Latest Updates on PPP, Workshops, And Other Resources

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PPP Interim Final Rule - Revisions to Loan Amount Calculation and Eligibility

This interim final rule A) Allows individuals who file an IRS Form 1040, Schedule C to calculate their maximum loan amount using gross income B) Removes the eligibility restriction that prevents businesses with owners who have non-financial fraud felony convictions in the last year from obtaining PPP loans and C) Removes the eligibility restriction that prevents businesses with owners who are delinquent or in default on their Federal student loans from obtaining PPP loans. See full IRF here.

SCORE will be hosting a webinar on the PPP Revisions for Self Employed with No Employees.

Date: March 5th - 10:00 am

Workshops and E-Courses

Several of you have expressed a need for support with social media, marketing, website development, and other IT-related topics for your business, so I've compiled a list of some valuable (and free) resources that are currently available.

Center for Women & Enterprise Workshops LIVE WORKSHOPS

The Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen communities and the economy by supporting women to launch and successfully sustain businesses. The NH WBC operates in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration and offers consultations, workshops, and networking opportunities to help you reach your entrepreneurial goals. While they are focused on women-owned businesses, they offer support to all.

*All of CWE's courses are currently free, but space is limited so be sure to sign up soon!*

Marketing on a Shoestring – 3/8/21

11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Social Media Intensive 3-Week Course - 3/17/21 through 3/31/21

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Quick Start Guide to Facebook Advertising - 3/23/21

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Instagram for Business – 3/25/21

11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Powering Through COVID 7-part Workshop - Monday’s from 4/12 through 5/17

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Topics: The Core of Your Business Brand; Websites & Google MyBusiness; Appointment, Ecommerce & Payment; Email Newsletters; Social Media 101; Social Media 201; Search Engine Optimization

You can also find a complete list of CWE’s workshops here.

SCORE LIVE WORKSHOPS

SCORE’s mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education. Through a large network of volunteer expert business mentors, SCORE enables you to receive free and unlimited mentorship from retired business executives and offers free workshops to support your business.

*All of SCORE's courses are currently free, but space is limited so be sure to sign up soon!*

Digital Marketing Essentials II: Effective Email, Social Media, and Search Marketing - 3/15

6:00 pm

Small Business Marketing - 4/21

12:00 pm

Digital Marketing Essentials I, Websites and SEO - 5/3

6:00 pm

Digital Marketing Essentials II: Effective Email, Social Media, and Search Marketing - 6/16

6:00 pm

You can also find a complete list of SCORE’s workshops here.

SBDC E-COURSES

*All of SBDC's e-courses are free and can be taken on-demand until March 31st*

Branding Basics

On-demand until March 31^st

Get Started Using Social Media for Your Small Business

On-demand until March 31^st

Getting Started on Your Small Business Website

On-Demand until March 31^st

Managing Your Company's Online Reputation

On-Demand Until March 31^st

Find a complete list of SBDC’s E-courses here.

Grant Opportunity

"Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant"

Twenty-five small restaurants will receive $40,000 in grant funds and additional support from partners including Main Street America, AT&T Business, Dell Technologies, and National Restaurant Association.

The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, March 9 at 11:59 pm. You can nominate a restaurant or find more information here.

Grant Selection Criteria for Eligible U.S. Small Historic Restaurants:

Have experienced significant financial hardship due to the impacts of the pandemic.
Have contributed to the neighborhood’s history and/or the identity of a particular neighborhood or community for at least 25 years.
Be a small/independently owned restaurant located in a historic building and/or historic neighborhood.
Preference will be given to businesses owned by underrepresented groups, including People of Color and women, disproportionally impacted by the pandemic.
Priority will be given to small restaurants that have not already received significant COVID-19-related aid.

Peer To Peer Support

Many businesses in our communities have expressed the need for support in different areas, including IT, audiovisuals, use of Zoom for business activities, marketing, website development, among other subjects. These requests for assistance arise as entities seek to adapt their businesses to endure the impacts of the pandemic.

At the same time, we have heard from others who have expressed interest in assisting their fellow community members by sharing knowledge and expertise.

If you are interested and able to offer basic support to another business owner, please reach out to me with information on what your business specializes in or your area of expertise so we can connect you with someone who might benefit from that type of assistance. This support does not have to be extensive and can simply include connecting via call or email to answer quick questions and offer some guidance.

Expertise in any area is highly welcomed, and needless to say, there is tremendous value in supporting other small business owners in your community and region.

As always - please don't hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can do for you.

Warm Regards,

Natalie

Natalie Moles

Economic Recovery Coordinator

Strafford Regional Planning Commission

150 Wakefield Street, Suite 12

Rochester, NH 03867

603-994-3500

nmoles@strafford.org

www.strafford.org