Federal and state governments and other organizations have acted quickly in creating programs to aid small and mid-sized businesses and minimize the economic impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. You are encouraged to research these programs to determine which might be of assistance to your business. We have also included resources to help you monitor the situation in your area and formulate your business's response.
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Main Street Lending Program
The Federal Reserve established the Main Street Lending Program to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found at the Main Street Lending Program website. Small and medium-sized businesses interested in the Program can apply for Program loans by contacting an eligible lender. More information for eligible borrowers, including a listing of registered lenders, who are accepting new customers and have elected to be listed, can be found at the Information for Business Borrowers website.
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Beginning April 20th, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is offering $5,000 grants to small businesses of three to 20 employees. The business must be located in an "economically vulnerable community," (the application process allows you to determine your eligibility based on zip code) and have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. The application takes about 10 minutes to complete, requiring just the business' W-9 form. Grants will be awarded on a weekly basis, but applicants only need to apply one time to be eligible for funding. As of April 20th the program has reached capacity and is not accepting new applications.
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The SBA can provide loans of up to $2M to be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses.
Watch this video to find out how to get started:
Now you're ready to begin the SBA application process
Also useful is this listing of areas eligible for SBA disaster loans
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On March 27, the CARES Act was signed into law, providing $2 trillion in emergency assistance for individuals, families and businesses affected by the pandemic. Included is the Paycheck Protection Program, administered through the SBA, providing up to $349 billion in loans to eligible businesses with less than 500 employees. Maximum loan amount is $10 million at an interest rate no higher than 4%. Funds may be used for a variety of purposes including payroll costs, rent, utilities, mortgage interest, and interest on existing debt. The loans will not require collateral and can be subject to forgiveness.
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This SBA Local Assistance Directory can connect you to several local partners to counsel, mentor and train small businesses.
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Through Kimco’s alliance with SCORE, America’s premier source of free and confidential advice for small businesses, our tenants will have access to custom content and webinars to help them navigate through these turbulent times. SCORE’s Coronavirus Small Business Hub is a valuable resource for identifying and evaluating funding opportunities. On the Coronavirus SBA Loans and Business Assistance page, tenants can take advantage of remote mentoring services, with an experienced mentor who can guide you through the SBA loan process.
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The CDC has provided interim guidance for businesses and employers to plan, prepare and respond to the pandemic.
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Updated daily, Community Foundations Nationwide has compiled a list of more than 200 U.S. community foundations in 49 states, plus the District of Columbia, that have created relief funds to support local nonprofits affected by COVID-19.
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Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits to help small businesses during this challenging time.
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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic more than 650 companies and associations have signed FCC's pledge to Keep Americans Connected. They pledge for the next 60 days to not terminate service and waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to COVID 19 disruption, and to open all WIFI hotspots to the general public.
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Updated daily, Forbes has compiled a list of the government agencies, private companies and nonprofit organizations that are offering support to small business owners.
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Google has dedicated $340 million in ad credits for small and medium-sized businesses with active Google Ad accounts, to stay in touch with their customers during this difficult time. Users who have been active advertisers since the beginning of 2019 will receive a credit notification in their account in the coming months, and the credits can be used at any point during 2020 across all Google Ads platforms.
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The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) provides updates for the shopping center industry with U.S. state-by-state business closures and mandates, a summary of legislative action to support relief for small business owners, and various additional resources.
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The IRS has postponed the tax filing deadline to July 15, which applies to individuals as well as corporations and any type of unincorporated business entity. There is no limit to the amount of payment that may be postponed.
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Main Street America, a program of the National Main Street Center, is compiling resources, opportunities, and community response examples to help Main Street districts during this crisis. Content includes information on funding sources along with webinars and tip sheets.
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The National Governors Association website outlines the steps each state is taking to address Coronavirus, including legislative action, along with updates from the Centers for Disease Control.
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Through the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, the National Restaurant Association will provide $500 grants to restaurant industry employees who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19. Applications will open April 2, 2020.
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The Restaurant Opportunities Centers United has compiled a list of national and local relief resources for restaurant workers.
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The United States Bartenders’ Guild is offering emergency assistance grants to bartenders, their spouses, and children.
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Allows employers to tax deduct paid sick leave.
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Through the Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund, Verizon in collaboration with the Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) are offering grants up to $10,000 to businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of COVID-19—especially entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically underserved communities who don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital. The application period for Round 1 is now closed. Please register for another round expected to begin mid-April.
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Yelp is waiving advertising fees for many independent local restaurant and nightlife businesses and is offering free access to page upgrades including Business Highlights, Call To Action, and Connect. The company is also offering $100 in free search advertising for restaurant clients offering delivery and/or takeout.
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Yelp has partnered with GoFundMe to provide a fast and simple way for independent businesses to start fundraisers and accept donations through their Yelp pages. The Yelp Foundation and GoFundMe have also pledged to match up to $1 million in donations, with a $500 matching grant to eligible businesses that raise at least $500 on their GoFundMe.