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SBDC Weekly Updates

UPCOMING TRAINING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS

We have developed some remote small business trainings, especially in the area of pandemic planning, preparation, response and recovery.

Here's what we've created for you:

Safeguarding and Managing Supply Chains during COVID-19

April 28, 2020

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Small businesses face challenging obstacles to recovery during the COVID-19 crisis. One barrier to business continuation is supply chain disruption and its overall effect on the delivery of goods and materials. While this issue faces every company, it’s imperative to address the consequential importance and financial impact on small businesses. Companies must find alternative procurement solutions to ensure the flow of products and revenues. Join us to discuss various ways to diversify your purchasing program, supplier arrangements, and safeguard your monetary interests.

Presenter: Kevin Brady

Can’t get SBA, EIDL, or PPP Funding? What Other Financing Options Do You Have?

May 6, 2020

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Unfortunately, not all small businesses received federal funding under the CARES ACT. Don’t despair there are other options for your small business.

This Webinar will review other small business financing options available.

Topics will include:

Conventional and SBA Financing including The “5 C’s” of Credit
Florida Loan Programs
Microloans
Lines of Credit
Alternative Funding Sources
Crowdfunding
Crowdlending
Angel Investors and Venture Capital
Factoring
Supplier Financing
Grants

Get answers to your questions regarding access to capital and how your business will survive COVID-19

Special Guest and Sponsor is Lisa Portnoy

Bank United

Vice President

Producing Market Leader

Lee and Collier Counties

Ten Steps to Secure the Virtual Office

May 7, 2020

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

The Coronavirus has forced companies to have their employees work from home. Unfortunately, it has been proven teleworking increases cybersecurity risk.

The last thing a company needs now is to be a victim of a cybersecurity attack. This webinar will discusses the ten most important steps you can take now to reduce these risks and keep your company safe.

Presenters: Marc Farron, SBDC IT Consultant and Dr. Bennet Hammer, Hammer IT Consulting, Inc.

RESOURCES

We have gathered some small business resources, especially in the area of pandemic planning, preparation, response and recovery.

Emergency COVID-19 Microenterprise Loan Program:

(Applications open April 23, 2020)

In response to the economic impact of COVID-19 on small businesses within the City of Fort Myers, the City will offer limited Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to help microenterprise businesses stabilize and retain employees.

A microenterprise business consists of 5 or fewer employees, with one of them being the owner. The owner must be low income based on HUD income guidelines for Lee County. The business must be in the City of Fort Myers municipal boundaries.

Moreover, the business must have been a viable business and in good standing before the Governor's COVID-19 “Stay at Home Order” April 1, 2020.

The help will be in the form of a forgivable loan up to $10,000. To apply, go here.

Apply Here

For additional information, please contact the City of Fort Myers, Housing Division, at 239-321-7970.

COVID-19 Microenterprise Assistance Program FACT SHEET

We're excited to announce that we're part of a new community-focused website hosted by Emerge SWFL !

Our collective goal is to provide answers to the most commonly asked questions that Southwest Florida businesses are facing during this challenging time.

The website includes a collection of information, tools, resources and, most importantly, FREE services that local business leaders are donating to help keep Southwest Florida's economy moving.