Relief Resources for Businesses and Individuals, Plus Giving and Volunteer Opportunities
Got info or other suggestions that we should post here to help other businesses? E-mail us at Info@MidtownATL.com.
Updated 5/27/20
COVID-19 Guidance and Market Info for Business Owners
For Small Businesses and Nonprofits
Comparison Chart for Small Business Administration (“SBA”) COVID-19 Loan Programs - Smith Gambrell & Russell created this chart to compare the key features of the The Paycheck Protection Program Loan (“PPPL”) and The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”).
The Paycheck Protection Program Loan (“PPPL”) is a low-interest loan for defined small businesses to pay defined payroll costs for an eight-week time period immediately after the PPPL is originated, which can be forgiven under specified conditions. Please see our alert for more detail regarding the PPPL.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) is a low-interest loan for working capital to defined small businesses suffering substantial economic injury due to COVID-19. Eligible borrowers can request a $10,000 advance, which is payable three days after application and which does not have to be repaid if the EIDL is denied.
A business may apply for more than one loan program, but it may not use loan proceeds or the advance for the same purpose during the same time period.
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This small business guide and checklist from the US Chamber of Commerce answers some common questions about The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn.
The state’s regional office in the U.S. Small Business Association provides resources for economic support that include SBA Express Bridge Loans, Paycheck Protection considerations for other new temporary programs available through the CARES Act.
The Small Business Administration has set up an eligibility verification portal online for qualified business entities to apply for loans under SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program to the qualified entities listed in this application that are impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Smith & Howard, a CPA and adviser firm with offices in Midtown, published this guidance specifically for nonprofit organizations about the $2T CARES Act.
Other Resources and Grant Opportunities for Businesses
Midtown-based micro-lender Kabbage created an online platform to help small businesses create and sell gift certificates online. Learn more.
Facebook has created a Small Business Grants Program that will provide $100M in cash grants and ad credits to eligible businesses in 30 countries. Applications are now open for Atlanta businesses. Details here.
HR, Legal and other Miscellaneous Resources
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. This guidance from the US Dept. of Labor walks through the requirements.
Fisher Phillips, a workplace law firm with offices in Midtown, created this online resource center for businesses that includes FAQs, legal advisories, templates and forms to help deal with the implications of the coronavirus pandemic.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued guidance for retailers and consumers amid COVID-19 on April 5 that included tips about ATMs and contactless payment. These best practices for payment can be found here.
Resources For Unemployed Individuals
Updated 5/27/20
Individuals that need info on unemployment benefits can file and check claim status on the Georgia Dept. of Labor website.
The Restaurant Employee Relief Fund (RERF) was created to help restaurant employee employees experiencing hardship from the outbreak. Grants will be made to restaurant Employee Relief Fund who have seen a decrease in wages or loss of employment. The Georgia Restaurant Association also lists other relief programs on its website .
ChooseATL has a list of businesses hiring across various industries and other information on COVID-19 assistance for individuals here.
Resources for Bar/Restaurant and Service Industry Workers
Updated 5/27/20
The Giving Kitchen supports food service workers with compassion and care by providing financial assistance crisis due to an unexpected injury, illness (including COVID-19 and mandatory quarantines), death of an immediate family member or housing disaster in Georgia. Food service workers experiencing hardship including unemployment or underemployment due to restaurant closings are eligible for resource referrals through the Giving Kitchen’s Stability Network.
Eater Atlanta has started a database of giving opportunities across Atlanta. Look for "Relief Atlanta" in this article.
The Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation offers resources for industry workers affected by the COVID-19 emergency.
The Tzedakah Project in partnership with Elmyriachi and Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours is offering meals for the food insecure several days a week.
Resources for Artists and Entertainment, Music and Film Industry Workers:
Updated 6/03/2020
These resources were compiled by the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Atlanta Artist Lost Gig Fund - C4 is providing a temporary relief fund for C4 member artists affected by COVID-19 because of lost income due to canceled gigs, projects and events. 100% of donations will be used for grants to artists unable to meet financial obligations or in need of necessities because lost revenue from canceled opportunities.
Atlanta Artist Relief Fund - Formed to provide relief to the theater community, the volunteer group delivers free home-cooked, nutritious meals directly to artists who are unable to leave their homes or are out of work.
Georgia Council for the Arts is providing information on the COVID-19 impact on GCA grants and useful resources for nonprofit arts organizations and artists.
Creative Capital is continually updating an extensive list of resources available to artists nationwide who are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Billboard is updating a state-by-state resource guide to help music professionals during this crisis.
creATL is a fund to help Atlanta's independent workers affected by the pandemic set up by Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the Mayor’s Office of City Planning, Invest Atlanta and City National Bank. Eligible applications may receive $1,000 each to support essential financial obligations.
How to Help Others and Get Help
United Way of Greater Atlanta/Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Recovery Fund - Donate to provide immediate support to those most vulnerable to the economic and health-related issues caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The funds will go toward emergency assistance, health services and additional critical needs such as childcare and food.
Hands On Atlanta connects volunteers with nonprofits and schools in need. In addition to taking donations, it’s looking for volunteers for help from home in a variety of ways like helping the visually impaired, making PPEs and translation services.
Atlanta Public Schools is looking for volunteers to help distribute food to children experiencing food insecurities. Meals for the week are distributed on Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon.
Partners for HOME is looking for volunteers for homelessness outreach. If you're able to help, please contact info@partnersforhome.org.
Emory Healthcare employees and other medical professionals across the city are on the front lines every day helping us all to stay safe. Emory has instructions for how to sew masks to donate here and has set up a donation center for needed supplies. Details can be found here.
Give to Healthcare Entities in Need with Health Connect South Database - This comprehensive directory lists healthcare entitites requesting donations of supplies, equipment, staff and financial donations.
Open Hand delivers over 5,000 healthy meals to Atlantans every day. Volunteer or make a financial donation.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) maintains a helpline staffed by volunteers who can answer questions, offer support and provide practical next steps. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Helpline open Mon-Fri from 10a-6p.
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer provides daily meals to those who are food insecure or experiencing unstable housing. It is providing “to go” lunches from 10:30-11:30 a.m. from Monday to Friday at its location at 731 Peachtree Street. We accept donations of prepackaged snack foods, canned vegetables, rice, and noodles for soup. Financial gifts can be made on the church's website.
American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Healthy individuals are needed to donate now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood. As of March 18th, more than 4,500 blood drives have been canceled across the country, resulting in about 150,000 fewer blood donations. The organization is taking measures to keep the donation process safe for staff and donors.
Crossroads Ministries provides daily meal services in Clyde’s Kitchen, but has altered its daily services to providing only sack lunches due to the outbreak. They are in need of bottled water or full sack lunches to be dropped off at Clyde’s Kitchen any weekday between 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. You can also make a financial donation. Learn more about how to help.
Movement restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 may be making violence in homes more frequent. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual or domestic violence and needs help, contact the RAINN hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). The Rise organization provides information for businesses to provide safe haven and rights info for survivors. Learn more.
Midtown Assistance Center helps thousands of people experiencing homelessness or on the verge of homelessness every year. Currently, MAC’s offices are closed due to the COVID-19, but they are still accepting cases to assist with paying rent and utilities and could use your help.
Atlanta Children’s Shelter’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty for families facing homelessness by building pathways to long-term self-sufficiency and avoiding quality early childhood education. Their offices are currently closed, but you can make a donation online.
Community Friendship offers a comprehensive range of recovery-based programs for those with mental illnesses in Atlanta. It provides support and training in self-sufficiency and independent living, career development and full integration in the community. CFI accepts financial contributions and donations of supplies to reduce program expenses — see a list online.
Doing Good in the Community
We are so encouraged to see examples of Midtown community members showing their support for the medical professionals working tirelessly on the front lines. Read about some of these acts of compassion here.