Protecting your business and ensuring your employees are safe

April 23: As the Administration works to re-open the economy and continues to strive to have a transparent process, we welcome your thoughts and feedback and look forward to reviewing all suggestions that are submitted. Please understand that we will take everything under advisement but may not be able to use every submission. Using this comment form, please take a moment to share your thoughts on potential goals and initiatives or on issues we should address in the planning process.

From the Office of the Commissioner

Maine, along with the rest of the country, is facing challenging and unprecedented times. We know that this creates uncertainty, not only in your personal lives, but also in the business communities. We have heard from so many of you looking for resources for your businesses and your employees.

Public health remains the number one priority of the Governor and the administration. We will continue to work in partnership with other departments to slow the spread of COVID-19. These are difficult decisions to make, and we do not take this responsibility lightly. I understand that this not only impacts your business, but also your employees.

Also included is a list (PDF) of work that is considered essential and non-essential as it relates to Executive Order #28 dated March 31, 2020. If your work is clearly listed then you do not need to do anything. Please continue to operate while following the guidance of the ME CDC. Additionally, your employees do not need a letter or pass to go to and from work.

If your business is in the non-essential category we ask that you cease all in person activities. You can continue any work that can be done remotely. You also do not need a letter. If after careful review of the two lists it is unclear to you then please complete this form and we will send you the information. The intent is to keep people at home and safe.

I would like to thank you for the hard work you are doing to support the needs of our state and the needs of your employees. Although these are challenging and uncertain times, one thing is certain, Mainers are strong and resilient, and we will get through this together.

Commissioner Heather Johnson
Department of Economic and Community Development

Maine’s small businesses and their workers are the backbone of our economy, and there is no question that the coronavirus is impacting them. To protect small businesses, Governor Mills requested that the Small Business Administration (SBA) provide economic support loans to Maine small businesses in order to help them overcome any temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19. To protect Maine workers, Governor Mills submitted emergency legislation that temporarily expands eligibility for unemployment insurance to individuals whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19.

For more information on resources available to help your business recover from losses as well as best practices to protect the safety of your customers and the health of your employees, please visit: 

Get the latest news from the Office of the Governor.

April 14: Gov. Mills has extended Maine's state of civil emergency through May 15, 2020 (PDF).The extension that the Governor referenced today in her press conference does not impact the Essential Business Order, the Stay Healthy at Home Order or the Travel Order. At this time, the end date of those orders remains April 30, 2020, but will be assessed by the Administration in the coming weeks.

April 13:In collaboration with Village Capital and the Sorenson Impact Foundation, Maine DECD is activating Maine’s startup and early-stage technology companies in response to the COVID-19 disaster - Startups Step Up (PDF)

Contact Business Answers at the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development with your COVID-19 business-related questions and for information on resources. HOURS: weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST
1-800-872-3838 in Maine 
1-800-541-5872 from outside of Maine

You can also e-mail us with your business questions at business.answers@maine.gov. Please note that we can’t provide help with unemployment claims. For questions on unemployment, please visit https://www.maine.gov/unemployment/