Business Resources During COVID-19

COVID-19 Business Resources Available Now

The Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s Economic Development Team and our business resource partners recognize that the business community is experiencing a significant challenge as a result of COVID-19. As you continue to strengthen your business strategy during this period of uncertainty, we will maintain a list of resources that are immediately accessible. We will continue to update the resource information and add new ones as they become available.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAMS

Programs and resources made available through recent government action.

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COVID business resource: Invest Atlanta

Invest Atlanta is offering the Atlanta Cares Revolving Loan Fund aimed at alleviating sudden and severe economic dislocation caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and providing permanent resources to support economic resiliency to further the long-term economic objectives of the region.

COVID business resource: US Small Business Administration (SBA)

The Federal Government passed legislation in December 2020 to further address the affects on small businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA offers several different relief options to help businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations recover from the impacts of COVID-19.  Relief Options Overview

COVID business resource: US Small Business Administration (SBA) – GA District

COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) – Federal Disaster Loans providing economic relief to small businesses, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. These loans are intended to help businesses meet their financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occured. The EIDL Advance, which was additional funding added in March 2020 through the CARES Act is NO LONGER AVAILABLE.  However, Targeted EIDL Advance funds were created in December 2020 and are available for those meeting a certain criteria.

COVID business resource: US Small Business Administration (SBA) – GA District

COVID-19 Targeted EIDL Advance was signed into law in December 2020, as part of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act.  It provides businesses located in low-income communities with additional funds to ensure small business continuity, adaptation, and resiliency.  Advanced 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.  SBA will reach out to eligible businesses directly by e-mail. Targeted EIDL Advance FAQ

COVID business resource: US Small Business Administration (SBA) – GA District – PPP

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 economic crisis.  SBA is currently offering First Draw PPP Loans for first time program participants and Second Draw PPP Loans, beginning January 13, 2021, for certain businesses who have previously received a PPP loan with a deadline of March 31, 2021.

COVID business resource: US Small Business Administration (SBA) – GA District – Current Customers Only

Express Bridge Loans – Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly or SBA Debt Relief – The SBA will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans

COVID business resource: US Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The Save Small Business Fund is a grantmaking initiative offering short-term relief for small employers in the United States and its territories.  The Save Small Business Fund is for businesses with 3 to 20 employees located in certain zipcodes.

COVID business resource: Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Tax extension information for business filings.

COVID business resource: Georgia Department of Labor

Information for filing for unemployment, mandatory filing by employers for partial claims, and reemployment services

COVID business resource: US Department of Labor

Resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus including workplace safety recommendations.

COVID business resource: Export Relief for Businesses – Export-Import Bank

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is announcing relief provisions for exporters and financial institutions located throughout the United States that may have been affected by COVID-19.

COVID business resource: Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE)

ACE is offering their traditional programs as well as temporary deferment and a new loan product for current customers.

COVID business resource: City of Atlanta – #ATLStrong Business Resources

Business tax relief information and other resources being offered to businesses by the city.

BUSINESS STRATEGY RESOURCES

Technical assistance and resources available to help businesses pivot their strategy during these uncertain times.

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COVID business resource: US Chamber of Commerce

Response Toolkit, National Trends, Business Advocacy Work available for businesses.

COVID business resource: Invest Atlanta – Existing Loan Workshop Online

Invest Atlanta is moving its existing loan programs workshop online.  These are loans available to help assist you with your business and its growth strategies.

COVID business resource: Metro Atlanta Chamber

The Metro Atlanta Chamber is maintaining a list of Service Firms offering coronavirus business strategy assistance.

COVID business resource: UGA Small Business Development Center

Virtual Consultations – Please schedule through e-mail or phone at 404-413-7830.  You can also access their Conquering a Business Crisis Guide.

COVID business resource: SCORE

Telephone or Video Session Available, Free Virtual Mentoring

COVID business resource: National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)

NFIB provides guidance on federal lending programs and has free online webinars available to small businesses

PRIVATE SECTOR RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Resources provided by major corporations in the private sector to help support small businesses during this time.

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COVID business resource: Metro Atlanta Chamber

The Metro Atlanta Chamber is maintaining a list of B2B resources.

COVID business resource: Equifax

Credit score education and support through the COVID-19 crisis for individuals (business owners) and businesses.

COVID business resource: Kabbage

Through Kabbage Payments, any business can sign up to sell gift certificates online and access the funds the next business day.

COVID business resource: Mailchimp COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses

Mailchimp is offering a price relief, business directory, and other support for small businesses during the pandemic.

COVID business resource: Intuit Quickbook in partnership with GoFundMe

Small Business Relief Program Initiative offers free GoFundMe pages available for businesses to crowdsource funding from their respective communities, and then Intuit will support these fundraisers, boosting contributions from your supporters.

COVID business resource: Facebook for Business

Facebook is giving free access to business owners to a Business Resource Hub during this economic crisis.  Their application window for small business grants is now closed but additional resources could be listed in the future.

Other Banks Offering Relief

A listing of banks offering assistance to small business during the crisis.

COVID business resource: Other Private Loan Programs

LiftFund and Financial Innovation Now groups like Square (for customers only) – PayPalKabbageStripeIntuit – among others

REMOTE BUSINESS AND DIGITAL SUPPORT RESOURCES

Tools and tips for moving your business to remote operations and for digital technical assistance.

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COVID business resource: GA Commute Options – Teleworking Services

Teleworking services to get your small business set-up for remote operations.

COVID business resource: Comcast – Staying Connected During Coronavirus

Comcast is taking immediate steps to help connect low-income individuals to the Internet at home during these times. New Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service, which is available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month plus tax. Apply for this program and/or see if you are eligible for their debt relief program by June 30, 2021.

COVID business resource: Google Help for Small Business

Technical assistance to update your business hours, take-out/delivery info, and other information through Google to keep your customers informed. Plus they are now offering Google Ad Credits for small and mid-sized businesses with active accounts.

COVID business resource: 27 TOOLS EVERY NEW REMOTE WORKER NEEDS

Tools and technical assistance to help get your Small Business set-up and working effectively while remote.

FOOD/SERVICE INDUSTRY SUPPORT RESOURCES

Support for small businesses and their employees in the service industry.

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COVID business resource: The Giving Kitchen

Giving Kitchen provides emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources. Food service workers in Georgia who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and/or those who are under doctor’s orders for a mandatory quarantine should ask for help.

COVID business resource: Independent Restaurant Coalition

The Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) was formed to save the local restaurants affected by COVID-19.  Includes daily updates for restaurant professionals, social media toolkits, etc.

COVID business resource: Restaurant Workers Community Foundation

Resources for restaurants and workers coping with the COVID-19 situation.

COVID business resource: Bartender Emergency Assistance Program

The Bartender Emergency Assistance Program is being offered by the USBG National Charity Foundation, which is made up of a diverse group of beverage, hospitality, and nonprofit professionals.

COVID business resource: Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA)

State advocacy organization providing industry information to push forward initiatives to support restaurants during the pandemic.

COVID business resource: National Restaurant Association

Industry-specific guidance for owners and operators to ensure that restaurants have the latest information about coronavirus, including information around food safety.

Contact Us

We are also happy to schedule a call with you individually to discuss challenges your business may encounter or to further connect you with technical assistance related to any of the resources listed above. Feel free to email us to schedule a one-on-one meeting with the Atlanta BeltLine’s Economic Development team.