Can you believe it's been SIX WEEKS since COVID-19 became a daily topic?  

How are you feeling now that some restrictions are being eased? 

• We're feeling mixed emotions!  We know everyone is trying to figure out what is best for ourselves, customers and our businesses. 
• We continue to support safe practices for businesses and individuals alike per the CDC guidelines.
• • Check out the updated PiHi Alliance Business Operations Right Now
• There is a lot changing every day. PiHi is working hard to collect, distill and distribute relevant information in a timely manner. 
• • If you remember an email but can't find it, you can always reference it here: http://pihialliance.com/blog
• Thank you to our 22 members ! 
• • Join the PiHi Alliance!

YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT PPP AND EIDL 

Wed. April 29th @ Noon  NFIB Coronavirus Weekly Briefing for Small Business

The upcoming webinar on Wednesday April 29th, will focus on new developments with the PPP and EID loan programs and participant Q&A.

REGISTER

PPP APPLICATION NOW OPEN: Reinvestment Fund

MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

 

HAVE QUESTIONS??? HERE ARE SOME GREAT RESOURCES TO  HELP!  

Can I get a Paycheck Protection Program loan if I've laid off employees?

Employee Retention Credits versus the Paycheck Protection Program

How the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act affects your payroll  

Info on SBA Loans and Unemployment

Workforce Atlanta Guide for Employers and Job Seekers

  

REOPENING GUIDELINES

Read Gov. Kemp’s Reviving a Healthy Georgia Executive Order

Salons and Spas as of 4/24/20

Restaurants as of 4/27/20

  

FIND THIS EMAIL HELPFUL? 

PLEASE HELP PIHI OUT AND FILL OUT THIS SURVEY BY FRIDAY! 

We want to know how your business has been impacted over the last 6 weeks and business continuity steps you have taken. 

• We will share this information with the City of Atlanta to gather data to better inform the needs of the business community during these uncertain times.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS FRIDAY MAY 1, 2020

FILL OUT THE SURVEY NOW

   

Thank you for supporting PiHi Alliance businesses during this time, please continue!

• Many businesses that are allowed to re-open per Gov. Kemp's orders will remain closed until they feel safe for their customers and employees. 

• Some businesses will choose to re-open. It is up to each business to choose what is best for them at this time. 

• See the guidelines for salons, spas that choose to re-open tomorrow. 

We continue to support safe practices for businesses and individuals alike per the CDC guidelines.

New Grant Opportunity

Thanks to a $1 million grant from Sam’s Club, LISC will provide emergency assistance that small businesses desperately need during the Covid-19 crisis. And it doesn’t stop there: Sam’s Club is mobilizing its members to support this effort as well. 

Learn More

MOST UP TO DATE INFO ON COVID-19 LEGISLATION + PPP Lender Contact

Senate Passes Roughly $484 Billion in New Coronavirus Aid

 

The Senate on Tuesday approved roughly $484 billion in new coronavirus aid for small businesses and hospitals and more funding for testing, ending a lengthy battle over the size and contents of the package. 

 

Read More

SBA Payment Protection Program: Information from Congressman John Lewis

• Get your application in now!

• The funds will move fast and many lenders have applications lined up already. 

• CDFIs, Credit Unions, and smaller banks are expected to be able to offer these loans this round with the new funding. 

Unity Bank of Texas urges small businesses to apply with them immediately if they have not applied already. You do not have to be a current client. 

https://www.unitybanktexas.com/Business-Loans.aspx

 

George Andrews 404.588.9611

Michael Green 404.609.3463

 

View the NFIB Update

Great Webinar that answers a lot of questions!

Click here to view.

On the Federal Tax Deferrals

The federal government is now allowing deferrals for 100% of the social security payroll tax paid by employers and deferral for 50% of social security costs paid by self-employed individuals. This is applicable to any tax deposits due between 3/27/20 and 12/31/2020.

Why it's right for you:

The social security payroll tax amounts to 6.2% of gross wages. You can pay 50% of the taxes by December 2021 and the other 50% by December 2022.

Things to note:

If you defer these tax deposits, you as the employer are solely liable for payment by the extended due date.

 

Employers that participate in the PPP are not eligible for this program. However, they can defer taxes up until the date the employer applies for and receives a decision that their PPP loan has been forgiven.

 

On Employee Retention Credit (ERC)

Why it's right for you:

For each quarter through the end of 2020, employers are eligible for a credit of up to 50% of the first $10,000 in qualified wages for each qualified employee. This employee retention credit is limited to the 6.2% employer share of Social Security taxes subject to several conditions, and any excess credit is refundable.

Things to note:

You cannot get this credit if you have a PPP loan.

 

 

On Refusing to Work + Collecting Unemployment

There are a lot of questions as Georgia prepares to reopen for business under strict social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

 

• Update on Pandemic Unemployment for 1099 contractors and self employed. 

 

Read More

FILL OUT THE PIHI COVID-19 BUSINESS RESPONSE SURVEY

We want to know how your business has been impacted over the month and business continuity steps you have taken. 

• We will share this information with the City of Atlanta to gather data to better inform the needs of the business community during these uncertain times.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2020

FILL OUT THE SURVEY NOW

SUPPORT OUR PIHI MEMBERS

ASW is also delivering hand sanitizer to businesses. 

Lastly, the Piedmont Heights Association and Foundation will be encouraging neighbors to buy gift certificates to be used later. 

Thank you, all!

We know since COVID-19 changed our lives, most of our energy is focused on keeping our businesses afloat ...when we seem to be lost at sea. 

So this week, do these THREE THINGS, check out the RESOURCES below, and know you're doing great!  We're here for you! We're in this TOGETHER! 

1.     LET CONGRESS KNOW SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS NEED MORE FUNDING

Since Friday, April 3, small businesses have been applying for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans authorized under the CARES Act that was enacted on March 27.

Business owners have experienced setbacks while applying for the PPP forgivable loans and the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and Emergency Grants. Further appropriations and improvements to the PPP are needed as well as increased access to EIDLs and Emergency Grants.

Congress needs to hear from you NOW. Tell them your experience applying for PPPL and EIDLs and how they need to improve and expand these programs immediately.

Act NOW and urge your Senators and Representative to improve and expand access to the PPP, EIDLs, and Emergency Grants.

COVID-19 LOAN TRACKER

EASY TEMPLATE TO SEND CONGRESS A MESSAGE

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH PPP

2. FILL OUT THE PIHI ALLIANCE COVID-19 BUSINESS RESPONSE SURVEY

We want to know how your business has been impacted over the past three weeks and business continuity steps you have taken. 

• We will share this information with the City of Atlanta to gather data to better inform the needs of the business community during these uncertain times.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS THIS FRIDAY APRIL 24, 2020. 

FILL OUT THE SURVEY NOW  

3. FACEBOOK SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS PROGRAM

Opens THIS Wednesday, April 22nd!

Eligibility

• Must be a for-profit company

• Have between 2 and 50 employees

• Have been in business for over a year

• Have experienced challenges from COVID-19

• Be in or near a location where Facebook operates

Click here for the Application Guide.

RESOURCES

  

26 Ways to Get Ready for the Rebound: A Playbook for What to Do Right Now

Here are 26 things we can do now to help get ready for the rebound broken up into three sections. The recovery is coming. Let’s reset and refocus on the marketing foundations, in any context.

Read More

How To Get More Instagram Followers

Want to know how to get followers on Instagram? And how to do it the right way, without shelling out big bucks or engaging in shady tactics? You’ve come to the right place.

Read More

On the Federal Tax Deferrals

The federal government is now allowing deferrals for 100% of the social security payroll tax paid by employers and deferral for 50% of social security costs paid by self-employed individuals. This is applicable to any tax deposits due between 3/27/20 and 12/31/2020.

Why it's right for you:

The social security payroll tax amounts to 6.2% of gross wages. You can pay 50% of the taxes by December 2021 and the other 50% by December 2022.

Things to note:

If you defer these tax deposits, you as the employer are solely liable for payment by the extended due date.

Employers that participate in the PPP are not eligible for this program. However, they can defer taxes up until the date the employer applies for and receives a decision that their PPP loan has been forgiven.

On Employee Retention Credit (ERC)

Why it's right for you:

For each quarter through the end of 2020, employers are eligible for a credit of up to 50% of the first $10,000 in qualified wages for each qualified employee. This employee retention credit is limited to the 6.2% employer share of Social Security taxes subject to several conditions, and any excess credit is refundable.

Things to note:

You cannot get this credit if you have a PPP loan.

BONUS: KEEP SUPPORTING PIHI ALLIANCE BUSINESSES

Find out what they are offering during COVID-19

• Share the list with all of your friends.
• Email discover@pihialliance.com for additions or changes
• Check business' social media for daily updates
• Businesses tag @PiHiAlliance on FB so we can share your posts.
• Thank you!!!

AWBI GRANTS
AWBI Grants for COVID-19 Small Business Support + Recording of EIDL & PPP Webinar 

Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative (AWBI) has just launched a new COVID-19 Small Business Support fund with a focus on supporting black owned businesses located in City of Atlanta's Southwest, Southeast, or Northwest neighborhoods.

Grants ranging from $2,500 - $25,000 will be awarded to qualifying businesses to cover employee salaries, rent, supplier expenses, and technical assistance for up to 3 months.

Criteria:

• Business must be established prior to March 16, 2019.

• Business must be in good standing.

• Annual Revenues of the business or nonprofit not to exceed $3 million as evidenced by Financial Statement or other financial documentation.

• Eligible uses include: working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, technical assistance or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of operations.

Learn more and apply >>

https://www.atlantawealthbuilding.org/covid19-relief-fund

PATCH LISTINGS

Patch has made it easier for local businesses and individuals to help reach their communities during the coronavirus outbreak.

For a limited time, events and classifieds are free to promote in one community, so your messages to your neighbors can get more visibility.

Posting to Patch’s classifieds section can help spread the word out about job listings, housing opportunities, stuff for sale and more.

Also, you can post to Patch’s local calendars to share fundraisers, webinars or other virtual events still happening while you’re sheltered in place.

When you choose to promote your event or classified for free, your post will get featured on Patch’s news pages and in our newsletters for the next seven days. If you want to promote for longer, or to more communities, you can do so for just $1 per day.

If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to our support team, who can help you get started right away.

The Patch Team

GOFUND ME MATCHING GRANT

Business Owners: If you have one, submit your GoFundMe to get a $500 matching grant. I did it a couple weeks ago and they just matched $500 to our GoFundMe today. It's really simple...

Here are the requirements...

• - Have at least $500 raised
• - Have the business owner set up as the beneficiary to the campaign (if they aren't raising funds themselves)
• - Have withdrawals set up
• - Add the hashtag #smallbusinessrelief to your campaign story

https://www.gofundme.com/small-business-relief-fundraisers…

To donate to the grant fund:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/smallbusinessrelieffund

We want to know how your business has been impacted over the past month and business continuity steps you have taken. This information is needed to best understand the impact and the resources you have used. We will share this information with the City of Atlanta to better advocated on behalf of small businesses in our community.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS FRIDAY APRIL 24, 2020. 

FILL OUT THE SURVEY

It’s been a wild ride this past month since COVID-19 has become an ever changing daily topic of our lives and impact on our small businesses.  Now, with the Governor extending the stay at home order  through the end of April, we feel your anxiety about the unknown especially how to navigate all the information that is out there! 

This is absolutely a time to lean on YOUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.  PiHi Alliance was formed to promote, advocate and connect - no matter the circumstances.  During these uniquely challenging times, here is what we are doing on your behalf:

Advocate

• COVID-19 business impact and response surveys that convey the needs of the  business community to the City of Atlanta. 

• • Impact Survey Results

  • See Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative Survey Results

  • Response Survey Available 4.13.20. Fill out by 4.24.20

• Drafting a letter to Mayor Bottoms and City Council advocating to alleviate license fees for 2020. 

Promote

• Ongoing list of Piedmont Heights Businesses and their offerings during COVID-19. 

• Send us your additions or changes to discover@pihialliance.com. Follow the businesses on social media for daily updates.

• Starting member social media posts featuring offerings and ways to support

Connect

• Weekly emails and blog posts with business resources

• Members can expect a check-in call from our board of directors over the next few weeks. 

• Virtual meetings over the next few months.

PiHi Member Spotlight

We will be highlighting members of Piedmont Heights Alliance each email.   

NAKATO JAPANESE RESTAURANT

CLOSED AS OF APRIL 5 DURING COVID-19. SUPPORT STAFF GO FUND ME! 

Thank you so much for your wonderful outpouring of support on our Employee Go Fund Me Page. Thanks to your generosity we have raised almost $7,500 to help our fantastic employees during this most challenging time.

The Nakato family is matching every dollar raised (up to $50,000) from this Go Fund Me Page. If you have not yet donated and are in the position to do so, we would appreciate your assistance and know our staff would be eternally grateful. Every little bit helps and is so very much appreciated.

Thank you a million times over for your unwavering support through ordering food and beverages and for donating to our employee fund. We appreciate it so much!

BUSINESS OWNERS

UNEMPLOYMENT FILING

As an Employer: Unemployment Filing for Partial Claims for your Employees

• You must Establish Administrator Access

• Follow these Steps for Partial Unemployment Claims

Update on Department of Revenue Tax Filing Deadlines

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance)

This includes individuals who are self-employed, gig workers, 1099 independent contractors, or those with limited work history who will not qualify for state unemployment benefits.

The GDOL is modifying its current online unemployment application adding new questions to better identify those individuals who may be eligible for PUA.  This modified application is expected to be available on Monday, April 13, 2020. Once the application is received, it will take several weeks to process.

If you have already filed a claim with the GDOL and will be eligible to potentially receive benefits under this program, you do NOT have to refile your claim.  These individuals will be identified and sent an email with a link to provide additional information for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program.

Read More

BUSINESS OWNERS & INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

CARES ACT: PPP AND  EIDL

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, allocates $349 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the current circumstances they are encountering. The CARES Act provides funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, modifies the existing Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and provides immediate loan payment relief for current SBA 7(a) borrowers.

READ MORE

NFIB Coronavirus Part V: UPDATE –  SBA’s EIDL and PPP Loan Programs

Download slides and hear the recordings

UPDATE ON Invest Atlanta Business Continuity Loan Fund AS OF 4.7.20

In just over two weeks the small business continuity loan fund has over 500 inquiries and/or applicants at some point in the process. 

To date 13 loans have been approved and over 80 are under review. Suspending the acceptance of applications. Only complete applications will be reviewed and considered at this time. 

In the process of working with philanthropy and other partners to increase the funds available, with the intention of increasing the number of small businesses that can be served through this program. 

• Please share that all applications in process, but not completed, will be placed on hold until additional funds are identified. 

• Program updates will be sent out to applicants via email. 

Those who have not yet begun an application, but are interested in receiving updates, should fill out this brief survey and indicate their interest in the business continuity loan fund.  

RESTAURANTS 

• Add your fundraiser to your Open Table Listing

• National Restaurant Association Restaurant Employee Relief Fund: A fund set up for individuals who have lost their restaurant industry jobs due to COVID-19.

• The James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund: A fund started by the acclaimed restaurant award organization, with money earmarked specifically for “small, independent restaurants” to help keep them from going out of business.

• The LEE Initiative Restaurant Workers Relief Program: A program created by popular chef Edward Lee that feeds laid-off service industry workers through restaurants across the country.

• World Central Kitchen: A humanitarian non-profit from award-winning chef José Andrés that sets out to feed the hungry, often through restaurants, in times of need. 

 

ARTISTS

United States Artists Launches 

$10M Artist Relief Fund to Help Artists Affected by COVID-19

Artist Relief is an emergency, non-restricted fund that will grant $5,000 to individual artists facing financial hardship; serve as an informational resource; and co-launch the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, designed by Research Partner Americans for the Arts, to better identify and address the needs of artists moving forward. 

To apply for relief between 4/8-4/23: https://www.artistrelief.org/apply  

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY! #ATLSTRONG!

HootSuite Article Adapting to More Digital and Social Ways of Being in a Time of Crisis + Free Access to Professional Plan Until July 1, 2020 

Small Business Relief Initiative with Quickbooks & GoFundMe

Invest Atlanta Business Continuity Loan Fund

Atlanta BeltLine Business Resources During COVID-19

ATLSTRONG.org

QuickBooks customers with personal and business credit history and revenue of at least $50,000 over the past 12 months, you may be eligible for a loan up to $100,000 from Intuit's small business program. APPLY HERE

Kabbage launched an online hub to help boost sales for U.S small businesses impacted by COVID-19, including a system through which businesses can sell gift cards to consumers for use at a later date. Learn more.

List of some banks providing relief during this time.

For assistance with applications, please reach out to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center

Square customers: Square Capital supports eligible businesses with loans between $500-$250,000. Log in to your Square Dashboard, or learn more HERE

Toast customer:Eligible restaurants can access capital without a credit score requirement via Toast Capital. LEARN MORE HERE

Kabbage provides small businesses with a simple online application that can be paid over 6, 12, or 18 months with no origination fees.If it makes sense for your business, you can explore applying to a line of credit up to $250,000 HERE

JPMorgan pledged $50 million global philanthropic commitment to support communities and people hit hardest by this public health crisis, including $2 million to existing nonprofit partners and $8 million to assist small businesses. Learn more.

The James Beard Foundation is launching a fund that will be gathering support from corporate, foundation, and individual donors to provide micro-grants to independent food and beverage businesses in need. Learn more. 

MainVest, a crowdfunding platform, announced its new Main Street Initiative: a $2,000, zero-interest, 120 day loan for restaurants or other brick and mortars affected by the shutdown. Learn more.

Opportunity Fund, which specializes in money lending to small businesses owned by women, immigrants and people of color, is collaborating with investors and nonprofits to put together a coronavirus relief fund that will provide grants and low-interest rate loans. Learn more.

For assistance with applications, please reach out to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center

The City of Atlanta has ordered a 14 day STAY AT HOME ORDER. Find out what you can and can not do during this time.  

This includes a list of essential businesses that are ALLOWED TO BE OPEN: Piedmont Heights has them all! 

• Restaurants with Take Out/Delivery + To Go Beer/Wine with Order: Bangkok Thai, Bantam + Biddy, Fat Matt's, Grana, Grindhouse, Little Rey, Nakato, Sweetwater Taproom, Taqueria Del Sol, Smoothie King, Varuni Napoli, Woof's, and Chopt

• Bike Shop: Atlanta Cycling

• Gas Station: Shell, Chevron, BP

• Grocery Store: Publix, Kroger, Sprouts

• Dry Cleaner/Laundromat: Norman's Dry Cleaner

• Liquor Store: Ansley Wine Merchants, ASW Distillery

• Pharmacy: CVS, Publix, Kroger, Stacy's Pharmacy

• Pet Store: Pet Supermarket

• Veterinary: VCA Pets are People Too

• Post Office: UPS Store @ Ansley Mall 2

Please take this time to support Piedmont Heights businesses that are offering TAKE OUT AND ONLINE ORDERING and are OPEN to serve you! 

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Launches #ATLSTRONG, Providing COVID-19 Information and Resources for Atlanta Residents

ATLANTA—Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the launch of #ATLSTRONG—a new website that will serve as a COVID-19 resource hub for Atlanta residents. By visiting ATLSTRONG.ORG, residents and businesses can sign up for COVID-19 text alerts, request information on emergency fund assistance relief and more.

“Atlanta will rise above the challenges we face with the COVID-19 health threat, and we will do so together,” said Mayor Bottoms. “By staying connected, residents and businesses alike can do their part to ensure we stop the spread of this virus and start the recovery process.”

By texting “ATLCOVID19” to 888777, users will receive the latest and necessary information on COVID-19 as it happens. By visiting ATLSTRONG.ORG, visitors will find information on meal assistance, CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, find information on Mayor Bottoms’ Executive and Administrative Orders and tax relief information for businesses.

The launch of #ATLSTRONG is the latest action taken by Mayor Bottoms to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the City of Atlanta. 

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued an Executive Order instituting a temporary order for those individuals within the territorial jurisdictional limits of the City of Atlanta to stay in their place of residence.

Mayor Bottoms issued an Executive Order calling for the closure of all bars and nightclubs that do not serve food, gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys, and arcades, and private social clubs, located within the territorial jurisdictional limits of the City of Atlanta. However, restaurants and other eating and drinking establishments where food is served may continue preparing and offering food to customers via delivery service, drive-through, or take-out. 

Mayor Bottoms issued an Administrative Order directing the Atlanta Police Department to refrain from enforcing prohibitions against the sale of unopened wine or malt beverages by the package for off premises consumption by restaurants and other eating and drinking establishments licensed for the sale of those beverages. 

Mayor Bottoms also issued a directive for the Centers of Hope Afterschool program to continue to provide free meals to all students who rely on them throughout the closure of schools. For more information on the Centers of Hope Afterschool Program and Registration, please visit the Official Website. 

The City has also posted prevention information and additional resources related to COVID-19 on its website here. 

Chief among the City’s guidance to residents and visitors are the following preventative measures:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
4. Stay home when you are sick. 
5. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 
7. If you have recently returned from a country with ongoing COVID-19 infections monitor your health and follow the instructions of public health officials

Recommended CDC safety guidelines can be found online here.

###

Gov. Kemp Orders Schools Closed Through April 24

GEORGIA — As the initial closing of Georgia schools nears on Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp extended the closure of all public schools in Georgia through April 24.

Kemp signed an executive order on Thursday "that mandates public schools will remain closed for in-person instruction through April 24 - students may return on Monday, April 27," Sen. Jen Jordan tweeted.

"Prior to this date, governor will make a decision on the remainder of school year," Jordan said.

READ ARTICLE

Economic Assistance for Atlanta Businesses Affected by COVID-19
To ensure the viability of city businesses and to help sustain employment, Invest Atlanta has established a Business Continuity Loan Fund (BCLF) with $1.5 million of funding from the City of Atlanta. The fund will offer small businesses zero-interest loans to address a lack of working capital and cash flows as a result of reduced consumer demand, the ability to fulfill product or service orders and other economic conditions.

APPLY NOW: https://www.investatlanta.com/business-continuity-loan-fund   

What are the terms of the loan?

Loans are paid back monthly over a term not to exceed five (5) years at an interest rate of 0%
with a 6 to 12-month deferment before the first payment is due.

• Application follows SBA guidelines to include by not limited to:
• • Business narrative
  • Description of services and use
  • Executed lease or mortgage statement
  • Document COVID-19 impact on business
  • Last year's business and personal tax returns
  • Existing tax liens or funds owed to City of Atlanta
  • Financial statement for last 3 months
  • Articles of incorporation and secretary of state registration
  • City of Atlanta business license
  • Notarized Affidavit of Company Ownership 
• Applications reviewed by Credit Review Committee bi-weekly. 
• Funds to be available to approved applicants within days.   
  
• Businesses can apply for the BCFL and SBA loans. No restrictions. 

Who is a qualified applicant for the BCLF?

• The BCLF program is for businesses operating in the city limits for Atlanta. To be a qualified applicant for the BCLF, businesses must:
• Be an existing for-profit corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or non-profit with for-profit activities in the city of Atlanta that contributes to trade.
• Be current on all financial obligations related to the lease or mortgage agreement for the business.
• Have 50 or fewer full-time employees, i.e., employees working at least 30 hours per week or 130 hours per month.
• Have been in operation for 1 year
• Have a current City of Atlanta business license.
• Be current on all city of Atlanta taxes and fees.

MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS TO SUPPORT YOU! 

• Answer the phone and have an up-to-date recorded message. (Your customers may want to call-in their orders.)

• Update your hours on your website, on Google and on Facebook. If your hours change, make sure to make the change in all places.

• • Restaurants: Make changes to your listings on Google, Facebook, Yelp, Zomato and Bing.

• Update your operations! For instance you no longer provide sit-down service, only take-out or curbside pick-up. 

• • Note those changes on your website and all social media.

• Amplify your social media presence! @PiHiAlliance on Facebook #pihialliance #pihia

• Offer online gift cards that can be purchased now and used later: https://www.merchantmaverick.com/gift-cards-for-small-businesses/

• Offer subscriptions services, online delivery options and live streaming services/events. 

UPDATES YOU NEED TO KNOW

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Creates $7 Million Fund to Assist Those Impacted by COVID-19

• $1.5 million to support small business continuity

• Invest Atlanta is working on a Small Business Continuity Loan Fund. Details are being worked on now. 

FILL OUT THIS SURVEY IN ORDER TO PREPARE OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE!

• Fill out as many times as you need to help us track the impact on your business due to COVID-19. The survey is timestamped! 

BUSINESS LOANS AND INFO

SBA Disaster Loan Assistance Declared for GA- Application Now Open

SBA Loan Process Overview

https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ - Use Economic Injury when Submitting! 

https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Documents/Three_Step_Process_SBA_Disaster_Loans.pdf

TAX PAYMENTS & UNEMPLOYMENT

Treasury and IRS to delay tax payment deadline by 90 days

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

Great article from Nerd Wallet about who qualifies for unemployment

Department of Labor FAQs on Fair Labor Standards Act & Family and Medical Leave Act

COVID-19 Resources from CDC

Business Interruption Insurance and COVID-19

LOANS

PayPal Loans for Business

KIVA business loans

Facebook Small Business Grants Program