In an effort to assist Peoria residents during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the city of Peoria has established a small business taskforce, a one-stop-shop webpage of valuable information, a helpline, and a team to help residents get the human services and resources they need.
As part of the efforts to aid local businesses in Peoria, the Peoria Small Business Taskforce was formed in partnership with the city, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and ASU Peoria Forward. The first task for the group was printing and distributing free banners to Peoria restaurants that indicated whether they were open and providing takeout or delivery service. The taskforce has also been making phone calls to check in, offer resources, and connect local businesses with the SBDC. The SBDC can connect them to resources as well as provide guidance on a variety of operational and financial needs. Also, the taskforce created a social media campaign, “In it Together,” to share resources, good stories and information with the rest of the community.
To provide real-time information about the city’s COVID-19 response and resources, the city also set up a webpage dedicated to this information at peoriaaz.gov/covid19. On it, residents and business owners will find the latest information from Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat, important city phone numbers, business resources, and neighborhood and human services. This webpage is updated multiple times a day to provide the latest information.
Additionally, the city created a public helpline, 623-773-7770. The purpose of the helpline is to answer questions and share resources with individuals based on their needs. Whether it is a senior citizen looking for someone to pick up prescriptions, a business owner looking for financial relief help, or a family looking for safe childcare options, there will be city staff members ready to answer questions or point them to the appropriate organization. The lines will be open for residents to call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Besides the phone number, residents can also send questions to [email protected]. All messages left after hours will be responded to the next business day.
In a short time, the city and community have come together to navigate a difficult time and provide information and resources to those in need. For the most accurate information during this pandemic, visit peoriaaz.gov/covid19.
