Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Resources
General Announcements
Yesterday, LISC opened up another round of grants of up to $10,000 each for small business owners to help meet their most immediate needs. 

Eligible expenses include paying rent and utilities, payroll, paying outstanding debt to vendors, upgrading technology infrastructure, and other immediate operational costs.
The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health America has created a downloadable toolkit to share resources and create awareness about mental health. B ecause of COVID-19 and social distancing, these tools will be more useful than ever.
The 2020 theme is Tools 2 Thrive, which will provide practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency regardless of the situations they are dealing with.
Marketing & Crisis Communication Resources
Slice Communications has complied free marketing and communications resources related to COVID-19.

Communication through a crisis situation is most effective when it is clear and consistent. Creating a plan with primary messages, delivery methodologies, and regular cadence can make all the difference in ensuring that communication is thoughtful and strategic.
Regional News
Pennsylvania Updates
GingerBread Capital is awarding 25 companies, that are operating in the hardest hit states - PA included - a $10K grant to fuel their businesses through this global pandemic.
Criteria: 
  • For-Profit companies in business 2+ years
  • 2019 Revenue of $250K+
  • Pre-COVID staff of 5+ people
  • Have never raised traditional venture capital
Parents who have lost a job or income may be eligible for an emergency cash grant from PA Human Services . It's for families with income of about $2,700/month for a family of 3.
Are you having trouble paying your rent? The City of Philadelphia has launched a COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. It aims to help people who have lost income because of COVID-19 pay their rent. It makes payments directly to your landlord.
Delaware Updates
If you are an independent contractor or a self-employed worker in Delaware and want to receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) as detailed in the CARES Act, please review and follow the steps here .
Partner Webinars
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Employment-Based Immigration & Compliance for Pittsburgh Employers
Pittsburgh Human Resources Association
May 19, 8:30-9:30am

This session will cover the following topics:
  • Department of Labor Guidance as it relates to H-1B cases and PERM applications:
  • Closure of USCIS offices
  • Closure of US Embassies and Consulates
  • U.S. Immigration System and Remote Working
  • Impact of Foreign Students and Trainees
  • Employer implications when it comes to laying off or terminating an H1B worker’s employment due to COVID19
Economic Inclusion & Supplier Diversity Virtual Educational Experience
Merck
May 21, 2pm

This event will offer complimentary specialized video business courses, to enhance our Diverse Supplier Development efforts. The sessions will prepare you on How to do Business with Merck and what opportunities would be available for Tier 1 and/or Tier 2. You will learn how prepare a value proposition that will set you apart from your competitors and grow your business.
WBE Events Around the Country
  • Monday's Meditation Essence Hour - Join the Women's Business Enterprise Alliance's meditation hour which will help uplift entrepreneurs by focusing on how to decompress & alleviate stress through intentional breathing and encouraging words.
Stay at Home Activities!
Nikon is streaming their photography classes for free until May 31! Classes include Photographing Children & Pets, Photography Fundamentals, The Art of Making Music Videos, etc.
Artists have come together to create a free adult coloring & activity book. It’s called ‘Art Is Where the Home Is’ and the idea is that every project can fit on a single A4 sheet of paper, and you won’t need any specialist materials. 

Please stay healthy and safe during this time, and know that WBEC-East remains a resource to you and your business.