Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Resources
General Announcements
LISC Small Business Relief Grant
Thanks to support from funders like Verizon and a $1 million grant from Sam’s Club, Local Initiatives Support Corporation ( LISC) will provide emergency assistance that small businesses desperately need during the Covid-19 crisis.

The grant will support small businesses and enterprises across the country, especially those in underserved communities, including entrepreneurs of color, women- and veteran-owned businesses that often lack access to flexible, affordable capital.

Applications will be reviewed based on criteria designed to prioritize particularly challenged businesses, and the final grantees will be randomly selected from the top scoring applicants.

Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, April 28 at 11:59PM EST. 
Additional Funding Approved for Small Businesses!
The Senate passed a $484 billion deal on Tuesday to replenish a small-business loan program that's been overrun by demand. The President said he would sign it into law. The legislation will increase funding for the Paycheck Protection Program by $310 billion. It would also boost a separate small-business emergency grant and loan program by $60 billion.
WBENC COVID-19 Suppliers List
Are you a WBENC-Certified WBE with COVID-19 related supplies or services?

WBENC is gathering supplier information in order to quickly respond to requests from WBENC Corporate & Government Member.
If you are a WBE with solutions that are COVID-19 related and you have a video or capability statement that you would like shared, please complete form at the below link:
Regional News
Pennsylvania & New Jersey Updates
WOMEN'S WAY Rapid Response General Operating Fund!
WOMEN'S WAY has created the Rapid Response General Operating Fund to quickly distribute unrestricted funds to organizations serving women, girls, and/or the trans/gender nonconforming community. The grant application and evaluation processes allow WOMEN'S WAY to assess urgent needs more thoroughly and quickly, and determine how to respond most effectively.

The Fund will provide up to $20,000 / year for two years. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and decisions will be made within 10 business days.

Priority will be given to organizations that:
  • are led by women of color 
  • have budgets of less than $500,000
  • are serving communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 (including but not limited to: low-income / low wage workers, formerly incarcerated, immigrants and refugees, people experiencing intimate partner violence)
WBEC-East Webinars
Maximizing Your WBE Certification
April 29, 2-2:45 pm

Whether you’re newly certified or have been wondering how to make the most of your certification, this webinar will show you the best ways to network and grow your business. You’ll learn how to connect with other WBEs and corporate and government members, about our various events, managing your certification, about supplier diversity, re-certification FAQs, etc.   Register Here.
Partner Webinars
The New Normal: Beyond COVID-19, Work From Home & Remote Employee Enablement
April 28, 10:30am

Join RingCentral & Prelude Solutions for a discussion on solutions to ensure business continuity and optimize your employees ability to be successful as a remote workforce.

We will dive into:
  • Maximizing employee productivity with communication and collaboration
  • Best practices, tools and processes to optimize an efficient remote workforce environment
  • Solutions and tools to create a hassle-free experience, ensure business continuity and limit disruption and stress

**Attendees get $15 Grub Hub gift card after attending & a few lucky guests will win $50-100 in a Visa gift card!**
Capturing Business During a Crisis
April 30, 2:00pm

The federal government is still spending. Attend this information-packed and action-focused webinar to learn what you can do right now to build business opportunities as a prime contractor, subcontractor, and teaming partner.

Presented by TargetGov’s Gloria Larkin, key take-aways include understanding exactly what the government says it will do to expedite acquisitions during a national emergency; how to use the specific emergency-related increased Simplified Acquisition Thresholds to obtain immediate contracts; and the tools you will need to increase business.
Stay at Home Activities!
The Franklin Institute is offering a number of free virtual programs, from nature scavenger hunts, astronomy night tours & other kid friendly activities.
Diva Girl Philly is offering free daily workshops. Everyday a presenter will share a topic that will helps us endure the current situation. Workshops range from mindfulness, branding, dance fitness, to channeling angelic messages!
Lionsgate Live! A Night at the Movies will be hosted by Jamie Lee Curtis. Curtis will be joined by special guest celebrities and YouTube personalities. The free movies will livestream on Fridays at 6:00pm PT/9:00pm ET.

  • Tonight, April 24 – “Dirty Dancing”
  • May 1 – “La La Land”
  • May 8 – “John Wick”
The COVID-19 Story Project is inspired by “The Decameron”, a collection of stories set during the Black Plague of 1348. Published in 1353, the stories are told by ten men and women who self-isolate (true story) and pass the time in quarantine by telling stories.

Bridge View Media is collecting stories during this outbreak. You can read selected stories and/or share your own story!

Please stay healthy and safe during this time, and know that WBEC-East remains a resource to you and your business.