Business Assistance Guide: COVID-19 Resources and Relief Options

Recent weeks have impacted small businesses around the globe. To slow the spread of COVID-19, governments have mandated social distancing and self-isolation tactics, forcing millions of people to turn to remote working. Some businesses have closed altogether, while others are promoting online sales and eCommerce. If you’re wondering where to turn during these complicated times, we’ve put together a comprehensive small business assistance guide on how to receive aid and keep your business open.

Federal Coronavirus Relief for Small Businesses

Additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program.  The $484 billion Paycheck Protection Program and Health Enhancement Act was approved by the Senate and passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. Most of the small business funding, $321 billion, will replenish the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  Of the $321 billion, $60 billion is designated to be available through small business lenders, including Insured Depository Institutions and Credit Unions.

CARES ACT: The CARES Act passed in late March, which is a $2 trillion emergency relief package to help Americans impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Importantly, the CARES Act includes Rubio’s Keeping American Workers Paid and Employed Act, a bipartisan small business emergency economic relief plan that provides more than $377 billion for small businesses assistance.

FEMA Supply Chain, Delivery of Goods, Business Continuity Support: Businesses that are experiencing issues regarding supply chains, delivery of goods, or business continuity should contact the FEMA National Business Emergency Operations Center. This is a 24/7 operation and they can assist in directing the inquiry to the proper contact.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Small business owners in all U.S. states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to COVID-19. The SBA will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by COVID-19. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

Federal Income Tax Filing and Payment Deadline Extension The federal tax return filing deadline is now July 15, 2020. For tax payments of up to $10 million, the IRS has also extended the deadline for both individuals and businesses. Estimated tax payments for 2020 originally due on April 15, 2020 will now be due on July 15, 2020.

Check with your state tax agency to find out if your business has more time to file or more time to pay state and local taxes this year. Several states have already aligned their tax filing and payment dates with the new federal deadline. States also may waive or reduce penalties on late tax payments.

The Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue and can be a term loan or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

SBA Access to Capital provides a number of loan small business resources to utilize when operating their business.

SBA Government Contracting: SBA is focused on assisting with the continuity of operations for small business contracting programs and small businesses with federal contracts.

If a situation occurs that will prevent small businesses with government contracts from successfully performing their contract, they should reach out to their contracting officer and seek to obtain extensions before they receive cure notices or threats of termination. The SBA’s Procurement Center Representatives can assist affected small businesses to engage with their contracting officer.

Use the Procurement Center Representative Directory to connect with the representative nearest you.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the most up-to-date information on COVID-19. This interim guidance is based on what is currently known.

State and Local Small Business Coronavirus Relief

Alabama

ALtogether is a one-stop-shop where Alabamians can ask for help or lend a hand during the COVID-19 crisis. This response effort is designed to connect businesses, nonprofits and people that need help with the right program partners–and to connect program partners with people and resources to help those most in need.

Alaska

Alaska Small Business Development Center COVID-19 Resource Center: The impact of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Alaskan communities and businesses is changing daily. The Alaska SBDC is here to support and prepare small businesses in the days, weeks, and months to come. Here you will find guidance, updates, and resources to help adapt in an unpredictable situation.

Arizona

Arizona Together can connect those affected by COVID-19 to a wide array of resources, from financial assistance and medical assistance, to meals for low-income pupils missing school. The initiative also aims to raise money for struggling community organizations and recruit volunteers statewide.

Arkansas

The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is working remotely and is available to you by phone, email and videoconferencing for one-on-one confidential consulting. Check their contact page for ways to reach them or call 1-800-862-2040, leave a message and one of their representatives will get in touch with you.

Arkansas Quick Action Loan Program: The Arkansas Department of Commerce announced they will begin receiving applications for the Quick Action Loan Guaranty Program to address the immediate needs of businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The program will be administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) in partnership with the Arkansas banks.
 
Funds for the program are provided through an allocation of $4,000,000 from the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund, and an additional $3,000,000 from Attorney General Leslie Rutledge’s Consumer Education and Enforcement Fund. A portion of the funding will go towards the guaranty loan program while other funding will be focused on direct loans through AEDC.

California

San Francisco COVID-19 Small Business Resiliency Fund

Businesses with between one and five employees can apply for up to $10,000 in emergency funding to help cover rent and employee salaries. You must show that you have lost 25% or more of your revenue, have less than $2.5 million in gross receipts and prove that you’re properly licensed to operate in San Francisco.

San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development Resource Guide

The city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development has a comprehensive list of resources and updated information for business owners in the bay area. San Francisco is rapidly instituting programs to help business owners. Follow @sfoewd on Twitter to keep up to date with the latest information.

City of Los Angeles Small Business Emergency Microloan Program

Businesses and micro enterprises in Los Angeles that are responsible for providing low-income jobs can get an emergency microloan of $5,000 to $20,000. Loans with repayment terms of six months to one year carry an interest rate of 0% and five-year loans have interest rates of 3% to 5%.

Colorado

Denver Small Business Emergency Relief

This program offers cash grants of up to $7,500 to businesses in industries particularly hard-hit by COVID-19. This includes all small businesses that have lost the ability to operate, including restaurants, retail shops, barbershops and nail salons. Grants will be distributed monthly and the first applications will be due March 31.

You can also visit Colorado’s Office of Economic Development for updates.

Connecticut

DECD’s COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) has created a COVID-19 Business Emergency Response Unit dedicated to assisting businesses in navigating resources and developing new resources. A dedicated phone line is available at 860-500-2333 to provide assistance to Connecticut’s small businesses for this purpose.

Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program

To provide emergency cash flow relief to small businesses and nonprofits in Connecticut that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, Governor Lamont created the Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program. Administered by DECD, the program is for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 100 employees. Qualifying organizations can apply for zero-interest loans of up to $75,000 or three months of operating expenses (whichever is lesser). This $25 million short-term emergency loan program will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and is now accepting applications.

Delaware

Delaware.gov: America’s banks are taking steps to respond to the needs of individuals and small business owners directly affected. This support will vary by institution and the customer’s specific circumstances, but could include, for example, fee waivers; deferred payments for credit cards, auto loans and mortgages; loan modifications; low-rate and zero-rate loans, and other accommodations.

Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP): HELP will provide financial relief for restaurants, bars and other hospitality industry businesses that employ thousands of Delawareans.

Florida

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program In special cases, loans from $50,000-$100,000 are available to small businesses affected by COVID-19. The loans are meant to serve as short-term funding that can be repaid once businesses can access alternative funding. Loans are interest-free for one year, After that, the interest rate rises to 12%.

Georgia

Business Continuity Loan Fund (BCLF) 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. This 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.

Hawaii

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering small businesses in designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital, this is only available to those suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.

Idaho

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering small businesses in designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital, this is only available to those suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.

Illinois

Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund: Starting March 31, small businesses in Chicago can apply for low-interest loans of up to $50,000 with repayment terms of up to five years. The amount of the loan you’ll qualify for depends on your revenue before your business was affected by COVID-19. To qualify, you must demonstrate a 25% drop in revenue, have less than $3 million in revenue, employ less than 50 workers and have no current tax liens or legal judgments.

Indiana

Indiana Small Business Development Center: COVID-19 Resource Page provides guidance on funding, counseling and advising, training and more.

Iowa

Iowa Small Business Development Center: COVID-19 Resources page provides resources for business preparedness, loans, economic development, and more.

Kansas

HOST Relief Program

GO Topeka announced the creation of the “HOST Relief Program” to provide up to $2 million in economic stimulus for businesses and workers affected by COVID-19. HOST, which stands for Helping Others Support Topeka, is a small business emergency resource fund developed by private sector leaders designed to provide immediate aid.

Kentucky

Kentucky Small Business Development Center: Providing resources for business preparedness, loans, economic development and more.

Louisiana

Louisiana Economic Development: LED is working with all levels of government to safeguard Louisiana businesses in terms of economic and physical safety issues related to COVID-19. 
 
They are posting links that connect business owners with valuable resources. These links are also updated as soon as any new information becomes available, so please check this page often.

Maine

Department of Economic and Community Development: Resources available for Maine businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maryland

Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund This COVID-19 Emergency Relief $50M Grant Fund offers working capital to assist Maryland’s small businesses and nonprofits with disrupted operations due to COVID-19.

Massachusetts

MGCC Small Business Recovery Loan Fund

The $10 million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund will provide emergency capital up to $75,000 for companies with under 50 full-time and part-time employees, including nonprofits with no payments due for 6 months.

Michigan

Michigan Small Business Relief Fund

The State of Michigan will provide both grants and loans to small businesses affected by COVID-19 starting on or around April 1. Grants will be available in amounts of up to $10,000 to help cover working capital. Loans will be available in amounts from $50,000 to $200,000 at interest rates of 0.25%. Companies with 50 employees or fewer can qualify for grants, while loans are targeted at companies with 100 employees or fewer that can’t get credit elsewhere. In both cases, businesses must show income loss.

Minnesota

Minnesota Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Business Toolkit: This toolkit will continue to be updated daily as new information becomes available.

Mississippi

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering small businesses in designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital, this is only available to those suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.

Missouri

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering small businesses in designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital, this is only available to those suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.

Montana

Montana Department of Labor and Industry: Resources available for Montana businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nebraska

Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry Coronavirus Toolkit for Businesses & Industry: The information outlined will help business owners stay prepared and resilient through the coronavirus pandemic. 

Nevada

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering small businesses in designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital, this is only available to those suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.

New Hampshire

NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs: BEA stands ready to provide assistance to businesses affected by COVID-19 through custom and personal input from Business Retention specialists.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Provides highly individualized, advising and education to NH businesses at no cost. SBDC’s team of advisors can help businesses apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans, prepare for relief measures as they are introduced, and discuss concerns related to cash flow, staffing, marketing, accounting, and supply chain interruptions.

New Jersey

Waiver to Stay Open

If you believe your retail business is unique and should be considered an “essential business,” you can reach out to the Business.NJ.gov team and submit your business to the State Director of Emergency Management. The Director has the discretion to make additions, amendments, clarifications, exceptions and exclusions to these lists. If your business falls into a category already exempted, or you are not a retail business, you do not need an exemption and should not pursue this option.

New Mexico

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering small businesses in designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital, this is only available to those suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.

New York

New York City Employee Retention Grant Program Small businesses with one to four employees can apply for a grant of up to $27,000 that covers 40% of payroll costs over the course of two months. To do so, you must show that you’ve lost 25% of your revenue due to COVID-19. For more information, refer to New York City’s Coronavirus resource page for small businesses. Please note that businesses must be located in one of New York City’s five boroughs, been in operation for at least six months and have no current tax liens or legal judgments.

New York City Small Business Continuity Fund If your business has fewer than 100 employees, you can get up to $75,000 in interest-free loans from the city to cover revenue losses. Businesses within the five boroughs that have experienced at least a 25% reduction in revenue can qualify. You must have no tax liens or legal judgments against you, be able to show a loss in revenue and have proof that you are able to repay the loan.

NY Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): Provides small business owners and entrepreneurs in New York with the highest quality, confidential business counseling, training, and business research at no cost.

Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Contact List: CDFIs are local financial service providers with locations throughout New York State, and often are the sole provider of banking and other financial services in communities that are not served by traditional banks and financial institutions.

North Dakota

Loans and equity investments are available to companies certified as primary sector under the North Dakota Development Fund, Revolving Rural Loan Fund and the Venture Capital Program.

Ohio

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering small businesses in designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital, this is only available to those suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Commerce: The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is closely monitoring updates and guidance from our federal and state partners.

Oregon

The Beaverton Emergency Business Assistance Program was made to help businesses in Beaverton with 50 or less employees that were ordered to close as a result of government coronavirus. Guidelines state these businesses can apply for $2,500 per month in rent or mortgage reimbursement while the city is in a declared state of emergency. To recieve this, they must have a commercial storefront in Beaverton and a rental lease or mortgage on the property.

Hillsboro Small Business Emergency Relief Program From March 23 to April 20, businesses in Hillsboro can apply to receive a $5,000 grant to offset losses associated with COVID-19. Priority will be given to restaurants, bars, education facilities and businesses that serve large groups of people. Businesses with 10 or fewer employees will be prioritized.

Pennsylvania Comcast is taking steps to implement new policies for the next 60 days. These steps will help make Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone and Xfinity WiFi hotspots located in businesses and outdoor locations across the country available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. Comcast will also be waiving late fees and offering internet essentials free to new customers.

Second round of state funding in Pennsylvania. The Wolf Administration has announced their second round of state funding for Pennsylvania businesses. 160 companies in 43 counties have received $13.5 million in funding during the second round of the COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA). Funds awarded under the program to date total more than $23 million awarded to a number of diverse businesses like restaurants, wellness centers, wineries and breweries, consulting firms, and salons and spas.

PECO With customers potentially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, PECO understands and is taking steps to help. Effective March 13, 2020, PECO suspended service disconnections and started waiving new late payment charges. This will continue through at least May 1, 2020. In addition, PECO will continue to remind customers of existing bill assistance resources and energy assistance programs to support them through temporary or extended financial hardship

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development COVID-19 Business Resource Guide The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has put together a COVID-19 Business Resource guide that is updated frequently. There’s a list of contacts and resources that are available to assist affected businesses.

Request for Waiver/Exemption to Business Closure Businesses can request a waiver to keep their location open, even if they are not considered life sustaining. Owners can submit the form on the website. All decisions will be communicated by email and will balance public health, safety and the security of Pennsylvania’s industry supply chains supporting life sustaining businesses.

Philadelphia City officials announced new restrictions on commercial activity and a halt to all non-essential city government operations to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Only essential commercial establishments should remain open. Details can be found in the link above.

Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund The COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund offers grants or zero-interest loans to the city’s businesses impacted by the virus. Microenterprise grants of $5,000, small business grants of up to $25,000 and small business loans with 0% interest of up to $100,000 are available.

Rhode Island

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering small businesses in designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital, this is only available to those suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19.

South Carolina

South Carolina Department of Commerce: Provides information on SBA Assistance for SC during COVID-19.

South Dakota

South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation: Provides resources on in-state assistance and national assistance for small business and employees.

Tennessee

Department of Economic and Community Development: Small business is the backbone of Tennessee’s economy, and as a state, they will continue to focus on targeted relief for these businesses.

Texas

Texas Economic Development Coronavirus: Provides information for small business relief and support in the state of Texas.

The AssistHer EmergencyRelief Grant aims to help sustain your business while you are under economic hardship due to COVID-19. The funds can be used for technology upgrades or other items needed to change or adapt your business model. Operating expenses (excluding payment of sales tax, payroll, purchase of food for consumption, penalties and fees, and charitable donations).

Utah

Salt Lake City Emergency Loan Program The city’s Emergency Loan Program is offering up to $20,000 on 0% interest loans for a five year payback term. These loans can only be used for working capital, marketing and inventory.

Vermont

Agency of Commerce and Community Development: Provides information on financial assistance, sector guidance, and unemployment for businesses and employees.

Virginia

Virginia Chamber COVID-19 Resource Center: Provides information for resources developed for small businesses, including webinars on various topics for business owners.

The nonprofit Virginia 30 Day Fund was launched by Virginia technology entrepreneur Pete Snyder and his wife, Burson.  Working with other business leaders throughout the Commonwealth, the Fund’s goal is to help save as many Virginia jobs as possible while small businesses await recently approved federal funding.

Washington

Deferred Payment Plans with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), Seattle City Light (SCL) and Puget Sound Energy Utilities will be kept on in Seattle throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Commercial customers can set up deferred payment plans with SCL or SPU by calling 206-684-300. Also, gas provider Puget Sound Energy will not be disconnecting customers, instead waiving late fees and offering payment plans.

Amazon’s Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund Cash Grants for South Lake Union and Regrade Small Businesses The e-commerce giant will draw from a $5 million fund to support businesses with less than $7 million in annual revenue or fewer than 50 employees with a few blocks of its Seattle headquarters.

Washington Small Business Development Center’s Business Resiliency Guide The center will also hold webinars March 16-20.

Washington D.C.

Greater Washington Community Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund: The Community Foundation established the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to support local nonprofits leading emergency preparedness and response efforts to help mitigate the impact on disproportionately affected communities in this region.

West Virginia

Resources for WV Small Businesses: Provides information for small businesses in WV.

Wyoming

Wyoming SBDC Resources for Small Business: The Wyoming SBDC Network, as part of our emergency preparedness strategies for businesses, is ready to strategize with entrepreneurs statewide to develop individualized plans to keep businesses running as smoothly as possible.

NonProfits Providing Coronavirus Relief

FIND is a global non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the development, evaluation and delivery of high-quality, affordable diagnostic tests for poverty-related diseases. They are conducting a standardized evaluation of currently-available immunoassays for SARS-CoV-2. This Expression of Interest (EOI) is for test developers interested in having their immunoassays (machine-based or lateral flow, rapid tests) evaluated using this standardized, independent protocol.

Gates Foundation Therapeutics Accelerator The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome and Mastercard today committed up to $125 million in seed funding to speed-up the response to the COVID-19 epidemic by identifying, assessing, developing and scaling-up treatments. The partners are committed to equitable access, including making products available and affordable in low-resource settings. The COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator will play a catalytic role by accelerating and evaluating new and repurposed drugs and biologics to treat patients with COVID-19 in the immediate term, and other viral pathogens in the longer-term. Currently there are no broad-spectrum antivirals or immunotherapies available for the fight against emerging pathogens and none approved for use on COVID-19.

Kiva The popular small business, crowdsourcing investment company is offering 0% loans up to $15,000 with no payments for six months.

SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. They will be hosting several virtual town halls during the month of April so business owners can help share valuable information and resources during this time.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce The U.S. Chamber is working closely with the White House, U.S. government agencies and foreign government officials to inform and equip businesses with the most important and up-to-date information to prevent the spread of the virus and prepare businesses for the near and long-term impact.

Banks & Corporations Providing Small Business Coronavirus Relief

Ally Bank is offering the following financial support initiatives:

• Will defer payment for existing auto customers for up to 120 days without incurring late fees or finance charges
• Will give new auto customers the option to delay first payment for 90 days
• Will defer payment for existing mortgage customers for up to 120 days without incurring late fees or finance charges
• Will waive overdraft, expedited checks and debit card fees for existing bank customers for the next 120 days
• Will waive fees on excessive transactions on savings accounts for existing bank customers for the next 120 days

Amazon Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund

Businesses in Bellevue, South Lake Union and Regrade neighborhoods of Seattle can apply online for a grant from Amazon’s $5 million fund. Amazon will determine on a case-by-case basis the amount of the grant your business qualifies for. Only businesses with 50 employees or less or that take in less than $7 million in annual revenue qualify.

Bank of America announced it would do the following for customers with no negative credit bureau reporting for up-to-date clients:

• Will refund overdraft fees, non-sufficient funds fees and monthly maintenance fees upon request for banking and small business customers
• Will defer payments and issue refunds on late fees upon request for banking and small business customers
• Will defer payments and issue refunds on late fees for small business loans upon request
• Will defer payments, with payments added to the end of the loan, for auto loans upon request
• Will defer payments, with payments added to the end of the loan, for mortgages and home equity -lines of credit owned by Bank of America upon request
• Will suspend foreclosure sales, evictions and repossessions

Capital One said it would offer financial relief options upon request, including limiting fees, providing minimum payment assistance and offering deferred loan payments. Citi will do the following for an initial 30 days:

• Will waive fees on monthly services and penalties for early CD withdrawal for banking customers
• Will waive monthly service fees, remote deposit capture charges and penalties for early CD withdrawal for small business customers
• Offer credit line increases and collection forbearance programs for credit card customers
• Offer a range of hardship programs through their service provider, Cenlar FSB, for eligible mortgage customers

Facebook Small Business Grants Program

Facebook has committed to offer small businesses assistance by providing $100 million in cash grants and Facebook advertising credits. The grants will be provided to businesses in more than 30 countries. Information is limited but sign up to get more details from the company when they’re available.

Fifth Third Bank Ohio-based Fifth Third Bank is offering the following programs and initiatives:

• Vehicle payment deferral program: offering payment deferral for up to 90 days and no late fees during the deferral period
• Credit card deferral program: offering payment deferral for up to three payments and no late fees during the deferral period
• Payment forbearance with no late fees for 90 days on mortgages and home equity lines of credit
• Small business payment deferral program: offering a payment deferral program for up to 90 days, no late fees and a range of loan modification options
• Will waive all fees on Fifth Third Fast Capital loans for six months
• Will waive fees for up to 90 days for a range of consumer and small business deposit products -and services
• Will suspend any new repossession actions on vehicles for the next 60 days
• Will suspend all foreclosure activity on homes for the next 60 days

GoFundMe

GoFundMe launched the Small Business Relief Initiative to support those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the announcement, GoFundMe is partnering with Yelp, the company that connects people with great local businesses. The Small Business Relief Initiative will supply financial assistance and support to small businesses across the country by providing fundraising tools and grants to help during the crisis.

Goldman Sachs will offer the following:

• Will waive payment for March without interest for Apple credit card users who enroll in Apple’s customer assistance program
• Will allow delayed payments without fees for Marcus customers for a month

The Google Small Business Grant Program includes credits for Google Ads, and is a part of a larger plan to boost organizations affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Huntington Bank will offer the following programs:

• Consumer payment deferral program: will offer a payment deferral for up to 90 days with no credit bureau impact
• Small business payment deferral program: will offer a payment deferral for up to 90 days with no credit bureau impact
• Working to offer economic injury disaster loans for small businesses
• Will waive late fees on consumer loan payments through at least the end of March 2020
• Will waive late fees on business loan payments through at least the end of March 2020
• Will suspend any new repossession actions associated with vehicles, RVs or marine craft financed by Huntington through at least the end of March 2020
• Will enact reduced requirements for customers who want to redeem their already repossessed vehicle to one payment plus repossession fee
• Will suspend any new foreclosure actions, specific to residential properties, unless required by federal or government agencies through at least the end of March 2020

James Beard Foundation The foundation has created the Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund and is currently working on application criteria. Sign up for updates on the foundation’s website to get notified when applications are open.

JPMorgan Chase Philanthropic Investment announced a $50 million global philanthropic commitment to address the immediate public health and long-term economic challenges from the COVID-19 global pandemic. Funds will support communities and people hit hardest by this public health crisis through an initial $15 million commitment. This includes $5 million to provide immediate healthcare, food and other humanitarian relief globally, $2 million to existing nonprofit partners around the world that are responding to the COVID-19 crisis in their communities, and $8 million to assist small businesses vulnerable to significant economic hardships in China, Europe and the U.S. The remaining $35 million will be deployed over time to help the most vulnerable communities and people recover from the crisis and have an opportunity to benefit from future economic growth.

Kabbage Payments

Through Kabbage Payments, any business can sign up to sell gift certificates online and anyone can purchase them to support participating small businesses. KeyBank will offer the following:

• Will allow existing customers to defer payments for 90 days on mortgages and home equity lines of credit upon request
• Will allow existing customers to defer payments for 90 days on student loans upon request
• Will allow existing customers to defer payments for 90 days on auto loans upon request
• Will allow existing customers to defer payments for 90 days on credit cards and lines of credit upon request
• Will allow small business loan customers to defer loan payments for 90 days upon request
• Will waive late or overdraft fees
• Will waive penalties for early CD withdrawals
• Will suspend repossessions of vehicles unless required by a federal or government agency
• Will suspend residential property foreclosures unless required by a federal or government agency

KeyBank is also offering the following a temporary small business assistance loan, which is a shorter-term unsecured personal loan up to $5,000 with a low interest rate and the potential for same-day approval.

Microsoft Teams If your organization is licensed for Office 365, you already have it. But Microsoft wants to make sure everyone has access to it during this time. You can sign up for a free Teams account through their website. PandaDoc The document automation software for small and medium-sized businesses has launched a free e-signature plan to help businesses keep running while they switch to remote working. Free eSign offers:

• Unlimited document uploads – Upload and send for eSignature as many documents as you’d like
• Unlimited eSignatures – Collect an unlimited number of legally binding eSignatures
• Payment processing – Accept a credit card, PayPal, or ACH payment the moment your doc is signed

PNC will offer the following:

• Will waive or refund fees associated with deposit accounts or lending products, including credit cards and mortgages
• Will offer assistance programs for customers with consumer or business loans, credit cards or mortgages
• Will offer emergency hardship loans at a “low rate” for qualified consumer customers and employees

Santander Bank will offer the following:

• Will temporarily suspend payments, as well as refund late payment and overdraft fees for bank customers
• Will stop collections calls
• Will suspend mortgage and home equity line of credit foreclosures
• Will waive early withdrawal penalties on CDs and waive outgoing wire fees for consumers
• Will increase ATM cash withdrawal amounts available
• Will offer extensions and payment deferral accommodations for existing small businesses clients
• Will offer credit card limit increases
• Will expand payment deferrals, waive late charges and issue lease extensions for lessees unable to return their vehicles for existing auto loan customers
• Will defer first payment for 90 days for new customers financing their auto loans through Chrysler Capital and offer a 0% APR for 84 months on select 2019 and 2020 models available

Square

The payment processor is refunding all software subscription fees for the month of March for existing sellers who currently use Square Appointments, Retail, Restaurants, Loyalty, Team Management, Payroll, Marketing and Square Online Store. Square will manage the process for you so there’s no need to do anything. Additional product updates are also in the works. You can use the just released curbside pickup option through Square Online Store, and they plan to release a local delivery feature this week. Curbside pickup and delivery fees are waived for the next three months.

Truist (Formerly SunTrust and BB&T Banks) instituted a number of relief measures:

• Offers payment relief assistance for clients on consumer loans, personal credit cards, business credit cards and business loans
• Will temporarily waive ATM surcharge fees
• Will offer 5% cash back for qualifying purchases at grocery stores and pharmacies through April 15, 2020

Yelp will be providing $25 million to local restaurants and nightlife businesses that are seeing a massive drop in business as a result of the crisis. This will take the form of “waived advertising fees and free advertising, products and services.” This includes free page upgrades for access to advanced promotional features. On the delivery side, Yelp says it will be adding support for contact-free delivery in its check-out process through its partnership with Grubhub, who already offers this option.

Zoom When employees are not able to get to the office, teams cannot travel to see customers and students cannot participate in on-site classes, Zoom provides a way. Their platform allows users to still be productive with just a free Zoom Meetings license. A free Zoom Meetings license includes instant 1-on-1 video meetings, daily meetings with up to 49 video participants, real-time collaboration with screen sharing, annotation and more.

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