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April 10th, 2020
COVID-19 News & Updates
As you know, the Coronavirus is having an impact on business and society. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by the situation. We will be providing daily and weekly updates about COVID-19 to you. We hope that you find these interesting and informative.

Foundation Offers Grants to Women-Owned Businesses Affected by Virus
Apply now!


The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas has launched Women Owned, an assistance fund for women-owned small businesses experiencing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The foundation will be awarding $5,000 grants through the fund to businesses that are 100% owned by one or more women and employ 50 or fewer employees. In addition, 75% of the grants will be awarded to businesses that are at least 51% owned by a woman of color.

With an initial investment from WFA's grant pool and from the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, the fund is halfway to its goal of $100,000, which would provide assistance to 20 businesses.
WMF Executive Director Anna Beth Gorman said the foundation would typically award grants at the end of the year but had the opportunity to do something now "to hopefully help some of our women-owned businesses survive this, what we hope to be a temporary economic climate."

The Women Owned fund is also open to public donations.

Applications for the first round of funding are open now and will close at noon on April 13. Grantees receiving the first round of funding will be notified by April 17.


Talking to your kids about COVID-19 and help for homeschooling

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has led to many school closures and changes in routine which may have increased anxiety in children who don’t understand the disruption in their daily lives. Helping children understand the changes in routine may help them feel safe and comforted. Right now, children may only know that they can’t see their friends every day, that they have to do schoolwork at home or they may sense anxieties coming from adults or older siblings in the home.

While many of us are experiencing drastic changes to everyday life, it can be especially hard on children who are going through these changes without fully understanding why. And though the situation is serious, it doesn’t have to be scary. Parents can follow a few helpful tips to talk to children about COVID-19 and how to help them keep learning if their school has closed.


On behalf of all of our team, please know that we are here for you and that we will continue to do everything we can to support you during this time. Please do not hesitate to let us know if there is anything you need! 

The Hatcher Agency

Sources:
Article 2: Lincoln Financial