COVID-19: Small Business & Economic Development Resources

This guide is meant to be a resource for communities and businesses considering temporary outdoor expansion
to support the success of local business in the age of COVID-19 and a phased statewide reopening strategy. It
offers design ideas and guidelines for outdoor expansion tactics for various contexts, covering a wide array of
potential situations and solutions.

"As the novel coronavirus continues to infect people across the nation, COVID-19 is forcing businesses to shut down and causing millions of Americans to file for unemployment. In response, the U.S. federal government has introduced the CARES Act to provide financial assistance to individuals, small businesses and health care providers in an attempt to stabilize the economy."

The South Carolina Department of Administration (Admin) maintains access to the accelerateSC Dashboards on behalf of the state of South Carolina. AccelerateSC provides up-to-date information about South Carolina's response to COVID-19 and includes useful information for businesses and citizens.

Accion is offering increased assistance to existing Accion customers, informative webinars, and affordable small business loans.

Alice has compiled a huge list of resources that businesses can use to access funds, get advice, as well as live updates on new government policies.

Alice is also offering $10,000 grants being distributed immediately to small business owners impacted by a coronavirus, as part of our broader mission to ensure Business for All. In addition to funding, grant recipients will receive ongoing support from the Hello Alice community.

Raleigh’s vibrant small business community is a big part of what makes our city one of the best places to live in the world — and now, our local businesses need our help.

To help them recover from extended shutdown due to COVID-19, the City of Raleigh has approved $1M in grant funding. Now Mayor Baldwin is challenging the private sector to match these funds.

Our goal? To double the original grant funding through donations from corporate and private donors. By giving to the Raleigh Relief Fund Fund, we can help ensure our local business community comes through this crisis stronger than ever.

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All In Jackson Fund small business loans aim to provide a rapid source of assistance for Jackson County-based businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.  This fund is a collaborative effort between Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County TDA, SCC Small Business Center, WCU Small Business and Technology Development Center, Jackson County Economic Development, and Mountain BizWorks. Mountain BizWorks is the administrator of the emergency loans program, with details below.

This is not a grant program

All In Jackson Fund small business loans are designed to be flexible and rapid sources of low-interest loan capital to help local Jackson County businesses and nonprofits meet pressing needs and navigate the COVID-19 crisis. Repayment is expected either from more permanent funding sources (like SBA Disaster Loans) or from the future cash flow of the business.

Loan details

Loans are available for up to $10,000, based on the business’s pre-COVID-19 revenue. Loan agreements are structured as follows:

• Six months of no payments required at 4% (interest accruing), followed by 36 months of principal and interest payments at 5.5% interest.
• There are no prepayment penalties.
• Defaulted loans are subject to collections.

Who is eligible?

• For-profit businesses
• Have a physical location and be principally based in Jackson County (see our COVID loans page for options for those not in the county)
• Have between 1 (who could be the self­-employed owner) and 50 employees
• Have been in business for at least 12 months
• Demonstrated loss of revenue of 25% or more due to COVID-19

Requirements

• Any individual with greater than 20% ownership in the applying business must personally guarantee the loan.
• Proceeds from the loan may only be used for maintaining or restarting a business. Eligible uses include payroll, accounts payable, fixed debts, or other bills the business is unable to pay due to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis.
• Agree to provide impact data
• Borrowers are required to assign the proceeds of future SBA EIDL loans or other federal assistance programs to the repayment of their All In Jackson Fund Loan. (PPP funds and the EIDL grants are excluded from this)

Logistics & timeline

• All In Jackson Fund was launched and applications opened on Thursday, May 7, 2020.
• Applications will be accepted as long as funds are available.
• Businesses interested in applying should be prepared to complete an online application (linked below) and provide tax returns, profit and loss statements, and bank statements.
• The partners in this program are committed to moving as fast as possible to assist businesses. We are aiming to fund requests on a weekly basis as long as funds are available.
• Loans are subject to the availability of funds. The partners know that the need is greater than the current fund size. We’re working to expand the available pool so that we can assist as many in our community as possible."

A zoom call to discuss how to apply for Federal, State and private grants.

A panel of experts convened by UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and its affiliated Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise will be offering a press briefing via webinar examining how healthcare supply chains are impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Panelists will focus on bottlenecks to coronavirus testing, personal protection equipment (PPE) shortages and how to utilize limited supplies effectively. The recording of this webinar is available online.

During the “How to Navigate in the New Normal: Assessing Your Situation, Money and Legal Resources” panel, attendees will learn from three leading experts on how to assess your own situation, create calm, and then have the ability to operate with a foundation from which to make sound decisions.

Panelists with expertise in financial, personnel and legal issues will provide insights on those specific topics. In addition, we will have an expert who will guide businesses on assessing where they stand and developing a framework and timeline of tasks to be accomplished.

Ashely Pittman: from Hutch Law will provide resources and advice for how to navigate new rules for how small businesses can/must handle sick leave, FMLA vis-a-vis being quarantined or sick or taking care of a sick family member, “can I check my employees’ temperature at work”. In addition, she will shine a light on other helpful HR policies during this new normal.

La-Tasha Best-Gaddy: from the SBTDC will summarize some of the latest stimulus options that have recently been introduced and help business owners navigate which options are right for them.

Gary Traynor: growth and operational expert, will give participants a framework that will enable them to start navigating this uncertain time and get their arms around where to start and what they can do during this pause.

Frances-Ann Criffield: from Hutch Law will provide resources around fiduciary issues regarding equity, stock, and financial flow.

Participating Faculty: Christopher B. McLaughlin

Topics: COVID-19, local government tax and finance

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Contact: MacKenzie Babb
Kenan Institute External Affairs Director
919.632.6641
MacKenzie_Babb@kenan-flagler.unc.edu

Chapel Hill, N.C. (April 20, 2020) — A panel of experts convened by UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and its affiliated Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise will be offering a press briefing via webinar on the impact COVID-19 has had, and will continue to have, on higher education and related educational technology. Some level-setting facts and figures are included in the fact sheet to the left. Join Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at 11 a.m. EDT to hear from the following experts:

North Carolina Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Liaison and UNC School of Nursing Professor Mary Schuler will discuss the response to COVID-19 in healthcare higher education, including recent decisions to waive tuition and fees for RN refresher theory courses in an effort to support surge healthcare staffing.

UNC College of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean of Instructional Innovation Professor Kelly Hogan will cover the technical and operational challenges associated with higher education moving to distance learning as well as maintaining that environment for the foreseeable future.

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Dean Doug Shackelford will share the financial and business challenges this poses for universities around the world as they grapple with higher technology costs, fewer enrolled students and a significant drop in anticipated giving.

Association of College and University Educators CEO Susan Cates will provide her insights on how higher education can maintain—and even strengthen—its value proposition while adjusting to a wholly uncharted operating environment. Each expert will provide a brief overview of his or her respective topic, citing applicable emerging research and data, before the floor is opened for questions from the press.

Each expert will provide a brief overview of his or her respective topic, citing applicable emerging research and data, before the floor is opened for questions from the press. For a link to participate, email MacKenzie Babb.

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About the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
The Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise develops and promotes innovative, market-based solutions to vital economic issues. With the belief that private enterprise is the cornerstone of a prosperous and free society, the institute fosters the entrepreneurial spirit to stimulate economic prosperity and improve the lives of people in North Carolina, across the country and around the world. Learn more at kenaninstitute.unc.edu."

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Update: Event ended. Fact Sheet is available online. Please click on "Visit Resource" if you are interested.

Watch a previously recorded webinar from April 22, 2020 featuring a presentation with banking and finance legal expert Michael Royle, who provides an overview of what you need to know to navigate the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) followed by an interactive Q&A with C2FO leaders.

This new loan program, established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. Learn more about the program, your eligibility and what it could mean for your business now and in the future.

Thomas Stith, North Carolina director of the U.S. Small Business Administration, on Thursday, April 23 at 11 a.m. for an overview of relief resources available to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NAVIGATING THE GREAT PAUSE SERIES

This is the third panel discussion in the “Navigating the Great Pause” series co-hosted by the Entrepreneurship Center and NC Growth every Thursday throughout April and May at noon. These events are designed to help our stakeholders and community make it through the COVID-19 pandemic and come out stronger on the other side.

During the “How to Operate Effectively in the New Normal – Experts in Leadership, Finance, Operations” business owners and operators will hear from a panel of experts regarding leadership, financial, and operational adjustments you need to make in your business during this time of “new normal.” We will send you a survey before the session so you can let us know the questions you would like the panelists to address. Please email eship@kenan-flagler.unc.edu with any questions.

Panelists:

Evan Sitton: VP CRA/ Community Development at PacWest Bank (formerly Square1) who manages CRA investment, lending, and service efforts for NC, with a primary focus on the Durham-Wake County markets. Over his career he has worked for a startup (Square1) as well as with a number of startups and business owners. Currently, he is working with business owners as they make financial decisions that impact their organizations and the people in them, so he can speak to things to keep in mind in making those decisions and perspectives from lending institutions.

Aime Thompson: As the Founder and CEO of Creative Allies, she brings the founder perspective of leading an organization through this period. Her agency brings branding and marketing expertise to a variety of clients, so she can also speak to the challenges of managing a B2B business during this time.

Dave Neal: As an advisor to early stage startup companies, and a former CEO, CFO, investor and lawyer, Dave brings to the table a variety of experience in managing operations and teams, as well as the perspective of being both internal to an organization and an outside investor.

Scott Brown: Professor of the Practice with The Entrepreneurship Center, Leadership and Executive coach, Business owner, and Culture Consultant who works with many organizations who are dealing with this current situation. Scott will moderate this session.

Chapel Hill, N.C. (April 27, 2020) A panel of experts convened by UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and its affiliated Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise will be offering a press briefing via webinar on the impact of COVID-19 on traditional retail, including product supply chains, innovative new channels for customer fulfillment and the resulting implications for commercial real estate.

Join tomorrow, Tuesday, April 28, at 11 a.m. EDT to hear from the following experts:

• Leonard W. Wood Center for Real Estate Studies Faculty Advisor Professor Andra Ghent will provide a macroeconomic overview of retail employment, current jobless claims and consumer sales.
• UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Professor Katrijn Gielens will cover how COVID-19 is affecting retailers’ efforts to shift from brick and mortar to online services, as well as the ways in which store formats will need to adapt to address emerging consumer demands moving forward.
• UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Professor Adam Mersereau will discuss the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on supply chains, as some retailers struggle to keep up with demand while others deal with massive overages in supply. He’ll also touch on experimentation with consumer fulfillment driven by the pandemic, including which innovations may be here to stay.
• Pension Real Estate Association (PREA) Research Director Greg MacKinnon will provide his insights on the impact COVID-19 has and will continue to have on commercial real estate—including the challenges facing communities and municipal governments working to creatively re-purpose shopping malls and other traditional retail spaces while lacking needed funds due to the crisis.

Each speaker will provide a brief overview from his or her respective area of expertise, citing applicable emerging research and data, before the floor is opened for questions from the press.

You’re invited to join via webinar (details below), and welcome to respond directly to this email to submit any questions you’d like addressed ahead of time.

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina present: What to Expect When the Gates Reopen. Panelists include Dr. Hary Davis, Professor of Banking and Economist for the NC Bankers Association and Appalachian State University, John Loyack, VP of Global Business Services for EDPNC, and Wit Tuttell, VP of Tourism with Visit North Carolina. These panelists discuss the state of the economy in North Carolina, how businesses can gain access to capital and work to protect supply chains, and what the Northwest North Carolina tourism industry can expect from a visitor engagement perspective as we move into phased reopening.

During this session, business owners and operators hear from a panel of marketing, social media, client services, and sales experts about the business adjustments needed during this time of “new normal.

A panel of experts convened by UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and its affiliated Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise will be offering a press briefing via webinar on the myriad ways the entrepreneurial community is driving innovation and delivering stories of hope in the face of COVID-19. Join Tuesday, April 7, at 11 a.m. EDT to hear from the following experts:

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Professor Mahka Moeen will discuss how changes in supply and demand during the COVID-19 crisis may spawn innovations that have a broad and permanent global impact.

Entrepreneurship Center Faculty Director and UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Professor Ted Zoller will discuss what public institutions—and UNC in particular—are doing to train future generations of entrepreneurial students to respond to this and other future crises amid an increasingly uncertain world.

Diana Lee, a Pharm.D. candidate at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy and a 2019 Adams Apprentice through UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, will discuss the now-viral Phone-a-Friend program she developed and launched in response to mandated quarantines to connect student volunteers with the most vulnerable and isolated population affected – the elderly.

And UNC Professor Rich Superfine, chair of the university’s applied physical sciences department, will share how he’s building cross-functional teams at UNC to leverage makerspaces as PPE production facilities for healthcare workers on the front lines. Each expert will provide a brief overview of his or her respective topic, citing applicable emerging research and data, before the floor is opened for questions from the press.

For a link to participate, email MacKenzie Babb.

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About the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
The Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise develops and promotes innovative, market-based solutions to vital economic issues. With the belief that private enterprise is the cornerstone of a prosperous and free society, the institute fosters the entrepreneurial spirit to stimulate economic prosperity and improve the lives of people in North Carolina, across the country and around the world. Learn more at kenaninstitute.unc.edu.

For more information, contact:

MacKenzie Babb, External Affairs Director
MacKenzie_Babb@kenan-flagler.unc.edu

Update: Event ended. Fact sheet is available online. If you are interested, please click on "Visit Resource."

This is the UNC Entrepreneurship Center and NCGrowth’s first panel-discussion in their “Navigating the Great Pause” series hosted every Thursday at noon throughout April. The series is designed to help center stakeholders and community members make it through the COVID-19 crisis and come out stronger on the other side. In the” Leading Your Organization and Maintaining Strong Culture in the midst of FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt)”session, panelists will talk specifically about how to keep your team positive and motivated in these challenging times. They will share leading indicators to assess if people on a team are struggling, tips for keeping yourself positive and suggestions for creating a sense of team and togetherness virtually.

Entrepreneur Magazine provides articles and resources for starting new businesses and creating business plans. Please click "Visit Resource" if you are interested.

Marketing Grant for Artists

Driving organic traffic from Google and Bing can be a meaningful way to grow sales for free. Given the economic pain being felt by so many artists due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we want to help you by providing a free SEO analysis and recommendations.

There is currently no cap on the number of possible marketing grant recipients per month.

Micro-grant for Artists

(1) $100 monthly grant. Grant winner will be selected on the last date of each month, beginning February 28, 2021.

We hope to increase the grant amount, or number of grants, in the near future.

Requirements

You:

• have a live website;
• are open to feedback and recommendations;
• can access to your website editor or content management system to make site revisions. You’ll need to make the changes to your site; and
• have a Google account: you’ll request assistance via a Google Form.

In response to the continued strain placed on arts organizations by the ongoing pandemic, ArtsGreensboro has opened applications for a new grant program: the ArtsGreensboro Relief Grant, to provide funds for continued operations through these unprecedented times. Greensboro-based nonprofit arts organizations are eligible for up to $30,000 in grant funds to assist with programming, operational costs, and reentry into a post-COVID environment.

Deadline: February 25, 2021, 5:00 PM EST

Sign up for Zoom Informational Session: Friday, February 12, 2021, 9:30 AM

List of tools, technical assistance, and services for small businesses in the Asheville Area.

A directory of businesses located in Asheville where loyal customers can purchase gift cards to their favorite local business. All that is required is that you fill out a simple form and you can be listed in their directory.

Eligibility Criteria:

It does not list MLM (multi-level marketing) businesses or Etsy shops that do not have a related foot traffic presence they rely on. Other listings may be decided at our discretion

Bank actions to assist customers vary by institution and depend on a customer’s individual circumstances. They include but are not limited to fee waivers; deferred payments for credit cards, auto loans and mortgages; loan modifications; low-rate and zero-rate loans and other accommodations. As more Americans are working from home, banks are also instructing customers on how to utilize mobile and digital banking platforms. Through these efforts and others, banks look to provide critical support to the U.S. economy.

News article detailing manufacturer and county official efforts to pivot production during COVID-19 crisis. Beaufort County is home to 80 manufacturers. A local fine dining restaurant and gin distillery is now producing hand sanitizer and distributing to local healthcare providers, homeless shelters, and childcare facilities. H&R Block employees are calling businesses to see what they could potentially manufacture to help healthcare workers. Other manufacturers are finding new uses for items they already produce.

"BEFCOR strives to provide streamlined service for our small business clients and lenders. Our goal is to make sure our business clients receive superior service while working with our lenders to build strong community relationships. Each member of our team is updated on current regulatory and economic changes in order to serve as a valuable resource. By focusing on building relationships, we are able to connect our clients with quality lenders to create success stories throughout the state."

What is the Building Up-fit Grant?
The Building Up-fit Grant is for commercial property improvement projects. The projects must create a new business use and/or add value to a decayed, empty, or underused commercial building. The Building Up-fit Grant is for small businesses to increase economic development, tax base expansion, and job creation.

Who is this grant intended for?
The grant is for small business owners with 49 employees or less. The business must be located within the city limits of Raleigh. The grant is for business owners to improve their space in a manner consistent with City policy objectives.

What kinds of projects are covered by the Building Up-fit Grant?
The program includes projects that focus on the building's interior. Capital improvements that are associated with a change in use like new HVAC, electrical, lighting, plumbing, structural, interior construction, flooring, restrooms are also included. Accessibility and energy-efficient upgrades, and other applicable code requirements are allowed.

What kinds of projects are not covered by the Building Up-fit Grant?
Projects that do not change the use of the space or add significant value to the property are excluded. Common examples of exclusions would include:

• Routine like-for-like maintenance replacements for old worn-out equipment
• Simple redecorating without new business use or functionality
• Exterior window or door like-for-like replacements
• Custom signs or awnings
• Personal property purchases (portable appliances, furniture, throw rugs, etc.)
• Purchases unrelated to a construction project such as retail items or other merchandise that will be for sale.

A full list of resources available to businesses in Burlington county as well as the contact information for the local SBA office.

This webinar recording explores the following questions:

• How will the current economic crisis impact Black businesses?
• What will this mean for economic development in Black communities?

The Business Investment Grant (BIG) is a discretionary incentive program that provides cash grants to new and existing businesses that will provide economic benefits to the City of Raleigh, are competitive with other locations, and need the grant to carry out the project in the City. Grants are based on new job creation and new ad valorem taxable investments made by companies.

Sellers:  Register your business, goods, and services to be searched by buyers across the state.

Buyers:  Search a repository of small, local, and diverse businesses across North Carolina to find the goods and services you need.

Caldwell County School System expands its reach to families by providing internet connection through yellow school buses doubling as hotspots in a Google-supported initiative to assist students in virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently, the hotspots will be located on Caldwell County Schools' campuses as well as the Granite Falls Recreation Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Sawmills Town Hall and in downtown Lenoir near the JE Broyhill Park. At each hotspot, the internet connection is ccs_buswifi and the password is ccsbuswifi. The Wi-Fi signal will extend around 400 feet, creating a mesh network so students can gain internet access without boarding the bus.

A website that is keeping track of companies that are hiring and laying off

Carolina Community Impact's Community Loan Center provides access to credit building and asset building techniques and services through financial education and small-dollar employment-based individual consumer loans. During the COVID-19 crisis, the Community Loan Center is also offering business loans.

Eligibility:

• For individuals, must be employee of participating employer

The Carolinas Alliance COVID-19 Match Site matches the needs of the Carolinas’ healthcare providers, businesses, and government organizations with manufacturers, vendors, suppliers and talent who can help deliver crucial supplies and Personal Protection Equipment.

Our mission is to provide businesses the products and technology solutions needed to face the challenges of tomorrow so America’s growing organizations can create safe, productive work environments.

"In order to help offset the financial commitment associated with growing your business, the City of Charlotte offers two incentive programs: Business Investment Grant and Opportunity Hiring Grant. Companies may also be eligible for incentive programs offered by Mecklenburg County, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, and the North Carolina Community Colleges System. Our team can help you understand this process and introduce you to these agencies."

Financial Assistance for Small Businesses is available through a small business loan fund if your for-profit business is located in the Winston-Salem Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) Map (PDF).

Eligibility:

• Small businesses located in the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) (PDF).
• The business' net worth cannot exceed $6 million and net profit after taxes must average less than $2 million during the previous two years.
• You must be willing to contract for free management and technical assistance if determined to be necessary by the loan committee.
• You must be a citizen or legal resident to apply.

Thank you to the Development Finance Initiative from UNC School of Government for lending us their research on local RLF programs. Special thanks to Graduate Fellow Ethan Sleeman. 

The COVID-19 Response Funds for Clemmons-Lewisville and Yadkin County were established to provide flexible and emergency response resources for nonprofit organizations serving residents impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The funds will work to complement rather than duplicate the distribution of any State and Federal resources.

These initial grants will provide funding for agencies who are providing direct emergency relief for individuals and families experiencing crisis with one-time grants. The grants can be used to assist hardships resulting from circumstances such as unpaid leave due to stay-at-home directives, care of a vulnerable or infected relative, or loss of wages due to involuntary cancellation of work. This list is not exhaustive. Nonprofit partners will work directly with affected households to receive assistance.

Maximum Grant Award: $2,500

"In the face of the Coronavirus Disease pandemic (COVID-19), the country is seeing innovations in communities that demonstrate the best of American ingenuity. We highlight these stories to show how many people are helping those around them, and prompt everyone to think about how they can help others."

As COVID-19 has spread globally, people are turning to governments, healthcare organizations, and other businesses with questions about their health and wellness, finances, and more. This sudden, unprecedented demand is putting strain on customer support resources, and many organizations are telling us that they’re struggling to respond to customers effectively during this critical time.

If your organization is facing these challenges, you can respond to your customers’ questions related to COVID-19 and your business with Contact Center AI, which can provide a first line of response through 24/7 conversational self-service support via chat or over the phone.

The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department have started delivering a second round of Economic Impact Payments as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 to millions of Americans who received the first round of payments earlier this year.

The Coronavirus Tech Handbook is a crowdsourced library of tools, services and resources relating to COVID-19 response. It is a rapidly evolving resource with thousands of expert contributors.

The mission of CNCS is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement
through service and volunteering. Through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Volunteer
Generation Fund, CNCS has helped to engage millions of citizens in meeting community and
national challenges through service and volunteer action.
AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations (See Section C.1 Eligible Applicants)
proposing to engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed
interventions/practices to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is an individual who
engages in community service through an approved national service position. Members may
receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving. Upon successful completion of their
service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award from the National Service Trust
that members can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

Eligible Applicants
The following non-federal entities (all of which are defined in 2 CFR 200.1) are eligible to
apply:
• Indian Tribes
• Institutions of higher education
• Local governments
• Nonprofit organizations
• States

Online safety training program for North Carolina restaurants and businesses. Once completed, businesses can display the certificate to show customers they are educated and following social distancing and health guidelines.

RESOURCE OVERVIEW

Counties are on the front lines of protecting communities in the U.S. from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the health consequences, stay-at-home orders and business closures have deepened the economic harms of COVID-19, county leaders across the nation are taking important and innovative steps to protect citizens from the worst economic consequences of the current crisis.

This resource, compiled by the National Association of Counties and the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program, is designed to provide county leaders with options for safeguarding residents’ financial security and economic mobility during COVID-19. It provides possible actions by counties, a summary of that option, and examples of other counties executing the program or proposals for the policy.

Housing insecurity and unaffordability has been a risk factor for poorer health outcomes and overall lack of economic mobility, particularly in the face of a global pandemic. Despite the unfolding crisis, lack of additional federal aid means that 30-40 million renters across the country are at risk of eviction in the coming months. County leaders are looking ahead at expiring eviction moratoria and other supports and exploring ways to support their residents struggling to afford housing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us to learn more about the status of eviction moratoria, possible actions counties can take to address housing insecurity during the pandemic, projections for evictions in 2021 and other concerns that are top of mind for counties.

Counties invest heavily in local residents' health and well-being and have been on the front lines of our nation’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Counties support over 900 hospitals, 824 long-term care facilities and 1,943 local health departments- entities that will play an integral role in the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine. This toolkit is aimed at providing counties the information and resources needed to begin planning for an equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine at the local level.

The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) temporary halt of evictions protects up to 45 million households from being evicted through December 31, 2020, because of a lack of income. However, this merely delays repayment of rent, and it is unclear how many households will owe rental arrears or how much they will owe. It is imperative that states and localities implement programs and policies that address this unmet need in order to prevent a potential wave of evictions at the end of the year. These evictions would likely exacerbate existing disparities: Research from before the pandemic exposed that women of color living in poverty face the highest risk of eviction, and research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia found that renters, householders of color, and single women are the most vulnerable to experiencing income deficits following COVID-related job losses.

Join the Federal Reserve Banks of Philadelphia and Cleveland and housing policy experts from across the country to discuss how states and localities can support vulnerable renters and address the root causes of the looming eviction crisis. This webinar will feature a federal housing policy update, research presentations that measure evictions during the COVID-19 crisis and estimate the amount of arrears owed by renters, and a panel discussion that explores state and local eviction prevention strategies.

"The coronavirus and economic crises have created an urgent, unprecedented opportunity for CEOs and corporate leaders to put purpose-driven leadership and stakeholder capitalism into practice. Companies face extraordinary operational and financial challenges, and with every industry and business tested in unique ways, the course of action may be different for each. Many companies have already stepped up to support their workers, customers, and local communities.

We’ve created this Tracker – starting with America’s 100 largest public employers – to help assess what’s happening on the ground. In addition, our COVID-19 platform includes:

• Interviews, issue analysis, and our daily policy blog to elevate best practices.
• Ongoing insights into the latest findings from our Tracker.
• Bi-weekly polling insights to share what the public wants from corporate America today.
• Five just principles to help guide corporate leaders through the coronavirus crisis.
• JUST Report newsletter, featuring a weekly roundup of “must read” content."

There is potential for crises such as COVID-19 to exacerbate existing racial and economic disparities in our city. While anyone can contract the virus, its impact will be most deeply felt in Latinx, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and low wealth communities. The decisions made by the City during this crisis will have impacts both now and long after it ends. To facilitate consideration of racial equity, this tool should be used to examine how Latinx and BIPOC communities will be affected, both short-term and long-term, by a proposed action or decision of the City during the COVID-19 crises.

The NLC Covid Action Tracker is the most complete collection of municipal responses to COVID-19.
The information below was collected through active research and direct submissions from local leaders.

As the country responds to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the task before tribal nations is complicated by many unknowns. The Harvard Project and Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health recognize the challenges you're up against and we want to help. We are monitoring tribal governments' response to the crisis. Across Indian Country, we are witnessing tribal leaders and national Native organizations taking action to protect and position Native nations to see a better tomorrow. These examples and many more make up the contents of this COVID-19 Resources for Indian Country toolbox. We've pulled together resources that demonstrate ways to build governance capacity, illustrate best practices by tribes, provide trusted information about the virus itself, and supply tribal health ordinances intended to meet your immediate needs. Native nation building begins with strong governance, and we hope the examples in this toolbox spark ideas for action that strengthens your community.

The North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center’s (PBRC) COVID-19 Small Business/Nonprofit Initiative (the Initiative) will offer pro bono legal consultations to small businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 25 employees. These consultations will help small businesses and nonprofits with COVID-19 legal issues, such as the CARES Act relief. Qualifying small businesses and nonprofits will be offered free 45-minute consultations with pro bono attorneys who will answer broader legal questions on circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The mission of the Initiative is to help organizations in North Carolina determine the best path forward in these particularly challenging times.

Crunchbase is the leading platform for professionals to discover innovative companies, connect with the people behind them, and pursue new opportunities. Over 55 million professionals—including entrepreneurs, investors, market researchers, and salespeople—trust Crunchbase to inform their business decisions. And companies all over the world rely on us to power their applications, making over a billion calls to our API each year.

In response to the need for support, the Davie County COVID-19 Response Fund was established by a partnership between the Davie Community Foundation and the Mebane Charitable Foundation to help combat the immediate needs created by the coronavirus and support our non-profit organizations who find themselves on the front lines.

"As the outbreak of COVID-19 presents growing and unprecedented challenges for organizers nationwide, PDF’s De Colores Rapid Response Fund, designed for strategic intervention in movement moments like this, offers grants of $500 to $1,000 to grassroots organizations working to make positive community interventions through strategic, organizing-focused approaches, especially in marginalized communities of color and working-class communities.

De Colores Fund will respond to the cultural, social and economic challenges posed by COVID – 19. The fund is not designed to support budget shortfalls or direct services; they are small, strategic moment grants aimed at building community resilience."

Criteria for grants from the fund include:

• Organizing in U.S. grassroots communities, with a focus on communities of color, poor and working class;
• Opportunities for strategic intervention (i.e. Ferguson and Baltimore moments);
• Opportunities to impact new and strategic shifts (i.e. Occupy); and
• Opportunities to amplify the effects of in-the-moment issues (i.e. Hurricane Maria or #MeToo). The event or situation you are responding to was unanticipated and requires urgent action that is well thought out with clear goals and desired outcomes.

The Digital Inclusion Start-Up Manual is intended to provide guidance to individuals looking to increase access and use of technology in disadvantaged communities through digital literacy training, affordable home broadband, affordable devices and tech support. These efforts might take place within a community-based organization, a library, a housing authority, a local government or other community locations.

There are many small business credit cards available on the market all with varying interest rates, fees, sign-up bonuses, and rewards programs. But, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer for all small businesses.

The credit card that’s right for your business will depend on several factors, including your credit score, your business’s needs, and your financial priorities. For example, a credit card that earns you airline miles may not be the best choice if you or your employees don’t need to travel for work.

Another consideration, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, is what kind of offers and assistance credit card companies are providing to their business card holders. All of the companies on our lists have resources in place to help small businesses, including deferred or lowered monthly payments, loan application assistance, late fee waivers, and more. Many companies have also modified terms for travel rewards and other perks which may be affected by pandemic restrictions. When researching cards, you may want to consider what kind of assistance and benefits you will be eligible for, depending on the provider.

We designed this guide to empower you to make an informed decision when selecting a credit card, including a comparison table of popular cards, a brief overview of eight popular providers, and a step-by-step guide on how to get a small business credit card.

Whether your small business is well-established, just starting out, or somewhere in between, having a dedicated website is a must.

Why is this such a necessity? Consider these statistics:

• Internet users spend an average of 6 hours and 42 minutes online every day.
• Nearly two-thirds of small businesses have websites.
• 81% of shoppers do online research before patronizing a business and 97% of consumers find local businesses and services through an online search.
• Within 24 hours, 88% of consumers who search for a business online patronize that business.
• Mobile e-commerce revenue accounted for 50% of all e-commerce revenue in 2018.

Essentially, consumers spend tons of time online, and much of their activity revolves around researching companies where they can spend their money. If you don’t have a website, your competitors do, which means that they are the ones your potential customers will find and support.

While creating a Facebook business page or Etsy store for your company may seem like a quick, low-cost solution to creating an online presence, these platforms don’t give you much control over your content and design, and are limited in their ability to reach an audience.

A website specifically designed for your small business, with its own domain name and email address, will help establish your credibility and raise your brand profile. While there are costs associated with building and hosting a small business website, the return on investment of a well-designed, informative website can be substantial.

Moving your small business from the brick-and-mortar space to the virtual realm may seem intimidating, but in reality, creating a website has never been easier. Our step-by-step guide will walk you through all the key points of creating the perfect website for your small business.

HOW WE CHOSE THE BEST BUSINESS LOANS

The business loan companies examined offer loans for small and large companies. These loans are available in varying sizes and with terms to suit the needs of individual business owners. We evaluated these companies on the most important aspects of business funding — loan amount, repayment terms, time to fund, minimum annual revenue, and fees..

LOAN AMOUNT

Each business has unique funding needs, based on factors like size and plans for growth. A business may need a smaller loan to maintain operations or a larger loan for an expansion. Loan amounts of the reviewed business loans range from 25 dollars up to five million.

REPAYMENT TERMS

It’s important to consider loan terms when choosing a business lender to make sure the terms are achievable for your business. The payment terms of a loan include the length of the loan term, the interest rate assigned to the loan and the amount of each payment.

TIME TO FUND

The time it takes to receive the funds from a business loan can make the difference between keeping your company in operation and having to shut down while waiting on money to get materials. Funding may be available within minutes or take as long as several days.

MINIMUM ANNUAL REVENUE

The minimum annual revenue required to get a loan from a given company lets business owners know up front which lenders are most likely to offer funding. Minimum annual revenues required may be as high as $350,000 from some lenders.

FEES

The fees charged by lenders are added on top of the interest rates charged and are typically taken when the loan originates. Some of these lenders don’t charge an additional fee while others charge a flat rate or a percentage of the amount borrowed.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, DDI has put together a running list of resources for downtown businesses and residents in need, as well as a status report on what we and local government entities are doing to assist. The situation is very fluid, so this page will be updated often as new information becomes available.

If you're a business owner who would like to discuss available assistance in more detail, please contact President/CEO Nicole Thompson at nicole@downtowndurham.com.

A list of local restaurants in the downtown Raleigh area. The list breaks down the type of service that reach restaurant can offer by "Takeout Available", "Curbside Pickup", "Delivery", and "Gift Cards."

Every day the impact of COVID-19 on the Durham arts community escalates. Canceled performances, classes, residencies, loss of ticket sales, loss of contract income, loss of hourly employment, loss of venue income are blows that will not be recovered from in a few weeks. The Durham Arts Council is working with our private and public partners to provide immediate resources and long-term strategies to respond to the impact of COVID-19.

Please fill out the following form so that we can pair you with a team of student volunteers from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. Our volunteers commit to at least three, 1-hour consulting sessions before April 30th to work on whatever your most concerning issues are in these trying times. Let us know how we can help!

For questions, contact travis.nicks@duke.edu with the subject line: "Durham Small Business Volunteer Support"

Eligibility:

Must be a Small Business in Durham

On March 11, 2021, President Biden passed the American Rescue plan consisting of multiple programs to help economic development in a post-pandemic America. This source is a list of multiple programs businesses and communities are eligible for.

"EDA’s Coal Communities Commitment allocates $300 million of its $3 billion American Rescue Plan appropriation to support coal communities as they recover from the pandemic and to help them create new jobs and opportunities, including through the creation or expansion of a new industry sector. This announcement builds on the “Initial Report to the President on Empowering Workers Through Revitalizing Energy Communities” developed by President Biden’s Interagency Working Group."

Another program under the American Rescue Plan, the Economic Adjustment Assistance program provides funds to a wide range of projects.

"A wide range of technical, planning, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and public works and infrastructure projects are eligible for funding under this program,"

Part of the American Rescue Plan, the Good Jobs Challenge works to connect employers with potential employees as well as assist with skill development and program design. The program builds meaningful job skills to develop employer's potential labor pool.

EDA will fund proposals within the following three phases, as applicable to regional needs:

1. System Development
   Help establish and develop a regional workforce training system comprised of multiple sector partnerships
2. Program Design
   Develop the skills training curriculum and materials, and secure technical expertise needed to train workers
3. Program Implementation
   Implement non-construction projects needed to provide workforce training and connect workers with quality jobs, including wrap-around services

"Through the Indigenous Communities program, EDA is allocating $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding specifically for Indigenous communities, which were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic."

Available to: Indigenous communities or non-profits that work with said communities

This program is a part of the American Rescue Plan and provides grants for state planning and research and networks.

This program is a part of the American Rescue Plan and focuses on providing the following grants:

• State Tourism Grants: $510 million in non-competitive awards to help states quickly invest in marketing, infrastructure, workforce and other projects to rejuvenate safe leisure, business and international travel.
• Competitive Grants: $240 million to help communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors to invest in infrastructure, workforce or other projects to support the recovery of the industry and economic resilience of the community in the future.

"EDPNC Small Business Advisors is a free service for anyone seeking to start a small business in North Carolina.

Working in partnership with the N.C. Department of Commerce, we offer one-on-one phone consultations to people interested in starting a business, small business owners in need of general support, and entrepreneurs interested in moving to North Carolina. We’re here to answer your questions, and help you navigate topics like regulatory requirements, licensing stipulations, small-business training and more."

Established in the 1980s to assist businesses and property owners in Raleigh’s Downtown and older commercial districts, the Facade Grant Program has helped more than 100 businesses put a new “face” on the way they market their goods and services. Providing up to $10,000 in grant rebates for each project, this program makes it possible for businesses of any size to refurbish the exterior of existing buildings; restoring them to their former glory or reinventing them for exciting new directions.

How does the Facade Grant Program work?
Businesses located in the Economic Development Priority Areas of Raleigh may use funds for specified exterior building improvements including lighting, signage or awnings, murals, and art. Businesses must adhere to certain design guidelines and have all the necessary approvals to be eligible.

What types of improvements qualify for funding?
Facade Grant funds are available for the following improvements:

Routine maintenance is NOT eligible for funding by the Facade Grant program.

One-page guide to avoid grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing.

The spread of COVID-19 is having an impact on communities nationwide, particularly low- to moderate-income and underserved households. To best respond to this crisis, information is needed about the scope and scale of the pandemic’s challenges. Throughout 2020, all 12 Reserve Banks and the Fed Board of Governors are surveying representatives of nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, government agencies, and other community organizations to understand the effects of COVID-19 on low- to moderate-income communities and the entities serving them. The results of each survey will be released as a downloadable report.

List of Fintech Companies participating in PPP loans.

Revolving Loan Fund for Town of Fuquay-Varina.

The FVEDC is dedicated to assisting potential business operators and keeping existing business owners informed on cost-effective ways to operate their business within the Town. The FVEDC’s Board of Directors is composed of business development professionals that work to continuously develop means that will provide assistance to qualified companies that want to relocate or expand within Fuquay-Varina.

The FVEDC has a commitment to helping businesses identify financial resources to assist with capital building construction/renovations costs to purchasing equipment needed to operate your business. The FVEDC-RLF provides assistance for businesses looking to borrow funds at a low-interest rate for operating capital, machinery/equipment and new building construction/renovation. The minimum loan amount is $5,000; the maximum loan amount is $75,000.

Projects are selected on a case-by-case basis and will be evaluated on the projects potential amount of capital investment and job creation. The FVEDC Board of Directors are responsible for recommending a project for funding while also evaluating the borrower’s ability to repay loan financing.

Thank you to the Development Finance Initiative from UNC School of Government for lending us their research on local RLF programs. Special thanks to Graduate Fellow Ethan Sleeman. 

Under this NOFO, EDA solicits applications from applicants in rural and urban areas to provide investments that support construction, non-construction, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects under EDA’s Public Works and EAA programs. Grants and cooperative agreements made under these programs are designed to leverage existing regional assets and support the implementation of economic development strategies that advance new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities. EDA provides strategic investments on a competitive- merit-basis to support economic development, foster job creation, and attract private investment in economically distressed areas of the United States. If you are interested in applying for a project of national impact/scope under the CARES Act; please inquire at RNTA@eda.gov.

GoFundMe, in collaboration with Yelp and Intuit, is offering matching $500 grants to small businesses that raise at least $500 on GoFundMe.

Google is offering curated information about personal and small business resources in the COVID-19 crisis.

Grants.gov is the source to find and apply for federal grants. Grants.gov is a central storehouse for information on over 1,000 grant programs and provides access to approximately $500 billion in annual awards. It does not provide personal financial assistance.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Treasury have begun releasing the information that will guide the programs created through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Tips to avoid online COVID-19 related scams.

"

Haywood Recovery Fund Small Business Loans aim to provide a rapid source of assistance for Haywood County-based businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.  This fund is a collaborative effort between Haywood County, local municipalities, Haywood Advancement Foundation, Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, HCC Small Business Center, Mountain BizWorks, and other community organizations. Mountain BizWorks is the administrator of the emergency loans program, with details below. For additional details on the overall Haywood Recovery Fund including how you can contribute to this shared community response, visit haywoodchamber.com.

This is not a grant program

Haywood Recovery Fund small business loans are designed to be flexible and rapid sources of low-interest loan capital to help local Haywood County businesses and nonprofits meet pressing needs and navigate the COVID-19 crisis. Repayment is expected either from more permanent funding sources (like SBA Disaster Loans) or from the future cash flow of the business.

Loan details

Loans are available for up to $10,000, based on the business’s pre-COVID-19 revenue. Loan agreements are structured as follows:

• Six months of no payments required at 4% (interest accruing), followed by 36 months of principal and interest payments at 5.5% interest.
• There are no prepayment penalties.
• Defaulted loans are subject to collections.

Who is eligible?

• For-profit businesses
• Have a physical location and be principally based in Haywood County (see our COVID loans page for options for those not in the county)
• Have between 1 (who could be the self­-employed owner) and 25 employees
• Have been in business for at least 12 months
• Demonstrated loss of revenue of 25% or more due to COVID-19

Requirements

• Any individual with greater than 20% ownership in the applying business must personally guarantee the loan.
• Proceeds from the loan may only be used for maintaining or restarting a business. Eligible uses include payroll, accounts payable, fixed debts, or other bills the business is unable to pay due to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis.
• Agree to provide impact data
• Borrowers are required to assign the proceeds of future SBA EIDL loans or other federal assistance programs to the repayment of their Haywood Recovery Fund Loan. (PPP funds and the EIDL advance portion are excluded from this)

Logistics & timeline

• Haywood Recovery Fund was launched and applications opened on Thursday, April 9.
• Applications will be accepted through May 9 or as long as funds are available.
• Businesses interested in applying should be prepared to complete an online application (linked below) and provide tax returns, profit and loss statements, and bank statements.
• The partners in this program are committed to moving as fast as possible to assist businesses. We are aiming to fund the bulk of initial loans on or before Friday April 24 and then to fund additional on requests on a weekly basis as long as funds are available.
• Loans are subject to the availability of funds. The partners know that the need is greater than the current fund size. We’re working to expand the available pool so that we can assist as many in our community as possible."

In response to the Coronavirus crisis, Honeycomb Credit is offering community funded low-interest loans to small businesses. Honeycomb is offering loans between $10,000 and $50,000 with a 45-day payment-free period, a 3.75% interest rate over an initial 6-month interest-only payment period, and reduced fees.

Notes: ​​

• Small businesses anywhere in the United States can apply, with the exception of South Dakota and Alabama.

• Businesses must complete an application, which must pass Honeycomb's due diligence process, to take part in either relief loan option

• This offer expires 12/31/2020. After that date, contact using the form below this page to see if you qualify for another loan program.

For individuals, families, and businesses financially affected by the Coronavirus crisis, Operation HOPE offers free remote financial coaching in the following areas: small business support, accessing federal assistance programs, debt and mortgage deferment, foreclosure prevention, money management and budget planning, credit counseling, and basic needs referrals.

This session breaks down how you can use the features of Google Meet to host secure town halls and meetings from home.

What is crowdfunding?
The concept is simple: Offer an idea that people would love to support with small-dollar contributions. If you get lots of people to buy in, you raise lots of dollars. Thanks to the internet, if you have the right kind of product or exciting project, you can launch your campaign via a crowdfunding platform. With some intelligent promotion, you have the ability to get your idea in front of hundreds, even thousands of potential backers.

IFundWomen is widely recognized as the crowdfunding industry leader for female founders and creators. The reason why IFundWomen is fundamentally different from other platforms is because of our proprietary coaching program, The IFundWomen Method, which, when utilized, drives a 27x higher raise than the crowdfunding industry average.

Designed with early-stage entrepreneurs in mind, this FREE e-course will teach you how to use the IFundWomen Method to hone your pitch, map your network, strategically estimate your fundraising goal, market to your target audience, and design rewards that sell.

Families can achieve a more secure retirement by working longer. Spending more years in the workforce provides additional time to save for retirement, allows workers to boost their Social Security checks through delayed claiming, and fosters social and intellectual stimulation that some lose after retirement. In order to work longer, however, older workers must have access to good employment opportunities, either by keeping their existing jobs or by moving to a new job—a task that has becoming increasingly difficult in the wake of the pandemic and attendant labor market downturn.

In this webinar, leading labor experts discuss challenges to work at older ages—including discrimination, access to training, and locating a suitable job—while also proposing promising policy reforms. The webinar is divided into two panels. The first panel, moderated by Brookings Senior Fellow Martin Baily, features former Acting Labor Secretary Seth Harris and University of California, Irvine Economics Professor David Neumark. The second panel, moderated by Kellogg School of Management Professor Ben Harris, features Upjohn Institute Research Director Susan Houseman and Harvard University Research Associate Beth Truesdale.

CB Insights CPG expert, Jake Matthews, provides an update on emerging startups across categories ranging from food and beverage to gaming to household essentials in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jake walks you through the findings in CB's recently-released State of Consumer Report and demonstrates how he uses the CB Insights Emerging Tech Insights Platform to uncover consumer trends and track funding activity in real time.

Download the slides and recording to learn about about:

• How the COVID-19 crisis has impacted investment in consumer startups
• Why funding to food and beverage startups reached over $1.3B in Q1’20
• Which gaming and e-sports trends are gaining momentum

Join this conversation to learn about how we can work with local leaders to save our small businesses in a way that reaches our demographic diversity of business owners.

The Jackson County Revolving Loan fund was established to assist qualified small businesses with gaps in financing.

VISIT RESOURCE

The Centers for Civic Impact invites you to a virtual conversation targeted toward local government policymakers about COVID-19 and local governments with Dr. Josh Sharfstein, Vice Dean for Public Health Practice and Community Engagement for the Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Dr. Sharfstein will discuss key issues for cities in dealing with the crisis, including how to use decision-making metrics. The discussion will include time for questions.

Date: July 13, 2020
Time: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. EDT
Format: Webinar with facilitated discussion lasting no longer than 60 minutes

Update: Webinar recording is now available online. If you are interested, please click on Visit Resource below. Once you get to the resource page, please click on "Try it for free" and follow the instruction to access the recording.

Led by CB Insights Retail Expert, Laura Kennedy

With Covid-19 an ongoing threat, the retail sector is deploying new technologies to protect consumers and to improve operations.

Join CB Insights’ retail expert, Laura Kennedy, on July 28th at 2pm EDT for this free webinar to learn more.  

Laura will walk you through the technologies and trends that are poised to make consumers safer, improve operational efficiencies and create growth opportunities for CPG brands and retailers. She will also demonstrate how she uses the CB Insights Technology Insights Platform to uncover retail trends and track funding activity in real time.

During the webinar you’ll learn information about:

• Contactless payment options
• Demand optimization forecasting
• Robotic fulfillment centers
• Low-touch shelf management and monitoring

Chapel Hill, N.C. (July 6, 2020) A panel of experts from the North Carolina CEO Forum, convened by UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and its affiliated Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, offered a press briefing via webinar to introduce a new framework aggregating real-time, non-standard economic and public health data to guide critical policy decisions on economic openness.

This session will highlight three investors, all from different firms with different areas of focus. The panel provides insights into how these investors are approaching and working with their companies during this time, as well as their advice to others on how to think about your own investors and those relationships.

As we begin to reopen the economy, we start a series called Jumpstarting NC. Each week we’ll be talking with those responsible for jumpstarting critical parts of North Carolina.

Join us for this episode (Jumpstarting Tourism) with guests Bill Cecil (President and CEO of Biltmore Estate), Duarte Morais (Associate Professor of Equitable and Sustainable Tourism at NC State University), Wit Tuttell (Executive Director of Visit NC) and Jeff Eidson (Explore Elkin).

"Wanted to share a webinar (attached)  that Self-Help is hosting on the Paycheck Protection Program.

What? Why more on PPP??

Great question- this webinar provides a lot of info around how to apply, what to think about when considering PPP vs unemployment, etc. This would be a great webinar resource for sole proprietors in particular (though you don’t have to be a sole proprietor to register). We’ll also discuss all the required documents and how to fill things out. And there’s time for Q&A."

Recording is available for this webinar.

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated more attention for telemedicine. As more people access health care through their phones and computers, the John Locke Foundation and Brookings Institution have prepared a new telemedicine report.

"This Friday, June 26, 2020 at 12:00 pm EDT, please join an Access Live event for Hispanic-owned small businesses across America. Entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations, faith based organizations or anyone in need of financial assistance may join this call and learn what opportunities exist to recover from the COVID-19 global pandemic. Join the SBA and many other experts this Friday to learn how we can overcome these challenging times."

Update: Event ended. Audio recording is available online. If you are interested, please click on "Visit Recourse" below.

Kabbage Payments is offering a free gift certificate platform for small businesses.

The Kerr-Tar Council of Governments offers two types of loans to assist existing and new businesses secure financing that they are unable to secure through traditional channels. The Kerr-Tar CoG offers two loans: the Revolving Loan Fund, up to $200,000 to expand an existing business, and the Micro-Enterprise Loan, up to $25,000 to start or expand an existing business.

Eligibility:

• Small business located in one of the Kerr-Tar counties or towns
• Must not be able to secure traditional financing
• Collateral guarantee
• Possess a written business plan

"Kiva is a 0% interest loan provider who used social underwriting to qualify people who may not more be able to qualify for a loan.
Loan amounts are up to 15k."

Eligibility Requirements:

"Do I qualify for a Kiva loan?
Unlike traditional bank loans, Kiva loans don’t require a minimum credit score, years of cash flow documents or collateral. But you do need to meet the following minimum criteria in order to be considered:

You and your business must be based in the United States.
You must be over 18 years old.
You must be using the loan for business purposes.
Your business must not be engaged in any of the following activities: multi-level marketing / direct sales; illegal activities (e.g. gambling, scams); or pure financial investing (e.g. stocks)
You cannot currently be in foreclosure, bankruptcy, or under any liens.
You must be willing to demonstrate your social capital by having a small number of your friends and family make a loan to you."

Lender Match is a free online tool that connects small businesses with SBA-approved CDFIs and small lenders. Do not use if looking for Disaster loans.

Process:

1. Describe your needs. Answer a few questions about your business in as little as five minutes.
2. Get matched in 2 days. Receive an email with contact information of lenders who express interest in your loan.
3. Talk to lenders. Compare rates, terms, fees, and more.
4. Apply for a loan. Submit loan applications and paperwork. You're well on your way to securing a business loan!

The COVID-19 public health crisis is giving rise to an unprecedented economic crisis. Economic activity across the nation has slowed considerably, and many small businesses—which were operating successfully only one month ago—are now struggling to survive. As their bills pile up but no revenue comes in, some businesses will run out of cash and be forced to shut down permanently. Business closures on a vast scale would likely inhibit a recovery for years after the current crisis subsides.... (Read More)

"The Local Housing Solutions team has put together a running list of homelessness outreach efforts, eviction moratoriums, and other housing-related advice that localities across the country have utilized to keep their communities safe during the novel coronavirus pandemic"

Local List NC has created a site to post information about your business operations during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Lowcountry Local First has created a site providing action items for local small businesses as well as local resources, publications, and a list of the advocacy platform they support for Covid-19.

Our Rural Commitment.
900 Grants. $18 million.

As part of our continuing commitment to elevate our impact in rural America, LISC is inviting small business owners in rural locations across the country to apply for the LISC-Lowe's Rural Relief Small Business Grants program.

The next grant application period will open on Tuesday, December 29th, 2020.

Who is eligible?

Only small businesses located in rural communities are eligible at this time. Rural communities are defined as having a population of 50,000 or less. A community is defined as the city/town/village where your business address is located. If the business is mobile (a food truck, fishing boat, ride share driver, etc) please use the address where your vehicle is stored during non-business hours.

All potential applicants are encouraged to review our FAQ and grant information before applying.

Non-profit organizations are ineligible for the relief funding program at this time, but may be eligible for later rounds of funding.

How it works

Applications are being accepted in “rounds”. You must submit a new application for each round in order to be considered for funding in that round. Below are the dates of upcoming rounds:

• December 29, 2020 - January 5, 2021
• January 26 - February 2, 2021

We will support small businesses and enterprises affected by Covid-19 across the country, especially those in underserved communities, including entrepreneurs of color, women- and veteran-owned businesses that often lack access to flexible, affordable capital.

Applications will be reviewed based on criteria designed to prioritize particularly challenged businesses, and the final grantees will be randomly selected from the top scoring applicants.

Mainvest is a platform where small businesses can launch a capital raise campaign for up to $100,000 from their community. Businesses who launch a campaign may also be eligible for an immediate $2,000 interest-free loan.

Eligibility:

• Small business
• Brick and Mortar
• Non-service based
• Community-based business

Manufactured in North Carolina is a database of suppliers that produce goods in North Carolina.

This database of suppliers contains every kind of thing produced in NC. Whether you’re a
manufacturer who wants to localize your supply chain or a business searching for packaging
suppliers, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here.

If you are a N.C. manufacturer, please register your business with ManufacturedNC. Other
businesses may be looking for you!

Contact:
MacKenzie Babb
Kenan Institute External Affairs Director
919.632.6641
MacKenzie_Babb@kenan-flagler.unc.edu

Chapel Hill, N.C. (March 16, 2020) – A slate of experts from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and its affiliated Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise will be offering a press briefing via teleconference on the tremendous effects of COVID-19 on business, workers and the economy at large. Join Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at 11 a.m. to hear from:

Kenan Institute Executive Director Professor Greg Brown on how individuals should be managing their finances and retirement portfolios in the face of volatile financial markets and economic uncertainty.

Professor Mike Christian on the results of working while sick as well as the role of organizational and individual stress and resilience during the crisis.

Professor Jim Johnson on the ramifications of the virus on our nation’s working poor, many of whom face lost earnings due to business shutdowns as well as heightened family food insecurity from mandatory school closings.

Professor Lauren Lu on the need for businesses and public entities to start developing the infrastructure and procedures to keep operations running and employees safe.

Professor Christian Lundblad on the global economic and financial market implications of the virus.

UNC Center for the Business of Health Faculty Director Professor Brad Staats on the financial challenges hospitals face as cost-generators, such elective procedures, are canceled and already-limited capacity is reached and likely exceeded.

Each expert will provide a brief overview on the above topics, citing all applicable emerging research and data, before opening the floor for questions from the press. You’re invited to join by phone, and may contact MacKenzie Babb to submit any questions you’d like addressed ahead of time.

Update: Event ended. Audio recording and transcript are available online. If you are interested, please click on "Visit Resource."

The North Carolina Department of Revenue is providing penalty relief, including waivers of penalties to obtain a license, file a return, pay taxes when due, and regarding informational returns. Recipients must file form NC-5500 to receive a waiver.

Faculty members Norma Houston, Diane Juffras, and Jill Moore hosted two live webinars on March 18, 2020, addressing legal questions that have arisen as North Carolina's local governments prepare and respond to COVID-19.

SBA Loan application procedures

Economic development associations nationwide partnered to provide webinars to their members with information about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and to learn about solutions to mitigate the challenges related to the crisis. They include the Arizona Association for Economic Development, Kentucky Association for Economic Development, Mississippi Economic Development Council, Ohio Economic Development Association, Oregon Economic Development Association, Southern Economic Development Council, Tennessee Economic Development Association, Texas Economic Development Council, and Washington Economic Development Association.

"Participating Faculty: Kara Millonzi and Shadi Eskaf

Topics: COVID-19, Operations Maintenance, Financial Sustainability, Customer Service

Kara Millonzi and Shadi Eskaf hosted a conference call to discuss challenges related to water and wastewater utilities operational during the COVID-19 outbreak."

Chapel Hill, N.C. (March 23, 2020) – A panel of experts convened by UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and its affiliated Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise will be offering a press briefing via webinar on the dramatic short- and long-term impact of the COVID-19 financial downturn on personal and consumer finance—including effects on retirement, mortgage rates and tax policy. Join Tuesday, March 24, from 11-11:45 a.m. EDT to hear from:

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Professor Cami Kuhnen on how neuroscience and psychology can help us to better understand households’ behaviors during difficult economic times, as well as the effects of adversity on people’s economic expectations and their spending and saving decisions.

UNC Tax Center Associate Director Professor Courtney Knoll on tax considerations with regard to accessing cash, such as home equity loans and 401(k) contributions, as well as deductions for medical expenses and tax-advantaged options for investing in a down market.

Kenan Institute Executive Director Professor Greg Brown on what the current market downturn means for how employees should manage retirement age and income expectations.

And providing a private sector perspective, UIA Investment Management Senior Portfolio Manager Dan Adler on current market developments in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and securitized assets stemming from the recent market disruption.

Each expert will provide a brief overview on the above topics, citing all applicable emerging research and data, before opening the floor for questions from the press. You’re invited to join via webinar (details below), and welcome to respond directly to this email to submit any questions you’d like addressed ahead of time.

Update: Event ended. Fact Sheet is available online. If you are interested, please click on "Visit Resource."

Relief options for small business during COVID-19 crisis

Marketing tips and keeping in touch with customers during the COVID-19 crisis

"Hosts: School of Government faculty, North Carolina State Treasurer’s Office staff, North Carolina Government Finance Officers Association board members

Topics: COVID-19, legal and regulatory compliance on issues like daily deposits and cash management, reporting requirements, internal controls, operations maintenance with a remote and/or reduced workforce"

Discussing relief efforts and resources available to members.

"Participating Faculty: Trey Allen

Topics: COVID-19, open meetings, public records, board procedure, public notices, public hearings, minutes, and more."

A panel of experts convened by UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and its affiliated Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise will be offering a press briefing via webinar examining the massive implications the COVID-19 market disruption has, and will continue to have, on small business employment, including a projected 11.5 percentage point addition to the overall U.S. unemployment rate by small business layoffs. They will also examine the role relief legislation can and should play in mitigating the economic effects of the pandemic. Join Tuesday, March 31, at 11 a.m. EDT to hear from the following experts:

While acknowledging the magnitude and complexities of the current fiscal response to the COVID-19 virus, Kenan Institute Research Director and UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Professor Christian Lundblad will highlight the importance of attending to the disproportionate financial vulnerabilities faced by small businesses as a critical vector through which a large component of hourly workers are suffering.

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Professor Paige Ouimet will discuss estimates of potential layoffs at small businesses, both for the U.S. as a whole and North Carolina specifically, based on results from a survey run by the Small Business Investor Alliance. She will also cover the expected economic and non-economic implications for displaced workers.

And joining from Washington, D.C., Grant Thornton Chief Public Policy Officer Mary Moore Hamrick will provide an analysis of the ongoing effort from our nation’s capital to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. She will discuss the recent passage of, and process behind, the $2 trillion stimulus package, providing historical context and predictions on what might come next.

Each expert will provide a brief overview of his or her respective topic, citing applicable emerging research and data, before the floor is opened for questions from the press. You’re invited to join via webinar (details below), and welcome to respond directly to this email to submit any questions you’d like addressed ahead of time.

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Update: Event ended. Fact Sheet is available online. Please click "Visit Resource" if you are interested.

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 crisis has devastated the U.S. economy. But the particulars of this devastation are difficult to gauge, because unique aspects of the of the pandemic distort the data commonly used to assess such situations. In this Kenan Insight, UNC Kenan Institute takes a deep dive into the data to learn what it actually tells us about the economic impact of COVID-19, and suggest possibilities for a restart and recovery of the U.S. economy.

This briefing features Kenan Institute Executive Director Greg Brown, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Professors Elena Simintzi and Saravanen Kesavan, as well as Kenan Institute Research Director Christian Lundblad as they discuss recent economic data releases which show the nation’s largest ever declines in business activity, employment and aggregate wages.

During this session, we explore case studies that demonstrate how to pivot your business in the wake of COVID-19 with examples from Launch Chapel Hill alums that are making these changes in real time. We also explore what prompted them to pivot and the decision process they went through on figuring out their new business model. And lastly, we discuss how they managed the pivot- what do their new operations entail and what resources did they need?

Explore Current Economic Trends and the Impact to Your Business. Gus Faucher provides an economic forecast outlining the challenges and opportunities for our state and region in the ongoing COVID-19 economy.

Case studies that demonstrate how to pivot your business in the wake of COVID-19 with examples from Launch Chapel Hill alums that are making these changes in real time. The webinar explores what prompted them to pivot and the decision process they went through on figuring out their new business model. They discuss how they managed the pivot- what do their new operations entail and what resources did they need?

The hurricane that is COVID-19 is blowing through the 2020 elections. Across the board, and the aisle, election officials, election scholars, and voting rights advocates are currently working and debating how to make November a success, rather than a catastrophe. Join us for a discussion about how we can come together to both find and make real solutions to safe elections.

State of Entrepreneurship in NC and strategies for entrepreneurs during COVID-19.

During this session, we review some of the most common questions that we have received over the series and the results from our surveys on how people are feeling. We then split up into smaller groups using zoom’s breakout room feature. Participants asked questions directly to one of our experts who facilitated a small group discussion. The goal of this session is to help entrepreneurs and business leaders begin preparing both tactically and mentally for this next phase of the Big Reboot.

Discusses current state of unemployment in NC and state response.

Like governments around the world, America’s 574 federally recognized tribal nations are racing to protect their citizens from the coronavirus. Impacting tribes at a rate four times higher than for the US population, the pandemic is testing the limits of tribal public health infrastructures. Simultaneously, shuttered casinos and other business enterprises are crippling tribal economies. Coupled with an inefficient federal response, resources to provide critical governmental services are being rapidly depleted, intensifying the crisis.

To learn more about how tribal nations are taking on COVID-19, please join the Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center for an insightful conversation featuring:

• Dr. Laura Hammitt, Director of Infectious Disease Programs, Johns Hopkins University Center for American Indian Health
• Prof. Joe Kalt, Ford Foundation Professor (Emeritus) of International Political Economy & Co-Director, Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development
• Mr. Del Laverdure, Attorney. Former Acting Assistant Secretary, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary & Deputy Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, US Dept. of the Interior
• Hon. Stephen Roe Lewis, Governor, Gila River Indian Community, HKS MPA 2006
• Megan Minoka Hill, Moderator, Program Director, Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development & Director, Honoring Nations

During this session, we set up the ideal state of where business owners and entrepreneurs should be at this point in preparing to plan, given the uncertainty still present. We also define what you need in order to start planning, and how to approach this next phase.  key takeaway slides here. 

the impacts of COVID-19 on civic conversations in North Carolina.

"Contact: MacKenzie Babb
Kenan Institute External Affairs Director
919.632.6641
MacKenzie_Babb@kenan-flagler.unc.edu

Chapel Hill, N.C. (May 4, 2020) — A panel of experts convened by UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and its affiliated Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise will be offering a press briefing via webinar on the vastly uneven impact of COVID-19 on different types of workers and organizations. Join Tuesday, May 5, at 11 a.m. EDT to hear from the following experts:

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Professor Matthew Pearsall will provide an overview of the current work climate, walking through the creative ways in which companies and their employees are adapting to continue operations virtually and to maintain a sense of normalcy through the crisis.

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Professor Shimul Melwani will speak on the effects of emotional contagion, or how one worker’s pandemic-driven feelings of anxiety and frustration may spread to other colleagues, and will discuss emerging research on the impact of the crisis on employees’ work-life balance across different types of home environments.

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Doctoral Candidate Angelica Leigh will share how the lived experience of COVID-19 varies significantly by race and gender, touching on topics such as the hostility and violence faced by Asian Americans based upon the virus’s association with China. Additionally, she’ll speak to the resulting downstream consequences for engagement and belonging of diverse groups in the workplace through and beyond the pandemic.

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School Professor Alison Fragale will discuss how the crisis is affecting negotiations for individual workers, such as those with limited leverage including the newly hired and those who’ve recently been let go. She’ll also cover business negotiations, including how companies facing issues such as consumer demands for refunds may balance their limited funds with long-term goals of survival and customer loyalty.

Each speaker will provide a brief overview from his or her respective area of expertise, citing applicable emerging research and data, before the floor is opened for questions from the press. For a link to participate, email MacKenzie Babb.

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About the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
The Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise develops and promotes innovative, market-based solutions to vital economic issues. With the belief that private enterprise is the cornerstone of a prosperous and free society, the institute fosters the entrepreneurial spirit to stimulate economic prosperity and improve the lives of people in North Carolina, across the country and around the world. Learn more at kenaninstitute.unc.edu."

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Update: Event ended. Fact Sheet is available online. If you are interested, please click on "Visit Resource."

During this session, business owners and operators will hear from a panel of CEOs and founders about how to lead authentically, build strength for change resiliency, and create meaning and purpose for yourself and your organizations. We believe that you can't lead a team to where you haven't yet traveled. We will also explore self-care for yourself and your teams and why that is so important during this time.

Visit this resource to learn the application process of Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Grants.

Loans of up to $75,000 at accommodating rate and terms available to qualified small and start-up businesses in Mecklenburg County.

Thank you to the Development Finance Initiative from UNC School of Government for lending us their research on local RLF programs. Special thanks to Graduate Fellow Ethan Sleeman. 

On July 17, 2020 U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, announced that the Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a $2.2 million grant to the Piedmont Triad Regional Development Corporation to establish a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). This RLF will provide micro-loans to small businesses suffering from economic injury as a result of COVID-19 across the 12-county Piedmont Triad Region. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for a 5-year, non-forgivable, interest free loan ranging from $2,500 - $50,000. Loans below $10,000 may be eligible to qualify for a personal guarantee. Loan amounts above $10,000 will require additional collateral.

As we adjust to life with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, NADO, and NADO Research Foundation staff are working to advocate on your behalf, connect you with each other, and collect the latest information and best practices from RDOs to share across our membership.

"The National Development Council, a national leader in community and economic development training, has decided to release a training to assist small business owners who have been affected by the pandemic.

We are releasing our Cash Reigns Supreme webinar series and accompanying workbook.

Specific topics include:
•   The importance of maintaining current and accurate financial records
•   Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statements
•   The importance of CASH
•   Determining your company’s cash needs
•   Cash flow statements and cash flow forecasting
•   Accounting terminology
•   Selecting an accounting system
•   Preparing for growth"

National Institute of Minority Economic Development provides useful COVID resources and real-time update.

Geographic data related to broadband availability and adoption in addition to community surveys.

"The North Carolina Department of Commerce offers this page of resources below to help you navigate common issues you may encounter, as you help your company weather the unusual circumstances COVID-19 has brought to our state."

Interactive map of free/affordable internet service offerings in North Carolina.

The Regional Roundtable Series focused on topics identified by our region's managers as the most critical challenges as a result of COVID-19.  Details on future roundtables will be posted on this page.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7lq7Z7zrBxXz8Gv439gVcaoZfa7waYOs

Gov. Roy Cooper’s office is set to announce a $17 million program that will cover 20 counties, including Mecklenburg. The program is intended to ease financial burdens some people face when they are told to isolate or self-quarantine to prevent spreading the coronavirus.

In the Isolation Supports program, people in target counties who are directed to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19 may apply to receive one or more of five social supports to help them do so: nutrition assistance such as home-delivered meals or groceries; a relief payment to offset temporary loss of income or ability to look for work; transportation; medication delivery; and COVID-related supplies such as a mask or cleaning supplies.

NCBiotech's event and meeting grants provide support for North Carolina-based events and meetings that bring information and networking opportunities on diverse topics to the life science community statewide. The grants are provided to help N.C.’s non-profit organizations stage professional conferences, workshops or similar events across the state.

Biotechnology Event Sponsorships (BES) provide up to $3,000 for events to support life science-focused events held primarily for a North Carolina audience.  Biotechnology Meeting Grants (BMG) are restricted to national/international meetings being held in North Carolina and offer up to $10,000.

Virtual events can be eligible for support.  See the guidelines for details.

Any North Carolina-based nonprofit organization may apply.

FEMA Public Assistance funding is available for all eligible subrecipients throughout North Carolina who have incurred costs due to emergency measures and protective actions to reduce or eliminate the threat of COVID-19. Eligible subrecipients include local governments, counties, special political subdivisions and authorities, tribal entities, certain private non-profits (community centers, food programs, hospitals, assisted living facilities, shelters, utility cooperatives), K-12 schools, and institutions of higher education. An applicant must have a minimum of $3,300 of eligible costs (FFY2020) for FEMA to allow a project for cost reimbursement to be written as an emergency protective measure (or Category B work).

Video tutorials to navigate NCEM FEMA.

The National Minority Supplier Development Council Business Consortium Fund, Inc. offers loan programs and consulting services serving the needs of minority businesses.

This page offers COVID-19 resources, news, information, and assistance from across North Carolina.

Many companies are currently hiring for immediate needs related to COVID-19. In some job postings, employers note this specific need. Explore current COVID-19 Job Postings.

These Community Mobility Reports aim to provide insights into what has changed in response to policies aimed at combating COVID-19. The reports chart movement trends over time by geography, across different categories of places such as retail and recreation, groceries and pharmacies, parks, transit stations, workplaces, and residential.

Directions:

• Select country: United States
• Select state: North Carolina

Captures changes in resident attitudes towards travel in North Carolina as a result of COVID-19.

The SBTDC is committed to providing knowledge, education and other supportive resources that enable existing small and mid-sized businesses, emerging entrepreneurs and local/state leaders to innovate and succeed.  Through the experience and skill of SBTDC staff across our statewide network of 16 university-affiliated offices, we are able to reach and serve a diverse client base and quickly support their changing needs.

One Fair Wage is providing cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive.

Eligibility:

Restaurant workers, delivery workers, app-based delivery drivers and other tipped workers and service workers who have been impacted by coronavirus and the related economic crisis can apply for assistance. At the moment, we are prioritizing tipped workers, gig workers and service workers in California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. But we are currently taking applications nationally and are actively raising money to support workers in all states as soon as possible.

This tool created by the opportunity is one more great resources that you can use to find low-to-zero interest rate loans. This tool can be used to finance community businesses, including small businesses, microenterprises, nonprofit organizations, commercial real estate, and affordable housing.

"Our goal is to educate and guide minority small business owners, non-profits, independent contractors and churches through the SBA PPP loan programs available to you through the recently passed CARES Act."

The paid sick and family leave credits, which previously were available only until the end of 2020, have been extended for periods of leave taken through March 31, 2021.

The paid sick leave credit is designed to allow qualified businesses – those with fewer than 500 employees and who pay "qualified sick leave wages" – to get a credit for wages or compensation paid to an employee who is unable to work (including telework) because of coronavirus quarantine or self-quarantine or has coronavirus symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis. Eligible employers may claim credit for paid sick leave provided to an employee for up to two weeks (up to 80 hours) at the employee's regular rate of pay up to $511 per day and $5,110 in total.

Please click on "Visit Resource" for more details.

A simple calculator used to find out how much you will receive from the CARES act which provides a one time check to families in need.

In the wake of COVID-19, our local businesses burdened with carrying costs during a period of minimal opportunity to drive revenue. The profit and loss statements are diminishing the likelihood of recovery for restaurant, retail, and hospitality centric small businesses.

The Small Business Continuity Fund is an emergency fund to provide low barrier access to capital to small businesses in Greensboro.

Eligibility Requirements:

To complete the application below you will need to be ready to upload the following:

• Articles of Incorporation; If a sole proprietorship please upload an executive summary
• Last two months personal and business bank statements
• Copy of lease/Or Mortgage Documentation
• List of Monthly Expenses w/ Verified Documentation
• Payroll Summary YTD

Loans for private enterprises including small businesses, non-profits, and co-operatives located in low to moderate income areas of the 12 counties of the Piedmont Triad: Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin.

Thank you to the Development Finance Initiative from UNC School of Government for lending us their research on local RLF programs. Special thanks to Graduate Fellow Ethan Sleeman. 

To help you get out the word about North Carolina’s ongoing efforts to expand testing and contact tracing, DHHS is providing the social media resources and flyers in the link. The materials are provided in English and Spanish. Also, please note that the Check My Symptoms flyers have an additional option to add your organization’s logo and branding information.

Rally for Restaurants is a way for customers to support restaurants during this time of crisis. A restaurant’s information can be submitted to this directory to encourage others to buy gift cards or order takeout.

The Re-energize Watauga Fund aims to provide a rapid source of assistance for Watauga County-based businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. This fund is a collaborative effort between Watauga County, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Mountain BizWorks, and other community organizations. Mountain BizWorks is the administrator of the emergency loans program, with details below.

Loan details

Loans are available for up to $10,000, based on the business’s pre-COVID-19 revenue. Loan agreements are structured as follows:

• Six months of no payments required at 4% (interest accruing), followed by 36 months of principal and interest payments at 5.5% interest;
• There are no prepayment penalties; and
• Defaulted loans are subject to collections.

Who is eligible?

• For-profit businesses
• Have a physical location and be principally based in Watauga County (see our COVID loans page for options for those not in the county)
• Have between 1 (who could be the self­-employed owner) and 25 employees
• Are an existing business.
• Demonstrated loss of revenue of 25% or more due to COVID-19

Timeline

• Re-energize Watauga Fund was launched and applications opened on Wednesday, May 27th.
• Applications will be accepted as long as funds are available.

Report by CBInsights on the technologies influencing how the office could look during the reopening process and beyond. In this report, they dive into some of the technologies that will help address these concerns and influence the future of the office space, from autonomous cleaning solutions to people-counting sensors.

Executive Service Corps Wants to help your non-profit with:

• Mobilize and strengthen for better results through retreats and board development activities.
• Grow your organization with vision and insight by helping you identify your strengths and challenges.
• Plan strategically for your future.
• Develop your executive’s skills and performance.
• Communicate more effectively.
• Get a better picture of your organization’s financials.
• Merge with an organization with a mission compatible with yours.
• Connect with talented potential board members.

ResilNC is searching for community partners with deep networks and in-market knowlege of black and brown businesses in the Charlotte, Triad, and Triangle market areas. ResilNC is an initiative of Partners in Equity (PIE), a North Carolina-based private investment fund.

One community partner per market will be selected to recieve a grant in the amount of $2,500 or $5,000 to support the comprehensive, timely and accurate reporitng on their area's black and brown business landscape.

Insights from the data collection efforts will be used as a resource for North Carolina economic development to help guide partners, funders and civic organizations in their fund allocation decisions.

Contact for more information: info@ncozs.com

The NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery (NCIDR) network has developed this living document for organizations serving historically under-resourced and marginalized communities.

RWCF is working to collect information and links to resources that will help restaurants and workers deal most effectively with the COVID-19 Emergency.

"This program provides emergency assistance for eligible restaurants, bars, and other qualifying businesses impacted by COVID-19."

RWCF has established a Restaurant Workers COVID19 Crisis Relief Fund to:

• Immediately direct money to organizations leading on-the-ground efforts in the restaurant community.
• To bolster our impact investing budget to provide zero-interest loans to businesses to maintain payroll during closure or re-open once this crisis has passed.
• To establish a relief fund for individual workers facing economic hardships or health crises as a direct result of COVID-19.

"The 7(a) Loan Program, SBA’s most common loan program, includes financial help for small businesses with special requirements. This is the best option when real estate is part of a business purchase, but it can also be used for:

• Short- and long-term working capital
• Refinance current business debt
• Purchase furniture, fixtures, and supplies

The maximum loan amount for a 7(a) loan is $5 million. Key eligibility factors are based on what the business does to receive its income, its credit history, and where the business operates. Your lender will help you figure out which type of loan is best suited for your needs.

Eligibility:

• Operate for profit
• Be considered a small business, as defined by the SBA
• Be engaged in, or propose to do business in, the United States or its possessions
• Have reasonable invested equity
• Use alternative financial resources, including personal assets, before seeking financial assistance
• Be able to demonstrate a need for a loan
• Use the funds for a sound business purpose
• Not be delinquent on any existing debt obligations to the U.S. government "

"The U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program helps minority owned businesses to grow and develop their business through training workshops, counseling and management and technical guidance. They help in administering small business grants for minorities.

Certain minority groups are presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged and can qualify for this program. Individuals who do not belong to these minority groups are also eligible provided the can prove that they have been discriminated against and are economically disadvantaged.

Eligibility:

Minority as a term is not restricted to any particular race or community. Sure, it encompasses ethnic groups such as African-American, Hispanic, American Indians, etc. Also, people with cerebral palsy or other such illnesses, adult males with low income or members of the LGBT community are also eligible for minority grants.

American women from all ethnicities are considered as a minority. "

The Community Advantage loan is a pilot program that allows mission-based lenders to assist small businesses in underserved markets with a maximum loan size of $250,000. This loan is pre-existing, and was not created in response to COVID-19.

Eligibility:

• Small Business
• Have invested equity into the business
• Exhausted traditional finance options

The SBA will waive principal, interest, and fee payment of current 7(a) loans and new 7(a) loans issued up until September 27, 2020.

Eligibility: Small Businesses

The SBA is providing low-interest disaster loans to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private non-profit entities that have substantial economic injury, or unable to pay necessary operating expenses. The EIDL is meant to provide necessary working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume. Interest rate on EIDLs will not exceed 4%, and the loan term will not exceed 30 years. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, small businesses who pursue EIDLs are also eligible for immediate, advance grants up to $10,000.

Eligibility:

• Small business
• Small Agricultural Cooperative
• Private Non-profit

Your business plan is the foundation of your business. Learn how to write a business plan quickly and efficiently with a business plan template.

The Microloan program allows small businesses to receive loans through nonprofit lending organizations to underserved markets. Authorized use of loan proceeds includes working capital, supplies, machinery & equipment, and fixtures (does not include real estate). This loan is pre-existing, and was not created in response to COVID-19.

Eligibility

Each intermediary lender has its own lending and credit requirements. Generally, intermediaries require some type of collateral as well as the personal guarantee of the business owner.

"The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness.

First Draw PPP Loans

If you have not received a PPP loan before, First Draw PPP Loans are available to you. You can apply for a First Draw PPP Loan until March 31, 2021.

Who may qualify

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.

Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.

Eligible entities include:

• Live venue operators or promoters
• Theatrical producers
• Live performing arts organization operators
• Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria
• Motion picture theater operators
• Talent representatives
• Each business entity owned by an eligible entity that also meets the eligibility requirements

Other requirements of note:

• Must have been in operation as of February 29, 2020
• Venue or promoter who received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020, will have the SVOG reduced by the PPP loan amount

SBA is building the grant program and expects to open applications in early April.

The U.S. Small Business Administration launched a new round of Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance – called Supplemental Targeted Advances – on April 22, 2021 that will provide $5 billion in additional assistance to 1 million small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have been most severely affected by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Supplemental Targeted Advance provides the smallest and hardest hit eligible businesses with a supplemental payment of $5,000 that does not have to be repaid. Even if you have previously received the original EIDL Advance in the full amount of $10,000, you may be eligible for the Supplemental Targeted Advance if you meet eligibility criteria. The combined amount of the Supplemental Targeted Advance ($5,000) with any previously received EIDL Advance or Targeted EIDL Advance ($10,000) will not exceed $15,000.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Located in a low-income community
• Can prove more than a 50% economic loss
• Has 10 or fewer employees

"The federal government provides opportunities in contracting, business development, and other programs for Native American small business owners.

The SBA’s Office of Native American Affairs facilitates full access to business growth and expansion tools for small businesses owned by Native Americans. ONAA engages in tribal consultations, produces promotional materials, and participates in national economic development conferences.

American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians can use our local assistance tool to find nearby offices and resources. There, you can get counseling on whether our 8(a) Business Development Program is right for you."

"SBA's Network for LGBT Businesses aims to bring focus on economic empowerment in the LGBT business community by providing access to the SBA's programs and services.

Business owners can use our local assistance tool to find nearby offices and resources. There, you can get counseling on whether our 8(a) Business Development Program is right for you."

"The SBA helps women entrepreneurs launch new businesses and compete in the marketplace. Connect with the training and funding opportunities specifically for women."

Here are some relief options provided by U.S. Small Business Administration. Please click "Visit Resource" if you are interested.

The SBTDC developed the Business Start-up Guide for those who are considering starting a business. The guide has seven sections with questions, worksheets and online resources to help you start the right way.

Sections include:

• Assess Yourself as a Potential Business Owner
• Determine Concept Feasibility
• Examine Critical Issues and Make Important Decisions
• Legal Considerations and Requirements
• Develop Your Business Plan
• Arrange Your Business Financing
• NC Business Resource and Information List

The North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) system is offering free technical assistance to assist small businesses. The SBTDC also offers multiple resources on their website.

This case study in NC shows how small businesses can implement outdoor dining to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Self Help is offering affordable SBA 504 loans to North Carolina based small businesses seeking to finance the purchase, construction, and renovation of owner-occupied commercial real estate and equipment. Self Help is also offering affordable loans to North Carolina and Illinois small businesses, and technical assistance and loan relief for existing members amidst the COVID-19 crisis.

Eligibility:

• Small business
• Net worth of less than $15 million

What Small Businesses are Saying About Worker Health and Safety

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, both workers and small businesses have endured unprecedented stress and challenges. In this extraordinary time, it has become increasingly clear that their interests are aligned. For small business owners, the safety and stability of their employees is essential for business survival.

"Shelby1Fund Small Business Loans aim to provide a rapid source of assistance for City of Shelby-based businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. Mountain BizWorks is the administrator for the emergency loans program, with details and a link to apply below.

This is not a grant program

Shelby1Fund small business loans are designed to be flexible and rapid sources of low-interest loan capital to help local Shelby businesses meet pressing needs and navigate the COVID-19 crisis. Repayment is expected either from more permanent funding sources (like SBA Disaster Loans) or from the future cash flow of the business.

Loan details

Loans are available for up to $10,000, based on the business’s pre-COVID-19 revenue. Loan agreements are structured as follows:

• Six months of no payments required at 4% (interest accruing), followed by 36 months of principal and interest payments at 5.5% interest.
• There are no prepayment penalties.
• Defaulted loans are subject to collections.

Who is eligible?

• For-profit small businesses
• Have a physical location and be principally based within Shelby city limits (see our COVID loans page for options for those not in the city)
• Have between 1 (who could be the self­-employed owner) and 49 employees
• Have been in business for at least 12 months
• Demonstrated loss of revenue of 25% or more due to COVID-19

Requirements

• Any individual with greater than 20% ownership in the applying business must personally guarantee the loan.
• Proceeds from the loan may only be used for maintaining or restarting a business. Eligible uses include payroll, accounts payable, fixed debts, or other bills the business is unable to pay due to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis.
• Agree to provide impact data
• Borrowers are required to assign the proceeds of future assistance programs, including SBA loans, to the repayment of their Shelby1Fund Loan.

Logistics & timeline

• Shelby1Fund was launched and applications opened on Wednesday, April 15.
• Businesses interested in applying should be prepared to complete an online application (linked below) and provide tax returns, profit and loss statements, and bank statements.
• The partners in this program are committed to moving as fast as possible to assist businesses. We are aiming to fund the bulk of initial loans on or before April 29 and then to fund additional on requests on a weekly basis as long as funds are available.
• Loans are subject to the availability of funds."

The Small Business Center Network is offering confidential, 1-on-1 small business consulting. SBCN counselors can help with loan requests, business plans, general startup questions, marketing, sales, and more. SBCN also offers educational webinars.

Small Business Centers provide local, confidential, experienced counselors as advisors for new and existing businesses. Available on an as needed basis, this local confidential service acts as a sounding board for new ideas and or concerns you may have about your business. Center staff understand the unique economic situations of North Carolina’s diverse communities and regions, and provide services customized to meet those as well as specific business needs. Experienced business counselors will help you find solutions to your challenging business questions. No question is too simple or complicated. There is no charge for this service.

Business Counseling from Experienced Business Counselors on a Variety of Topics:

• Business Plan Development
• Sources of Capital and Loan Preparation
• Management and Human Resources Guidance
• Marketing Assistance
• Biotechnology-related Business Questions
• International Trade
• Government Procurement

"Funds are available to provide business assistance for small businesses affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Small Business Rebound Program provides professional services grants for business owners to support business services provided by local area professionals — accountants, attorneys, digital marketing strategists, and human resources experts. Services from the grants are contracted and paid for by the Small Business Center."

Remote Mentoring is Available

SCORE mentors are always available to participate in remote mentoring sessions via phone, email and video.

We have also created a new way to get advice live, through our real-time mentoring platform. This method of mentoring shortens the time a client connects with a SCORE mentor from days to minutes.

SCORE is here to help your small business survive, recover and thrive.

Our Resilience Training provides educational materials and online workshops so your small business can adapt and grow successfully through any disaster.

We also offer industry-specific training to help you with challenges unique to your line of business.

There’s a lot of support out there to help your small business.

Organizations are creating loans, grants, and other support services to help small business owners adapt to the current crisis.

We created a comprehensive-yet-clear resource portal to help you find the specific information, government resources and financial support you need.

SCORE has created a comprehensive-yet-clear resource portal to help you find the specific information, government resources and financial support you need when you need it most.  So you can get back to doing what you do best—leading and positioning your business for future success.

Navigate your business through COVID-19 with assistance from Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC) Business Resiliency Counselors in one-on-one, confidential meetings.

"The Institute, the Women’s Business Center of North Carolina, the Women’s Business Center of Charlotte, and the South Atlantic Small Business Transportation Resource Center are partnering on the establishment of the Small Diverse Business Emergency Relief Fund. With the state and local shelter-in-place ordinances for citizens, many small businesses and entrepreneurs are experiencing significant economic impact.

This fund is open to minority or women-owned small businesses whose operations & revenue are affected by reduced customers, and clients.  The relief fund will provide grants for up to $1,000 for rent, utilities, and other operational expenses of small businesses that have been impacted by a decline in business due to COVID-19.  These funds are not expected to be repaid.  Businesses applying for grant funds must operate in North Carolina, be a small minority owned business, and must demonstrate the immediate needs for resources.  Funds will be administered through the Women’s Business Center of North Carolina.

We welcome individuals as well as corporate donors to sponsor the Fund.  Join us in lending a hand to so many affected by the COVID-19 pandemic."

"Efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 have created unprecedented challenges for South
Carolina nonprofits and small businesses. Based on feedback from current SCCLF borrowers,
SC nonprofits, and community partners, we created a working capital program designed to
alleviate some of the financial strain created by this uncertain time. The working capital program
is currently funded at $1MM. Demand for working capital loans is expected to deplete this capital
pool quickly, so organizations interested in applying are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

• Nonprofits and small businesses based in SC are eligible to apply
• $10,000- $75,000 loans available
• Approval subject to underwriting
• No application fee

Loan Terms:

• Interest: Prime plus 1% fixed
• Maximum three year term
• Optional six month deferment at origination
• Loans may be repaid in full at any time without penalty"

"Competitive grants are offered to assist in the development of reliable infrastructure statewide and increase capacity for economic growth. Financial assistance is made available through two programs, Basic and Economic Infrastructure, during two competitive funding rounds annually. Applications are reviewed on a comparative basis with consideration of the relative need, feasibility and impact of each project. Funding decisions are made by the RIA’s Board of Directors. RIA staff can provide technical assistance to help communities apply for funding to address critical infrastructure needs."

Southern Smoke Foundation provides funding to individuals in the food and beverage industry who are in crisis. At this time, SSF is primarily funding medical emergencies.

Eligbility:

• Restaurant employees

The purpose of SWC’s RLF is to create or retain jobs in its seven-county service area by providing loan funds (gap financing) in conjunction with funds from other lending sources. Loan funds revolve perpetually, providing supplemental, short-term financing of business and industry proposals.

Thank you to the Development Finance Initiative from UNC School of Government for lending us their research on local RLF programs. Special thanks to Graduate Fellow Ethan Sleeman. 

This video introduces the Community Economic Recovery and Resiliency Initiative (CERRI).

"CERRI helps small towns and rural communities recover from the economic impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and build local economies that are more resilient to future crises."

The Foundation's Veteran Housing Grants Program awards grants to nonprofit organizations for the new construction or rehabilitation of permanent supportive housing for veterans. Awards typically range from $100,000 to $500,000.

What organizations qualify for this program?

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that have maintained good standing with the Internal Revenue Service for at least five years
• Organizations with a current operating budget of at least $300,000 and audited financial statements from the past three years
• Organizations with previous experience developing veteran housing and that currently manage or own veteran-specific housing
• Organizations with a 15+ year ownership stake in the development
• Organizations involved in the Continuum of Care or a local collaboration to end homelessness in their community

Which populations do eligible projects serve?

We award grants throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Rural areas will be considered, but priority will be given to “large cities” defined as populations over 300,000 people.
Specifically, there is a focus on projects in the following cities:

• Los Angeles, CA
• Seattle, WA
• New York, NY
• Houston, TX
• Detroit, MI
• San Diego, CA
• Denver, CO
• Chicago, IL
• Atlanta, GA
• Tampa, FL

What are the eligibility requirements for the program?

• THDF supports new construction or rehabilitation of multifamily, permanent supportive housing for veterans
• Only physical construction of housing for veterans (hard costs) is covered. THDF does not provide funding for furnishings, rental subsidies, tenant services, etc.
• THDF’s grant funding must be comprised of less than 50% of the total development cost of the project/program
• The target population of honorably discharged veterans must be at or below 80% AMI
• 75% of the development/program’s funding sources must be identified at the time of proposal submission
• Project must commence within 12 months of proposal submission
• At least 20% of the housing units must be reserved for veterans
• Proposals must provide evidence of a third-party binding agreement that ensures the units are occupied by veterans for a minimum of 15 years. I.e. project-based HUDVASH, other funder requirement, deed restriction, zoning requirement, etc.
• Supportive services must be provided

The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University has released “The State of the Nation’s Housing 2020.”  This year’s report highlights the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a powerful movement for racial justice, and the devastating impacts of climate change have combined to bring the nation’s longstanding housing challenges to the fore. However, historically low interest rates, strength in the for-sale market and in homebuilding could lead a broader US economic recovery.

Thread Capital offers affordable small business loans up to $50,000 for existing NC businesses.

The Town of Carrboro Revolving Loan Fund has assisted over 30 new and existing businesses become a reality in Carrboro.  Loan criteria found in the link. Inquiries will be addressed by David Andrews, Town Manager @919-918-7315 or dandrews@townofcarrboro.org.

Thank you to the Development Finance Initiative from UNC School of Government for lending us their research on local RLF programs. Special thanks to Graduate Fellow Ethan Sleeman. 

The loan fund will prioritize and is limited to businesses in Town of Siler City corporate limits and ETJ. Basic requirements are:

• You wish to start or expand a small business
• Your business is located within the Town’s corporate limits or ETJ
• You are 18 years or older

Thank you to the Development Finance Initiative from UNC School of Government for lending us their research on local RLF programs. Special thanks to Graduate Fellow Ethan Sleeman. 

The UPPER COASTAL PLAIN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS is offering a loan program to create and maintain employment in Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Northampton, and Wilson Counties.

The primary purpose of this fund is to stimulate private investment and leverage additional funds and resources through partnerships with other lending, grant and technical assistance institutions.

Thank you to the Development Finance Initiative from UNC School of Government for lending us their research on local RLF programs. Special thanks to Graduate Fellow Ethan Sleeman. 

"The COVID-19 public health crisis and resulting economic crisis have created a variety of challenges for small, micro, and solo businesses in communities across the country. The Treasury Department is providing critical assistance to small businesses across the country, facilitating the urgent deployment of capital and support to help these organizations not just persevere, but recover on solid footing,"

Welcome to your dedicated Visit North Carolina partner resource for news, updates and information about the programs, initiatives and the trends affecting our state and industry.

Lodging indicator summaries are published monthly and annually to provide information on statewide and regional lodging trends. Indicators include occupancy, average daily room rates, room supply, room demand and revenues.

A website that helps connect residents of Mitchell County to local businesses so they may buy gift cards and order online.

"If your business has customers who care, we can help. Or, if there’s a small business you care about, nominate them for funding.

In March, as the stock market has fallen, investments 2Xed on Wefunder. People want to support the businesses they care about. Wefunder allows everyone to make investments (or loans) as small as $100 into the businesses that they love.

Typically, half of the funds come from your own customer base, with the other half from the Wefunder investor-base. We do all the work of collecting funds and send you one wire when it's over."

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance has created a comprehensive list of things businesses can do to help during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Senate has passed a roughly $2 trillion coronavirus response bill intended to speed relief across the American economy. This is the third aid package from Congress and is meant to keep businesses and individuals afloat during an unprecedented freeze on the majority of American life. (Read More)

Many diverse creatives have lost their livelihoods because of the pandemic, whether due to canceled school visits or due to layoffs and furloughs at publishers and literary agencies. We aim to bolster these groups during this time of crisis by giving grants of $500 each.

Business Maker understands your business needs and recommends the best tools to start and grow your company.