COVID-19 Business Resources

BRAC is regularly updating this page with relevant resources and information for businesses.  To help support BRAC’s recovery initiatives, consider making a tax-deductible donation here.

Business Resources

Employer Resources
Important Resources

The COVID Defense app was launched by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) to allow users who opt in to receive notifications if there is a risk they were exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus. BRAC encourages employers to share this information with their employees.

COVID Defense can be downloaded in the iPhone App Store or Android Google Play Store. Use of the technology is completely voluntary, private, and secure. COVID Defense does not collect the location of a phone or individual to detect exposure, and it does not share a user's identity. App users must opt in to use the tool and may opt out at any time. No personal information is required to use the app.

  • To find a COVID testing site near you, dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211 and a specialist will assist you.

Recordings of webinars related to business issues around COVID-19 can be found on BRAC's Vimeo page.

Business Aid Programs
  • The SBA offers several programs for business owners, including the Paycheck Protection Program, COVID-19 EIDL loans, and EIDL Advance programs. Learn more at sba.gov. 
Other Guidance

Louisiana Economic Development has launched a hotline for Louisiana businesses. Companies can call (833) 457-0531 between 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. or email LEDbiz@la.gov with their questions related to the impact of COVID-19.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission has unemployment insurance information for both employers and employees available at laworks.net.

 

The State Procurement website maintains a regularly updated list of open and closed bids. To register as a vendor with the State of Louisiana, click here. During the registration process, you will be able to select all of the commodities that your company is able to provide. The State of Louisiana will be issuing Request for Quotes (RFQs) through the Louisiana Procurement and Contract Network (LaPAC), the on-line electronic bid posting and notification system, for the supplies/services currently needed. LaPAC will automatically send an e-mail notification to all of the vendors registered for that specific commodity. You will then be able to submit your pricing and availability electronically.

The Louisiana Procurement and Technical Assistance Center is available to assist businesses with government contracting. Businesses interested in competing for disaster response and recovery contracts should review this flier for steps to ensure that they are procurement ready. Businesses with existing government contracts seeking an equitable adjustment due to COVID-19 should take the following steps:

  • Communicate with your contracting officer (CO), by email for record-keeping, as soon as you think your situation has changed from when your initial contract was negotiated or bid on.
  • Partner with your CO to get authority to deliver late and try to negotiate a revised delivery schedule, extension, and/or revised costs. This may occur with subcontractor disruptions necessitating different subs or sourcing.
  • If you don’t get a response from your CO, email the agency small business representatives for help in getting your CO’s attention.
  • Keep good records including dates of conversations and names of people you spoke or emailed with.

BRAC Analysis

BRAC produces regular analysis on its blog to provide timely information for the business community. Topics include federal aid programs, considerations for reopening the economy, policy issues at the state level, and more. 

BRAC Releases Economic Indicator Dashboard for Capital Region

November 11, 2021

Baton Rouge, La. (November 11, 2021) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) today released its monthly economic indicator dashboard that examines and analyzes the state of the regional economy. Current and archived dashboards are available online at brac.org/recovery.

BRAC Releases Economic Indicator Dashboard for Capital Region

October 14, 2021

Baton Rouge, La. (October 14, 2021) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) today released its monthly economic indicator dashboard that examines and analyzes the state of the regional economy. Current and archived dashboards are available online at brac.org/recovery.

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Indicator Dashboard

As part of BRAC’s business recovery priorities, we will be producing and distributing a weekly economic indicator dashboard to examine and assess the impact of COVID-19 on the regional economy. The indicator dashboard takes into account fuel sales, oil prices, hotel occupancy rates, enplanements, employment, and more, to illustrate the economy’s current state, and keep businesses informed on when it begins to steady and rebound. If you are interested in sponsoring BRAC’s Business Webinars contact Michelle Mahaffey at michelle.mahaffey@brac.org. 

Job Openings - BR Works

The shifting jobs landscape caused by COVID-19 has resulted in quick workforce changes. Some companies are forced to turn to layoffs and furloughs, while other industry sectors are increasing hiring to meet growing demand. BR Works was established to help laid off community members find new opportunities.

VISIT BR WORKS

News & BRAC Covid Briefs

Update on Federal Vaccination Mandate: What Capital Area Businesses with 100 or More Employees Need to Know

January 6, 2022

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Update on Federal Vaccination Mandate: What Capital Area Businesses with 100 or More Employees Need to Know Read More »

BRAC Releases Economic Indicator Dashboard for Capital Region

November 11, 2021

Baton Rouge, La. (November 11, 2021) – The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) today released its monthly economic indicator dashboard that examines and analyzes the state of the regional economy. Current and archived dashboards are available online at brac.org/recovery.

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