Covid-19 Business Relief Guide

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Business Guidance and Loan Resources

Due to COVID-19, our businesses are still facing unprecedented hardships. Decide DeKalb continues to support and provide business resources to our business community. This list will be updated as more information becomes available. Please adhere to the additional CDC guidelines – social distancing and frequent handwashing while wearing masks to help curb the spread of COVID-19.  

FEDERAL & STATE RESOURCES

Resources made available through government action. 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the most up-to-date information on COVID-19. For updates from CDC, please visit the Center for Disease Control.  

Georgia Department of Economic Development

GDEcD has put together a helpful COVID-19 resource page for businesses and nonprofits.  

SBA – Coronavirus Funding Options

SBA continues to provide funding alternatives for businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19. To learn more about the current relief efforts click here.

Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program – GA District, Current Customers Only

The SBA Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program provides up to $25,000 for survival and/or reopening of business during or immediately following COVID-19 crisis. The Express Bridge loan program allows SBA Express lenders to provide expedited financing to small businesses located in declared disaster areas. Express Bridge loans are intended to be interim loans. Businesses use these funds for disaster-related purposes while they apply for and await long-term financing.

IRS

The IRS is offering coronavirus tax relief and economic impact payment tax help for those affected by COVID-19.  

Georgia Department of Labor

Employers are required to file partial claims on behalf of their employees whenever it is necessary to temporarily reduce work hours or there is no work available for a short period. Any employer found to be in violation of this rule will be required to reimburse GDOL for the full amount of unemployment insurance benefits paid to the employee.

PRIVATE SECTOR SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

Resources provided by major corporations in the private sector.

Truist | LISC 

Grant opportunity up to $10,000 will be available, but funds are limited. Read the details and register for the grant opportunity here!

LISC

LISC continues to provide business resources and services to small businesses through this challenging time. For more information about LISC programs and services click here.

Red Backpack Fund backed by SPANX Founder Sara Blakely

The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation has teamed up with Global Giving to oversee the fund, making 1,000 grants of $5,000 each to female entrepreneurs in the U.S.

Truist Financial through LiftFund & the Natural Capital Investment Fund

Truist Financial contributing $2 million to small businesses through CDFIs LiftFund (for GA small businesses) and the Natural Capital Investment Fund (other states) as part of the Truist Cares Initiative.

EQUIFAX

Credit score education and support through the COVID-19 crisis for individuals (business owners) and businesses.

BUSINESS STRATEGY RESOURCES

Technical assistance and resources to help businesses adjust their strategy during this time.

Metro Atlanta Chamber

The Metro Atlanta Chamber is maintaining a list of Service Firms offering coronavirus business strategy assistance.

DeKalb – UGA Small Business Development Center

Contact the SBDC to set-up a virtual consultation.

US Chamber of Commerce

The US Chamber of Commerce offers a Response Toolkit, National Trends, Business Advocacy Work.

FOOD INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Support for small businesses and their employees in the service industry.

Georgia Restaurant Association

State advocacy organization providing industry information to push forward initiatives to support restaurants during the pandemic.

National Restaurant Association

Industry-specific guidance for owners and operators to ensure that restaurants have the latest information about coronavirus, including information around food safety. Please be sure to check out the COVID-19 Reopening Guidance.

James Beard Foundation

James Beard Relief Fund provides critical financial assistance to small, independent restaurants due to the COVID-19.

Southern Smoke

Southern Smoke established relief funds for those within the food and beverage industry.

The Giving Kitchen

The Giving Kitchen is working to help restaurant workers through this tough time. Visit their website at https://thegivingkitchen.org/ to donate to their efforts or to apply for assistance.

DIGITAL SUPPORT RESOURCES

Tools and tips for transitioning to remote operations and for digital technical assistance. 

GA Commute Options – Teleworking Services

Teleworking services to get your small business set-up for remote operations.

Facebook’s Business Resource Hub

Access a business resiliency toolkit, tips for emergency response plans, and how to connect with your customers during challenging times.