COVID-19 Matchmaker Tool
CVMSDC, in conjunction with The Michigan Council, is offering this emergency match-making tool to address COVID-19 needs across the country.
If you are a BUYER (Corporation) or SELLER (MBE), please take a moment to register your services and needs so that we can facilitate a match. At this time, meeting the need of our community is paramount!
Search Resources
Access to Capital – Food Service Recovery Grant Program
Through the Access to Capital Food Service Recovery Grant program, the City of Charlotte will distribute $4 million in federal CARES Act funding to restaurants, bars, food trucks, caterers and music venues located within the city limits of Charlotte. Grants will be awarded in the amount of either $10,000 or $25,000, depending on number of employees.
The grant application period is open from September 21 at noon to October 19 at 5 p.m. Note: the application period may close earlier if all funds are distributed.
Foundation For The Carolinas serves as the City’s grantmaking partner for this effort. Assistance is available at (704) 998-6499 or CLTCityGrant@fftc.org
Coalition to Back Black Businesses
The Coalition to Back Black Businesses is a multi-year initiative to support Black small business owners and the communities they serve as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and chart a path forward. Small businesses are critical parts of communities – the strength of these businesses is essential to the recovery of their communities.
Through the Coalition, American Express, the National Black Chamber of Commerce, National Business League, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., Walker’s Legacy, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will work together over the next four years to provide $10 million in grants, training, and resources to empower Black-owned small businesses in distressed communities that have long been struggling with economic growth.
From 2020 through 2023, we will distribute $5,000 grants to more than 280 applicants each fall. We hope these grants can provide some assistance to the Black-owned business community to emerge from this crisis stronger than ever. We know the need for assistance is great, and we wish we could help everyone who needs it.
COVID-19 Matchmaker
CVMSDC, in conjunction with The Michigan Council, is offering this emergency match-making tool to address COVID-19 needs across the country.
If you are a BUYER (Corporation) or SELLER (MBE), please take a moment to register your services and needs so that we can facilitate a match. At this time, meeting the need of our community is paramount!
COVID-19: SBA Paycheck Protection Program
Following President Trump’s signing of the historic Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin today announced that the SBA and Treasury Department have initiated a robust mobilization effort of banks and other lending institutions to provide small businesses with the capital they need.
The CARES Act establishes a new $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program. The Program will provide much-needed relief to millions of small businesses so they can sustain their businesses and keep their workers employed.
“This unprecedented public-private partnership is going to assist small businesses with accessing capital quickly. Our goal is to position lenders as the single point-of-contact for small businesses – the application, loan processing, and disbursement of funds will all be administered at the community level,” said Administrator Carranza. “Speed is the operative word; applications for the emergency capital can begin as early as this week, with lenders using their own systems and processes to make these loans. We remain committed to supporting our nation’s more than 30 million small businesses and their employees, so that they can continue to be the fuel for our nation’s economic engine.”
“This legislation provides small business job retention loans to provide eight weeks of payroll and certain overhead to keep workers employed,” said Secretary Mnuchin. “Treasury and the Small Business Administration expect to have this program up and running by April 3rd so that businesses can go to a participating SBA 7(a) lender, bank, or credit union, apply for a loan, and be approved on the same day. The loans will be forgiven as long as the funds are used to keep employees on the payroll and for certain other expenses.”
The new loan program will help small businesses with their payroll and other business operating expenses. It will provide critical capital to businesses without collateral requirements, personal guarantees, or SBA fees – all with a 100% guarantee from SBA. All loan payments will be deferred for six months. Most importantly, the SBA will forgive the portion of the loan proceeds that are used to cover the first eight weeks of payroll costs, rent, utilities, and mortgage interest.
The Paycheck Protection Program is specifically designed to help small businesses keep their workforce employed. Visit SBA.gov/Coronavirus for more information on the Paycheck Protection Program.
Free Mask – Atrium Health
Wearing a face mask is something simple we can all do to keep our loved ones and neighbors healthy and safe. Medical science shows that face coverings can help slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and save lives.
In North Carolina, a statewide face covering order is in effect. Everyone is required to wear a face covering in public places, whether inside or outside, where physical distancing of 6 feet isn’t possible.
We want to make it easy for everyone in our community to protect themselves and others by wearing a mask. That’s why Atrium Health is leading a private-public partnership, along with Mecklenburg County, Bank of America, Barings, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, CharMeck Responds Coalition, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Duke Energy, Foundation For The Carolinas, Honeywell, Lowe’s, Marand Builders, National Gypsum, Premier, Red Ventures, Rodgers Builders, Sealed Air, State Farm, Trane Technologies, United Way of Central Carolinas, Wells Fargo, YMCA of Greater Charlotte and many others, to supply over 2 million masks. This private-public partnership showcases how business leaders, health professionals, and government officials can work together to help boost our economy.
Several initiatives have already started to make sure that vulnerable and underserved communities have access to masks to help protect their families.
Guide to Mainstream Lending Program
As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Federal Reserve has created theMain Street Lending Program to provide a total of $600 billion in financing for small and medium-sized businesses.
KKR – Small Business Builders
Created as a key pillar of KKR’s COVID-19 Relief Effort, KKR Small Business Builders (SBB) aims to support entrepreneurs and their small businesses around the world. The grants are designed to help business owners sustain their enterprises, maintain or create jobs, and spur economic opportunity as they respond to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and recover from its resultant economic dislocation. KKR Small Business Builders will support companies in three key ways:
Lowe’s-LISC Partnership – Grant Funding Available
Across the United States, small businesses that form the economic backbone of our communities now face immediate – and oftentimes, crushing – financial pressure because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many small businesses that were forced to shut down temporarily now are at serious risk of never reopening. Even those small businesses that can still operate remotely face major revenue shortfalls. With little or no reserves to pay their expenses, many will have no choice but to lay off workers and close their doors forever.
Thanks to a significant grant from Lowe’s, LISC will provide the emergency assistance that small businesses desperately need to stay afloat. We will deploy grants to help them bridge the financial gap, and provide guidance to help them navigate the intricate web of public and private resources now available. LISC will focus these efforts on historically underserved communities—especially those enterprises owned or led by minorities and women, who often lack access to affordable capital.
First Round of Lowe’s Grant Awards
- June 10: Announce Lowe’s investment and landing page for applicant registration
- June 11-17: On-line application form live
- June 18-June 24: Applications closed and grant finalists selected
- June 24-July 9: Finalists Screened for Eligibility
- July 10: Full grantee/awardee list announced
- July 1-August 10: Payment process to grantees (speed largely dependent on grantee responsiveness)
Second round of Lowe’s Grant Award
- June 18: Lowe’s applicant registration form opens
- July 27-Aug 3: On-line application form live
- August 3-10: Applications closed and Grant Finalists Selected
- August 10-27: Finalists Screened for Eligibility
- August 28: Full Grantee/awardee List Announced
- August 20-Sept 20: Payment process to grantees
(speed largely dependent on grantee responsiveness)
Minority and small business owners may apply for grants of $20,000 to help meet their most immediate needs.
Eligible expenses include:
- Paying rent and utilities
- Meeting payroll
- Paying outstanding debt to vendors
- Upgrading technology infrastructure
- Other immediate operational costs
To learn how to apply, visit www.LISC.org/lowes
Meck County CARES Small Business Relief Grant
Soon there will be an additional source of financial relief for small business owners in Mecklenburg County whose businesses have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
Applications will be accepted for the Meck County CARES Small Business Relief Grant beginning on Monday, September 14, 2020.
The grant is made possible thanks to CARES Act funding awarded to the County.
The County has allocated $1.25 million to continue financial support to small businesses during the pandemic.The MeckCounty CARES Small Business Relief Grant will provide up to $25,000 per business located in the any of the six towns or unincorporated areas of the County.
Grant amounts are contingent upon business size and availability.
In order to apply – the small business must:
- Have 50 employees or less
- Be located in one of the six towns or unincorporated areas of Mecklenburg County
- Registered with the NC Secretary of State prior to Jan. 1, 2020
- Demonstrate that business was adversely impacted by COVID-19
Metropolitan Business League – We Care RVA Rebuild Project
The Metropolitan Business League (MBL), in partnership with Venture Richmond, ChamberRVA, Virginia Community Capital (VCC) and Virginia LISC with the support of Dominion Energy, Altria, Capital One, Robins Foundation and the Community Foundation — will continue its efforts of supporting small, women and minority-owned businesses financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the social justice demonstrations. These efforts will include providing emergency funding, crisis tools/resources and small business coaching for businesses impacted. In addition, the We Care RVA Rebuild Project will provide clean up, professional services and counseling in the areas of insurance, legal, and architectural design for qualified businesses.
SBA Assistance Resources in light of COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in modified and additional SBA resources to help our small businesses, small aquacultural businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and/or most private nonprofit organizations.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs)
The SBA has approved the North Carolina Governor’s request for a disaster declaration, and you may begin the application process. Applicants are encouraged to apply online: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2Fela%2FLoanApplication%2FStartApplication
Basic info on EIDLs:
- The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.
- Any such Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will coordinate with the state’s or territory’s Governor to submit the request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance.
- Once a declaration is made, the information on the application process for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance will be made available to affected small businesses within the state.
- SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
- These loans may 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. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
- SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
- SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response, and the SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible.
- For additional information, please visit SBA.gov/disaster.
- For questions, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to South Carolina Small Businesses Economically Impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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| SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to South Carolina Small Businesses Economically Impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) |
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| ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to South Carolina small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. Henry McMaster on March 17, 2020.
The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the entire state of South Carolina; and the contiguous counties of Burke, Chatham, Columbia, Effingham, Elbert, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Lincoln, Rabun, Richmond, Screven and Stephens in Georgia; and Anson, Brunswick, Cleveland, Columbus, Gaston, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Mecklenburg, Polk, Richmond, Robeson, Rutherford, Scotland, Transylvania and Union in North Carolina. “SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist South Carolina small businesses with federal disaster loans. We will be swift in our efforts to help these small businesses recover from the financial impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19),” said Administrator Carranza. SBA Customer Service Representatives will be available to answer questions about SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and explain the application process. “Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred,” said Carranza. “These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing,” Carranza added. Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses. The interest rate for private non-profit organizations is 2.75 percent. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 21, 2020. For more information about Coronavirus, please visit: Coronavirus.gov. For more information about available SBA resources and services, please visit: SBA.gov/coronavirus. ###
About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. |
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SBA Resources for Counseling and Training
The following SBA backed organizations provide assistance to small businesses in the state; email and phone counseling are available.
- Small Business and Technology and Development Center (SBTDC): http://www.sbtdc.org/
- SCORE:https://www.score.org
- Women’s Business Centers
- Asheville area: https://www.wwbcnc.org
- Charlotte area: https://theinstitutenc.org/programs/wbcc
- Fayetteville area: https://www.wbcfay.org/
- Raleigh-Durham area: https://theinstitutenc.org/programs/womens-business-center-of-north-carolina/
Dominion Energy Commits $1 Million to Coronavirus Relief Efforts
March 16, 2020
– $250,000 committed to American Red Cross to help its response
– $750,000 committed to nonprofits as response plans develop and local needs are defined
RICHMOND, Va., March 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation is committing $1 million to aid COVID-19 relief efforts across the United States. The funds will support national organizations, such as the American Red Cross, as well as address local needs.
“The health and well-being of customers and employees is Dominion Energy’s top priority. We are helping customers and communities we serve during this difficult time by maintaining reliable service and providing support and relief to those affected,” said Dominion Energy Chairman, President and CEO Thomas F. Farrell, II. “Our contributions to these organizations will help provide the means to lessen the impact of this outbreak.”
Dominion Energy is committing $750,000 to nonprofits to help assist the communities that are home to the more than 7 million customers Dominion Energy serves. Donations to local organizations will help address needs as dictated by response plans.
Dominion Energy is also committing $250,000 to the American Red Cross as it continues to mobilize efforts to respond to the outbreak of coronavirus in the United States.
“The Red Cross is proud to count Dominion Energy as a partner to help us deliver our lifesaving mission nationwide due to the coronavirus outbreak,” said Don Herring, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “As concerns about the coronavirus have grown here in the U.S., the number of cancelled blood drives has increased exponentially. The need for blood will continue as the outbreak grows, and we are grateful for the support from Dominion Energy to help those in need at this critical time.”
The company is taking a number of measures to ensure it is able to continue providing energy to customers, while at the same time keeping employees safe and healthy.
Dominion Energy knows the communities it serves rely on the company to provide an essential service. It takes seriously the responsibility to provide energy safely and reliably, all day, every day. To do that requires a workforce that is able and ready to do the work necessary to keep the lights on and the natural gas flowing. The company’s business continuity plans are in place and other steps are being taken to ensure reliable energy service 24-7. That includes securing supplies, reviewing staffing plans and coordinating with government health officials.
Customers should not have to worry about losing service during this critical time. The company has suspended all service disconnections for nonpayment. Residential customers previously disconnected due to non-payment may contact the company for assistance reconnecting service. In addition, the company is planning to waive late fees and reconnection fees and is seeking approval from utility commissions where required to do so.
Dominion Energy encourages customers to use its digital tools and other resources for routine self-service and 24-7 online account access as call wait times may be longer than usual. The company is here to help and encourages customers who may be facing financial difficulties to contact us.
For more information, visit https://www.dominionenergy.com/coronavirus.
About the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation
More than 7 million customers in 18 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D). Through its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy contributed nearly $48 million in 2019 to community causes. The Foundation supports nonprofit causes that meet basic human needs, protect the environment, promote education and encourage community vitality. Please visit www.DominionEnergy.com to learn more.
SBA Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.
To find out more about:
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
- SBA Express Bridge Loans
- Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- SBA Products and Resources
- Government Contracting
- Local Assistance
CLICK HERE to download the SBA Step By Step Guides.
Small Diverse Business Emergency Relief Fund
The Institute of Economic Development
To Qualify:
- Applicant has not received PPP, EIDL or other COVID relief grant funds
- Applicant was in business prior to February 2020
- Business must be owned at least 51% by a minority or woman
- Business must be an active enterprise as validated by the NC Secretary of State or other verifiable documentation
- Business must be based in North Carolina
- Applicant must demonstrate economic injury from COVID-19 Pandemic
Conditions:
- Grants are expected to be issued in the range of up to $1,000.
- Applications will be reviewed by an internal review committee
- Must apply via web application. Additional documentation may be required
- Only one application per business and per business owner
- Grant applications will be reviewed in the order they are received
- Funds may be used to cover rent, utilities, or other operational expenses impacted by a decline in business due to COVID-19.
Required Documents:
- Copy of Bill or Invoice (must include the address of the bill holder)
- Copy of Driver’s License or Valid ID (passport, visa, etc.)
- Copy of January business bank statement
Use of Grants:
- May cover rent, utilities, or other operational expenses that may be impacted by a decline in business due to COVID19.
South Carolina COVID-19 Small Business/Non-Profit Legal Clinic
Charleston Legal Access has partnered with Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), Jackson Lewis, Nelson Mullins, and Lowcountry Local First to provide a South Carolina Covid-19 Small Business/Non-Profit Legal Clinic. This is an opportunity for small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Georgetown, Hampton and Jasper County who have suffered adversely from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis to receive free legal advice during a 45-minute remote consultation with a volunteer attorney.
For South Carolina Based Small Businesses and Nonprofits
The Initiative is an opportunity for South Carolina’s organizations who have suffered adversely from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis to receive free, limited-scope legal
advice.
Topics include:
- Federal funding opportunities under the CARES Act (Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) programs
- Commercial Lease issues (SC eviction moratoriums, lease amendments, landlord issues)
- Employment Law issues (Paid Family and Medical Leave, Unemployment, Furloughs, etc.)
- Insurance issues
- Bankruptcy and Dissolution
- Contract enforcement issues
The LatinX Mosaic Grant Program
Dany Garcia believes in the power of creating an ambitious entrepreneurial future for the business leaders of tomorrow. This program is dedicated to all Latinx of any origin, heritage, nationality, lineage, indigenous roots, racial background, country of birth, or ancestors before arriving in the United States.
Dany Garcia will award a total of $100,000 to LatinX small and new business entrepreneurs through short-term financial aid grants with the goal of keeping the entrepreneurial dream alive amidst the global pandemic.
The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America
The Department of the Treasury and Small Business Administration issued guidance for the Paycheck Protection Program. The guidance can be found here: -Paycheck Protection Program – Interim Final Rule
Assistance for American Workers and Families
In the weeks immediately after the passage of the CARES Act, Americans will see fast and direct relief in the form of Economic Impact Payments. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Assistance for Small Businesses
The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.
- For a top-line overview of the program CLICK HERE
- If you’re a lender, more information can be found HERE
- If you’re a borrower, more information can be found HERE
- Final Borrower Application Form *NEW*
- Lender Electronic Data Form *NEW*
- Paycheck Protection Program – Interim Final Rule *NEW*
Paycheck Protection Program Resources
30 Days to Slow the Spread
President Trump announced updated guidelines this week to continue slowing the spread of Coronavirus in America. This 30-day window will be crucial: If every American does his or her part, the latest model suggests we could save 1 million or more U.S. lives. Please click here for more information:30 Days to Slow the Spread (Español)
How to Help – If you or your organization are interested in helping the effort to combat the spread of COVID-19, FEMA has established a website (www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help) with more information. Examples for the private sector include:
- To sell medical supplies or equipment to the federal government, please submit a price quote under the COVID-19 PPE and Medical Supplies Request for Quotation. Full details can be found in the solicitation (Notice ID 70FA2020R00000011).
- This solicitation requires registration with the System for Award Management (SAM) in order to be considered for award, pursuant to applicable regulations and guidelines. Registration information can be found at www.sam.gov. Registration must be “ACTIVE” at the time of award.
- If you have medical supplies or equipment to donate, please provide us details on what you are offering.
- If you are a private company that wants to produce a product related to the COVID response – email nbeoc@max.gov.
- If you are a hospital or healthcare provider in need of medical supplies, please contact your state, local, tribal or territory department of public health and/or emergency management agency.
- If you are interested in doing business with FEMA and supporting the response to COVID- 19 with your company’s non-medical goods and/or services, please submit your inquiry to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Procurement Action Innovative Response Team (PAIR) team at DHSIndustryLiaison@hq.dhs.gov.
White House COVID-19 Updates
- Memorandum on Order Under the Defense Production Act Regarding the Purchase of Ventilators (HERE)
- Statement from the President Regarding the Defense Production Act (HERE)
- Memorandum on Order Under the Defense Production Act Regarding 3M Company (HERE)
- Memorandum on Providing Federal Support for Governors’ Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19 (HERE)
- President Trump Approves Disaster Declaration for Tennessee and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- 1600 Daily – These 30 Days: How You Can Help (HERE)