Last updated: 4/22/2020
Note: This post will be continually updated as additional resources become available.
What non-government resources are available for small businesses?
There are many types of government assistance and loans available at this time, including the funds freed up by the newly-signed CARES Act.
But what non-government resources and grants are available for small businesses?
- In order to support our customers, ZenBusiness is funding a grant program which will provide $1,000 grants to selected customers who apply by donating 10% of the money we generate from new customers who sign up for plans. If you are interested in applying please apply here.
- Facebook recently launched a Small Business Grants Program where they are offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits to as many as 30,000 small businesses. Applications will begin in the next few weeks. Learn more about this program and sign up for updates.
- Telecom giant Verizon is donating .5 million to nonprofit Local Initiatives Support Corporation for its Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Fund, which will use the funds to provide grants of up to ,000 to struggling businesses.
- Amazon launched a $5 million Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund to provide cash grants to small businesses in and around the Seattle area that are impacted by COVID-19.
- To help local restaurants and bars, Yelp announced $25 million in relief in the form of waived advertising fees, free advertising, and products and services.
- GoFundMe, the social fundraising platform, has launched the Small Business Relief Initiative, partnering with Yelp to provide small-business owners with grants and resources. GoFundMe and Yelp have each donated $500,000 to the Small Business Relief Fund, and it is open for anyone to make a donation. There will also be $500 matching grants to qualifying businesses that raise at least $500 on GoFundMe.
- James Beard Foundation, the national nonprofit culinary arts organization, has launched the Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund. The organization will draw support from corporate, foundation, and individual donors to offer micro-grants to restaurants, bars, and other independent businesses in the industry.
- Kiva is urging small businesses to apply for 0% interest loans for up to $15,000. The company is also offering a longer grace period: New borrowers can access a grace period of up to six months.
- Opportunity Fund, which specializes in money lending to small businesses owned by women, immigrants and people of color, is collaborating with investors and nonprofits to put together a coronavirus relief fund that will provide grants and low-interest-rate loans to business owners in need.
Note: Some of the information above is sourced from https://www.inc.com/inc-staff/free-tools-grants-video-conferencing-ad-credits-gift-certificates-cloud-storage-cyber-security.html
