Resources

The Matthews Chamber of Commerce is committed to being a go-to resource for our business community during the Covid-19 Response and beyond. We’ll present information you can trust on this website, and we’ll present regional experts in virtual meetings – all designed to help you build business success. Check back to this page often for updated information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In for updates. And email us if you have suggestions or need additional information on any business-related topic.

February 25, 2021

Governor Cooper Lifts Restrictions

UPDATED May 14th, 2021– Governor Roy Cooper announced today that North Carolina has removed its indoor mask mandate for most settings and lifted all mass gathering and social distancing restrictions.  As of 1:30 p.m. today, this ease of restrictions is effective immediately and follows CDC guidelines. Masks will still be required in child care, schools, public transportation, health care settings and certain congregate settings like correctional facilities and homeless shelters.  Governor Cooper says, “To keep moving forward- and to make sure that we keep saving lives- more people need to get vaccinated.”  North Carolina continues to focus on distributing vaccines […]
December 29, 2020

Legislative Update

On Tuesday, December 22, Congress approved $900 billion in federal COVID-19 assistance. The biggest take aways from this new legislation can be found below. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) The new stimulus bill reopens the PPP program for any business that did not apply before and expands which types of businesses can apply for forgivable PPP loans, including 501(c)(6) non-profits, local news media organizations or housing cooperatives. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is scheduled to reopen upon enactment of the new COVID-19 federal relief bill, with an additional $284 billion in allocated funding. Applications will remain open until funding is depleted or […]
December 9, 2020

Governor Cooper Extends modified “Stay at Home” Order

UPDATED January 27th, 2021 –  Governor Roy Cooper announced in a press conference that he is extending the current modified “Stay at Home” order until February 28th. Cooper said, “We are encouraged to see that our COVID numbers have stabilized in recent days, which is good, but the reality is that they are still high and that too many people are still falling seriously ill and dying.”  The Order also extends the current capacity limitations, indoor and outdoor gathering limits, and other public health restrictions put in place under previous executive orders. For FAQ regarding the latest Executive Order, Click […]
November 4, 2020

Matthews CARES Act Funding Relief Program Round II

The Town of Matthews has announced Round II of Matthews CARES Act Funding Relief. This grant program was created to encourage and support the Matthews community as it responds to the unique set of challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has created. The first round of funding included small business and non-profit organizations, while Round II is for businesses only.  The program will provide one-time reimbursable grants of up to $10,000 to help offset the impacts of this pandemic. The source of funding for this grant program is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Federal stimulus package.  Businesses […]
October 9, 2020

Matthews Announces Grant Program for Small Businesses & Non-Profits

Matthews, NC – The Town of Matthews today announced a new grant program to help small businesses and non-profit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Matthews CARES Act Funding Relief Program will provide one-time reimbursable grants of up to $10,000 to help offset the impacts of the pandemic. The source of funding for this grant program is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Federal stimulus package. Organizations that meet the eligibility criteria may apply for up to $10,000 in reimbursement funds via the grant application. All funds must be spent and receipts submitted by December 18, […]
September 14, 2020

Apply Today for MeckCounty CARES Small Business Relief Grant

Thanks to CARES Act funding awarded to Mecklenburg County, applications are now being accepted for the MeckCounty CARES Small Business Relief Grant.  The grant can provide up to $25,000 for small businesses located in the six towns or unincorporated areas of the County whose businesses have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.   In order to apply – Small Businesses must:  Have 50 employees or less  Be in one of the six towns or unincorporated areas of Mecklenburg County    Registered with the NC Secretary of State prior to Jan. 1, 2020  Demonstrate that business was adversely impacted by COVID-19   The funds may be used for […]
August 14, 2020

NC Offers New Job Retention Grants – Sep 1 Deadline

Your business or nonprofit organization may be eligible for a grant from the NC Department of Commerce’s new Job Retention program, if you’ve experienced interruption due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Your organization may qualify to receive these grant funds if: You employ in North Carolina at least 90% of the number of full-time employees during the COVID-19 period (March 1, 2020 – May 31, 2020) as you employed in North Carolina for the pay period ending on or about February 28, 2020; You can demonstrate that you’ve experienced an economic loss because of the COVID-19 pandemic as follows: For […]
July 22, 2020

UPDATE: Governor Extends Ban on Alcohol Sales After 11 PM

UPDATED AUGUST 31, 2020 – Today Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 162, extending the July 23 ban on alcohol sales after 11 pm until Friday, October 2, 2020. “North Carolina has made good progress stabilizing our COVID-19 numbers, and this order will help us continue it,” said Governor Cooper. “Now is the time to continue staying cautious and vigilant as we work to beat this pandemic.” The order’s restrictions apply to the unincorporated parts of Mecklenburg County, the city of Charlotte, and the towns of Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, and Davidson. Violators of the county order could be charged […]
June 11, 2020

Town of Matthews Allows Temporary Outdoor Seating

The Town of Matthews has established guidelines to allow food and beverage establishments to add temporary outdoor seating areas. Restaurants and bars can take advantage of these temporary measures that allow increased outdoor seating while assuring safe social distancing. If you are interested in temporarily expanding your business’ outdoor seating, submit an application to the Town of Matthews Planning and Development Department for approval. Find the guidelines and application here. The resolution passed by the Matthews Town Board of Commissioners on June 8, 2020 allows for additional outdoor seating in one of the following circumstances. Businesses applying for temporary outdoor […]
August 28, 2020

ArtWalk & MusicFest 2020 – Virtual!

Registration is OPEN! ArtWalk & MusicFest 2020 – Virtual!! – Oct 3, 2020 to Oct 17, 2020
August 28, 2020

ArtWalk Artist: Purple Girl Designs

Purple Girl Designs is handmade Gemstone Healing Jewelry.  Each piece is made with semi-precious, all-natural gemstones/crystals. We teach/share about the properties so we can help you Unearth Your Path to your journey in this life.
September 10, 2020

Virtual ArtWalk & MusicFest

Did you hear? Our Annual ArtWalk & MusicFest has gone VIRTUAL for 2020!   While COVID-19 has certainly changed the ability to hold large in-person events, it hasn’t changed our motivation to ensure our Annual ArtWalk is a success. This 2-Week Long Virtual Event begins on October 3rd and runs through October 17th. Much like our typical ArtFest, our online event will include Fine Art as well as an online Arts & Crafts Market, live-streamed music and dance performances, a Senior High School Art Exhibit and online art projects for children to enjoy!   We are currently accepting registrations for […]
September 2, 2020

ArtWalk Artist: Lori Lauman

I fell in love with painting angels after the tragic death of my sister. Painting them was such a peaceful process and it helped me through the grief. I started creating them for others that had also lost loved ones or were going through hard times. I believe angels are a reminder that not only are our loved ones being held close until we see them again, but also that we are guarded by them here on earth! Each angel has a story!  
September 2, 2020

ArtWalk Artist: Steve Allison

Hello; I’m Steve Allison and I live in Matthews, NC; retired after a commercial architecture career in the Midwest. Besides “grandparenting”, I spend much of my time indulging my creative urge by painting. I find myself drawn mostly to landscape work, but also dabble in still life and portrait; in both acrylic and watercolor. Thanks for taking a look at my “work.”  
September 17, 2020

ArtWalk Artist: SnapHappy Photos

Wife and husband photography team, SnapHappy Photos has enjoyed providing high quality photos for almost 13 years. Taking our work on vacation is a pleasure… so browse our Fine Art America site to see our Photo Art from England, Scotland, Alaska, Florida, California, Colorado, D.C. and of course Charlotte.  
September 17, 2020

ArtWalk Artist: M Designs

M Designs was established in 2017 in Charlotte, NC. Designer Michelle Trogdon hand cuts salvage leather remnants and scraps to create one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories. Each piece in the collection is unique.Designer Michelle Trogdon studied art at a young age including ceramics, painting and drawing, and photography. Her graphic design skills developed in college and graduate school. Eventually relocating to Charlotte, NC in 2011, she became an unexpected entrepreneur and added marketing and branding to her skill set. Finally returning to her crafting roots, she opened M Designs.  
September 17, 2020

ArtWalk Artist: Magpies

We are a local business specializing in hand pies, pies, and quiches. We offer no contact delivery.  
September 18, 2020

ArtWalk Artist: Wolfie and the Sneak

Wolfie and the Sneak is creative powerhouse duo Charles Lybrand and Renee Garner. The couple lives on a one acre homestead in the heart of Matthews. Their work is reflective of embracing the natural world in colorful, modern ways.