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  • April 20, 2020 3:58 PM | Anonymous

    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


  • April 20, 2020 3:54 PM | Anonymous

    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


  • April 10, 2020 1:05 PM | Anonymous

    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


    Promote


    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

    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 


     

    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!

  • March 26, 2020 2:25 PM | Anonymous

    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


  • March 26, 2020 2:21 PM | Anonymous


    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


  • March 23, 2020 10:47 AM | Anonymous

    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.
  • March 19, 2020 2:16 PM | Anonymous

    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














  • March 16, 2020 2:35 PM | Anonymous

    We hope you and your family are in good health. We care about the businesses and community at large of Piedmont Heights! PiHi Alliance is following all City of Atlanta mandates regarding meetings this includes NPU-F, Piedmont Heights Civic Association and the City of Atlanta meetings.

    This is an uncertain time in our local economy and community with the impact on each of us that changes daily.  PiHi Alliance is here to assist by sharing resources, gathering data and communicating to our members and supporters during these changing times as best as we can.

    It is PiHi Alliance's job to advocate on behalf of our members with City, County, and State governments! The data gathered in the survey will help us represent the needs of our community as more COVID-19 developments unfold. 


    FILL OUT THIS COVID-19 BUSINESS IMPACT SURVEY ASAP


    CHECK OUT COVID-19 INFORMATION & RESOURCES


    CITY, COUNTY & STATE INFORMATION

    SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

    FOOD SERVICE INDUSTRY 


    Thank you for your support !

    Stay healthy, support local businesses and help your neighbors! 


  • January 29, 2020 5:31 PM | Anonymous

    The first waves of change for Piedmont Heights are hitting now! The Atlanta BeltLine Northeast Trail construction has begun with the Georgia Power section behind Publix at Ansley Mall. This portion will be completed within 2020. The AB will complete the rest of the one mile stretch from Piedmont  Ave NE to Montgomery Ferry the following year, 2021. 

    SEE THE CHANGES!!

    Piedmont Heights Kroger Slated For $1.5 MM Interior Remodel

    https://whatnowatlanta.com/piedmont-heights-kroger-slated-for-1-5-mm-interior-remodel/

    The Kroger adjacent Ansley Mall, at 1700 Monroe Dr. NE in the Piedmont Heights neighborhood of Atlanta, will soon begin interior renovations to the tune of $1,500,000.

    Planned improvements to the 64,788 square-foot supermarket include replacement and relocation of sales floor fixtures, display cases, some deli-prep modifications, and the relocation of the in-house pharmacy.

    Kroger will remain open and in operation during the remodel.

    “The contractors will work on the renovations overnight so there will be no change in opening hours and no disruption for our customers,” a Kroger associate shared with What Now Atlanta over the phone this week.

    Construction is expected to span 24 weeks, starting in April 2020 and ending in November.


    Richard’s Variety Store to Replace Pier 1 at Ansley Mall

    https://whatnowatlanta.com/richards-variety-store-eyeing-ansley-mall-pier-1-imports-space/


    The retailer known for its overwhelming selection of "products that are hard to find" will open in its new space on May 1st.

    This post is an update of: Massive Midtown Promenade Overhaul Won't Include Richard's Variety Store, Tuesday Morning

    When Pier 1 Imports closes later this year in Ansley Mall, the space currently housing the home furnishings retailer will quickly be taken over by Richard’s Variety Store, Owner Dr. Ming “Ya Ya” Yang confirmed with What Now Atlanta (WNA) over the phone Tuesday afternoon.

    “We just confirmed it today and we expect to be open by May 1,” Yang said.

    The new Richard’s Variety Store is a relocation of its open Midtown Promenade outpost down the street which, in mid-2020, is set to close its doors.

    Representatives for the retailer known for its overwhelming selection of “products that are hard to find” were seen in recent days scouting and measuring areas of its soon-to-be-home, a Pier 1 management associate told (WNA) over the phone Tuesday.

    Pier 1 is set to vacate by the end of February, around the same time as its Buckhead counterpart.


  • November 22, 2019 11:00 AM | Anonymous

    PIEDMONT HEIGHTS CIVIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING


    http://bit.ly/PHAnnualMeeting2019 - RSVP


    Sun, November 24, 2019 | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM EST

    Location: Ansley Golf Club

    196 Montgomery Ferry Drive Northeast

    Atlanta, GA 30309



    Piedmont Heights Civic Association (PHCA) Annual Neighborhood Meeting

    FREE EVENT for all residents of the Piedmont Heights neighborhood, whether you're an owner or renter in a home or in an apartment complex, and whether or not you're a member of the Piedmont Heights Civic Association (PHCA). Welcome!


    Mix and mingle with your neighbors in PiHi and enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.


    Get "In the Know" with our PiHi lineup! Learn all about...


    • Eating & Drinking in PiHi! A conversation with local chefs, beverage makers, and more! Come meet Chef Pat Pascarella of Grana (opening early 2020 next to Sprout Market!), Sachi Takahara from Nakato, Steve Farace from SweetWater Brew, and more!
    • Tim Keane, Commissioner of Planning, City of Atlanta
    • Councilmember Jennifer Ide for our District 6
    • PiHi Alliance - VP, Mahesh Mani will be talking about what's new with PiHi's business community
    • Safety tips and how you can help combat crime in #PiHi and #Atlanta
    • Finance report and other updates from PHCA, including electing new board members
    • Other upcoming events hosted by PHCA, and more!


    Tickets not required, but please RSVP online.


    You're always welcome to make a donation to our sister organization, the Piedmont Heights Community Improvement Foundation, a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) organization. Thanks to the Piedmont Heights Foundation, brand new playground equipment was installed in March 2019 at Gotham Way Park, just around the corner from Grindhouse!


    http://www.piedmontheights.org


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