If you are interested in applying for any of the programs below, it is advised that you apply as soon as possible. The application period for many relief programs has been shortened due to the high demand. For assistance filling out applications, please contact Magaly Hernandez at magaly@occcda.org.
Small Business Resources
Accept payments remotely and schedule curbside pick-up
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for Self-Employed Individuals
Outdoor dining: Guidelines (1); Guidelines (2)
Understanding Predictability Pay under Fair Workweek NEW!
Small Business Covid-19 Grants
Grants of up to $10,000 for businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of COVID-19—especially entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically underserved communities who don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital. The fifth round of applications will open July 27th.
This grant will help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the pandemic. This grant must be used for hazard pay over a 10-week period (August 16-October 24) for direct, full-time and part-time employees earning less than $20 an hour. The COVID-19 Hazard Pay Grant is available to the following industries: healthcare and social assistance, food manufacturing, food retail facilities, transit and ground passenger transportation, security services for eligible industries listed above and commercial industries that were not closed as a result of the pandemic, and janitorial services to buildings and dwellings. Applications are now open and will close July 31, 2020.
Spanx and The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation have teamed up with GlobalGiving to create The Red Backpack Fund. This partnership will give 1,000 grants of $5,000 to female entrepreneurs in the U.S. to help those affected by COVID-19. Applications will be open from August 3, 2020 – August 10, 2020.
The first round of applications is currently open for the COVID-19 Relief Pennsylvania Statewide Small Business Assistance program. This program will provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. Eligible businesses will be businesses that are: located in Pennsylvania, have an annual revenue of $1 million or less prior to COVID-19, and have less than 25 full-time employees. The second round of applications will open August 4th.
The FFFI provides one-time grants to eligible food retailers in order to increase access to healthy, affordable grocery options for Pennsylvania communities. Its new COVID-19 Relief Fund supports food retail businesses impacted by the pandemic, especially those serving low-income communities of color. Applications open August 14th.
The purpose of the James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund (the “Fund”) is to provide critical financial assistance to small, independent restaurants that, due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) national disaster, have an immediate need for funds to pay set operating expenses and keep from going out of business.
Small Business Loans
Congress created this program to help small businesses keep employees on their payrolls through the pandemic. The Enterprise Center Capital Corporation is a certified PPP-lender and has processes over $20 million in PPP loans, in partnership with MBE Capital. The application deadline has been extended to August 8th.
Business leaders throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are working together to help save as many Pennsylvania jobs as possible. Businesses that qualify for assistance include small businesses that employ 3-30 people, are based in Pennsylvania and have been operating for at least one year, and are owned and operated by a Pennsylvania resident. The funds given to small businesses through the Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund do not need to be repaid. Applications close December 31, 2023.
The SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans to businesses, renters, and homeowners located in regions affected by declared disasters. View the SBA’s webinar explaining the application process. Applications are now open.
Crowdfunding Programs
Create a campaign where your customers, friends, and family can invest in your business.
Borrow $10,000-$50,000 in crowd funded working capital with a 45-day payment-free period. Take advantage of a 3.75% interest rate over an initial 6-month interest-only payment period followed by a 5% interest rate over a 3-year fully amortizing loan after the interest-only period with no pre-payment penalties.
Connecting entrepreneurs to 0% interest crowdfunded small business loans.
Raise money for your business. People can donate to your fundraiser in just a few clicks without leaving Facebook.
MainVest allows loans with flexible repayment schedule to small businesses. The business agrees to to share a percentage of their future revenue, which could be used to expand the business at first, till the investor receive return on investment.
Additional Resources
PA Department of Economic Development COVID-19 Resources
City of Philadelphia Programs and Initiatives
This page was last updated July 30, 2020.
