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:7/29/21

If you have questions about services, resources, or locating in the Research Park or EnterpriseWorks, please contact Laura Bleill (lwbleill@illinois.edu).

Guidance on Masking: July 30, 2021 Update

  • All university students, faculty, staff and visitors must wear a face covering in university spaces indoors, regardless of vaccination status. For unvaccinated individuals, university face covering requirements remain the same.
  • For all individuals, a face covering does not have to be worn when eating or drinking, when alone in an office or room with the door closed or when alone in a vehicle—essentially, when you are alone in a private space.
  • This requirement is limited to face coverings only. There are no new social distancing or capacity restrictions at this time.
  • Note that these rules only apply to EnterpriseWorks in the Research Park; other buildings and companies may have their own policies and procedures.

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

Vaccines and the Workplace: What You Should Know

Vaccines are widely available in Champaign County. 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 the Community 

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides free on-campus COVID-19 walk-up testing to all faculty members, staff and students. More info on testing is available HERE. https://covid19.illinois.edu/health-and-support/on-campus-covid-19-testing/

Through SHIELD CU, free testing is now available to all.

Champaign County Safe: Take the Pledge Here

A coalition of local organizations and municipalities launched an online resource to help Champaign County businesses through issues related to the pandemic. Research Park and EnterpriseWorks companies are invited to join the pledge. More here.

COVID-19 Programming Recaps

NOTE: Much of this information was relevant in 2020. As of summer 2021, we are providing resources much in the same fashion as pre-pandemic.

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.  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.

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 are in the building and notice anything amiss please contact Jim Wells immediately.

 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).