants physically, there are still things you can do to support our small and local businesses:

*This Is YOUR Downtown - ways to support Downtown Boise businesses

*City of Good - A Homegrown Initiative to Feed Our Community

* Shop online or via phone. Many of downtown’s retailers have online shopping available; our local and independent shops will help you get what you need via phone, FaceTime, or other methods, if necessary.

*Participate in Downtown Boise's Virtual First Thursday: https://downtownboise.org/events/first-thursday-new

* Purchase custom or corporate gifts from retailers who can handle orders over the phone or online.

* If you typically order wholesale products with local retailers later in the year, place your orders now.

* If you do not need anything specific at the moment but still want to support local, buy gift cards to spend later in our various storefront businesses.

* For restaurants, order takeout or delivery and tip the same amount as you would dining in. Parking meters in front of downtown Boise restaurants will be closed to general parking and will be used as temporary to-go options for carry out or hand-delivered orders.

* You can buy gift cards for many local restaurants and cultural institutions, too.

* Follow Downtown Boise's Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.

* Share this information widely so others know how to help.

Local Updates

City of Boise COVID-19 Updates

Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau COVID-19 Updates

City Go: COVID-19 and Public Transportation

Employment Resources

We know that many of you will be looking for additional assistance in the coming weeks. Here are some helpful links:

Online Unemployment Application

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) (provides financial assistance to individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits)

FAQ about partial unemployment

Information about unemployment requirements

Idaho Department of Labor’s COVID-19 website

U.S. Dept. of Labor: Fair Labor Standards Act and Family and Medical Leave Act; Questions and Answers

Idaho State Updates

Idaho.gov Official Resources for COVID-19

Downtown Boise Association Members

We have added a feature on our website to easily showcase our local dining and retail options. We need your input to populate these webpages. Please email the DBA if you are offering any of the following:
-Take-Out
-Delivery
-Pick-Up
-Gift Cards
-Online Shopping
There is an option to add text as well so please include copy if you would like.

We encourage you to let us know if you have modified your hours so we can update them on your business listing on our website. Please include ways the community can support you during this time, we can add it: Link to Update Downtown Boise Business Listing

Link to Submit Virtual First Thursday Listing:
First Thursday Submission Link

Link to DBA COVID-19 Media Release:
How to Stay Safe and Support Downtown Boise Businesses