There seems to be optimism in the air with news of the number of coronavirus cases falling and greater access to vaccines.
Unfortunately for many people this is still a difficult time, especially a high percentage of small business owners who faced a disruption of epic proportions to their businesses.
Here are the latest Covid-19 relief initiatives available to small business owners in Roswell Georgia and the surrounding counties.
Roswell Georgia Business Owners…
During the February 22nd city council meeting, the mayor and city council members approved the COVID-19 Relief Assistance Program for residents and small business owners who have experienced financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program will help residents in need to pay living expenses like mortgage/rent, utilities and childcare. It also supports local brick-and-mortar businesses struggling to stay afloat due to the pandemic.
The city has allocated $800,000 to this program — $400,000 is available to residents in need of assistance, and $400,000 is available to Roswell small businesses. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria.
These Grants Do Not Have to Be Paid Back to the City!
Residents and business owners will be able to apply during the open application periods for each program by visiting www.RoswellGov.com.
For business owners there is a short window of time to apply. And the application period for the Small Business Relief Assistance Program will open March 8 and continue through March 22, 2021.
Metro Atlanta Counties…
Comcast Rise is a commitment to support small businesses who have been hit the hardest by the economic impact of the pandemic. The Comcast RISE Investment Fund provides monetary grants to help Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, small businesses grow as they navigate the challenges of the pandemic.
Open to businesses in Atlanta, GA (Cobb, Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties) 100 small businesses will receive a $10,000 monetary grant. The application period is March 1-14, 2021.
More details can be found here: https://www.comcastrise.com/
Is PPP3 for Me?
In order to reach the smallest businesses, SBA will offer Paycheck Protection Program loans to businesses with fewer than 20 employees and sole proprietors only from Wednesday, February 24 through Tuesday, March 9, 2021
The latest round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding represents a marked improvement compared to the prior round.
- The share of funding going to small businesses with fewer than ten employees is up nearly 60%
- The share of funding going to small businesses in rural areas is up nearly 30%
Remember the deadline to apply is March 9, 2021. So, if you’re planning on moving forward here are two actions to take today!
- Find a lender:
- Identify a loan:
- First Draw PPP Loans: If you have not received a PPP loan before, First Draw PPP Loans are available to you.
- Second Draw PPP Loans: If you have previously received a PPP loan, certain businesses are eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
Additional information, tools, and COVID-19 related resources can be found using the following links:
SBA Coronavirus Relief Options – Comprehensive list includes:
- Payroll Protection Plan (PPP)
- Covid-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
- Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program (SVO GP)
- SBA Express Bridge Loan
- SBA Debt Relief
- Cross Program Eligibility
Georgia Chamber of Commerce – Scroll to the bottom of the page for a list of programs and safe workplace recommendations.
SBA Coronavirus Relief Options – Comprehensive list includes:
- Payroll Protection Plan (PPP)
- Covid-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
- Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program (SVO GP)
- SBA Express Bridge Loan
- SBA Debt Relief
- Cross Program Eligibility
Georgia Chamber of Commerce – Scroll to the bottom for a list of programs and safe work place recommendations.
Well, that is it for now regarding the Covid-19 relief initiatives for small business owners.
Please feel free to reach out if you have questions or if I can help you or your business!
And don’t forget to continue to support your local small business community… it is making a difference!
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.