Small businesses are the backbone of our local and state economies, so it is important our businessowners have access to all of the relevant resources during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, And Economic Security (CARES) Act provides more than $375 billion in relief for small businesses. One such initiative is the Paycheck Protection Program, a guaranteed loan program from the Small Business Administration (SBA), which helps small businesses cover payroll during the crisis. The other is Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the SBA. You can learn more about the federal relief programs here.
The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority had authorized $60 million in loans for small businesses, but those funds were quickly allocated. Senator Hughes and his colleagues in the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus are working to find additional means to provide relief to small businesses across the state.
The city of Philadelphia immediately launched a relief program in the early stages of the pandemic response, and the resources were quickly tapped. A microbusiness loan for businesses with less than $500,000 in annual revenue is still available through the Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund through midnight April 15. You can apply here.
Here are some other Philadelphia related financial assistance programs or resources from various organizations:
- The Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation
- Entrepreneur Works
- The Enterprise Center Capital Corporation COVID-19 Loan Fund
- Grow Philadelphia Small Business COVID-19 Resilience Fund
- The West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution loans
- Philadelphia Emergency Fund for Stabilization of Early Education
- KIVA loans
- The Finata Emergency Loan
- Women’s Opportunities Resource Center
Business owners should be prepared to provide proper documentation when applying loans including:
- Inventory documents (delivery slips, etc.)
- Receipts
- Payroll
- Details on laid off or furloughed staff
- Debt service payments
- Mortgage/lease and utility payments
- Workers’ Compensation claims
- Signed tax return
- Financial statements
Local chambers of commerce have provided lists of important resources:
- Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
- African American Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia
There are other useful resources available and Senator Hughes wants to connect small business owners to those opportunities so that they stand a fighting chance during the pandemic. Visit senatorhughes.com for more information on the coronavirus response in Pennsylvania or call the district office at 215.879.7777.
Remember, you can do your part to stop the spread of the virus by staying home!
Here is guide issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, helping provide clear guidance and direction in response to coronavirus COVID-19. The residents of Philadelphia and its suburbs have been ordered to remain at home as to help prevent spread of coronavirus, find out what that means for you.
Montgomery County is doing the same.
Here are some reminders about preventing spread of the disease:
Best practices to plan, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms of the COVID-19 can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.
What to do if you think you have coronavirus COVID-19, according to the CDC:
- Stay home except to get medical care
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
- Call ahead before visiting your doctor
- Wear a facemask if you are sick
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Clean your hands often
- Avoid sharing personal household items
- Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
For more details on what to do prevent coronavirus COVID-19 spread, visit the CDCs full list of recommendations.
Read more: CDC recommendations on getting tested for coronavirus