Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, small businesses have been fighting to survive as they endure the economic toll of shutdowns. Small businesses make up more than 99% of American businesses, employing more than half of the US workforce. But with stay-at-home orders in place, many small businesses are not receiving the support they needed to keep their doors open. As a result, 22% of businesses closed permanently, with Black-owned businesses closing at 2.5 times the rate of white-owned businesses, according to Forbes. 

Small businesses need more than community support to survive the pandemic. Below is a list of emergency-funding resources, sourced from Business Insider and our own research. From public to private sources, these resources are readily available.


Small Business Administration

Economic Injury Disaster Loan  

EIDL provides economic relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue due to the pandemic. U.S. small businesses, non-profits, independent contractors, freelancers/self-employed and limited types of franchise affiliates that have been in business since Jan. 31 qualify for this loan.  Businesses can receive up to  $150,000 in funding through emergency loans with 3.75% interest and a maximum period of 30 years.

Express Bridge Loans 

Express Bridge Loans enable small businesses that currently have a relationship with an Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can be given to small businesses and nonprofits waiting for Economic Injury Disaster Loans. 


JPMorgan Chase

Entrepreneurs of Color Fund, Ascend, and Community Development Financial Institution partners

JPMorgan Chase is providing economic relief to underserved and underrepresented entrepreneurs and small businesses in the U.S. and globally through loans and interest-rate reductions. The funding limit is undetermined, but total donation is $8 million.


Facebook

Small Business Grant Program 

Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits to provide small businesses with financial support during the pandemic and provide economic relief. The program is intended to keep the workforce strong, help with rent and operational costs, connect with more customers and support communities. Up to 30,000 eligible small businesses across 30 countries will be able to receive a grant from Facebook. To be eligible, businesses must have between 2 and 50 employees, have been in business for over one year, have experienced challenges from the pandemic and be in or near a location where Facebook operates. 


Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation 

RWCF COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund

RWCF is providing funding to restaurants which have been hit hard by shutdowns during the pandemic. Funds raised during the crisis are allocated 50% for direct relief to individual restaurant workers, 25% for non-profit organizations serving restaurant workers and 20% for zero-interest loans for restaurants to get back up and running. 


Kiva

Small business loans 

Kiva’s zero-interest loans are given to small businesses seeking community-based lending instead of traditional financial institutions. After a quick application, businesses can receive up to $15,000 in funding. Small businesses publicizing their loans on Kiva reach over 1.6 million lenders worldwide. 


Hello Alice 

COVID-19 Business for All Emergency Grants 

Hello Alice partners with Verizon, Silicon Valley Bank, Ebay Foundation, UBS, Visible and Stacy’s Rise Project to offer emergency grants to small business owners impacted by the pandemic. Small business owners can apply to the general Business for All program, which offers exclusive mentorship opportunities and grants of up to $50,000 to support long-term business growth. 


Local Initiatives Support Corporation

Rapid Relief and Resilience Fund 

The Rapid Relief and Resilience Fund provides grants to women-owned and minority-owned small businesses in local communities. The fund supports thousands of community-based organizations that serve clients in need, and provides tech support and infrastructure to help residents and enterprises access education, work and commerce. Qualifying businesses can receive grants from $5,000 to $20,000. 


GoFundMe

Small Business Relief Fund 

GoFundMe’s one-time donation-matching grants are available for independently owned and operated small businesses that need help to alleviate the financial burdens of the pandemic. To qualify for the matching grant, small businesses must set up their own, independent GoFundMe fundraiser and raise at least $500. Business owners must verify their business has been negatively impacted by the government mandates. The Small Business Relief Fund is intended to help business owners support employees and pay ongoing business expenses. 


The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation

The Red Backpack Fund

Throughout the pandemic, the Sara Blakely Foundation has donated $5 million to support female entrepreneurs and has teamed up with GlobalGiving to create the Red Backpack Fund. GlobalGiving is giving at least 1,000 grants of $5,000 to female entrepreneurs and women-led businesses across the U.S. The fund is open to public donation as well. 


Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce

Bring Back Brooklyn Fund

The Bring Back Brooklyn Fund provides zero-interest loans of approximately $30,000 to small businesses in Brooklyn that have been financially impacted by the pandemic. The fund aims to reach small businesses that have been denied by other loan programs and plan to reopen. A majority of the loans are for women-owned and minority-owned businesses. The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is currently raising funds with a goal of $500,000.


San Francisco City Hall

African American Small Business Revolving Loan Fund

Black-owned businesses with annual revenue below $2.5 million are eligible to receive $50,000 loans with zero-interest; repayments are deferred by 12 months, and up to 20% of the loan may be forgiven, 


Find a detailed list of resources at the federal and local level for employers and employees here.

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