BY CITY/REGION
Adair County, MO
ADAIR County CARES Act Funding Opportunity
The State of Missouri received about $2.3 billion of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ACT (CARES Act). Adair County’s share is $2,973,240. Adair County will use the guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Treasury and the State of Missouri in making awards of the funds received under the CARES Act.
Buchanan County, MO
CARES Act Information
Buchanan County received $10,249,541 for use local entities to cover costs incurred due to the public’s health emergency. The County has worked closely with the State Treasurer’s Office and other counties to put together a process to distribute these funds. There are two applications. The County will review Reimbursement Grants (application 1) to cover expenses that fall into the definitions. Small Business Relief Grant Applications will also be reviewed (application 2).
Caldwell County, MO
Caldwell County Announces Round 3 CARES Act Application Process
Applications for the third round of funding are due on January 15, 2021. The County will then review and evaluate the applications for completeness (including supporting documentation), compliance with the CARES Act requirements and Treasury guidance, and anticipates making award decisions on or before February 16, 2021. Award recipients will be required to enter into a written agreement with the County prior to disbursement of awarded funds.
Callaway County, MO
Purpose: To assist small businesses in our community with utility assistance that were adversely impacted by COVID-19.
Qualifications: Business closed for some portion of April/May 2020 during the state-wide mandatory shutdown.
- Business revenue was adversely impacted due to COVID-19 and/or business closed during state shutdown
- Must have a Brick and Mortar establishment within Callaway County. Submitted utility bills must include the business name to qualify for reimbursement.
- Business did not use Payroll Protection Program (PPP) or FADF COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant funds to cover utility expenses
What qualifies as utilities? Utilities defined as Electric, Water, Gas, and Broadband Internet services in the business’ name and delivered at the business’ location from April 1st through May 31st.
To Apply:
- Complete Application
- Include utility bills for months of April and May 2020. Submitted utility bills must include the business name to qualify for reimbursement.
- Provide a current 2020 business license; Non-Profits should provide a current 2020 Certificate of Good Standing with the state of Missouri
- Have the application notarized
COVID-19 Resources
Small Business Recovery Grant will reopen on Tuesday, September 8th, deadline is TBD
Cape County, MO
Cape Girardeau County CARES Act Startup Funding
You must have been a Cape County resident affected by covid-19 to participate in this opportunity. Deadline November 29, 2020.
- You have lost income because of COVID-19 and now want to start a business
- You have started a business because of COVID-19
- You had a business before COVID-19 and have lost income due to COVID-19
If this is you, please apply; if you know of someone this would apply to, would you help us spread the word by sharing the application link with them?
🛑
Local CARES Act Business Grant Application Open
The application for businesses to apply for grants from Cape Girardeau County’s CARES Act funding is now available.
Columbia, MO
Small Business and Microenterprise Recovery Loan Program
1. Small Business Recovery Loan REOPENING OCT. 29 from 8AM to 5PM
🛑 2. Microenterprise Recovery Loan
Applications for the City of Columbia’s Small Business Recovery Loan Program will be available on October 29, 2020 from 8:00am to 5:00 pm. Interested businesses with 6 to 49 employees may create their log-in and password for the Neighborly Portal with the following link: Neighborly Portal
At this time the city is not accepting applications for the Microenterprise Recovery Loan Recovery Program (businesses with 5 or fewer employees).
For assistance with providing technical support to businesses navigating the application process, contact the City of Columbia’s nonprofit community partner, Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) Women’s Business Center. Contact info can be found on their website here.
Assistance in applying is from the Missouri Women’s Business Center (MOWBC) is available for both women AND men at 573-818-2980 or info@mowbc.org.
Excelsior Springs, MO
#OneTownOneTeamGrant
(Source: Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce)
The funding from this program is meant to serve as a “bridge” while you wait for business to go back to usual or for when more substantial federal funding becomes available. The money available for this grant is from local businesses and community members who have donated specifically to help our Excelsior Springs businesses.
Ferguson, MO
City Business Assistance Grant
As a means to promote and encourage business development, retention and expansion, the City of Ferguson has developed a business assistance grant for small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 shutdowns.
This is a one-time grant of up to $10,000, subject to the limitations and qualifications in the policy. Grants will be awarded so long as funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once funds are depleted no more grants will be awarded.
Click Here for Guidelines and a printable application
To apply for this program, complete the application and submit to the Planning & Development Office at City Hall, 110 Church St., Ferguson, MO. If you have any questions along the way, please contact Bailey Mitchell, Community Development Coordinator at bmitchell@fergusoncity.com
Kansas City, MO
🛑 Startup Assets for Economic (SAFE) Opportunity
Administered by the Community Capital Fund (CCF), in partnership with the City of Kansas City, Mo. Health Department, the Startup Assets for Economic (SAFE) Opportunity entrepreneurship grant program will award micro-grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 to residents of Kansas City’s 64128 zip code area. SAFE Opportunity is the first initiative of the KC Blueprint for violence prevention and a safe and healthy community. SAFE Opportunity is supporting the development of small business startups, while increasing household income and financial stability More information and application here.
Lafayette County, MO
CARES Small Business Relief Program
Lafayette County has received Coronavirus Relief Funds to distribute to eligible entities for necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency.
Overland Park, KS
Applications are due November 9, 2020 by 5:00 p.m. CST.
A new small business grant fund opened on October 20, 2020 to provide direct assistance to small businesses experiencing continuing negative impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Overland Park CDBG Small Business Economic Recovery Program is administered by the Community Capital Fund (CCF) in partnership with the City of Overland Park, Kansas, and will award grants of up to $5,000 to small businesses located in Overland Park, Kan. which may not qualify for other forms of financial relief.
Grants will provide immediate liquidity to small businesses that are struggling with capital and payroll expenses, low demand, and other challenges associated with the reopening process. Businesses must either create or retain at least one full-time-equivalent (FTE) job held by a low-to-moderate-income person.bInformation sessions will be held October 23
at 12:00 p.m. RSVP and October 24 (in Spanish) at 10:30 a.m. To apply for the Overland Park Small Business Economic Recovery Program, submit an application one of the three following ways:
-
Complete and submit the online form
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Complete a fillable PDF application and email to info@ccfkansascity.org.
-
If online submission is inaccessible or burdensome, please print and mail your grant application to:
Community Capital Fund
ATTN: OPKS Small Business Grant
3200 Wayne Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64109
(CCF will also mail applications by request. Please call (816) 502-9584).
Applications are due November 9, 2020 by 5:00 p.m. CST.
Pleasant Valley, MO
CARES Small Business Grant Program Information Sheet
This program will issue $100,000 in grant funds to small business in Pleasant Valley. Small businesses can apply for a grant up to $5,000 to reimburse business expenses related to COVID-19. CARES Small Business Grant Applications accepted starting at 8:00 am on August 15, 2020 and ending at 5:00 pm on September 15, 2020.
Scott County, MO
Cares Act Funds Application
Springfield, MO
(Source: efactory)
The City of Springfield has allocated over $400,000 of CARES Act funding for forgivable business loans. Loans of up to $10,000 will be issued through the program.
Download City of Springfield CARES Act Round 2 Small Business Grant Application
St. Joseph, MO
City of St. Joseph Strong Small Business Retention Program
Through federal funds received, the City of St. Joseph is making available to small businesses (1-20 full-time employees) loans to address local business impact for COVID-19.
St. Louis, MO
Now Accepting Applications For Businesses Located In The Central West End
The Park Central Development COVID-19 Stimulus fund will fund up to $4,000 to assist small businesses. Applicants must meet the below requirements. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis as funds become available.
Eligible Businesses Must:
- Employ between 20 or fewer people
- Have an active business license
- Be located with the Park Central Development footprint
- Have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic
- Been open for at least one year
- Generate sales tax
Ineligible Businesses are:
- Corporate or multi-state chains
- Businesses that derive income from passive investments; real estate transactions; property rentals or property management.
Women & Minority Owned Businesses are Encouraged to Apply!
EDA Metropolitan Loan Program
(source: STL Partnership)
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded CARES Act funds to the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and The St. Louis Local Development Company, an organization under the St. Louis Development Corporation’s umbrella, to make loans to businesses that have been negatively affected by COVID-19 or that are providing goods or services addressing problems caused by the pandemic.
Program Details:
- Must be a for-profit business located in the City of St. Louis or St. Louis County
- Loan funds may be used for working capital needs and the purchase of inventory, equipment, machinery, and other fixed assets
- Amounts ranging from $10,000 to $150,000
- Interest rates starting at 2%
- Loan terms will be determined by the nature of the project, with most terms ranging from three to five years
If you have any questions about the program or need assistance completing the loan application, please contact one of our loan officers listed below:
The Small Business Resource Discretionary Grant Program
(Source: St. Louis Port Authority, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership)
This new St. Louis County program will give $500 discretionary grants to help sole proprietors, contract workers, gig workers, 1099 workers and other businesses who do not qualify for our Small Business Resource Program.
Small Business Resource Fund
(Source: St. Louis Partnership)
The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and the St. Louis Development Corporation are offering a 0% percent interest loan program for small businesses in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County that have sustained economic damage due to the COVID-19 crisis. For questions about the program, please email bizhelp@stlpartnership.com
University City Forgivable Loan Program
(Source: University City, Missouri)
The program sets aside $1 million of funds, that can only be used to promote economic development activity, for an eligible small business to access for addressing operational needs such as payroll, payment to service providers, utilities, and suppliers. Funds cannot be used for rent or capital purchases.
Wyandotte County, KS
🛑 The Unified Government's WYCO Loves Local Small Business Grant is created with CARES Act Funding to help reduce the financial strain on local businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants are only available to for-profit businesses located in Wyandotte County. Interested businesses can apply HERE.
Grant amounts:
$10,000 - Businesses with 1-25 employees
$20,000 - Businesses with 26-500 employees
The Unified Government will provide grant payments for revenue replacement or other COVID related expenses. To qualify for revenue replacement, documentation will be required comparing revenue from 2019 to 2020. To qualify for COVID related expenses, business must provide invoices and/or receipts for eligible expenses.
Interested businesses can apply at the following link:
WYCO Loves Local Small Business Grant Application
BY STATE
Kansas Funds
🛑 Grants for Kansas Artists: NEW deadline to apply is Nov 23, 2020
(Source: Kansas Dept. of Commerce/The Creative Arts Industries Commission.)
The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (CAIC) is focused on the creative industries sector of the Kansas economy. The Commission is dedicated to measuring, promoting, supporting and expanding the creative industries to grow the state's economy and create creative industry-related jobs.
Grants
The CAIC offers two programs designed to strengthen an important sector of the Kansas economy and create jobs.
Strategic Investment Program
Arts Integration Program
For general inquiries on the process, eligibility for this round, or field representative assignment, contact Peter Jasso at Peter.Jasso@ks.gov . All grants are made possible through a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, and are subject to KCAIC and NEA standards and regulations.
🛑 Kansas HIRE Fund - SUSPENDED
(Source: Kansas Department of Commerce)
UPDATE: Due to the overwhelming initial response, all initial funds through the HIRE Fund have been allocated. However, the department is keeping its form open and will continue to collect information from Kansas hospitality businesses on the losses they are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
🛑 SPARK Grant for KS Small Businesses & Food Providers
(Source: Kansas Dept. of Commerce)
Kansas SPARK business grant program for businesses that have seen at least a 25% reduction in revenues due to COVID-19. If your Kansas business received less than $350K in other CARES Act (PPP, EIDL, CDBG, Phase I county grants, etc.) funds, you can apply for SPARK grants.
Applications will begin to be ACCEPTED on Wednesday, Aug 19 at noon. There are many programs available, including:
- Small Business Working Capital Grants
- Securing Local Food Systems Grants (Grocery stores/farmer market vendors/restaurants)
- PPE Procurement Grants
- PPE Manufacturing Grants
- COVID-19 Bioscience Development Acceleration
Review applications here.
Missouri Funds
🛑 Ameren Covid-19 Small Business Relief Program
Starting July 6, the program will provide $500,000 in energy assistance to support eligible small business customers. To qualify, you must be:
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Registered with the Missouri Secretary of State.
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A small business or nonprofit 501(c)(3) customer with 50 or fewer employees.
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Locally owned and non-franchised in Missouri.
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An active Ameren Missouri gas or electric customer for the past 6 months.
-
Experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19
🛑 Ameren Energy Assistance for Employees - SUSPENDED
If any of your employees have been affected by reduced hours or closings, let them know that Ameren is providing $1,000,000 in energy assistance to residential Missouri customers affected by COVID-19.
🛑 CARES Funds for Childcare Providers – Deadline Nov. 15
(Source: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services)
The state has allocated ten million dollars ($10,000,000) from the Coronavirus Relief Funds for relief to DHSS SCCR, DSS Child Care Providers, and other Missouri Child Care Providers with a DVN.
Providers may seek reimbursement for costs associated with necessary COVID-19 expenditures in regards to expenses incurred and/or business interruption costs that are directly related to the response to prepare, prevent, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Claims must occur between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020 and may not have been recovered from any other local, state, federal or private source.
To learn more about the CRF reimbursement process, providers visit https://health.mo.gov/safety/childcare/covid-19-updates.php To submit reimbursement requests, follow the instructions outlined on the webpage. Providers may seek reimbursement up to the allocated amount. This allocation is based on a provider capacity. For information allocation categories, please see FAQ’s or email us at Childcare@health.mo.gov
🛑 Coworking and Incubator Grant Program
(Source: Missouri Technology Corporation)
The State of Missouri will make available $1 million in grant funds provided under the CARES Act for eligible Missouri-based non-profit corporation- and University-sponsored coworking and incubator facilities.
Due to COVID-19 related closures, many of the State’s non-profit corporation- or University-sponsored coworking and incubator facilities do not have access to the capital required to update physical spaces in accordance with current public health guidelines. The grants made pursuant to this Program are restricted to reimbursing for costs directly associated with updates to comply with applicable public health emergency guidelines, including updating the facilities to adhere to social distancing guidelines, the adoption of enhanced sanitation protocols, and acquiring necessary personal protective equity ("PPE") to protect employees, tenants, and visitors.
Application Tips
- In order to apply, you will need to have a Google account. Anyone with a Gmail email address has a Google account. However, you do not need a Gmail email address to have a Google account. If you do not have a Google account you can create one with your existing non-Gmail email address.
- To simplify the application process, download the sample application under supplemental materials, then copy and paste responses into the Google form here.
- We recommend you use a browser other than Internet Explorer.
🛑 Medicaid Providers CARES Act Funding (Source: State of Missouri Dept. of Mental Health, Division of Developmental Disabilities) There is $20M in funding available to Medicaid providers in the Division of Developmental Disabilities for increased costs and service interruption due to COVID-19. Of the $20M, $17.6M is allocated for providers of group home and supported living (ISL) services who have incurred additional unreimbursed expenses, and $2.4M is allocated for day habilitation and employment providers for losses due to the interruption of services. These funds cover losses for the period March 1 to December 30, 2020. Providers will need to apply for these funds and have until December 30, 2020, to do so. Eligible providers will be contacted directly by the Division’s provider relations staff in each regional office with instructions and necessary forms.
Links:
Attestation for residential services
Attestation for day habilitation and employment
Invoice for residential reimbursement
🛑 Missouri Department of Economic Development Small Business Grant Program
Dates to apply: July 14 – Aug 31
Missouri Department of Economic Development announces up to $30 million in grant funds for small businesses & family owned farms.
- $7.5 mill of the total $30M is set aside for family-owned farms and family farm corporations
- 22.5 Mill for “small business” general
- Individual grant max is $50,000
- For profit with 50 or fewer employees
Applications must be requested via email
🛑 Small business - smallbusinessgrant@ded.mo.gov Family-owned farm - familyfarmgrant@ded.mo.gov
🛑 The Missouri Meat and Poultry Processing Grant Program
Created to support Missouri meat and poultry processing facilities to address supply chain disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The grant is based on a three tiered system intended to incentivize facilities to increase livestock or poultry slaughter and processing, and to become an inspected or exempted facility in the near term. Increased Missouri meat and poultry slaughter and processing facility capacity will add resilience to food supply chain disruptions and will benefit both farmers and consumers. Apply here.
🛑 Nonprofit Relief and Recovery Program Grant
(Source: Missouri Dept. of Economic Development)
The Nonprofit Relief and Recovery Program was created to support Missouri nonprofit organizations in meeting critical and emergent needs resulting from the COVID-19 public health emergency and in building organizational capacity for recovery.
The State of Missouri will make available $22 million in grant funds through the CARES Act* for eligible Missouri nonprofits directly impacted by the pandemic, with priority given to those serving at-risk populations in the areas of: homelessness prevention, job training, food insecurity and basic needs, at-risk youth services, childcare, and academic/educational support. The grants will allow nonprofits to continue providing community safety nets that improve quality of life and lead to economic and community stability
Applications will be accepted in two waves, via electronic submission. To request an application, please email nonprofitrelief@ded.mo.gov.
🛑 Show Me Strong Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Retooling Program The purpose of the Show Me Strong Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Retooling Program is to provide grant funding to manufacturers, nonprofit organizations, and other entities to reimburse certain costs for retooling existing facilities by purchasing necessary equipment and services to manufacture critically needed PPE for use in Missouri. This grant funding will assist entities with creating new business while contributing to the fight against the current COVID-19 public health emergency.
Spire's Small Business Pandemic Relief Program provides up to five monthly $100 credits to active, small business customers who qualify.To be eligible for Spire's Small Business Pandemic Relief Program, you'll need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must be an active, Missouri small business Spire customer billed at the Small General Service (SGS) rate
- Your business or franchise must be locally owned
- You'll need to complete an application. And once you submit it, we'll review your eligibility. If you're approved for the program, we'll notify you
Plus, once accepted into the program, your natural gas business account will need to remain active in order to maintain your enrollment in the program and to qualify for the monthly credit.
To get started, fill out this simple application. Then, we'll keep you posted on the status of your application.
BY INDUSTRY
Innovation and Tech
🛑 KC Ignite COVID-19 Response Accelerator
(Source: Black & Veatch, LaunchKC)
Do you have a solution that can reduce the severity of the coronavirus outbreak, but need help commercializing and rapidly deploying? The Black & Veatch COVID-19 Response Accelerator is designed for growing companies looking to scale emerging solutions to save lives, help communities cope, and protect the economy.
🛑 StL Arch Grants Relief Fund
Reallocated Arch Grants help support previous Arch Grants Founders.
🛑 StL Arch Grants Global Startup Competition 2020
Arch Grants will still hold their annual competition and award $50K in equity free funding to 20 startups, and 5 specifically to geospatial startups. Applications open May 15.
🛑 MOSS launches COVID-19 Solutions Fund
Mozilla launched a COVID-19 Solutions Fund as part of the Mozilla Open Source Support Program. The fund will provide awards of up to $50K each to open source technology projects which are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in some way.
🛑 Newton Award for Transformative Ideas during the COVID-19 Pandemic - DEADLINE May 15
(Source: Department of Defense)
For researchers at institutions of higher education, these grants of $10K to $100K are aimed at supporting a “transformative idea” to resolve challenges, advance frontiers and set new paradigms in areas of immense potential benefit to DoD and the nation at large.
National - SBIR Grants
2019 Novel Coronavirus Medical Countermeasure Partnership Opportunities
(Source: Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Agency)
BARDA, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is continuing to work on identifying promising medical countermeasures and technologies to combat the 2019 novel coronavirus.
Request for SBIR/STTR Phase I Proposals Addressing COVID-19
(Source: National Science Foundation)
Small businesses who are interested in submitting NSF SBIR or STTR Phase I proposals can apply through the FastLane process.
Agriculture + Farming
🛑 Farmer Relief Fund - DEADLINE April 23
(Source: American Farmland Trust)
AFT’s Farmer Relief Fund will award farmers with cash grants of up to $1,000 each to help them weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by the coronavirus crisis. Initially, eligible applicants include any small and mid-size direct-market producers. These are defined as producers with annual gross revenue of between $10,000 and $1 million from sales at farmers markets and/or direct sales to restaurants, caterers, schools, stores, or makers who use farm products as inputs.
🛑 Farmers Market Promotion Program Deadline: May 26, 2020.
(Source: USDA)
The purpose of the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) is to increase domestic consumption of, and access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets by developing, improving, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to, or assisting in the development, improvement, and expansion of, domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.
🛑 Local Food Promotion Program Deadline: May 26, 2020.
(Source: USDA)
The Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) offers grant funds with a 25% match to support the development and expansion of local and regional food business enterprises to increase domestic consumption of, and access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets. There are two types of project applications are accepted under LFPP—planning grants and implementation grants. Applicants can apply for either but will receive only one type of grant in the same grant cycle. Eligible entities may apply if they support local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally produced food products.
🛑 Missouri Department of Economic Development Small Business Grant Program
Dates to apply: July 14 – Aug 31
Missouri Department of Economic Development announces up to $30 million in grant funds for small businesses & family owned farms.
- $7.5 mill of the total $30M is set aside for family-owned farms and family farm corporations
- 🛑 22.5 Mill for “small business” general
- Individual grant max is $50,000
- For profit with 50 or fewer employees
Applications must be requested via email
🛑 Small business - smallbusinessgrant@ded.mo.gov
Family-owned farm - familyfarmgrant@ded.mo.gov
USDA Microloan Programs
(Source: USDA)
The focus of Microloans is on the financing needs of small, beginning farmer, niche and non-traditional farm operations, such as truck farms, farms participating in direct marketing and sales such as farmers’ markets, CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture), restaurants and grocery stores, or those using hydroponic, aquaponic, organic and vertical growing methods.
USDA Implements Measures to Help Rural Businesses Affected by COVID-19
(Source: USDA)
USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.
Arts
Local to Kansas City
Rocket Relief Fund Charlotte Street Foundation & Arts KC (Deadline April 18) – Artists of all disciplines
Midwest Music Foundation : Abby's Fund – Emergency healthcare funding for musicians
Midwest Music Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund
Untuck Collective Mutual Aid Fund Application (Deadline March 1st) – Open to all trans women in the Kansas City metro area, prioritizing Black trans women and trans women of color.
National
Cerf+ Craft Emergency Assistance – Relief for medical expenses
Glad Day Emergency Survival Fund for LGBTQ2S artists, performers & tip-based workers – Living expenses
Artists Fellowship Financial Aid – Emergency aid to professional visual artists and families during sickness and bereavement
Musicians Foundation CV19 Emergency Aid – Covid-19 relief for musicians
Actors Fund Emergency Financial Assistance – Compiled financial resources for theater workers
Artists and Cultural Leaders of Color Emergency Fund – One-time $200 microgrant to US-based BIPOC artists and cultural workers
St. Louis Art & Music Fund
(Source: GoFundMe)
This helps musicians and bands offset by canceled gigs.
Arts Administrators of Color: Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund
Arts Administrators of Color has created the Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund, which supports BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists and arts administrators impacted by COVID-19 through $200 microgrants.
Motion Picture & Television Fund: COVID-19 Relief Fund
The COVID-19 Relief Fund aims to help those workers in the entertainment industry who are suffering COVID-19 related hardships. Applicants must be industry members that demonstrate financial need and meet minimum earnings or hours thresholds.
Fitness Industry
🛑 Fit Pro Relief Fund
(Source: Inspire360)
A $500,000 relief fund for fitness professionals that have been most impacted by COVID-19, brought to you by Peter and Kathie Davis and Inspire360. Because there are limited funds, selections will be made at random for those who meet the prescribed criteria. Approximately 500 applicants who meet the criteria will receive on average $1,000 each to help meet their immediate needs. Awards will be limited to one grant per person. Apply online here.
Restaurants and Bars
(source: Hello Alice)
Small businesses in select cities (including Kansas City) across the United States and Canada are now eligible for funds to help offset the costs associated with running a restaurant amid the ongoing pandemic. Part of DoorDash’s Main Street Strong initiative, these grants can be used to cover operating costs, including rent, payroll, PPE, expanded outdoor dining capacity, and other expenses.
Any restaurant that applies will receive free access to the Hello Alice platform, which offers peer-to-peer networking, mentorship, and tools such as the COVID-19 Restaurant Resource Center, a curated list of industry-specific resources, information from fellow restaurant and food service owners about the challenges they’re facing, and how-to guides designed to help restaurants reopen the doors and get back to business.
Click here to review the full eligibility requirements, and be sure to apply before the Feb. 17, 2021 deadline.
🛑 Bartender Emergency Assistance Program
(Source: USBG National Charity Foundation)
Grant assistance is available for through this program if you meet the requirements. You do NOT need to be a USBG member to apply for a philanthropic grant.
🛑 Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund - SUSPENDED
(Source: James Beard Foundation)
To help bring swift economic relief to these essential businesses, 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.
Southern Smoke: Emergency Relief Program
(Source: Southern Smoke)
The Emergency Relief Program provides emergency funding to restaurant and bar owners and employees, as well as restaurant supplier employees, who are facing unforeseen expenses that cannot or will not be covered by insurance.
CROWDFUNDING
How to Use Crowdfunding to Support Your Small Business through Coronavirus
(Source: U.S. Chamber)
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to financially impact small businesses, a crowdfunding campaign could help you stay afloat.
Small Business Relief Initiative
(Source: GoFundMe)
The Small Business Relief Initiative was started by GoFundMe to help small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and empower their communities to rally behind them. GoFundMe has partnered with Yelp, Intuit QuickBooks, GoDaddy, and Bill.com to provide small business owners with the financial support and resources needed to continue running their businesses during and after the coronavirus crisis.
OTHER LOANS
EnrichHER Business Financing
EnrichHER provides direct loans and lines of credit up to $250K for business with at least $100K in revenue or credit scores above 680.
Main Street New Loan Facility
(Federal Reserve)
The Federal Reserve released details on the Main Street New Loan Facility today. The facility is intended to facilitate lending to small and medium-sized businesses that are not eligible for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program. Here’s some additional context from Polsinelli law firm on the Federal Reserve’s Main Street Business Lending Program.
Mainvest and Zero-Interest Loans
(Source: Mainvest)
If you have an existing brick & mortar business that has been negatively effected by the COVID-19 outbreak and you launch a capital raise on Mainvest, you may be eligible to receive a $2,000 zero-interest loan immediately*. Then through your capital raise, you can receive over $100,000 of investment from your community.
Latino credit unions and minority grant options
(Source: Bankrate)
In an effort to help Latino businesses rebound, Bankrate compiled the best ways for Latinos to grow their business and overcome the funding gap. Near the end of the article is a list of Latino credit unions and minority grant options.
OTHER GRANTS
🛑
Verizon Big Concert for Small Business: Small Business Grants funded by Verizon
(Source: LISC)
The application period is now open. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, February 9th at 11:59PM ET. All applicants are encouraged to review our grant information and
FAQ prior to submitting an application.
Grants are for eligible small businesses across the US, particularly in historically underserved communities hit hard by the pandemic. Eligible expenses for the grant include:
- Paying rent and utilities
- Meeting payroll
- Paying outstanding debt to vendors
- Upgrading technology infrastructure
- Other immediate operational costs
Apply Now
🛑
Dany Garcia Presents Latinx the Mosaic Grant Program
(Source: Hello Alice)
Dany Garcia will award a total of $100,000 to Latinx small and new business entrepreneurs through short-term financial aid grants with the goal of keeping the entrepreneurial dream alive amidst the global pandemic. This program is dedicated to all Latinx of any origin, heritage, nationality, lineage, indigenous roots, racial background, country of birth, or ancestors before arriving in the United States.
Benefits both new and small Latinx businesses building and trying to stay afloat during COVID-19.
A financial award of $100,000 will be split equally between 10 companies.
Application submission run through Hispanic Heritage Month, ENDS OCTOBER 15, 2020, and winners will be announced in December of 2020 APPLY NOW
Best Small Business Grants for 2020, Including Coronavirus Grants
(Fundera)
Small business owners across the country are feeling the impacts of the coronavirus outbreak and the economic ripples it’s caused. Check out these coronavirus small business grants that your business might be eligible for.
And we’ve pulled out a few relevant grant opportunities below.
Hello Alice Offers "Business for All" Emergency Grant
Hello Alice is offering $10,000 grants being distributed immediately to small business owners impacted by coronavirus.
Beauty Industry $1,000 Relief Grants
(Source: Beauty Changes Lives)
These $1,000 grants will provide financial assistance to beauty professionals or students of beauty programs, whose lives have been drastically changed by the mandated closures in response to COVID-19.
The Doonie Fund
The Doonie Fund makes micro investments of $100 in Black women entrepreneurs.
GoFundMe: Small Business Relief Fund
(Source: GoFundMe)
Small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus crisis can sign up on GoFundMe to start a fundraiser to benefit their small business. If the business raises $500 on their GoFundMe and meets certain eligibility criteria, they may be considered to receive a $500 matching grant from the Small Business Relief Fund.
Visa • IFundWomen Grant Program for Black women-owned businesses
Applications are being accepted from June 30, 2020 through July 31, 2020.
Visa has extended its partnership with IFundWomen to support Black women-owned small businesses in the United States through a new grant program and educational resources. These grants provide an opportunity for recipients to grow their businesses and continue to offer much needed services to their local (and global) communities. Within this application, you will be asked to provide imagery and a 60-sec video that tells us more about your business. Your video must be provided in the form of a link (Vimeo, YouTube, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.). Please have these assets and video link at the ready before starting your application.
IFundWomen COVID-19 Relief Fund
The IFW COVID-19 Relief Fund provides microgrants to women-owned businesses that are being impacted by this crisis.
🛑 Ladies Who Launch Grant and Mentorship Program for Women Entrepreneurs
Applications due September 1, 2020
Rooted in equity and inclusion, the year-long launch program provides an immediate cash grant of $5,000 - $25,000 USD, mentorship, advisory support, and amplification for women (female identifying and non-binary) entrepreneurs.
With this program we aim to bring all three of our pillars to the forefront: Inspiration, Education, and Community to support US women business owners impacted by COVID-19 with what they need most — access to capital and a community to help them navigate through these challenging times.
Check out the next steps below and then apply!
Nav: Small Business Grant Contest The next round of Nav’s Small Business Grant opens Oct. 19, 2020
(Source: Nav)
Nav is giving grants to small businesses that tell a story of preservation and opportunity in the face of a past or ongoing challenge.
Professional Beauty Association COVID-19 Relief Fund
(Source: Professional Beauty Association)
The PBA COVID-19 Relief Fund will provide $500 to licensed beauty professionals who are unable to work due to COVID-19. The funding is intended to be emergency aid for short-term immediate needs such as food and bills.
🛑 Red Backpack Fund application portal will next open from August 3-10
(Source: Global Giving)
The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation has donated $5 million to support female entrepreneurs in the wake of COVID-19. GlobalGiving will oversee the Red Backpack Fund, making 1,000 grants of $5,000 each to female entrepreneurs in the United States to help alleviate the immediate needs and support the long-term recovery of those impacted by this crisis.
Salesforce Care Small Business Grants
Salesforce is partnering with Ureeka to offer eligible small businesses the opportunity to receive a $10,000 grant to help them through the COVID-19 outbreak. Grant Applications open for Missouri and Kansas on April 27.
🛑 Sam’s Club Small Business Grants
(Source: LISC)
Thanks to a $1 million grant from Sam’s Club, LISC will deploy $10,000 grants to small businesses, especially those enterprises owned or led by women, minorities and veterans, who often lack access to affordable capital. Para leer esta información en español, haga click aquí.
🛑 Save Small Business SUSPENDED
(Source: U.S. 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. Funded by corporate and philanthropic partners, the Save Small Business Fund is a collective effort to provide $5,000 grants to as many small employers as they can.
SheaMoisture Community Commerce Fund
(Source: SheaMoisture)
With SheaMoisture's $1Million Fund, small minority and women of color-owned businesses can apply for funding under different initiatives:
🛑 Verizon Small Business Recover Fund -The Round 4 application period is now closed. Please register here to sign up for updates on future rounds.
(Source: LISC)
These grants help small businesses fill urgent financial gaps until they can resume normal operations or until other more permanent financing becomes available.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
COVID-19: Ad credits for Google Ads Small and Medium-sized Businesses
Google is giving SMBs worldwide $340 million in ad credits, which can be used at any point until the end of 2020 across Google Ads platforms. SMBs who have been active advertisers since the beginning of 2019 will see a credit notification appear in their Google Ads account in the coming months.
🛑 Microsoft Office 365 Trial
New in March 2020, a free 6-month Office 365 E1 Trial, including Microsoft Teams, is now available. Microsoft is making this special E1 Trial license available in response to the increased need for employees to work from home (WFH) in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.
🛑 Yelp Relief Fund
Yelp announced $25 million in relief, primarily focused on supporting independent local restaurant and nightlife businesses, in the form of waived advertising fees, and free advertising, products and services.