Your Link to Opportunities and Information - Volume 39
Upcoming Events, Programs, and Webinars

January 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28

February 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25

January 18
EMSDC offices closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

January 20

January 23, 30; February 6, 13, 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20

January 25
Live with EMSDC

February 11

February 17
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.

Aramark Supplier Diversity Portal
If you wish to register with their database of diverse suppliers please follow https://ascend.cvmsolutions.com/Register/Index?client=Aramark and complete the application process. Please note this is an initial inquiry on your business. This application does not guarantee business, a contract, or purchases. The information you provide will be reviewed and if there is an opportunity for services you provide you will be contacted accordingly. 

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. 

Albert M. Higley Company
January 15, 2021

JPC Group
January 18, 2021

Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh
January 19, 2021

Philadelphia Housing Authority
January 21, 2021

Community College of Allegheny County
January 28, 2021

Delaware River Port Authority 
February 9, 2021

ALCOSAN
February 17, 2021
New Round of PPP Funding
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. SBA is currently offering:
To promote access for smaller lenders and their customers, SBA is currently only accepting loan applications from participating community financial institutions (CFIs). Lender Match can help you find a participating CFI.

Besides PPP, There’s Another Forgivable Loan Program for Small Businesses Thanks to the New Stimulus Bill
The New stimulus bill now forgives up to eight months of principal and interest payments on Section 7(a) and 504 Microloans from the SBA. A Section 7(a) loan, which is received through an SBA lender, is a loan that can be used for working capital, equipment, inventory and business acquisitions. The SBA’s 504 Microloan program is geared more toward economic development and job creation. It’s available to purchase commercial real estate, existing buildings, and equipment that will help grow your business. Read more.

DE Relief Grants Application Portal to Reopen on Jan. 19
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. For those who have already applied for the DE Relief Grants program, the Division of Small Business is continuing to process applications as quickly as possible. 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.
 
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.

Huntington's Lift Local Business Program Focused on Growing African American Businesses
Huntington’s Lift Local Businesses, a $25 million small-business lending program focused on serving minority, women, veterans-owned-businesses includes the following features: Loan amounts from $1,000 – $150,000; Access to capital at a low cost to your business; Zero origination fees; Huntington pays your SBA fees; Lower credit score requirements; Free financial education courses ($1,500 value). Read more.
Torrado Construction, established in 1995 by Luis E. Torrado, is a home-grown, minority certified, commercial construction firm. Torrado specializes in general and subcontracting work, historic renovations and rehabilitations, concrete and masonry services, selective removal, maintenance and new construction contract services. Torrado Construction is an equal opportunity employer that strives to hire locally and use area businesses and suppliers whenever possible. Read more.
Comcast Rise - Resources & Tools to Elevate Your Business -
Deadline February 7
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.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program -
Deadline January 29
Recruitment for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is now currently underway. Due to the challenges experienced by the pandemic, they have temporarily relaxed eligibility requirements for our Summer Cohort 24 to $75,000 in annual revenue and (2) full-time employees for small business owners in the Greater Philadelphia region. 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.