Find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs, including new programs for the COVID-19 pandemic: Search here
MENTAL HEALTH COVID-19 Pandemic Information
As the number of cases of COVID-19 increases, so does the associated anxiety. For the general public, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are as essential to address as are the physical health effects. And for the one in five who already have mental health conditions – or the one in two who are at risk of developing them – we need to take personal, professional, and policy measures now to address them. To aid individuals and communities during this time, MHA has compiled a range of resources and information. You can learn more about mental health and COVID-19 from our blogs and webinars.
To apply for benefits, or get information about SNAP, contact your local SNAP office by selecting your state (or NYC) on the map below and using the contact information. Each state has its own application form. If your state’s form is not on the web, you’ll need to contact your local SNAP office to request one. FNS headquarters does not process applications.
211 connects you to expert, caring help. Every call is completely confidential.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a variety of federal programs that may be able to help you purchase a home if you qualify for assistance:
Top U.S. Government Websites for COVID-19 Information
Visit these federal government websites for current information about the coronavirus (COVID-19).
LISC is a mission-based lender, offering business loans of $100,000 to $500,000 for permanent working capital, leasehold improvement, and equipment. LISC also provides commercial construction and acquisition loans from $500,000 to $5 million.
Economic Development loans
LISC offers Accelerated Business Loans, Permanent Working Capital Loans and Leasehold Improvement/FF&E Loans to existing businesses within LISC communities. Loan amounts range from $25,000 to $500,000.
LISC provides commercial property acquisition and construction loans to multi-tenant maker spaces. Loan amounts range from $500,000 – $3,000,000. LISC considers a maker space an adaptive reuse of old industrial buildings, warehouses and large commercial spaces to a multi-tenant facility. The spaces are characterized by small commercial rental units, short term leases, common areas and shared equipment typically used for business incubation, light/artisanal manufacturing and technology businesses.
immito, a LISC affiliate, provides capital access to small businesses in all 50 states through the SBA 7(a) Loan Program. immito believes that starting, building and growing small businesses is a powerful strategy for transforming communities and making those communities economically dynamic and competitive.
Available to first and second time loan applicants
Provides loans to help fund payroll costs
Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2021
The Paycheck Protection Program provides forgivable loans to help fund payroll costs, including benefits. PPP may also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, and uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020.
If you have not received a PPP loan before, First Draw PPP Loans may be available to you.
PPP First Draw Borrower Application Form
Notice: Paycheck Protection Program resumed January 11, 2021 at 9am ET
SBA, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for First Draw Loans the week of January 11, 2021.
SBA is currently accepting First Draw PPP loan applications from participating lenders. Lender Match can help connect you with a lender. You can also view all lenders near you on a map.
Loan details
The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll. First Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits, and may also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations.
SBA will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met, and the funds are used for eligible expenses.
PPP loans have an interest rate of 1%.
Loans issued prior to June 5, 2020 have a maturity of two years. Loans issued after June 5, 2020 have a maturity of five years.
Loan payments will be deferred for borrowers who apply for loan forgiveness until SBA remits the borrower’s loan forgiveness amount to the lender. If a borrower does not apply for loan forgiveness, payments are deferred 10 months after the end of the covered period for the borrower’s loan forgiveness (either 8 weeks or 24 weeks).
No collateral or personal guarantees are required.
Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees.
Who may qualify
The following entities affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) may be eligible:
Sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed persons
Any small business concern that meets SBA’s size standards (either the industry size standard or the alternative size standard)
Any business, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, 501(c)(19) veterans organization, or tribal business concern (sec. 31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act) with the greater of:
500 employees, or
That meets the SBA industry size standard if more than 500
Any business with a NAICS code that begins with 72 (Accommodations and Food Services) that has more than one physical location and employs less than 500 per location
How and when to apply
You can apply for a First Draw PPP Loan until March 31, 2021. SBA is currently accepting First Draw PPP loan applications from participating lenders. Lender Match can help connect you with a lender. You can also view all lenders near you on a map. All new First Draw PPP Loans will have the same terms regardless of lender or borrower.
If you wish to begin preparing your application, you can download the following PPP borrower application form to see the information that will be requested from you when you apply with a lender:
If you have previously received a PPP loan, certain businesses are eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
Notice: Paycheck Protection Program resumed January 11, 2021 at 9am ET
SBA, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for First Draw PPP Loans the week of January 11, 2021. SBA began accepting applications for Second Draw PPP Loans on January 13, 2021.
SBA is currently accepting Second Draw PPP loan applications from participating lenders. Lender Match can help connect you with a lender. You can also view all lenders near you on a map.
At least $25 billion is being set aside for Second Draw PPP Loans to eligible borrowers with a maximum of 10 employees or for loans of $250,000 or less to eligible borrowers in low or moderate income neighborhoods.
Loan details
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) now allows certain eligible borrowers that previously received a PPP loan to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan with the same general loan terms as their First Draw PPP Loan.
Second Draw PPP Loans can be used to help fund payroll costs, including benefits. Funds can also be used to pay for mortgage interest, rent, utilities, worker protection costs related to COVID-19, uninsured property damage costs caused by looting or vandalism during 2020, and certain supplier costs and expenses for operations.
Maximum loan amount and increased assistance for accommodation and food services businesses
For most borrowers, the maximum loan amount of a Second Draw PPP Loan is 2.5x average monthly 2019 or 2020 payroll costs up to $2 million. For borrowers in the Accommodation and Food Services sector (use NAICS 72 to confirm), the maximum loan amount for a Second Draw PPP Loan is 3.5x average monthly 2019 or 2020 payroll costs up to $2 million.
Who may qualify
A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:
Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses
Has no more than 300 employees; and
Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020
How and when to apply
You can apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan from January 13, 2021, until March 31, 2021. SBA is currently accepting Second Draw PPP loan applications from participating lenders. Lender Match can help connect you with a lender. You can also view all lenders near you on a map. All Second Draw PPP Loans will have the same terms regardless of lender or borrower.
If you wish to begin preparing your application, you can download the following PPP borrower application form to see the information that will be requested from you when you apply with a lender:
First Draw PPP Loans made to eligible borrowers qualify for full loan forgiveness if during the 8- to 24-week covered period following loan disbursement:
Employee and compensation levels are maintained
The loan proceeds are spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses; and
At least 60 percent of the proceeds are spent on payroll costs
Second Draw PPP Loan forgiveness terms
Second Draw PPP Loans made to eligible borrowers qualify for full loan forgiveness if during the 8 to 24 week covered period following loan disbursement:
Employee and compensation levels are maintained in the same manner as required for the First Draw PPP loan
The loan proceeds are spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses; and
At least 60 percent of the proceeds are spent on payroll costs
How and when to apply for loan forgiveness
A borrower can apply for forgiveness once all loan proceeds for which the borrower is requesting forgiveness have been used. Borrowers can apply for forgiveness any time up to the maturity date of the loan. If borrowers do not apply for forgiveness within 10 months after the last day of the covered period, then PPP loan payments are no longer deferred, and borrowers will begin making loan payments to their PPP lender.
To apply for loan forgiveness:
1. Contact your PPP Lender and complete the correct form:
Your Lender can provide you with either the SBA Form 3508, SBA Form 3508EZ, SBA Form 3508S, or a Lender equivalent.
The 3508EZ and the 3508S are shortened versions of the application for borrowers who meet specific requirements. Your Lender can provide further guidance on how to submit the application.
2. Compile your documentation:
Payroll (provide documentation for all payroll periods that overlapped with the Covered Period or the Alternative Payroll Covered Period):
Bank account statements or third-party payroll service provider reports documenting the amount of cash compensation paid to employees
Tax forms (or equivalent third-party payroll service provider reports) for the periods that overlap with the Covered Period or the Alternative Payroll Covered Period:
Payroll tax filings reported, or that will be reported, to the IRS (typically, Form 941); and
State quarterly business and individual employee wage reporting and unemployment insurance tax filings reported, or that will be reported, to the relevant state
Payment receipts, cancelled checks, or account statements documenting the amount of any employer contributions to employee health insurance and retirement plans that the borrower included in the forgiveness amount
Non-payroll (for expenses that were incurred or paid during the covered period and showing that obligations or services existed prior to February 15, 2020):
Business mortgage interest payments: Copy of lender amortization schedule and receipts verifying payments, or lender account statements
Business rent or lease payments: Copy of current lease agreement and receipts or cancelled checks verifying eligible payments
Business utility payments: Copies of invoices and receipts, cancelled checks or account statements
This list of documents required to be submitted to the Lender is not all-inclusive.
3. Submit the forgiveness form and documentation to your PPP Lender:
Complete your loan forgiveness application and submit it to your Lender with the required supporting documents and follow up with your Lender to submit additional documentation as requested. Consult your Lender for additional guidance and provide requested documentation in a timely manner.
4. Continue to communicate with your Lender throughout the process:
If SBA undertakes a loan review of your loan, your Lender will notify you of the review and the SBA loan review decision. You have the right to appeal certain SBA loan review decisions. Your Lender is responsible for notifying you of the forgiveness amount paid by SBA and the date on which your first payment will be due, if applicable.
Please Note:
Recent legislation has eliminated the original requirement to deduct the amount of EIDL Advance you may have received from your PPP loan forgiveness. Additional guidance and updated forms are forthcoming.
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan. The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19.
To meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred
TERMS
3.75% for businesses (fixed)
2.75% for nonprofits (fixed)
30 years
No pre-payment penalty or fees
USE OF PROCEEDS
Working capital and normal operating expenses
Example: continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities, fixed debt payments.
COLLATERAL REQUIREMENTS
Required for loans over $25,000
SBA uses a general security agreement (UCC) designating business assets as collateral, such as machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, etc.
FORGIVABLE
NO – EIDL Loan
YES – EIDL Advance*
*Advance funds have been fully allocated and are not currently available
MATURITY
30 years
PAYMENTS
Deferred one year; interest still accrues Borrower may make payments if they choose to do so.
Set up online payments through Pay.govOR mail payments to:
U.S. Small Business Administration
721 19th Street
Denver, CO 80202
Be sure to include EIDL loan number on mailed-in checks.
SBA is currently accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications from all qualified small businesses, including agricultural businesses, and private nonprofit organizations.
If you have already applied via the streamlined application portal, please do not resubmit your application.
Loan eligibility
Small business owners and qualified agricultural businesses in all U.S. states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to COVID-19.
Agricultural businesses with 500 or fewer employees are now eligible as a result of new authority granted by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Agricultural businesses include those businesses engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries (as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)).
COVID-19 Targeted EIDL Advancewas signed into law on December 27, 2020, as part of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act. The Targeted EIDL Advance provides businesses located in low-income communities with additional funds to ensure small business continuity, adaptation, and resiliency.
Advance funds of up to $10,000 will be available to applicants located in low-income communities who previously received an EIDL Advance for less than $10,000, or those who applied but received no funds due to lack of available program funding.
Applicants do not need to take any action at this time.
SBA will reach out to those who qualify.
SBA will first reach out to EIDL applications that already received a partial EIDL Advance (between $1,000 – $9,000). Applicants will be contacted directly by SBA via email in the coming weeks with instructions to determine eligibility and submit documentation.
All communications from SBA will be sent from an official government email with an @sba.gov ending. Please do not send sensitive information via email to any address that does not end in @sba.gov.
Applicants may qualify if they:
Are located in a low-income community. To help applicants determine if they are located in a low-income community as defined in section 45D(e) of the Internal Revenue Code, a mapping tool is available at https://sbaeidl.policymap.com/app. Note that the business address must be locatedin a low-income community in order to qualify so SBA encourages potential applicants to check the map to see if they meet the low-income community eligibility requirement before you apply; AND
Can demonstrate more than 30% reduction in revenue during an 8-week period beginning on March 2, 2020, or later. If an applicant meets the low-income community criteria, they will be asked to provide gross monthly revenue (all forms of combined monthly earnings received, such as profits or salaries) to confirm the 30% reduction.
Next, SBA will reach out to those who applied for EIDL assistance on or before December 27, 2020, but did not receive an EIDL Advance due to lack of program funding. These applicants will receive an email from SBA with instructions to determine eligibility and submit documentation. Applicants may qualify for a Targeted EIDL Advance if they meet the above criteria (low-income location and reduction in revenue) AND:
Have 300 or fewer employees. Business entities normally eligible for the EIDL program are eligible, including sole proprietors, independent contractors, and private, nonprofit organizations. Agricultural enterprises are not eligible.
All applicants may be asked to provide an IRS Form 4506-Tto allow SBA to request tax return information on the applicant’s behalf.
Please do not submit duplicate COVID-19 EIDL applications. Only prior applicants will be considered for the Targeted EIDL Advance.
The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.
Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO 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.
Relevant museum operators, zoos and aquariums who meet specific criteria
Motion picture theater operators
Talent representatives, and
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 must not have applied for or received a PPP loan on or after December 27, 2020
Detailed information on eligibility requirements coming soon.
Amount of SVO grant
Grant amount will be either:
For an eligible entity in operation on January 1, 2019, grants will be for an amount equal to 45% of their 2019 gross earned revenue OR $10 million, whichever is less.
For an eligible entity that began operation after January 1, 2019, grants will be for the average monthly gross earned revenue for each full month you were in operation during 2019 multiplied by six (6) OR $10 million, whichever is less.
How to apply
SBA is in the process of setting up the grant program and is not yet accepting applications. Those who have suffered the greatest economic loss will be the first applications processed under the following schedule:
Note: On January 20, 2021, SBA updated the proposed plan for issuing Shuttered Venue Operators Grants during the first and second priority periods. To clarify, priority awardees will not need to satisfy the small employer set-aside. During the first 59 days of opening the SVO Grants, SBA will reserve no less than $2 billion of program funding for grants to entities that have no more than 50 employees.
First Priority
1st 14 days of grant awards
Entities that suffered a 90% or greater revenue loss between April 2020 through December 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Second Priority
Next 14 days of grant awards
Entities that suffered a 70% or greater revenue loss between April 2020 through December 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Third Priority
Beginning 28 days after First & Second Priority Awards are made
Entities that suffered a 25% or greater revenue loss between one quarter of 2019 and the corresponding quarter of 2020.
Supplemental Funding
Available after all Priority Periods have passed
Recipients of First, Second, and Third Priority round awards who suffered a 70% or greater revenue loss for the most recent calendar quarter (as of 04-01-21 or later)
Allowable use of funds
Funds may be used for specific expenses, which include:
Payroll costs
Rent payments
Utility payments
Scheduled mortgage payments (not including prepayment of principal)
Scheduled debt payments (not including prepayment of principal) on any indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business prior to 02-15-20)
Worker protection expenditures
Payments to independent contractors (not to exceed $100K in annual compensation per contractor)
Other ordinary and necessary business expenses, including maintenance costs
Administrative costs (incl. fees and licensing)
State and local taxes and fees
Operating leases in effect as of 02-15-20
Insurance payments
Advertising, production transportation, and capital expenditures related to producing a theatrical or live performing arts production. (May not be primary use of funds.)
Grantees may not use award funds to:
Buy real estate
Make payments on loans originated after 02-15-20
Make investments or loans
Make contributions or other payments to, or on behalf of, political parties, political committees, or candidates for election
Any other use prohibited by the Administrator
Grantee Recordkeeping
Grantees will be required to maintain documentation demonstrating their compliance with the eligibility and other requirements of the SVO Grant program. They must retain employment records for four years following their receipt of a grant and retain all other records for three years.
Application and additional guidelines will be posted when available.
For additional information, email SVOGrant@sba.gov. All emails regarding SVO Grants will be sent using an official government email address ending in @sba.gov.
Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.
Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.
Terms
Up to $25,000
Fast turnaround
Will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan
As a part of the CARES Act, SBA is authorized to pay 6 months of principal, interest, and any associated fees that borrowers owe for all 7(a), 504, and Microloans reported in regular servicing status (excluding PPP loans). This debt relief to borrowers was originally dependent on the loan being fully disbursed prior to September 27, 2020 and does not apply to loans made under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
These original provisions were amended on December 27, 2020 through the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits and Venues Act (Economic Aid Act). The Economic Aid Act revised the eligibility criteria for assistance to include all 7(a), 504, and Microloans approved up to September 27, 2020 even if not fully disbursed. All other provisions for initial debt relief remained the same.
Borrowers need not apply for this assistance. SBA provides this assistance automatically as provided below:
For loans not on deferment, SBA will make monthly payments based on the next payment due on eligible loans for a total amount equivalent to no more than 6 months of installment payments.
For loans currently on deferment, SBA will begin making monthly payments with the first payment due after the deferment period ends for a total amount equivalent to no more than 6 months of installment payments.
SBA has notified 7(a), 504, and Microloan Lenders that it will pay these borrower loan payments. Lenders are to report to SBA periodically on the amounts due once a loan is fully disbursed. Payments collected after March 27, 2020 may be applied to the outstanding loan balance or returned to the borrower at the borrower’s discretion.
Additional Debt Relief Assistance
The Economic Aid Act also authorized additional debt relief payments to 7(a), 504, and Microloan borrowers beyond the 6-month period prescribed in the CARES Act. The level of assistance varies based on when the loan was approved and will begin on or after February 1, 2021. Please contact your Lender for questions on the availability of this assistance for your SBA loan.
THE INITIATIVES DESCRIBED ABOVE ARE LIMITED TO THE LEVEL OF AVAILABLE FUNDING PROVIDED BY CONGRESS.
Disaster Home and Business Loans
For current SBA Serviced Disaster (Home and Business) Loans: If your disaster loan was in “regular servicing” status on March 1, 2020, the SBA is providing automatic deferments through March, 31, 2021.
What does an “automatic deferral” mean to borrowers?
Interest will continue to accrue on the loan.
1201 monthly payment notices will continue to be mailed out which will reflect the loan is deferred and no payment is due.
The deferment will NOT cancel any established Preauthorized Debit (PAD) or recurring payments on your loan.Borrowers that have established a PAD through Pay.Gov or an OnLine Bill Pay Service are responsible for canceling these recurring payments. Borrowers that had SBA establish a PAD through Pay.gov will have to contact their SBA servicing office to cancel the PAD.
Borrowers preferring to continue making regular payments during the deferment period may continue remitting payments during the deferment period. SBA will apply those payments normally as if there was no deferment.
After this automatic deferment period, borrowers will be required to resume making regular principal and interest payments. Borrowers that cancelled recurring payments will need to reestablish the recurring payment.
If you have questions about your current loan and whether or not your loan is automatically deferred, please contact your Loan Servicing Office directly using the following information:
In addition to federal support, there are state resources available to you + your business at this difficult time.
/
ATLANTA
For a ATL-specific, small business COVID-19 resource list, click here.
Through the ATL Business Continuity Loan Fund, businesses can apply for a loan between $5,000 and $30,000 to cover rent and mortgage payments and employee wages. For more info click here.
Take the Atlanta COVID-19 Emergency Program Interest Survey to help Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms allocate $7 million in emergency funds. Click here for the survey.
File a new claim if you have already applied for UI but are eligible for PUA because you are a business owner, independent contractor, self-employed worker, freelancer, or gig worker affected by COVID-19, and you have not already appealed a $0 award notice, been asked to verify your identity, or requested a wage investigation.
If you are a small business owner, independent contractor, self-employed worker, freelancer, or gig worker, here’s how to answer key questions in the application form:
On the Employment History screen when you supply your last employer information, select “No.”
On the Availability Information page, answer question 7 with “No.”
On the Disaster Information page, answer question 1a.3 with “You are an independent contractor.” If you got paid in cash, select “None of these options apply to me.”
If you have run out of benefits, you are unemployed, and your benefit year has expired, reapply for benefits through UI Online.
If you have run out of benefits but you are still within the one year that your claim is good for, and your benefits:
Ran out before February 2, you are probably not eligible for PUA. (You would have to show that you are unemployed because of COVID-19.) You may be eligible for the federal 13-week extension. We will notify you about what to do.
Were for weeks you spent unemployed between February 2 and March 21, we will send you a form to fill out to supply information not already in your claim. When you get the form, fill it out and return it.
If you received your last payment for weeks you were unemployed on or after March 21 and are still within your benefit year, we will automatically extend your claim for 13 weeks. We will notify you that we have done that and when you can certify.
If you applied for unemployment assistance but didn’t qualify (for example, because you voluntarily quit or you were fired or discharged by your employer), or you are serving a penalty because of false statements on a past claim, you could be eligible for PUA. We will send you a form to fill out to supply information not already in your account. When you get the form, fill it out and return it.
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
On February 17th, Governor Newsom and the California State Legislature Leadership announced anImmediate Action Agreementto support additional funding for the CA Relief Grant program. Please stay tuned for further details pending final legislative action.We appreciate your patience during this time
Option 1: 0% for a term of up to 18 months, with repayment deferred for up to 6 months
Option 2: 3% for a term of up to 5 years, with repayment deferred for up to 12 months (for profit businesses)
Option 3: 2% for a term of up to 5 years, with repayment deferred for up to 12 months (for tax-exempt businesses)
LOS ANGELES
Eligible Borrowers: For-profit and tax-exempt businesses in the City of LA with 100 or fewer employees that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak and will make their best effort to continue or re-establish their business operations and employees
Borrower Eligibility:
Business must have a Business Tax Registration Certificate with the City of Los Angeles’ Office of Finance that was filed prior to March 01, 2020
Credit:
There is no credit minimum, however the principal business owner(s) must have reasonable and responsible personal credit history and an acceptable explanation for any derogatory marks
Bankruptcies and debt write-offs must be at least 12 months old
Cash Flow:
Businesses must show that historical profits would have been sufficient to service the requested debt and that they have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak
Location:
Primary business operation must be physically located in a commercial–use building within City of Los Angeles boundaries
Required Guarantors:
All business owners who hold 20% or more ownership must guarantee the loan
Co-Signer:
A co-signer with reasonable credit and sufficient income to re-pay the loan can be included as a guarantor to mitigate weaknesses in the loan request.
For more details on the micro-loan program, click here.
An executive order protects you from eviction if coronavirus or the quarantine impacted your ability to pay all or part of your rent between March 4, 2020, and August 31, 2020.
The Tenant, Homeowner and Small Landlord Relief and Stabilization Act protects you from eviction if you are unable to pay some or all of your rent due to coronavirus or the quarantine between September 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021. You’ll need to pay at least 25% of your rent for this period. You can do that monthly or in one lump sum by June 30, 2021.
In both situations, you must provide your landlord with a declaration of financial hardship. Make sure you:
Explain your financial situation to your landlord and tell them how much you can pay
Save all financial documents
Pay as much of your rent as you can
If your landlord is attempting to evict you and you took all the above steps, contact a local legal aid provider and learn about your protections.
The Water Board restricts the shut off of water during the COVID crisis. Report any water shutoff or reconnect issue at COVID-19 Water Shut-Off Complaint Report.
Homeowners and small landlords
Foreclosure protection is available for homeowners and small landlords who have federally-backed mortgages through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This includes landlords with four or fewer properties (whether or not they’re owner-occupied).
Homeowners or small landlords who don’t have federally-backed loans can contact their loan servicers to request forbearance. Your lender must provide detailed reasons if they deny your forbearance request. You can contest a denial.
These financial institutions may be able to reduce or delay your monthly payment. In addition, they will:
Give you a streamlined process to request forbearance for coronavirus-related reasons, supported with available documentation
Confirm approval of and terms of the forbearance program
Provide the opportunity to extend your forbearance agreement if you continue to experience hardship due to coronavirus
If you’re experiencing homelessness, you can contact your local homeless continuum of care. In many communities, you can also call 211 for help.
You may be able to get a hotel or motel room through Project Roomkey and the state’s partnership with Motel 6.
Homeless assistance providers
If you’re a homeless assistance provider, determine your community’s need for rooms before you request support from the state. Work with your local continuum of care, emergency management, social services, tribes, and other partners.
California has set aside $150 million in emergency funding to protect the homeless during the coronavirus. Here are some FAQs for homeless assistance providers about those funds.
Temporary housing for essential workers
Housing for the Harvest offers temporary housing to agriculture and food processing workers who need to isolate due to coronavirus infection or exposure. Under this program, the state will pay for hotel rooms for agricultural workers who need to self-isolate.
The Non-Congregate Sheltering (NCS) for California Healthcare Workers Program keeps healthcare workers safe and reduces the spread of the coronavirus. It provides hotel rooms to healthcare workers who give critical care to COVID-19 patients so they don’t bring home the virus to their household. Visit Hotel rooms for California healthcare workers to find out about program eligibility and how to reserve a room.
MISCELLANEOUS
School Reopening for In-Person Instruction Status
Use interactive maps to see school district, charter school and private school status on reopening, safety planning, and COVID-19 resources. Click here to learn more.
NYC
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
NYC Employee Retention Grant is no longer accpeting applications.
To qualify for the NYC Employee Retention Grant, covering up to 40% of their payroll for two months and access up to $27,000, your business must meet the following criteria:
1 to 4 employees that can demonstrate at least a 25% decrease in revenue as a result of COVID-19
Been in operation for at least 6 months
No outstanding tax liens or legal judgments
Located within the five boroughs of New York City
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS/
As has always been the case, you can apply for unemployment insurance if you have lost your job through no fault of your own. Additionally, on March 27, 2020, a law was signed that provides additional Unemployment Insurance (“UI”) assistance to workers impacted by COVID-19.
This new law provides:
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): Extends eligibility to individuals who have traditionally been ineligible for UI benefits (e.g., self-employed workers, independent contractors) until the benefit week ending 3/14/2021.*
Pandemic Unemployment Compensation: Additional payments of $600 per week for benefit weeks ending 4/5/2020 to 7/26/2020 and $300 per week for the benefit weeks ending 1/3/2021 to 3/14/2021 while unemployed.
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation: An additional 24 weeks of UI benefits, beyond the 26 weeks already provided by New York State, until the benefit week ending 3/14/2021.*
*In order to phase out the program, claimants who have an established PUA or PEUC claim on or before March 14, 2021 and are still eligible for additional weeks may continue to claim for benefits until they have collected the maximum number of weeks or the week ending April 11, 2021, whichever comes first.
Sign in or create a NY.gov ID account and follow the instructions to file a claim.
If you have never filed a claim for benefits in New York State, you must create a PIN. This is a four-digit number that you must keep confidential. This PIN will be used to access the system to certify for weekly benefits and update your account.
Ready? Make sure you have with you:
Your Social Security number
Your driver license or Motor Vehicle ID card number (if you have either one)
Your complete mailing address and zip code
A phone number where we can reach you from 8 am – 5 pm, Monday –Friday
Your Alien Registration card number (if you are not a U.S. Citizen and have a card)
Names and addresses of all your employers for the last 18 months, including those in other states
Employer Registration number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) of your most recent employer (FEIN is on your W-2 forms)
Your copies of forms SF8 and SF50, if you were a federal employee
Your most recent separation form (DD 214), for military service
You can file a claim without all of these documents. However, missing information can delay your first payment.
If you cannot print web pages, have a pen and paper to copy information.
If you choose direct deposit of your weekly benefits, you will need your bank routing and checking account numbers. You cannot choose direct deposit if you file your claim by telephone.
Overview
If you are self-employed, an independent contractor or a farmer you may now be eligible and can file for benefits online.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is a new federal program that is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that provides extended eligibility for individuals who have traditionally been ineligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits (e.g., self-employed workers, independent contractors).
You will not be eligible for PUA if you can telework, or if you are receiving paid sick leave or other paid leave benefits (regardless of meeting a category listed above).
Additionally, the CARES Act provides FPUC, an additional $600 per week for benefit weeks ending 4/5/2020 to 7/26/2020 and $300 per week for benefit weeks ending 1/3/2021 to 3/14/2021.
DOL has launched an updated, streamlined online application that allows New Yorkers to apply for either traditional UI or PUA, depending on their eligibility. You do not have to complete a separate application for PUA.
Submitting an Application
You can apply for Emergency One-Time Assistance using the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App. HRA will call you to complete your telephone eligibility interview. In-person interview appointments at Job Centers are not available at this time.
You can apply for Emergency One-Time Assistance to help pay rent arrears even if you do not have an eviction case in Housing Court.
Use the ACCESS HRA website or the ACCESS HRA Mobile App to view your case information and update your contact information. It’s very important that HRA has your current contact information.
HRA Locations
The number of HRA Centers and Offices open to the public has been reduced. Please only visit an HRA Center or Office if your needs cannot be met online or by phone. Hours and locations may change. Visit the HRA Center Locations website for more information.
EBT Cards
Applicants who have been approved for benefits will receive an EBT card in the mail. If your EBT card has not yet arrived, you can go to the Brooklyn Over-The-Counter (OTC) site for your permanent card, or one of seven open HRA locations for a temporary card that will have all benefits available until your EBT card arrives. Visit the HRA Center Locations website for more information.
Permanent EBT cards can only be sent via the mail or picked up at the Brooklyn OTC site. For more information, visit the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card page.
NEW JERSEY
The NJEDA is offering…
Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan (application opens April 13th, 2020 @ 9 AM)
Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant (application currently open here)
The program provides cash incentives, no-interest loans, low-interest loans and technical assistance for small businesses. To be eligbile for assitance, your buisness must…
Be a for-profit business (non-profit organizations are not eligible)
Employ up to 50 full-time equivalent employees (under 15 for the incentive program)
Have a physical location in Oklahoma City (online businesses are not eligible)
Have been in operation for at least 1 year as of March 16, 2020
Be able to demonstrate a 50% drop in revenue between March 16-April 15, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019
For the TX state government’s Coronavirus economic response page, click here.
For Texas City businesses (50 employees or less), you may be eligible for small business grants up $25,000. For more info, head over to this webpage.
FLORIDA
For info on FL’s state business recovery information, click here.
CONNECTICUT
For information on the CT Recovery Bridge Loan Program, click here.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: the DRS extends the filing deadline for certain annual state business tax returns – for more info, click here.
For general resources (updated continually by the State) regarding small buisnesses in CT, click here.
MARYLAND
The Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund includes…
Grants up to $10,000 not to exceed 3 months of cash operating expenses for Maryland businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 with 50 or fewer employees.
Click here for a link to Denver Business Assitance Programs for information regarding grants, loans, local support, and taxes.
TAX EXTENSION, LATE FEE WAIVED! Denver businesses won’t have to pay the 15% late fee if they’re unable to pay their business taxes that are due in March or April.
In resposne to COVID-19, Denver has also launched the Small Business Relief Program, designed to assist eligible small businesses that may have had to temporarily close, have difficulty with paying their rent and utilities, or have had to lay off staff. which…
Prioritizes those industries who are most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, such as the food industry, nail salons, barbershops, home childcare providers, and retail shops.
The FCCDC finances both start-up and existing small businesses for a wide range of purposes. They lend between $5,000 and $200,000 to both existing and start-up businesses.
If your small buisness (5 employees or less) is located in Fitchburg, you may be eligible for an Emergency Small Buissness Grant. Click here for more info.
MINNESOTA
For MN-specfic Small Business Emergency Loans, click here.
WASHINGTON
There are Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grants available. Eligibility includes…
Applicants should have been in business for at least one year.
Businesses with up to 10 full-time employees (FTEs) may apply for a one-time grant of up to $10,000.
Funding is not meant to help launch a business, but to support existing businesses who are specifically affected by the COVID-19 crisis and are vital members of their local community.
Grant recipients are eligible to receive one Working Washington Grant award during the current budget cycle, which ends on June 30, 2021.
Approved grant expenditures:
Grant funds can used for operational expenses including rent, supplies/inventory, utility bills, etc. as well as consulting, marketing, and training.
Applications must include a list of proposed expenses grants will be spent on. Applications without a list of proposed expenses will be considered incomplete.
If your business is seeking a tax filing extension, you’ll need to apply – more info here.
The state is working to compile a larger list of local bankers, financial associations, telecoms, utilities and major employers that may be able to provide relief, such as:
Deferred bills, waived fees, discounts, no-interest loans and other support.
Debt and late-penalty forgiveness for companies and workers in order to help keep people employed.
Favorable credit terms for firms that encounter cash flow problems.
For Washington state-specific relief during COVID-19, check out this webpage.
There are also the Washington state “SharedWork” programs worth exploring. SharedWork is a voluntary business sustainability program that provides flexibility to retain employees at reduced hours, designed to…
Support business stability
Retain skilled workers
Reduce payroll costs
Be a smart alternative to layoffs
Explore training programs that develop workforce skills
For more general info on the programs available, click here.
Utah Leads Together Small Business Bridge Loan program
During round two, loan applications will be accepted from Utah for-profit and 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, from April 13 at 8 a.m. to April 16 at noon (MDT)
Applicants must demonstrate financial stress or disrupted operations
Notices from tenants closing operations and not paying rent caused by loss of income.
Notice of inability to pay rent or make loan payments due to reduced sales or suspended operations.
Increased costs related to COVID-19 prevention measures.
Notice of disrupted supply network leading to a shortage of critical inventory or materials.
Other circumstances subject to review on a case-by-case basis
California
