Your Link to Opportunities and Information - Volume 20
Participate in Virtual Matchmaking
Supplier (MBE) Registration:

Buyer (Corporations and other buying entities) Registration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/COVID-19MMBuyers

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Critical Medical Supplies Procurement Portal
The Portal is for manufacturers, distributors and other suppliers to inform the Commonwealth of supplies available and will allow them to more efficiently procure these supplies for hospitals and medical facilities across Pennsylvania. Read more.

Current Bids
Hand Sanitizer, Toilet Paper, Disinfectant Wipes, etc.
The City of Pittsburgh - The Urban League is buying to distribute locally. Suppliers in Southwest PA call Michael Buzzelli or Mary Kay Dietrich at 412-227-4229. 

Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh
July 30, 2020

Philadelphia Housing Authority
August 3, 2020

Philadelphia Housing Authority
August 6, 2020

Philadelphia Housing Authority
August 10, 2020

ALCOSAN
August 14, 2020
Application now open for the LISC Small Business Relief Grants, Round 5 - Deadline August 3
Awards will be made to qualified businesses, and eligibility is based on accurate and complete submission. Priority will be given especially to entrepreneurs of color, women- and veteran-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically under-served places who don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital. All awardees will have to certify that they are promoting the best interests of the community and are negatively impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Read more.

The HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program - Deadline August 23
The HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program will fund solutions that help small business owners respond and adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, and also help to revitalize and strengthen older and historic downtown commercial districts. Grants of $5,000 to $15,000 will be awarded on a competitive and first-come, first-served basis. A minimum of 50 percent of grants will benefit diverse-owned businesses, as defined by the Small Business Administration as minority, woman, veteran, disabled, and/or LGBTQ-owned. Read more.

The SBA is Accepting New Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance Applications  
EIDL Overview:
  1. Low-interest loan at 3.75% for for-profit entities; non-profit organizations are eligible at 2.75%;
  2. Term for EIDL is up to 30 years and there is a one-year deferral from date of loan approval;
  3. Loan eligibility is up to $2 million;
  4. EIDL Advance is $1,000/employee up to $10,000. EIDL Advance does not have to be repaid and will be deposited directly by the Treasury Department; and
  5. All EIDL funding is direct from SBA, does not require third party approval.
  6. If an applicant has previously applied and their loan number starts with a “2”, they are encouraged to re-apply.
 
EIDL Advance: Small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are able to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance of up to $10,000. This advance is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This loan advance will not have to be repaid. Recipients do not have to be approved for an EIDL loan in order to receive the advance, but the amount of the loan advance will be deducted from total loan eligibility.   

Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses are encouraged to apply immediately to ensure timely processing of applications and access to funding. Read more.
 
NMSDC Secures Partnership to Connect  MBEs with PPP Funding
The National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (NMSDC) has partnered with  the  Business Consortium Fund (BCF) and Midwest BankCentre to assist certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs)   in accessing  funding through the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). If you are a minority business still in need of PPP funding, visit  www.bcfcapital.com/ppp-disclosure  for details and to begin your application process.   
 
SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – THERE’S STILL TIME  NEW DEADLINE AUGUST 8, 2020  Applications continue to be accepted by SBA Lenders including commercial and community banks, FinTech companies and CDFIs.  Go here for a list of approved lenders ,  to apply for PPP, and to  read more .  Questions regarding the status of your PPP application can be submitted to your lender directly. If you have applied call SBA's 24/7 Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 to check the status of your loan number.  Click here  to sign up to receive email updates from the SBA.

Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act
There are changes to the PPP to make it easier for you to receive the loan forgiveness that is so important. These changes have been made under the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA). A few of the major changes:
  • The covered period is now 24 weeks, up from the previous 8 weeks. You may opt to keep the 8 weeks as your covered period.
  • You may now use up to 40% of the PPP funds on non-payroll expenses, although those expenses are still limited to utilities and mortgage interest.
  • The amount of the funds that must be used on payroll has been reduced to 60%, and not the 75%.
  • For any portion of the loan fund that is not forgiven, you now have up to five (5) years to repay, and not the original two (2) years.
  • Read more
  • Click here for the loan forgiveness application. 

New Jersey EDA - Small Business Grants
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is supplying $45 million in new grants to underserved small businesses—including black-owned firms— impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. On the eligibility front, Phase 2 increases the employee cap for businesses from 10 full-time employees to 25 full-time workers. Businesses that got PPP loans are eligible for the NJEDA grants. Applicants must provide information on other COVID-19 assistance received, and will be asked to complete a Duplication of Benefits affidavit. Read more.

The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) and Bridgeway Capital have Teamed up to Provide Patient Loan Capital to Small Businesses and Nonprofits
The Erie County COVID-19 Response Fund, financed by ECGRA, makes flexible financing available through Bridgeway to help small businesses and nonprofits manage business disruptions, sustain vital services, and stay resilient during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Read more.

The PA 30-Day Fund
The Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund will deploy at least $100,000 for diverse small businesses who have suffered loss due to property damage and looting. The nonprofit organization provides $3,000 forgivable loans to small businesses owners who complete a simple application and submit a video. Read more.  

Rental Assistance for Philadelphia Residents
Renters whose income has been affected by COVID-19 will be able to apply for PHL Rent Assist Phase 2 starting on July 6th on a first-come, first-serve basis. Eligible households could get grants up to $750 a month for six months paid directly to their landlord. Applications go directly through the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation.

The CARES Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program (PMAP)
Homeowners whose income has been affected by COVID-19 may be able to apply for the CARES Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program (PMAP) also starting July 6. Eligible applicants could get grants of as much as $1,000 a month for six months.  Applications go directly through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. And check out PACDC's recently released policy agenda , Responding to COVID-19: An Agenda for Renters, Home Owners, Small Businesses, and the Non-Profits that support them.

Pennsylvania Small Business Grant Program - The Second Round for Applications is Expected to Open in August
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has opened a new $225 million program for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Here's what you need to know:
  • The first round of applications opened on June 30th. This program is not first come first serve. The program will reopen for at least 2 more rounds.
  • To qualify, businesses must have under $1 million in annual revenue, 25 or fewer full-time employees, and be compliant on state and federal taxes or on a payment plan. 
  • Priority will be given to businesses owned by people of color and women, located in low-to-moderate-income neighborhoods, or in industries especially hard-hit by the pandemic. This includes healthcare, childcare, personal care (barbershops, salons, etc.), and restaurants. 
  • To apply, you will need a copy of your most recent federal tax return (2018 or 2019), a recent bank statement, and either your business license, a professional license, or your articles of incorporation. You should also have a sense of how much revenue you've lost during COVID-19 as compared to this time last year. If you're hoping to apply in the first round, start gathering these documents now in order to avoid delays. 
  • Applications must be submitted through a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). You can find the full list of participating CDFIs here. All applications will go into the same pool and be reviewed together, so there is no advantage to working with a particular CDFI.
For more information

COVID 19 Pennsylvania Hazard Pay Grant - Deadline July 31
The COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant Program was established to help employers provide hazard pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Hazard pay is intended to keep front-line employees working in sectors that are vital to every Pennsylvanians’ existence. The program will help employers provide hazard pay for their employees to retain current employees. This reimbursement-based grant is for employers who will be offering hazard pay over the eligible program period. Read more.
Since March, Display America pivoted to combat COVID-19 by deploying alternate care facilities, emergency structures, triage and testing tents for government agencies and healthcare systems.
 
We have expanded our supply chain extensively to meet the demands of our clients. We now manufacture and distribute a variety of social distancing solutions such as modular partition walls, counter-top sneeze guards, custom desk dividers, sanitizing stations, signage, masks, face shields, nitrite gloves and much more. Read more.
Advancing Black Entrepreneurs by Chase for Business
NMSDC has established a new partnership with Chase for Business to offer Advancing Black Entrepreneurs — a timely education program designed to help Black business owners recover and move forward in the wake of the current global pandemic. Read more.

Philadelphia Flyers to Award Half-Million Dollars in Advertising Assets to 5 Small Businesses - Deadline August 2
Awardees will begin to receive advertising assets during the 2019-20 Stanley Cup Playoffs and continue in the 2020-21 season. The program will direct its awards to small enterprises throughout Greater Philadelphia, including a minimum of two Black-owned businesses.  Read more. 

Community Power to Prosper Program - Deadline August 21
This Program is a no-cost certificate program from Pitt’s Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence providing vital business education and opportunities for existing inner city Pittsburgh business owners. Apply for our webinar series to begin creating value for your business and your community today. Read more.



  • Summary of State Actions Addressing Business Re-openings. Read more. 
Accept the Challenge! Shop & Order from Local Businesses
Help support your favorite local food and drink businesses and retailers, specifically ethnic or minority-owned, by ordering takeout, buying gift cards, and/or shopping online.   Here's the challenge:  click here , shop and share your shift with a shout out to that business on social media using the #ShiftwithEMSDC. If you spend with businesses, specifically ethnic and minority businesses not on our list, let us know on social and we’ll add them to the list. Together we’ll reinforce our local economies!

MBE2MBE Marketplace
The MBE2MBE Marketplace connects you with sourcing solutions. Now more than ever is the time to look beyond your usual sourcing outlets and reach out to support each other. Check out the minority businesses listed here for your business supply chain and help drive success for yourself and fellow entrepreneurs. Read more.

#STANDTOGETHER SAFELY
Over the past several months, we have all experienced unprecedented social, environmental, and economic challenges. Gone are the days where we talk about change. Change is now and the only way it happens is that we all #STANDTOGETHER SAFELY. EMSDC and SRMSDC #STANDTOGETHER SAFELY. We are reaching out to businesses who may be able to provide services to adversely affected business owners for their health and well-being, as well as for the health of their businesses and communities. Where we go from here depends on you. If you can help, need help, or want more information, contact Christine Robertson at crobertson@emsdc.org .
Back in 2015, my oldest daughter Kira and I had the opportunity meet Representative John Lewis during a book reading/signing, at the Free Library of Philadelphia, for Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement , co-authored by John Lewis and Michael D’Orso. This week I encourage everyone to read the history of the Civil Rights Movement, starting with “Walking with Wind” and  “Across That Bridge.” Both tomes illuminate the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes and voice of Congressman Lewis. They remind us of our role in the Movement and our responsibility to keep it going…to get in “Good Trouble.” What are you reading? ~ Valarie
Join Yammer, our private community group where EMSDC Corporate Members, MBEs, and Subscribers can connect, post, and view EMSDC's daily posts. Click here to log in . Questions or need access to join? Email Tricina Cash at tcash@emsdc.org .