COVID-19 Resources and Information

COVID-19 Resources

Covid-19 Response:
EnterpriseWorks and Research Park

Last update: 7/20/20

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 Re-Opening

The Research Park has created a guide for re-opening to help companies with planning for a phased return to work.

Phase IV of the Restore Illinois Plan: Guidance Released

The State of Illinois will enter 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.

Safe Practices for Re-Opening: Free Signage and Masks Available for All Research Park Buildings and Offices

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 now available for pickup at EnterpriseWorks Monday-Friday.
  • The Research Park has purchased cloth-washable masks, which 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.
  • Please contact us with questions: research-park@illinois.edu.

More resources:

Campus Reopening: Detailed Plans Available

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has made public its plans for returning to on-campus operations. Implementation of these plans will continue to involve careful consultation of public health expertise. More information is available HERE.

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

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will provide free on-campus COVID-19 walk-up testing to all faculty members, staff and students beginning 7/6/20. More info: https://news.illinois.edu/view/6367/2127433838

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.

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 open from 9 am to 2 pm, Monday-Friday to allow couriers and USPS to make deliveries. If you have concerns about access to the building, please contact Jim Wells or Cynthia Faullin
  • Staff members are visiting EnterpriseWorks almost every day to walk the building, sort mail, and deliver parcels to tenants.

  • 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 or Cynthia Faullin immediately.  We appreciate you helping us to keep an eye on things.

 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 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).