Business Resources during COVID-19
For businesses that need help and resources during this time, I am going to keep a running list and update it as I find more. I don't have all the answers (or, really, any answers) but I'd like to share the research that I have done with anyone who would benefit. Stay tuned and stay healthy.
National:
- SBA Disaster Loan: The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters. For more info, click here.
- KIVA Small Business Loan: KIVA, a nonprofit organization, provides 0% interest loans to small businesses worldwide. They are expanding eligibility and the amount of loans provided during this crisis. For more info, click here.
- Facebook Small Business Grants: Facebook announced a $100 million program to help small businesses as governments throughout the country urge gyms and restaurants to close their doors to slow the coronavirus pandemic. For more info, click here.
- James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund: The purpose of the James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund (the “Fund”) is to provide critical financial assistance to small, independent restaurants that, due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) national disaster, have an immediate need for funds to pay set operating expenses and keep from going out of business. Learn more about applying here.
- Yelp: Yelp is providing $25 million in funding relief to small businesses, particularly restaurants and nightlife businesses, affected by COVID-19. More info here.
- The National Federation of Independent Businesses, a small business special interest group, is offering legal resources and webinars related to the virus. More info here.
- The Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation: 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 can be found here.
- Opportunity Fund is committed to supporting existing and new small business customers who are financially struggling amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. New and existing customers can find more information here.
-Mainvest has launched "The Main Street Initiative": If you have an existing brick & mortar business that has been negatively effected by the COVID-19 outbrek and launch a capital raise on Mainvest, you may be eligible to receive a $2,000 zero-interest loan immediately. More info here.
- Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund: Offering grants to help small businesses fill urgent financial gaps until they can resume normal operations or until more permanent financing becomes available. Focusing on "entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically underserved communities." More information here.
- MissedTour.org: A directory for bands who have been forced to cancel their tours, where you can list your merch for sale with no charges or fees. Get your band listed: https://missedtour.org/add-me/
Colorado:
- The Colorado SBDC has a comprehensive guide here. I recommend checking there to see whether or not your business is eligible for SBA disaster loans and other assistance.
- Support CO Local. Support CO Local is helping local businesses in CO sell gift cards in order for them to keep revenue coming in during their closure as a result of COVID-19. For more info: https://www.supportcolocal.com/ and interested businesses should email info@supportcolocal.com.
- ToGoDenver.com Offers Denver and Boulder restaurants free registration to list their delivery and takeout services. Restaurant seekers can search listings by restaurant name, by neighborhood or by cuisine. Restaurants wanting to register can do so here.
- IMAGINE 2020 Artist Assistance Fund: These funds will provide grants of up to $1,000 to individual artists who live in Denver and within an 80-mile radius of Denver (including Colorado Springs and Fort Collins) whose incomes are being adversely affected due to cancellation of events, classes, performances, and other creative work. More information here.
- Colorado COVID Relief Fund: Eligible community-based organizations across Colorado may receive general operating grant of up to $25,000. This fund is for nonprofit, local government, school districts and small businesses who are serving areas of the state with limited nonprofit capacity or serving a community need resulting from the COVID-19 crisis. More info here.
- CO Restaurant Association Angel Relief Fund: For restaurant and food and beverage hospitality workers who are diagnosed with COVID-19, quarantined under doctor's care or are unable to receive government assistance and have been out of work for more than a month. More info here.
Denver:
- Denver Economic Development and Opportunity Small Business Grants: Denver Economic Development and Opportunity (DEDO) is setting up an emergency relief program to provide cash grants up to $7,500 to qualifying small businesses. The highest priority will be the industries most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, such as the food industry. These businesses may have had to temporarily close, are struggling with paying their rent and utilities, or have had to lay off staff. More info here.
RiNo:
- RiNo Support Fund Micro-Grants: Dedicating $200,000 to a micro-grant program through the RiNo Support Fund for grants ranging from $500 - $2,500. More info here.