Your Link to Opportunities and Information - Volume 25
Upcoming Events, Programs, and Webinars

August 3 - September 18

September 13-19

September 19

September 21-29

September 22

September 22-23

September 22 / October 6 / October 20

September 23

September 23

September 24

September 24
SRMSDC/MMSDC/EMSDC Re-Shoring Summit
INVITATION ONLY

September 28

October 2

October 6

October 7-11

October 8

October 26-29
Join EMSDC for ROAR 2020, a virtual experience, bringing together suppliers, buyers and industry experts in Healthcare, Financial, Insurance and Professional Services, Life Sciences, Technology, Utility, Construction and Government for 7 industry-focused events. This series drills down on social justice and the implications to the supply chain; the current state of sourcing; and next steps, along with the opportunity to meet one-on-one with buyers and decision-makers. We Kick-off ROAR2020 with our Healthcare Matchmaker & Forum on September 30th, 12:30PM - 5PM.

ROAR Matchmaker & Forum Schedule

September 30 | Healthcare: Social Justice and the Supply Chain
October 14 | Financial, Insurance and Professional Services
October 21 | Life Sciences
November 11 | Technology: The Innovation Supply Chain
November 18 | Utility: Conversation from the C-Suite
January 13 | Construction: Building Real Partnerships that Change the Industry - A Candid Conversation
January 20 | Government: Contracting Bootcamp 

ROAR2020 is Free to NMSDC/WBENC/NGLCC/USBLN/Veteran Certified Businesses
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. 

Allegheny County Department of Human Services 
September 18, 2020

CCAC
September 22, 2020

CCAC
September 22, 2020

CCAC
September 22, 2020

City of Harrisburg
September 23, 2020

The Municipality of Norristown
September 23, 2020

Delaware River Port Authority 
September 24, 2020

CCAC
September 24, 2020

PHA
September 29, 2020

Community College of Allegheny County
October 1, 2020

Philadelphia Housing Authority
October 2, 2020

Delaware River Port Authority
October 27, 2020
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 Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) and Bridgeway Capital have Teamed up to Provide Patient Loan Capital to Small Businesses and Nonprofits
The Erie County COVID-19 Response Fund, financed by ECGRA, makes flexible financing available through Bridgeway to help small businesses and nonprofits manage business disruptions, sustain vital services, and stay resilient during the COVID-19 public health crisis. 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. 

Rental Assistance for Philadelphia Residents
Renters whose income has been affected by COVID-19 will be able to apply for PHL Rent Assist Phase 2 starting on July 6th on a first-come, first-serve basis. Eligible households could get grants up to $750 a month for six months paid directly to their landlord. Applications go directly through the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation.

The CARES Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program (PMAP)
Homeowners whose income has been affected by COVID-19 may be able to apply for the CARES Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program (PMAP) also starting July 6. Eligible applicants could get grants of as much as $1,000 a month for six months. Applications go directly through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. And check out PACDC's recently released policy agenda, Responding to COVID-19: An Agenda for Renters, Home Owners, Small Businesses, and the Non-Profits that support them.

Rivers of Steel’s 2020 Mini-Grant applications are now available - Deadline October 15
Rivers of Steel is now accepting applications for its Mini-Grant program, which assists heritage-related sites and organizations, as well as municipalities, within the borders of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. The Mini-Grants may be used to develop new and innovative programs, partnerships, exhibits, tours, and other initiatives that are consistent with the mission and vision outlined in Rivers of Steel’s Management Action Plan. Read more.

Shaq and Amex Team up to Launch $10M Grant for Small Black Businesses
Some 280 Black business owners with three to 20 people employees that are eligible will each get a $5,000 grant from the program. Applications for the grants must be submitted by Sept. 21. Read more.
EMSDC has over 100 Hispanic-owned business in a variety of industries, and in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we will be highlighting some of those in our region.
Impact Dimensions LLC is a full-service marketing, incentive and promotional products company specialized to help companies promote their brand identity through memorable, relevant branded lifestyle merchandise. Based in Philadelphia, ID, LLC is a Tier 1 diversity supplier with national clients and is a full-service e-Commerce and promotional products distributor. Impact Dimensions, LLC has clientele to include local and national corporations, health care companies, retail stores and clients in the food and beverage industry. Read more.
DL Metal Design (DLM) specializes in fabrication of miscellaneous, ornamental, and light structural metal projects. DLM has strong capabilities with all types of metals and glass. Focusing on product quality, high level project coordination, and superior customer service we offer our clients a team member that is dedicated to completing each project on time and within budget. DLM Design is the most transparent partner in the industry with a focus on real-time communication. Read more.
LUHV FOOD is an award-winning manufacturing company of nutritional vegan foods. Imagine a world where we reduced the impact of global warming, where all those that suffer from heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, can enjoy getting healthier, and where no life gets harmed for us to exist. That is what we do! At LUHV, we help people enjoy wholesome lives while saving the planet by manufacturing cruelty-free vegan foods that are not only nutritionally healthy but mouthwatering. We are making veganism accessible by selling our products wholesale-frozen in stores like Whole Foods Market, and many mom and pop stores. Read more.



  • Summary of State Actions Addressing Business Re-openings. Read more. 
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.
Clearly, the author of this week’s book selection wrote this book after reading my Twitter feed and realizing I needed her help. Stephanie Humphrey or @TechLifeSteph as she is known on social media has written a book for our times “Don’t Let Your Digital Footprint Kick You in the Butt!” As business owners and professionals it is difficult to separate our personal and professional brands, so we need strategies that help us enjoy engaging on social media without irreparably damaging our public brands. For me, personally, tips shared in her seminar “Death by Tweet” has stopped me from hitting send more times than I can count. I know “Don’t Let Your Digital Footprint Kick You in the Butt!” will become a desktop favorite of mine and yours.
It’s that time of year again to select the best in class Suppliers and Corporations who demonstrate a high level of commitment to the development of world class supplier diversity programs. Winners will be honored at our Choice Awards Virtual Ceremony
Click below to nominate MBE's
Click below to nominate Corporations
Nominations due October 1st
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.