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COVID-19 RESOURCES AND FINANCIAL RELIEF FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
As the COVID-19 coronavirus spreads through communities, state and city governments have issued shelter-in-place guidelines and closed non-essential businesses in order to minimize person-to-person contact. While these guidelines are trying to contain the outbreak and the impending public health crisis, they are also leading to negative economic consequences. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27, 2020, and released additional funds, providing some tax relief, and employee benefits. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program through March 31, 2021.
Resources that come available from the Federal, State or County Governments for all size businesses will be posted below:
- The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act. [pdf file]The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship published a guide of "information about the major
programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA." SBDC Florida Small Business Preparedness, Recovery, Resources for Coronavirus
Business Damage Assessment Survey (https://floridadisaster.biz/BusinessDamageAssessments)
EDO Disaster Plan Templates and here’s the Customization Guide. If you need assistance with this document, jblackman@fedconline.org..
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Small Business GuideThis resource produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a business advocacy organization, summarizes the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses, strategies for reopening after government-mandated closings, and more.
Below are links to organizations and companies that either are providing financial relief during COVID-19, or have organized a list of resources and funding sources for those impacted by the pandemic. The information below focuses on nation-wide resources; however, many funds have also been created at a state, city, or neighborhood level. Search your location with keywords related to small business funds and COVID-19. Local government websites often have additional information for business owners.
- Coronavirus Relief Options. U.S. Small Business Administration.Outlines the assistance provided by the federal government, which includes the Paycheck Protection Program, SBA Express Bridge Loans, and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (up to $2 million, terms on a case-by-case basis).
- Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection ProgramThe Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) re-opened on January 11, 2021. Information on PPP loan terms and loan forgiveness, including the PPP loan forgiveness application can be found on this page.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance.Applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) must be filed by an individual within 30 days of the announcement of the availability of DUA in the state. To apply, contact their State Unemployment Insurance agency.
- U.S. Department of the Treasury. CARES Act.This page summarizes and provides links to additional information on "Assistance for American Workers and Families," "Assistance for Small Businesses," and "Preserving Jobs for American Industry."
- Freelancers Relief Fund. Freelancers Union.The Freelancers Union is collecting funds to provide $1,000 to freelancers that have lost income during the pandemic.
- COVID-19 Tools and Resources for Nonprofits. Nonprofit Finance Fund.Lists articles about nonprofit work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also includes links to financial relief and funding information from a number of other groups such as Candid/Grantspace.
- COVID-19 Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations. National Endowment for the Arts.NEA created an alphabetized list of service organizations with information on COVID-19 resources and economic relief.
- List of Arts Resources During the COVID-19 Outbreak. Creative Capital.This list includes national and regional grants for artists of all disciplines, including performing and visuals arts, and writers. At the end of the page are information on postponing work, live-streaming performances, and other guides.
- COVID-19 Business Center. Hello Alice.The COVID-19 Business Center was created by HelloAlice. HelloAlice started as a virtual business accelerator for underrepresented business owners and is a platform that uses machine learning to generate personalized opportunities and resources. In addition to offering their own emergency relief grant, their COVID-19 website also links to numerous other financial relief sources, guides to temporarily closing a business, resources for moving a business online, and anxiety support. However, accessing any of this information requires setting up a free account.
- Facebook Small Business Grants ProgramFacebook is offering $100M in cash grants to small businesses in 30 different countries.
- Grow with Google Small Business Fund. Opportunity Finance Network.Google’s Fund is for community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to support financing needs of small businesses. Opportunity Finance Network member CDFIs can apply; as a small business owner, you can reach out to a CDFI using the CDFI Locator.
- The Big List of COVID-19 Financial Assistance Programs for Small Businesses By State.A continually updated resource of loan programs designed for small businesses facing pressure due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The following are data centers and industry analysis that may help in business decision making during the COVID-19 pandemic. Doing a web search for a trade association in your industry may provide further statistics or COVID-19 guidance.
- COVID-19 Demographic and Economic Resources. U.S. Census Bureau.According to the Census Bureau's description, "This site provides users demographic risk factor variables along with economic data on 20 key industries impacted by Coronavirus. Each data set can be displayed in different visualizations, maps, can be shared, and available for download. Periodically updated."
- COVID-19 Facts & FIgures. Statista.All of Statista’s COVID-19 content is free to access and includes facts and figures. Statista also has global, regional, and national reports on the economic impact of the coronavirus.
- IBIS World Coronavirus Impact on Industries & Sectors Around the WorldPress release with links to IBIS World published reports, webinars, and articles on the impact of COVID-19 on a number of different industries.
- Moving Forward Small BusinessThe Moving Forward Small Business initiative is "a free project to help you keep your business afloat and make headway during these uncertain times." Starting on April 13, 2020, each day a new short video is unlocked on topic ranging from online sales to leadership.