The Chatham Loan Fund helps entrepreneurs and small business access capital by providing collateral towards loans. Through the updated program, businesses can access up to $10,000 as collateral to cover 100% of a loan to be used as working capital.

Applications will be reviewed by the Chatham EDC Board of Directors on a first come, first served basis as funding is available.

To review the requirements and guidelines of the program, please read the Chatham Loan Fund – COVID-19 Program Guidelines.

To apply, complete an application online.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Chatham EDC at 919-542-8274.

The post Chatham EDC Announces New Funding Opportunity for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

• Entertainment facilities without a retail or dining component are ordered to close, though any retail or dining component may continue to operate in the establishment solely for that purpose. The facilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Bingo parlors
  • Bowling alleys
  • Indoor exercise facilities (e.g. gyms, yoga studios, martial arts facilities)
  • Health clubs
  • Indoor and outdoor pools
  • Live performance venues
  • Movie theaters
  • Skating rinks
  • Spas
  • Gaming businesses (e.g. sweepstakes, arcades, computer lounges)
• Because of the challenge of practicing social distancing, personal care and grooming businesses establishments must also close. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Barber shops
  • Beauty salons (including waxing and hair removal centers)
  • Hair salons
  • Nail salons
  • Massage parlors
  • Tattoo parlors
• Gatherings of 50 or more people in one place are prohibited. This includes indoor and outdoor spaces. This does not include normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, offices, factories, child care facilities and retailers.
• Visitors and non-essential health care personnel are restricted in long-term care facilities. This does not include compassionate care. Long-term care facilities include skilled nursing homes, adult care homes, family care homes, mental health group homes and facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Chatham EDC is sharing information on our website about financial assistance, resources and recommendations related to COVID-19 for businesses. https://www.chathamedc.org/news/covid19/

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the state placing new restrictions on local businesses?

• To help slow the spread of the virus and protect the public, to flatten the curve and prevent a spike in cases that would overwhelm our medical system and jeopardize the health of those who are ill.

What are the restrictions?

• This order bans mass gatherings of more than 50 people.
• This order closes gyms, movie theaters, sweepstakes parlors, health clubs, and other similar facilities.
• The order takes effect Wednesday, March 25. Because of their inability to conduct social distancing, this order also closes hair and nail salons, barber shops, and massage therapists as of 5 p.m. Wednesday.
• Grocery stores will remain open, as will restaurants providing takeout and delivery. Please do not overbuy at the grocery store. Grocery store officials say that supply lines are open.

How will these safeguards help slow the spread of COVID-19?

• The measures the Governor has taken use the strongest weapon we have at the moment to fight COVID-19 – social distancing. That is why we were one of the earliest states to make mandatory the limit on large gatherings – and went even further today. The more we practice staying 6 feet apart, washing hands, coughing into elbows, the better the position we will be in.  We expect that folks in North Carolina are going beyond our mandates – and doing their part to limit the spread of the virus.

Where can impacted businesses find support resources?

• Chatham EDC is sharing information on our website about financial assistance, resources and recommendations related to COVID-19 for businesses. https://www.chathamedc.org/news/covid19/

What do I do if I’ve been laid off from work due to COVID-19?

• Individuals can apply for unemployment through the NC Department of Commerce: https://des.nc.gov/apply-unemployment Under Governor Roy Cooper’s executive order signed on March 17, unemployment benefits will be easier to access during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How long will these safeguards be in place?

• These measures will be in place for 30 days, unless superseded by another Executive Order. Chatham County and North Carolina leaders will continue to monitor the situation.

The post NC Issues Safeguards to Help Combat COVID-19 appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

The Halle Companies of Maryland filed plans for Pittsboro Place, a proposed mixed-use master-planned community situated south of Highway 64 Business east of downtown. The project was included in a zoning request submitted earlier this year.

Plans allow for a total of 900 residential units — with options for up to 400 townhomes, 400 single-family homes and 375 multifamily units. The plan also calls for up to 50,000 square feet of commercial space and a minimum of 53 acres of open space.

The wooded tract is south of the U.S. Post Office in Pittsboro and adjacent to the rear of Piedmont Health Senior Care property off Chatham Business Drive. According to a map of the project, Industrial Park Drive would run through the center of the development.

Continue reading on Triangle Business Journal

Read about the land purchase in Chatham News + Record

The post Project led by Halle Companies could add up to 800 homes in Chatham County appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

Blue Heron Asset Management has announced it will build a 200-unit apartment community in Briar Chapel, a 900-acre master planned development south of Chapel Hill and led by Newland.

The apartments will be spread across three buildings, each four or five stories. The complex will have a centralized amenities building. 

“Blue Heron is thrilled to be building at Briar Chapel, where we’ll be bringing the best-in-class finishes and amenities common in urban apartment projects to a more laid-back, gracious and community-centered setting,” says Kevin Wade, project manager for Blue Heron. “Residents will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the Piedmont while maintaining a close proximity to the jobs and attractions in Chapel Hill, Durham, RTP and other hubs of activity in the Triangle.”

Continue reading on Triangle Business Journal

The post Blue Heron Asset Management plots apartments in Chatham County appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

Cary-based Preston Development has filed plans for Mellott, a proposed 190-acre mixed-use development with plans calling for more than 1,300 residential units and 785,000 square feet of non-residential space. 

The property is bordered on three sides by Chatham Park and will be situated at the future intersection of Chatham Park Way and Grant Drive. The N.C. Department of Transportation plans to extend Chatham Park Way through Mellott with a projected completion date in 2024. 

Continue reading at the Triangle Business Journal

Read more at the Chatham News + Record

The post Preston Development proposes 190-acre mixed-use development appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

Named “Mosaic,” the project is the brainchild of Eco Group, which is a collaboration between business owners Kirk Bradley of Sanford-based Lee-Moore Capital Company and John Fugo of Durham-based Montgomery Carolina LLC. Construction began in August.

In addition to a hotel and residential units, the complex will include what the developers call “technical and creative” office space.

The developers promise “An entertainment and lifestyle destination alive with experience and stocked with interaction. A welcoming community with sustainable design, inventive programming and natural environs,” according to the Mosaic website.

Several tenants are already committed to the project, and the developers plan to Mosaic next year.

Continue reading on WRAL TechWire

The post Developers unveil $350M development near Pittsboro as gateway to Chatham Park appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

En Español

Happy Spring!

I’m trying something new today and ditching the press release format. That’s because I’m asking a favor of Chatham County’s small business community.

Chatham Economic Development Corporation has a small business survey, and we would be very grateful if you took time to complete it. We also have a version in Spanish!

With this survey, we want to find out what you and your peers think about doing business in Chatham County. We want to better understand what challenges and opportunities you face and how we can strengthen support and connect you to resources to help you thrive.

Your time is valuable, so we’ve made the survey brief. I timed it at three minutes.

The survey will be open through the end of April. Update! We’re keeping the survey open until at least May 17. After that, we’ll compile the data to share broadly. While we ask for your contact information, your responses will only be used for the research. We will not share your information or responses with anyone.

Thank you for helping us out. If you have any questions, let me know! Our phone number is 919-542-8274.

Sincerely,

Alyssa Byrd
President

PS: Looking for small business resources? Start here.

The post Chatham County Small Business Survey appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

“We are very excited to be expanding our manufacturing footprint and to be calling downtown Pittsboro our new neighborhood,” said Ted Mosler, president and chief technology officer of EG-GILERO. “Pittsboro and Chatham County residents and staff have been very welcoming to us and we look forward to being a good neighbor for years to come. For EG-GILERO and our customers, Pittsboro is a hidden gem; but with the expected growth in the area, many others will come to realize the charm and benefits Pittsboro has to offer – as we have.”

EG-GILERO, a vertically-integrated contract manufacturer, said it plans to hire engineers, laboratory technicians, operators and other support roles to staff the manufacturing facility. The salaries will vary by position but average $44,317, higher than Chatham County’s average of $36,731.

Founded in 2002, EG-GILERO designs, develops and manufactures products for the medical device and drug delivery device markets.

“By expanding to Chatham County, EG-GILERO can take advantage of strong talent, educational resources, and other competitive benefits the Research Triangle region offers life science companies,” said Alyssa Byrd, president of Chatham Economic Development Corporation (EDC). “They found a unique opportunity in Pittsboro, and we look forward to continuing to work with them as they establish their new facility.”

“We’re thrilled that EG-GILERO has chosen Chatham County for its planned expansion, and particularly that they’ve chosen an existing under-utilized facility in downtown Pittsboro,” said Chatham County Commissioner Mike Dasher. “This project aligns perfectly with Plan Chatham, the county’s long-range comprehensive plan, which directs more growth and economic development within our municipalities. The Board is so appreciative of Alyssa and the EDC’s work in attracting EG-GILERO to Chatham County.”

EG-GILERO’s expansion to Chatham County will be facilitated, in part, by an economic development incentive agreement approved at the March 18, 2019 meeting of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners. The five-year agreement takes into account new tax revenue generated by both real and personal property improvements and authorizes potential grant awards based on a proportion of the property tax. The grant payments occur only when the company has verified meeting its targets for investment and job creation.

“EG-GILERO is bringing new jobs and opportunities for our residents, and reviving an underused property in the downtown corridor. This is a good economic development opportunity that strengthens our town,” said Pittsboro Mayor Cindy Perry.

The post EG-GILERO Adding 60 Jobs in Pittsboro with $4 Million Expansion appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

The new degree programs are Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology; Electrical Systems Technology; and Mechanical Engineering Technology.

The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology program, commonly known as HVAC, is a two-year AAS degree program that includes certificate and continuing education options. The program will be based in Lee County at the Howard-James Industry Training Center. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed for serving, repairing, and installing heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems in residential and commercial environments. Students will have the opportunity to obtain their EPA certifications for refrigerant handling.

“Technicians with the knowledge and skills to service and install heating and cooling equipment are in high demand,” said Drew Goodson, CCCC Dean of Career and Technical Education. “CCCC is excited to offer a new degree in Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration that will help supply the growing HVAC industry with employees and provide good paying jobs for our graduates.”

The Electrical Systems Technology program is a two-year AAS degree program that includes certificate and continuing education options. The program will be based in Chatham County at the CCCC Chatham Main Campus in Pittsboro. The program will work closely with CCCC programs in Building Construction and Sustainability Technology. Students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to repair and install electrical systems in residential environments. Hours in the program count toward the NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors experience requirements at a 50 percent rate.

“Electricians are in high demand and employees with electrical skills can find good paying jobs in our service area,” said Goodson. “CCCC is excited about our new degree program offering in Electrical Systems and helping meet industry needs for new employees and providing our students with opportunities to build a career in the growing electrical field.”

The Mechanical Engineering Technology program is a two-year AAS degree program that includes certificate options for Career & College Promise and curriculum students. The program will be based at the CCCC Lee Main Campus in Sanford. The program is a transition from the CCCC Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) program to help students become more mechanically focused. The Mechanical Engineering Technology program aligns with the Engineering Technology AAS transfer program with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology program at East Carolina University.

“Through the advice from our advisory board, it was determined that our students needed to have a purely mechanical focus in this area due to the local industry, whereas our CAD program included architectural design as well,” said Constance Boahn, CCCC Department Chair for Engineering and Information Technologies. “We are setting our graduates up to be a more well-rounded mechanical engineering technician with drafting skills instead of a just a drafter.”

To learn more about Central Carolina Community College and its programs, visit www.cccc.edu.

The post CCCC will offer three new degree programs appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

Amanda Hoyle, Regional Director with Metrostudy, will give a presentation on the local and regional housing market. Prior to joining Metrostudy’s Raleigh office in 2017, Amanda spent 16 years as a senior writer and reporter responsible for the coverage of residential and commercial real estate in the Triangle-area market for Triangle Business Journal.

Each elected board will have an opportunity to share updates at the meeting. The meeting is open to the public.

For more information, contact Alyssa Byrd, President of Chatham EDC, at 919-542-8274 or Cindy Poindexter, President and CEO of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce, at 919-742-3333.

The post Chatham EDC, Chatham Chamber to host joint boards meeting April 11 appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.