COVID-19 Resources and Information

COVID-19 Business Impact Assistance

Covid-19 Response: Business Impact and Assistance
EnterpriseWorks and Research Park at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Last update: 12/23/20

Please note that Research Park and EnterpriseWorks have suspended all in-person tours at this time. If you have questions about services, resources, or locating in the Research Park or EnterpriseWorks, please contact Laura Bleill (lwbleill@illinois.edu).

Research Park Guidance for Safe Operations

Keeping UIRP Safe: Free Signage and Masks Available for All Research Park Buildings and Offices, Sign the

The Research Park has created free templates for Research Park offices addressing safety issues:

  • See this link for free Research Park signs available for download and use in office and common areas.
  • Printed signs are available for pickup at EnterpriseWorks Monday-Friday.
  • Cloth-washable masks and reusable masks are available for free for Research Park employees. They are available at EnterpriseWorks by the east entrance or larger quantities can be requested through our team.
  • What to do if an Employee Tests Positive: Guidance from Champaign Urbana Public Health District available here.
  • Please contact us with questions: research-park@illinois.edu

Champaign County Safe: Take the Pledge Here

A coalition of local organizations and municipalities launched an online resource to help Champaign County businesses as they progress through the next stages of the state’s Restore Illinois plan. Research Park and EnterpriseWorks companies are invited to join the pledge. More here.

Vaccines and the Workplace: What You Should Know

Vaccines will be distributed in Champaign County via the Champaign County Health District, following the State of Illinois’ vaccination plan. The CUPHD website includes a dashboard with indicators about local vaccine distribution, and robust information about the vaccine.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign COVID-19 Resources

The University of Illinois has a robust resource providing information on its plans to maximize the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and university community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find the University’s COVID-19 plans and policies HERE.

Free COVID-19 Testing Available to Faculty, Staff, Students

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides free on-campus COVID-19 walk-up testing to all faculty members, staff and students. As of 9/7 faculty, staff and graduate students are required to test once per week; undergraduates are required to test at least twice a week. More info on testing is available HERE. https://covid19.illinois.edu/health-and-support/on-campus-covid-19-testing/

SHIELD Testing: How to Get Information about the University of Illinois at Urbana’s Novel Saliva Test

If you are within the state of Illinois, please contact shieldillinois@uillinois.edu

Phase IV of the Restore Illinois Plan

The State of Illinois entered Phase IV of the Restore Illinois plan as of June 26. On June 22, the state released updated guidelines for how companies can operate safely and strategically as they bring more employees back to their offices. Some highlights:

  • Offices may operate at maximum occupancy of 50% of office capacity. Capacity restrictions will be reassessed based on the latest science and public health metrics on an ongoing basis throughout Phase IV.
  • Employees should wear face coverings over their nose and mouth when within 6 feet of others (cloth masks preferred). Exceptions may be made where accommodations are appropriate – see IDHR’s guidance.
  • Social distance of at least 6 feet should be maintained between non-household individuals unless participating in activities permitted under Phase IV guidelines.

COVID-19 Funding Options

State of Illinois Small Business Grant Resources

Federal/National Resources

COVID-19 Programming Recaps

The Research Park and EnterpriseWorks staff are working hard to maintain the services we provide to clients under normal circumstances, finding creative methods along the way. We want to ensure you have the tools you need to navigate this ever-changing landscape. Although our staff will continue to work from home for the foreseeable future, we are available via phone, email and videoconference.  Find the staff directory HERE.

Research Park Events and Meetups

Please check our ONLINE CALENDAR daily for updates regarding events and how to access them. The University is following State of Illinois guidance on gatherings, so no summer events will be held until the statewide stay-at-home directive expires.

Startup and Small Business Resources Continue via EnterpriseWorks Programs

  • Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) assistance is available to aid small businesses trying to navigate challenging times. Request assistance to meet virtually with one of our EIRs. A sample of topics they can address:
    • Managing cash flow, accounting and financial management strategies, including loans and other resources.
    • Human resources and employment challenges
    • Supply chain disruptions
    • Communication strategies
  • The Founders 2 Founders (F2F) program helps CEOs navigate difficult business decisions (launched in Fall 2019). This is facilitated by EIR Lori Patterson to match CEOs and build one-to-one relationships.  To be a part of this program, please contact Lori Patterson (lori@pixotech.com).
  • SBIR Technical Consulting continues. Roland Garton and Anna Lisa Somera are available for individual SBIR consulting. Request a virtual appointment with either one of them here.  There is a lot of emergency funding available to fight COVID-19.
  • EnterpriseWorks interns want to keep working! Startups can still request short-term projects from our team of talented Shared Services interns.

Hiring, Remote Work, and Employment During COVID-19

EnterpriseWorks: Information for Tenants and Affiliates

EnterpriseWorks continues to be open and available to tenants and affiliates with keycard access on a 24/7 basis. 

  • The building is now open regular hours. If you have concerns about access to the building, please contact Jim Wells.
  • Research Park staff members are working out of EnterpriseWorks daily, but with limited hours.

  • Building Service Workers continue to clean surfaces in common areas and empty trash from the kitchen and tenant spaces as needed.
  • Conference Rooms are still accessible and available to tenants and affiliates, but please use common sense regarding social distancing. Please continue to make requests.
  • If you happen to be in the building and notice anything amiss please contact Jim Wells immediately.  We appreciate you helping us to keep an eye on things.

 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Mental Health Resources

Champaign County Resources

State of Illinois Business Resources

Federal/National Resources

Want to add something to this list? Contact Laura Bleill (lwbleill@illinois.edu).