There’s a growing number of states issuing stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. In some states, businesses that don’t fall within the “essential business” category can apply for the designation. Here’s a list of those states and links to their specific application procedures. We will continue to update the list as more states issue new procedures.
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Denton County, Texas
For Essential vs. Non-Essential business questions please email [email protected]
California
Link to essential business question form.
https://gobiz.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
Colorado
Link to critical business self-certification.
https://covid19.colorado.gov
Connecticut
https://portal.ct.gov/DECD/Content/Coronavirus-Business-Recovery/Essential-Business-Designation-Form
Delaware
Please submit a request in writing via electronic mail to [email protected] for consideration. You will receive a decision within one week of your submission.
Florida
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/c3348d7bc8d041fdb6a19b68ee7960fa
Idaho
https://publicforms.dhw.idaho.gov/Forms/request-designation-as-essential-business
Illinois
Businesses and employees with questions can call the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-252-2923 or email [email protected].
Kansas
Maine
Essential Business designation request:
https://appengine.egov.com/apps/me/essentialservicerequest
Questions may also be directed to [email protected].
Massachusetts
https://www.mass.gov/forms/essential-service-designation-request
Minnesota
Survey opened for companies to compile essential business information to be reviewed by the Governor.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6MR3QH9
Missouri
Essential Business Waiver Request:
https://ded.mo.gov/essential-business-waiver-requests
Montana
Businesses should read the directive that covers essential businesses first at:
https://covid19.mt.gov/Portals/223/Documents/Stay%20at%20Home%20Directive.pdf?ver=2020-03-26-173332-177
If businesses do not fall into any of the categories listed and believe they are essential, or are unsure if they fall into the categories listed, they can contact: 1-800-755-6672 or [email protected]
New Hampshire
Businesses that believe they are providing essential services not on the list can request designation as an essential business via email to [email protected], including a brief justification and contact information.
New Jersey
Businesses can submit a request to be deemed an “essential business” to the State Director of Emergency Management (i.e. the Superintendent of State Police). Currently, there is no form or link available.
New Mexico
If you are unsure if your business is essential, send an email to [email protected]
New York
https://www.businessexpress.ny.gov/app/nyforward
North Carolina
https://www.ncdor.gov/request-be-considered-essential-business
North Dakota
If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact North Dakota Department of Commerce at [email protected] or 701-328-5300.
Ohio
To submit a dispute, fill out the Dispute Resolution Form:
https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/stayathome/Dispute-Resolution-Request-Form.pdf
Submit the Dispute Resolution Form to: [email protected].
Oklahoma
Essential Business Inquiry Form
https://form.jotform.com/200885499982172
Oregon
https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19
Pennsylvania
https://expressforms.pa.gov/apps/pa/DCED/Waiver-process-keeping-physical-locations-open
Rhode Island
Department of Business Regulation – Critical Business question form
https://dbr.ri.gov/critical/
South Carolina
https://www.sccommerce.com/clarification-business-designation-form
Texas
https://tdem.texas.gov/essentialservices/
Vermont
Request for Continuation of Business Operations Form:
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=O5O0IK26PEOcAnDtzHVZxpZpCEHOHkZNmCwXH5xH5clURUZRTFRVQ0NMVDZWRlNDVEc0RjdNSzNJVS4u
Washington
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d4c155fa930f4b848f95774d610c9708