Your Link to Opportunities and Information - Volume 34
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. 

Community College of Allegheny County
December 4, 2020

Pittsburgh Public Schools
December 8, 2020

JPC Group
December 8, 2020
In This Together Campaign Rebuilding Fund Grant -
Deadline December 15
As part of NMSDC In This Together campaign, the Rebuilding Fund was launched to invest in minority businesses struggling to recover from the economic downturn resulting from COVID-19 and those sustaining damage and vandalism during violent protests.
 
NMSDC is now accepting grant applications from NMSDC certified MBEs in need during these unprecedented times. They have developed a process where MBEs can apply for grants up to $10,000 through NMSDC’s In This Together Rebuilding Fund.  MBEs would need to complete and submit the grant application in order to quality. 

Eligibility Criteria
  • NMSDC certified – current or extended due to COVID-19
  • In business more than 2 years
  • Class I and Class II (or based on need demonstrated for MBEs outside of Class I & II)

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.
 
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.

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 business owners who complete a simple application and submit a video. Read more. 

Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission has established a COVID-19 Recovery Loan Program
Under this program, small businesses can apply for financing to help pay for current employee salaries, including salaries for those individuals who may have been furloughed due to the outbreak. Businesses can also use the loan proceeds to help pay for rent and utilities, as well as inventory purchases. SPC will consider proof of expenses in any of the three aforementioned categories from the three-month period prior to the onset of the crisis, and those expenses will count towards the loan amount. Read more.

Beyonce's BeyGood Foundation and The NAACP are giving $10k grants to Black Businesses through December 2020
BeyGOOD is on a mission to spread hope. The goal is to provide a lifeline for small businesses at the epicenter of dual pandemics. BeyGood has teamed up with the NAACP to expand economic opportunity by awarding grants of $10,000 on the 15th of each month through the end of 2020. Read more.
With over 30 years of experience as an electrician (inside journeyman wireman), owner Erik Truxon and his team are able to handle all the electrical needs that your project calls for, so you don’t have to. From new construction, to maintenance and repair of older existing buildings, we’ve seen and seamlessly handled projects for all types of customers. What sets us apart from many other contractors is that we can maintain and/or repair products that many less experienced contractors cannot. We get the job done, Whatever It Takes…Contact us today to find out how we can help take care of your electrical needs. While very capable in repairs, we are master electricians very experienced in new commercial construction and building of homes as well. We take pride in all new electrical service installation that we provide. Just It’s Electric does electrical design, retrofitting, and maintenance for owner’s as well. Read more.
Comcast Rise - Resources & Tools to Elevate Your Business
Recently, small businesses have been dealing with the ongoing impact of the pandemic, social unrest, and environmental events. Comcast RISE was created to invest in the success of these critical businesses by providing valuable and practical support. The Comcast RISE program will initially be available for Black business owners. Beginning November 24, 2020, all Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) business owners will be eligible to apply for Comcast RISE. Read more.

Rebuild Ready Business Support Program -
Winter 2020-21 Cohort
The Rebuild Ready Business Support Program provides Philadelphia based small and diverse construction businesses with access to resources and support to prepare for upcoming Rebuild projects and build their capacity in the process. Read more.

UPMC in Collaboration with IBM Reignite Program Offering Free Seminars
IBM SkillsBuild Reignite seminars are free live online events presented by national subject matter experts, with the opportunity for business owners to interact and ask questions of the experts. There are several seminars scheduled for the remainder of 2020, with topics covering legal, financial and business education. Read more.

Rise Up Philly - Creating Economic Opportunity in Communities of Color
This year Rise Up Philly is putting the tools of opportunity into the hands of aspiring and established entrepreneurs, with a focus to benefit communities of color. This is a serious effort to “Hack” into economic solutions and opportunities for people who have been left behind. Read more.

Peer-based Learning Experience - Deadline November 30
Through this 12 week, 36-hour program, businesses in Philadelphia will gain practical skills that you can immediately put into action and learn how to create a business improvement plan to help grow your business. Learn the foundations of small business management and other tools needed for a successful small business through this FREE training program. Read more.
Use the following links to find updated information on statistics and recommendations in the states that we serve.
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.
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.