COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
In a time of uncertainty caused by the recent outbreak of COVID-19, we have provided a list of resources that can aid in helping our community’s small businesses. Interested in lending a helping hand? Consider supporting a local small business through curbside/delivery orders or the purchasing of a gift card for future use. Check out this article from Atlanta Magazine for other thoughtful ways to support. If you are aware of other resources that should be added to this list, please reach out to Alena Green, agreen@atlantadowntown.com.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Restore ATL Fund
The Metro Atlanta Chamber, in partnership with the CareSource Foundation, is implementing the RESTORE ATL Fund to support black-owned small and medium-sized businesses in metro Atlanta that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The RESTORE ATL Fund was established to provide companies immediate gap assistance through the distribution of $5,000-$10,000 grants. Apply Here.
CreATL Relief Fund
Established by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, the creATL Relief Fund facilitates private philanthropic grants to the independent creative industry workforce engaged in creative industries and entertainment. Artists, creative entrepreneurs and entertainment professionals generate an estimated $62.5 billion in economic impact each year in the State of Georgia and represent 5% of all employment and 4% of all business revenue in the state. This Fund provides a means of addressing the negative economic impact of the measures taken to control the novel COVID-19 virus in the U.S., Georgia, and particularly in the city of Atlanta. Apply Here.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Emergency Loan Programs
- Paycheck Protection Program
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance
- SBA Express Bridge Loans
- SBA Debt Relief
The Giving Kitchen (Grant)
Financial support for food service workers. More information available here.
Facebook’s $100 M Small Business Grants (Grant)
Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries. More details available here.
Lowes-LISC Partnership (Grant)
A $55 million grant program, of which $30 million will focus on minority- and women-owned businesses. Grants of up to $20,000 are offered to businesses to help cover their most immediate expenses. More information here.
Relief Atlanta
A central place to search for and donate to Atlanta small businesses during this time of quarantine. Consider adding your business’ GoFundMe campaign information to the site by emailing reliefatlanta@gmail.com. Access the full list here.
Opportunity Fund
Specializing in money lending to small businesses owned by women, immigrants and people of color, Opportunity Fund is collaborating with investors and nonprofits to put together a coronavirus relief fund that will provide grants and low-interest rate loans. Learn more.
Yelp Relief for Restaurants and Bars
Primarily focused on supporting independent, local restaurant and nightlife businesses, in the form of waived advertising fees and free advertising, products, and services during this period. More information here.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Coronavirus Relief Bill (CARES ACT)
- Getting Cash For Your Small Business Through The CARES Act [Source: Forbes]
Curbside (for Restaurants)
Consider adding curbside or takeout options, utilizing phone or social media to facilitate orders, and partnering with platforms like SwipeBy (no fees, no commission).
Delivery (For Restaurants)
Consider adding delivery capacity to your operation. Among the many platforms, it was announced that GrubHub is waiving delivery fees; you can become a GrubHub partner to access fee-free delivery here.
Gift Cards
Offering gift cards can provide a way for loyal customers to support you. Below are a few platforms that can assist in setting up the functionality.
- HelpSmallBusiness.com (by Kabbage)
- A free platform where business can sign up to sell gift certificates online, and customers can purchase them to support participating small businesses. Once registered, businesses can send a custom link to their customers. Learn more here.
- Square
- If you are a Square customer, you can use the platform to create digital gift cards.
- How to Implement a Gift Card Program for Small Business
UGA Small Business Development Center
The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) provides tools, training and resources to help, including virtual consulting. Learn more here.
Georgia Restaurant Association
A comprehensive listing of resources tailored for the food and beverage industry, including on demand webinars, a guide to reopening and much more. Learn more here.
Department of Homeland Security Business Continuity Planning
Consists of a business continuity plan (BCP) training, automated BCP and disaster recovery plan (DRP) generators, and a self-directed exercise for testing an implemented BCP. Learn more here.
Staying Connected with Your Customers
Check out the webinar, hosted by Opportunity Fund, here at this link
OTHER RESOURCES
Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative:
CDC Interim Guidance for Employers and Businesses
Recommendations to help plan, prepare and respond to Coronavirus. Learn more here.