Paycheck Protection Program Updates!
Round 2 of the Paycheck Protection Program opens this week! To help you prepare for this first-come, first-served round of additional relief funding, we’ve invited two speakers from our SBA Eastern Pennsylvania District Office to lead a webinar this Wednesday at 11 am.

We’ll go over the key updates to the program (summarized below), as well as documentation to prepare, important dates and deadlines, and how to access additional help with application. 

Key PPP updates include:
  • PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
  • PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
  • The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
  • The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. 

Much more information explained in depth in Wednesday's webinar. Join us!
DE Relief Grants Program to Begin Accepting New Applications
The Division of Small Business is pleased to announce that its DE Relief Grants portal will begin accepting new applications on Tuesday, January 19th at 10:00 AM.
This means that small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have not applied in earlier rounds will have the opportunity to apply for this relief program presented by the State of Delaware and New Castle County using federal CARES act funds.

Note: This forgiveness program applies only to DE Relief Grants, not the State of Delaware HELP Loan program. 
For more information about the DE Relief Grants program visit delbiz.com/relief
WBE Spotlight
The First Woman Owned Tenant Representation Firm In Pittsburgh Celebrates 30th Anniversary By Helping To Eliminate Hunger

Carrie S. Holstead Real Estate Consultants, the first woman owned and longest established tenant representation firm in Pittsburgh, celebrated its 30th anniversary by helping to eliminate hunger. Presented during the just completed Project Hunger telethon on WTAE-TV, its donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank will provide 100,000 meals to children, families and seniors in 11 counties throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.

“I am honored for my firm to help so many of our neighbors in need. Hunger is something we can end. Thank you to all who have contributed to our success and provided us with the opportunity to support others in our community that are less fortunate. I am immensely grateful,” said Holstead, pictured between Janelle Hall, Evening Anchor of WTAE –TV Action News on left and Lisa Scales, CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank on right.

Carrie Holstead, president and CEO of Carrie S. Holstead Real Estate Consultants, is a pioneer in her field. She founded her firm in 1989 when few woman were in commercial real estate and tenant representation was in its infancy. Thirty years later, she attributes the longevity of her tenant representation firm to the advantage its unique, conflict-free approach provides to users of corporate real estate, along with hard work and the support of friends and family.
WBEC-East Webinars
This Wednesday
Jan. 13, 2:00 - 3:45 PM

If you've always dreamed of owning your own business, or if you'd like to understand how WBEC-East can help your business grow, our free Orientation and Business Assessment workshop is for you!
This Thursday
Jan. 14, 2 - 3 PM

This webinar is for anyone interested in the certification process.

We'll show you how to gain the prestigious Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) certificate and use it to build your business!.
Jan. 21, 1 - 2 PM

In this interactive webinar, we'll learn about PPL's supplier diversity and procurement initiatives. 

Register today to learn the business requirements to be a supplier for PPL! 
Jan. 27, 12:00 - 1:15 PM

Get inspired with the (10) Ps for Business Success – shared by a WBE who started her business in the recession and thrive in the pandemic!

Learn the (10) Ps that are critical for business success followed by examples and strategies.
Jumpstart Begins in 2 Weeks!
  • Before You Start – January 27, 2021 - learn how to move from employee to business owner
  • Market Research – February 3, 2021 - teaches how to assess the feasibility of your business ideas
  • Financial Analysis – February 10, 2021 - provides financial basics critical to business success
  • The Business Plan – February 17, 2021 - helps business owners plan for growth and profitability
  • Business Launch – February 24, 2021 - understand the legal, financial, insurance, employment and tax requirements
Partner Events
Real People. Real Perspectives
Department of Commerce

Hear from Key Stakeholders and Leadership at the Department of Commerce's final forum and be a part of the dialogue between residents, businesses, and the development community in regards to our Philadelphia neighborhoods.

We are seeking to uplift the voices of residents, local businesses, and neighborhood developers on what they see as the way Philadelphia can grow inclusively. Together, we believe we can attract and grow the Philadelphia Opportunity Zone neighborhoods by supporting successful projects and sharing real stories of real people on what they envision for their communities.