Click to Flourish

SUBSCRIBE

YOUR IDEAS

Back to Flourish

UPDATED 2/5

(New 2/5/21)  Second Draw PPP and Business Resources – on Tuesday, 2/9/21 from 11:00-12:15 pm, Antonio Doss, District Director of the SBA, Washington Metro Area Office, will host a free webinar for small businesses and non-profits re: updates about loan forgiveness and how to access Round 2 PPP funding.  Webinar sponsored by Fairfax Co Economic Development Authority.

To register, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/second-draw-ppp-and-resources-for-businesses-tickets-138861710113?utm_campaign=E-Bird%20FY21&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=109513826&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9M3jE_QFR9tr423FThJaFyubuk72GOTZHCsdQBSc_ytbgzejYB1gt7pWuDBHOrhNxyyAjVIIm8TuwYJw-KP-lCMO8yjQ&utm_content=109513826&utm_source=hs_email

(New 1/11/21) SBA Press Release re: PPP – last Friday, SBA announced the re-opening of the PPP program.  To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13.  The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter. 

For top-line overviews by the US Dept of Treasury about the Second Stimulus PPP, see the following:

SBA Webinar re: PPP & EIDL Updates on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm – understand what will be required to apply and learn of available options re: the PPP and other programs:

      • PPP Guidelines for First-Time and Second-Round Applicants
      • PPP Revised Eligibility, Uses, & Forgiveness
      • Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

No fee to attend; click here to register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16491

(New 12/22) Second Stimulus Package and PPP – On Monday, 12/21, Congress passed the $900 billion Covid-19 relief bill, of which $284 billion are for forgivable small business loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  Some key features of the bill as it relates to the PPP program (also referred to as the “PPP2”) include:

      • PPP2 loans available to first-time qualified borrowers and businesses that previously received a PPP loan
      • previous PPP recipients may apply for another loan of up to $2 million, provided they:
        • have less than 300 employees
        • have used or will use the full amount of their 1st PPP loan
        • can show a 25% gross revenue decline in any 2020 quarter compared with the same quarter in 2019
      • borrowers again limited to 2.5 times their average monthly payroll, except food service businesses are eligible for bigger loans of up to 3.5 times their average monthly payroll
      • loan use expanded (beyond payroll, rent, covered mortgage interest, and utilities) and can now be used to pay for:
        • personal protective equipment and facility modification expenditures to comply with Covid federal health and safety guidelines
        • expenditures to suppliers that are essential to borrower’s current operations
        • covered operating costs such as software and cloud computing services and accounting needs
      • business expenses paid with forgiven PPP loans are tax-deductible
      • publicly traded companies ineligible
      • first-time borrowers from following groups now permitted to apply:
        • businesses with less than 500 employees that are eligible for other SBA 7(a) loans (see this link for definition: https://www.sba.gov/partners/lenders/7a-loan-program/types-7a-loans)
        • sole proprietors, independent contractors, eligible self-employed individuals
        • not-for-profits, including churches
        • food service and accommodation operations with NAICS codes starting with 72, with fewer than 300 employees per physical location
      • for full loan forgiveness, PPP borrowers must spend no less than 60% of the funds on payroll over a covered period (selected by borrower) from 8-24 weeks immediately after 2nd loan received
      • simplified forgiveness applications process for loans of $150K or less

On Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 10 am (ET), U.S. Senator Ben Cardin will give an update on the impact of this latest relief package on small businesses.  To register for call-in details, RSVP to Events@cardin.senate.gov.  Call-in details will be sent following RSVP.

(New 12/21) On Sunday, 12/20, Congressional leaders agreed to a $900 billion economic relief package that includes an extension of PPP program with more than $284 billion for forgivable PPP loans.  The House is expected to vote on the second stimulus package later today.

(New 7/2)  The House of Representatives passed a bill on 7/1 that extends the June 30th deadline (for a bank to sign off on a PPP loan) to August 8th.  The bill heads to President Trump for signature.  About $134 billion of the original $659 billion in PPP funds remains unclaimed.

(New 6/23)  The US Dept of Treasury has updated its information regarding:

(Updated 6/8)  Bill that eases PPP loan rules was signed into law on Friday.  Main changes include the following:

      1. Borrowers now have 24 weeks, instead of 8 weeks, to spend funds
      2. 60% of loan proceeds must be spent on payroll, down from 75%
      3. Covered period of the loan extended to December 31 instead of June 30
      4. Borrowers can delay payment of their payroll tax payments through the end of 2020
      5. Borrowers will not lose loan forgiveness eligibility if they can show that some employees declined to return to their jobs or their pre-pandemic headcount was no longer required due to Covid-19 related operating restrictions
      6. New Borrowers will have 5 years to repay their loans instead of 2 years. Existing PPP loans can be extended up to 5 years if agreed to by Lender and Borrower.  Interest rate remains at 1%.


Please contact your financial advisor or lender for more information.

(Updated 5/19)  The PPP Loan Forgiveness Application has been released.  See:  https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/3245-0407-SBA-Form-3508-PPP-Forgiveness-Application.pdf     While the Dept of Treasury has offered some new guidance on PPP loan forgiveness, it is likely that the SBA will issue additional regulations and guidance to assist borrowers, their financial advisors, and lenders with the forgiveness process and their responsibilities.  Note that the application requires a Borrower to maintain certain documentation related to its PPP loan for at least 6 years after the loan is forgiven or repaid in full, including documentation supporting the Borrower’s certification and loan eligibility.

(Updated 5/13)  On 5/13, the SBA, in consultation with the Dept. of Treasury, updated its PPP FAQ info sheet, which now includes how it intends to review the “good faith necessity” certification in a Borrower’s PPP application.  Note that the safe harbor repayment date is now 5/18.  For the latest cumulative PPP FAQ sheet, see: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf

(Updated 4/26) PPP Program will resume on 4/27 at 10:30 am, following a $310 billion replenishment to the program. 

Additional tips, Q & As:

    • Make sure your application is complete! Incomplete applications lose their place in the queue
    • If you receive PPP funds, consider opening a separate PPP bank account
        • you’ll need to develop a good audit trail
        • document everything – how did you use the funds
        • track what items are not forgivable and pay those expenses out of a separate account
        • some employers are finding their employees want to stay on unemployment, so you might need to give back part of your PPP funds if they do not qualify for forgiveness (unless you want to keep those funds as a loan)
        • ask your SBA lender now about the documents it will require for loan forgiveness
    • Q: What uses are allowable in order to receive debt forgiveness?
        • A: the following amounts incurred and paid during the 8-week period from the date on which you first received the PPP money:
            • you must spend 75% of your PPP loans on payroll costs
            • rent (under a lease in effect prior to 2/15/20)
            • utilities
            • interest on a mortgage entered prior to 2/15/20 (but not principal prepayments)
      • Q: What is the 75% rule?
        • A: in order to be eligible for forgiveness, you must have spent 75% or your PPP loan on payroll costs, and not more than 25% of the amount you are requesting for forgiveness can be for allowable expenses (like rent) other than payroll costs
      • Q: Can I use all or part of the loan for a purpose that is not allowable?
        • A:   You could face civil and criminal penalties for fraud if you knowingly used the loan for uses that are not allowable.
      • Q: If my whole loan is forgiven, what about the accrued interest?
        • A: the interest is also forgiven
      • Q: Will I owe taxes on the amount of my PPP loan that is forgiven?
        • A:   The forgiveness of a PPP loan is not treated as a taxable cancellation of debt for fed income tax purposes

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – loans to small businesses designed to retain employees at current pay; “small business” includes those w/less than 500 employees, sole-proprietorship, independent contractor, and eligible self-employed individuals. For details see:   https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/PPP–Fact-Sheet.pdf ; https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf

(new 4/13) US Chamber of Commerce Guide and Checklist https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/023595_comm_corona_virus_smallbiz_loan_final.pdf
SBA PPP website: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp;
Dept of Treasury and PPP generally: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses

PPP Application Tips and Info Received from an SBA-Approved Bank: 

      • Complete ALL questions, sign and date by each Applicant who is an individual, as well as 20% or greater owner of the Applicant business
      • Average monthly payroll must be verified; if Lender does not receive the payroll and tax information requested, it will NOT process the Application
      • Underwriting required – Lender must be able to verify the following:
        • Borrower was in operation on 2/15/20
        • Borrower had employees for whom Borrower paid salaries and payroll taxes
        • The dollar amount of average monthly payroll
      • Consider pulling together the following documents, as your SBA-approved lender might require them for your PPP loan application:
        • Completed Application
        • Articles of Incorporation/Organization of each borrowing entity
        • Bylaws/Operating Agreement of each borrowing entity
        • All owners’ Driver’s Licenses
        • Payroll Expense verification documents to include:
          • IRS Form 940 and 941
          • Payroll Summary Report for 2019 and year to date 2020 (to include a listing of compensation of an individual employee that is in excess of $100,000 annual salary) with corresponding bank statement
          • If a Payroll Summary Report is not available, Employee Pay Stubs as of February 15, 2020 (or corresponding period) with corresponding bank statement
          • Breakdown of payroll benefits (vacation, allowance for dismissal, group healthcare benefits, retirement benefits, etc.)
        • Self-employed individuals, independent contractors and sole proprietorships – payroll tax filings for 2019 and year to date 2020, 1099-Miscellaneous forms and 2019 and year to date 2020 income and tax expense from the sole proprietorship
        • Certification that all employees live within the US. If any do not, provide detailed list with corresponding salaries of employees outside the US
        • Trailing 12-month P&L statement (as of the date of application) for all applicants
        • Most recent Rent Statement (Lease)
        • Most recent Utility Bills (Electric, Gas, Telephone, Internet, Water)

UPDATED 1/11

(New 1/11/21) SBA Webinar re: PPP & EIDL Updates on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm – understand what will be required to apply and learn of available options re: the PPP and other programs:

      • PPP Guidelines for First-Time and Second-Round Applicants
      • PPP Revised Eligibility, Uses, & Forgiveness
      • Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

No fee to attend; click here to register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16491

(New 12/21)  On Sunday, 12/20, Congressional leaders agreed to a $900 billion economic relief package that includes an additional $20 billion in EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loans) for businesses in low-income communities.  The House is expected to vote on the second stimulus package later today. 

(Updated 4/26) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) for COVID-19 – this program is being replenished with a total of $60 billion – $50 billion for the EIDL program, and $10 billion for EIDL grants.  Applicants who have already submitted applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

EIDL for COVID-19 – low interest loan for working capital to small businesses and private non-profits; this is handled, processed, and funded directly by SBA; program details found here: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/economic-injury-disaster-loan-emergency-advance#section-header-2

      • EIDL applicants can apply for Advance Grant of up to $10K. This advance does not need to be repaid (even if EIDL loan is ultimately denied), and can be used for: payroll, Rent, sick leave, other working capital; (new 4/13) due to overwhelming demand, $10K Advance Grant now limited to $1,000 per employee (e.g., a business with 3 employees is capped at a $3,000 advance grant).  Also reported that EIDL loans will be capped at $15K per applicant due to increased demand.
      • EIDL loan and advance grant application here: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/
      • Up to $2 million to pay for working capital – fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid due to COVID-19
      • 3.75% interest for small businesses; 2.75% interest for private non-profit org; up to 30 year term
      • Collateral for loans over $25K (might be waived); Guaranty for loans over $200K
      • EIDL Grant only available until 12/31/20; grants backdated to 1/31/20 so those who already applied for EIDL can receive a grant
      • EIDL Grant $ gets subtracted from PPP loan forgiveness amount
      • EIDL Grant and PPP monies cannot cover same/duplicate costs
      • Per a lender relations specialist with SBA, if you aren’t sure you qualify, apply anyway and get into the system; for those who obtain an alternative source of funding prior to an EIDL loan offer, you can decline the EIDL
          • There are no fees to apply for EIDL loans, so beware of scams
          • Do not fill out a requested loan amount; loan amount is determined by SBA based on revenue stream reflected in applicant’s financial statements
          • Save your work at every prompt; do not skip steps or information prompts
          • Very important to include a good, working e-mail address
          • SBA cannot retrieve your login info, password info, or application submission confirmation number, so make sure to write them down; you can track application status online with confirmation number

UPDATED 12/22 

(New 12/22)  $900 billion Second Stimulus Package passed by Congress on 12/21 – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin will give an update on the impact of this latest relief package on small businesses.  To register for call-in details for the update given on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 10 am (ET), RSVP to Events@cardin.senate.gov.  Call-in details will be sent following RSVP.

(New 12/21)  Second Stimulus Package – On Sunday, 12/20, Congressional leaders agreed to a $900 billion economic relief package that includes additional funding to the PPP and EIDL programs (see those separate tabs for updates), as well as the following additional items that might affect small business owners and their employees:

      • $300/week for unemployment insurance benefits
        • jobless workers receive regular state unemployment payments, plus $300 on top of that through March 14, 2021
        • extension of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program covering gig workers and self-employed workers
        • extension of Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program
      • A tax credit “to support employers offering paid sick leave”
      • Direct payment checks
        • $600 per single adult earning up to $75K
        • $1,200 per married couple earning up to $150K
        • $600 per each “child dependent”

UPDATED 4/4

Small Business Debt Relief Program – SBA will cover loan payments on other non-disaster SBA loans (e.g., more traditional SBA 7(a) lending, 504, and microloans) for 6 months.  Will also be available to new borrowers who take out non-disaster SBA loans issued prior to 9/27/20.  For more info see: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/sba-debt-relief 

SBA Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program – SBA Express Lenders now authorized to provide expedited SBA-guaranteed bridge loan financing for up to $25K.  Designed to bridge the gap while applying for long-term financing, such as SBA’s EIDL loan above.  For more info see: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/sba-express-bridge-loans

UPDATED 4/4

Federal Income Tax Day now July 15th – All federal income tax filings and payments (including self-employment tax), regardless of amount, normally due April 15, 2020, now due on July 15, 2020.  No extension requests needed, and no penalties or interest assessed. https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm953

Employee Retention Credit for Employers Subject to Closure or Experiencing Economic Hardship – enacted as part of CARES Act

      • Credits not available to employers receiving PPP loan assistance
      • Qualified employers have experienced more than 50% reduction in quarterly receipts, as measured on year-over-year basis
      • Wages of employees who faced reduced hours due to employer’s closure or economic hardship, are eligible for tax credit
      • Payroll tax credit, in each applicable quarter, is equal to 50% of first $10,000 of wages paid to qualified employee (including health benefits)
      • More requirements apply to employers with over 100 full-time employees https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-employee-retention-credit-under-the-cares-act


Delay of Payment of Employer Payroll Taxes – enacted as part of CARES ACT

      • Deferral not available to employers receiving PPP loan assistance
      • Deferment of paying employer portion of certain payroll taxes through end of 2020
      • Deferred payroll taxes include employer portion of FICA
        • 2020 deferred amounts due in 2 equal installments, one at end of 2021, and other at end of 2022

UPDATED 12/18

(New 12/18)  Governor Hogan announced a series of additional COVID health and economic relief initiatives including:

      • a directive to the MD Department of Commerce to forgive the $75 million in emergency loan debt that was provided by the state in March. Those loans will be converted to grants that do not need to be repaid. 
      • an executive order to provide emergency tax relief for small businesses intended to protect MD small businesses from major increases in their unemployment taxes. An employer’s 2021 tax rate will be calculated based on their non-pandemic experience by excluding the 2020 fiscal year and instead using the 2017, 2018, and 2019 fiscal years.

For more information regarding these and other initiatives, see: https://governor.maryland.gov/2020/12/10/governor-hogan-announces-additional-covid-19-health-and-economic-relief-initiatives/; and https://govstatus.egov.com/md-coronavirus-business/financial-assistance

(New 11/3) Governor Hogan announced an additional $250 million “Maryland Strong: Economic Recovery Initiative” to assist directly restaurants, small businesses, local entertainment venues, arts organizations, and Main Streets within the state, with COVID-19 emergency economic relief.

For more information on how these funds will be allocated, see: https://govstatus.egov.com/md-coronavirus-business/financial-assistance
For FAQs regarding this round of funding, including info on grant applications and disbursement of funds, see: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MJ3NqmX41YFcBaiRgpbDK9OTgk5G9qICbNdWl9El5mo/edit

(New 11/3) MD COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund – Additional funding through MD Dept of Labor is available through the date that is 30 days after the State of Emergency ends or until funding is exhausted. Awards of up to $50K designed to support small businesses undergoing economic stresses by minimizing need for layoffs. Fund includes cost of purchasing equipment for remote working and costs of cleaning/sanitizing supplies and/or services. Funds may not be used for rent.

For more information, see: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/covidlafund.shtml

State of Maryland and Coronavirus – Information re: Resources for Businesses: https://govstatus.egov.com/md-coronavirus-business

Maryland Business Relief Wizard – this tool helps connect Maryland businesses with support and resources for which they are eligible:  https://reliefwizard.net/

MD Dept of Commerce offering Financial Assistance Programs for Small Businesses:

      • MD Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund: applications no longer accepted
      • Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund: applications no longer accepted
      • Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund: applications no longer accepted
MD Business and individual income tax deadline extended – no interest or penalty imposed if 2019 tax payments made by July 15, 2020: https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/MDCOMP-281bed8?wgt_ref=MDCOMP_WIDGET_C7 


MD COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund – nor for rent; MD Dept of Labor; applications no longer accepted

FAQs for MD Businesses Planning and Responding to the Coronavirus – addresses a wide range of business questions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xHkCb2SRj7wekrIyoxnWz8hVomozXQDx5Ny3HFkkhwY/edit

FAQs about COVID-19 and MD’s Unemployment Insurance Benefits- addresses unemployment benefits questions pertaining to both employers and employees: http://labor.maryland.gov/employment/uicovidfaqs.shtml

Maryland Bankers Association– press release urging customers (including businesses) to contact their banks immediately if concerned about making loan payments or maintaining business expenses (to download PDF, scroll down and click on “MBA Press Release (March 16, 2020):” https://www.mdbankers.com/coronavirus-related-resources.html

UPDATED 11/9

(updated 11/9) Expansion of Rebuild VA Grant Fund – Grant program designed for small businesses whose normal operations were disrupted by COVID-19, is expanding its eligibility criteria. Organizations with less than $10 million in gross revenue or fewer than 250 employees will be eligible under the new criteria, and the maximum grant award will increase from $10K to $100K.

For more information, see: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/rebuildva/

Virginia 30 Day Fund – the non-profit VA 30 Day Fund provides forgivable loans for Virginia based small businesses.  Funds of up to $3K are intended to provide immediate financial assistance (within 3 days) while businesses await other sources of financial assistance.  To qualify, must be:

      • Small business employing between 3-30 people
      • Based in Virginia and in operation for at least one year
      • Owned and operated by a Virginia resident

For application and more information, see: https://va30dayfund.com/about/

Coronavirus Updates in Virginia – scroll down for topics:  https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/

Deferment of Sales and Corporate Tax Payments

Commonwealth of Virginia FAQs from Employees re: Covid-19 – guidance for workers re: temporary closure of employer’s business, reduced hours, coronavirus illness, unemployment insurance, etc.: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/governor-of-virginia/pdf/Frequently-Asked-Questions-from-Workers-Regarding-COVID-19.pdf

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority – link to bookmark in event Coronavirus-specific financing information becomes available; also includes info re: SBA-COVID programs:  https://www.sbsd.virginia.gov/about-us/news/covid19/

UPDATED 1/11

HOWARD COUNTY

(New 1/11/21)  Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced emergency legislation to reallocate $6.5 million of HoCo funds in FY2021 to immediately ensure critical pandemic support, which will include $2 million for the HoCo Economic Development Authority to issue additional grants and low interest loans.

(Updated 1/11/21)  HoCoRespond Covid-19 Emergency Funds for nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations providing services in and to Howard County.  Grant application closed.  Additional round of funding anticipated.  See: https://www.hocorespond.com/

(New 11/9) $200K in HoCoRespond COVID-19 Emergency Funds now available to Howard County nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations that provide services in and to Howard County. Nonprofits can apply until midnight, Monday 11/23. For a link to the grant application and information about 2 virtual Q&A grant sessions hosted by HoCoRespond, see: https://www.hocorespond.com/

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

(Updated 11/2) Reopen Montgomery Grant Program – Grants of up to $5K per applicant will reimburse Montgomery County businesses and nonprofits for expenses incurred to comply with State and County reopening requirements. Lottery conducted on a rolling basis until 30 days after the County enters Phase 3 Reopening or the fund is expended. Grant must be used by December 31, 2020.

For more information, see: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/biz-resources/reopen/?utm_source=MCEDC+Newsletter&utm_campaign=e324578210-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_103020&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2ec33b29cd-e324578210-67983815&mc_cid=e324578210&mc_eid=7a6251fcb3

For questions about the Reopen Montgomery program, email: Reopen@montgomerycountymd.gov

(new 11/2) 3R Initiative Restaurant and Retail Grant – now through November 5th, local restaurants and retailers can apply for up to $5K in grant funding and/or business counseling through the 3R Initiative. Support may include delivery service fees, auto insurance costs related to deliveries, inventory costs, and E-commerce solutions. For more information, see: https://thinkmoco.com/3r-grant?utm_source=MCEDC+Newsletter&utm_campaign=e324578210-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_103020&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2ec33b29cd-e324578210-67983815&mc_cid=e324578210&mc_eid=7a6251fcb3

Montgomery County Microenterprise Stabilization Program – Applications were accepted June 10 through June 16. https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Biz-Resources/msp/

Montgomery CountyTelework Assistance Fund– no longer accepting applications
https://thinkmoco.com/telework-assistance-fund

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

The Legacy Fund –  fund is closed.  

Prince George’s County COVID19 Business Relief Fund – https://www.pgcedc.com/covid-business-fund-2020 – no longer accepting applications

BALTIMORE COUNTY

(New July 17) Small Business COVID-19 Reimbursement Grant Program – The Department of Economic and Workforce Development will award grants of up to $10,000 to approx. 300 Baltimore County-based small businesses.  The goal is to provide reimbursable funding specifically for capital expenditures, furniture, fixtures, equipment and cleaning-disinfecting services necessary to operate safely during the pandemic.  Priority may be given to businesses that have been unable to operate or are operating at a significantly reduced capacity.  Applications available Wednesday, July 15.

For eligibility and application requirements, see:  https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/economicdev/covid19-assistance/smallbusinessgrants.html

For FAQs about the program, see: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/economicdev/covid19-assistance/smallbusinessgrantsfaq.html

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

(New 6/8) Small Business Customer & Employee Protection Grant Program (CEP) – for Anne Arundel-based businesses with 50 or less employees.  Funding to help businesses comply with regulations, enact safe and healthy best practices, and maximize sales and customer engagement opportunities.  Grants of up to $10K can cover purchase of the following:

      • PPE for employees
      • Protective shield/dividers
      • Sanitation products, such as disinfection UV lamps and biocide/mold bomb foggers
      • Technology for wellness scans, virtual meetings, customer communications and marketing (not paid advertising)
      • Delivery vehicles and equipment
      • Services, such as legal and human resources consultations, to understand compliance regulations
      • Workforce training to help employees understand and act on compliance regulations

For link to application portal, more info, and FAQ document, see: https://www.aaedc.org/business/financing-and-tax-credits/small-business-customer-employee-protection-grant/

FAIRFAX COUNTY

(updated 6/8) Fairfax RISE Grant Program – Grant Opportunity opens June 8-15, 2020; Join Webinar about the program on June 9 at 11 am: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/economic-success/fairfaxrise  – $25 million grant program to assist small businesses and nonprofits affected by the pandemic.  Funding from federal CARES Act funds that were provided to the county government.  These funds will not need to be repaid.  About $7.5 million will be allocated towards minority, veteran, and woman-owned businesses. 

Awardees must have less than 50 total employees.  Grant can be used for employee wages and benefits, rent, equipment, inventory, and other business critical operating expenses.

For press release from Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, see:  https://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/media-center/fairfax-county-creates-25m-grant-program-for-small-businesses-nonprofits/?utm_campaign=E-Bird%20FY%202020&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_foIG40okmhLhmSoEhvlH4M17P1o3DZNgn-NkomlPN3M9SYXAdMPVEbYGB9kEBmy45fQY85ezF2IgCTDrXhiiLFm6FJA&_hsmi=87906871&utm_source=hs_email&utm_content=87906871&hsCtaTracking=a4adf87e-0aea-4734-85a2-5f54ca08fb58%7C514242de-72c3-4c70-a11d-b62cc9627618

Fairfax County Small Business Recovery MicroLoan Fund – no longer accepting applications

MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA (Fairfax) COUNTIES- Businesses are encouraged to check their respective county’s business resource website regularly and sign up for automatic alerts when possible:

UPDATED 2/8

(Updated 2/8) LISC Small Business Relief Grants – LISC is accepting applications for another round of $10K grants made possible by funding from Verizon.  Grants are available for small businesses, especially those in underserved communities, including entrepreneurs of color, and women and veteran-owned businesses.  Applications are reviewed and scored.  Current grant application open 2/8-2/9 until 11:59 pm, ET. 

For more info, see: https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/small-business-assistance/small-business-relief-grants/

For preliminary application form and link to FAQ, see:  https://lisc.tfaforms.net/279

 (Updated 9/1) The Red Backpack Fund – Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation and GlobalGiving is giving 1,000 grants of $5K each to female entrepreneurs in the U.S. to help with immediate needs of those impacted by crisis.  All recipients will also receive a free annual All-Access Pass to all MasterClass instructors to provide mentorship.  Portal opens each month to accept applications during a certain time window.  Next openings September 8-15.  For FAQ and signup for auto-alert when application re-opens, see:  https://www.globalgiving.org/redbackpackfund/

 (Updated 7/28) Main Street Lending Program – The Federal Reserve’s loan program helping banks support small and medium sized businesses.  Eligible borrowers can participate regardless of whether PPP loans were received.  If you are interested in participating in this program, contact your local lender. Eligible lenders include U.S.-insured depository institutions, U.S. bank holding companies and U.S. savings and loan holding companies.  For link and FAQs updated 7/17, see: https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/mainstreetlending.htm

GlobalGiving  –  GlobalGiving has listed links to Covid-19 grants that have been established for small businesses and non-profits.  These grant programs are backed by corporate partners.  See:  https://www.globalgiving.org/learn/covid-19-grants

Honeycomb – Honeycomb Crowdfunded Small Business Relief Loan program will provide $10K-$50K in working capital to qualifying businesses.  45-day payment free, 3.75% interest only payment for 6 months, 5-7.5% interest over 3 year term.   https://www.honeycombcredit.com/relief

Facebook will roll out a program offering $100 M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses.  Sign up here to receive more information as it becomes available: https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants?ref=eml

Kiva (crowdfunded loans) – announced loans (max amt. $15K) for small business owners impacted by Covid-19: https://www.kiva.org/blog/support-local-businesses-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic

Wefunder (investment crowdfunding platform) – launched coronavirus crisis loans program for small businesses for loans $20K-$1 million: https://wefunder.com/loans

GoFundMe.org (charitable arm of GFM), Yelp, and Intuit QuickBooks – launched Small Business Relief Fund; will issue $500 matching grants to qualifying businesses that raise $500 on GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/c/small-business-relief-initiative-and-fund-faqs

UPDATED 5/19

Oracle NetSuite article on Managing Business Uncertainty has tips, checklists, advice, and links to other helpful articles:  https://suitecentric.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/NetSuite-White-Paper-Business-Uncertainty-SuiteCentric.pdf

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) offers free counseling and other support services.

      • (new 4/13) Helpful Videos for Small Business Owners by MD SBDC: http://www.mdsbdc.umd.edu/covid-19-videos
      • VA SBDC (Small Business Development Center)– guidelines listed, free assistance/counseling for small businesses, and access to free live and recorded webinars relating to COVID-19’s impact on small businesses: https://www.virginiasbdc.org/covid-19/ (for appointments, note that Fairfax County is in the “Mason SBDC” region)


SCORE – a nonprofit resource partner of the SBA offering free mentoring services and online workshops, including for COVID-10 support.  Many are retired C-Suite execs.  https://www.score.org/coronavirus

Association of Women’s Business Centers (WBC) – provides counseling, resources, and other COVID-19 support services:  https://www.awbc.org/

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) – business centers will receive funding to assist clients with COVID-19 matters.  List of MBDA centers: https://www.mbda.gov/businesscenters#4/34.05/-111.95

U.S. Chamber of Commerce– Coronavirus Small Business page updated daily with new information, resources and articles: https://www.uschamber.com/co/small-business-coronavirus; (new 4/13) see also for comprehensive survival guide with links: https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/small-business-resources-for-surviving-coronavirus

Main Street America – information center for small businesses that includes COVID-19 resources and tools: https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/resourcecenter/covid19resources

FDIC- COVID-19 Information for Bankers and Consumers:  this link contains several other links to current press releases and articles, including FAQs for bank customers, disaster recovery and your money:  https://www.fdic.gov/coronavirus/index.html

Maryland Bankers Association– press release urging customers (including businesses) to contact their banks immediately if concerned about making loan payments or maintaining business expenses, like payroll (to download PDF, scroll down and click on “MBA Press Release (March 16, 2020):” https://www.mdbankers.com/coronavirus-related-resources.html

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)


National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) has created a Coronavirus financial tool kit of resources to help manage your finances and provide access to non-profit counselors: https://www.nfcc.org/resources/coronavirus-financial-toolkit/

List of Approved Credit Counseling Agencies (from Dept of Justice website); search by state in first drop down box https://www.justice.gov/ust/list-credit-counseling-agencies-approved-pursuant-11-usc-111;

Credit related articles:  “What is Credit Counseling”  https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-credit-counseling-en-1451/;  “How Can I Tell a Credit Repair Scam from a Reputable Credit Counselor”  https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-can-i-tell-a-credit-repair-scam-from-a-reputable-credit-counselor-en-1343/

 

Dear BECO Community Members,

In an effort to help our tenants stay informed of the emerging and wide-ranging financial relief programs currently available, I’ve created an overview of local, state and federal resources. I am tracking these rapidly evolving resources and will keep you informed of major advancements.

In addition to my role as Assistant General Counsel at BECO Management, I have volunteered to serve as the Financial Resource Facilitator within BECO’s COVID-19 Response Team. We’ve created this special role to enable our tenants, particularly our small business tenant, access to a simplified learning house of information.

Feel free to e-mail me if I can be of assistance. On behalf of all of us at BECO, please stay safe.

Warm regards,

Amy Kwak
Financial Resource Facilitator
BECO Management COVID-19 Response Team
amy.kwak@beconet.com

This Advisory is intended to be a general summary of resources and does not constitute business or legal advice. You should consult with your business advisor and counsel to determine applicable requirements in your specific fact situation.

Scroll to Top