Have Questions or need assistance? Contact us by filling out the COVID-19 Business Inquiry Form.
Recovery Podcast
LISTEN: COVID-19 Business Recovery Teletownhall Recordings
District Economic Recovery Team
The District’s Economic Recovery Team (DERT) is working proactively to plan and coordinate how we will restart business activity, support our workforce, and ensure that all of our residents can continue to call Washington D.C. home. We are all in this together – and we will work collaboratively to get through it together. To that end, we invite the input of all stakeholders as we consider new programs and strategies to implement over the short-, intermediate- and long-term to support the recovery of DC’s economy. Provide your input here.
DC Small Business Recovery Microgrants
The application closed at 12 pm Wednesday, April 1. Our team is working diligently to review all applications. We expect to begin making award decisions throughout April. Learn more about DC Small Business Recovery Microgrants.
US Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance for Small Businesses
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
This program provides working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to help qualified small businesses and private nonprofit organizations overcome the temporary loss of revenue as a result of the COVID-19 virus outbreak. Learn more & apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
This program provides forgivable loans to small businesses and nonprofit organizations to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Learn more & apply for the Paycheck Protection Program.
- As of April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply
- Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance
Loan advance of up to $10,000 to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Small businesses, nonprofits, and independent contractors are all eligible to apply. Funds will be made available following a successful application. This loan advance will not have to be repaid. Learn more & apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance.
SBA Loan Program Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations
- Independent Sector has compiled a comprehensive guide to the CARES Act: How to Apply for Nonprofit Relief Funds.
- TSNE MissionWorks, a nonprofit advisory firm, is another source of practical guidance for preparing an SBA loan application. See its Urgent Information for Nonprofits Applying for the CARES Act.
- Americans for the Arts has compiled a compiled a comprehensive table of Federal Arts Funding Opportunities for Nonprofit and Commercial Arts Organizations and Individual Artists.
CARES Act
The $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act builds upon the two earlier pieces of legislation, providing significant funding and tax measures to provide economic relief.
- Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act
- Paycheck Protection Program - Information Sheet for Borrowers
Additional Resources for Small Businesses & Non-Profits
LISC-Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund
The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Verizon are teaming up to provide grants of up to $10,000 to businesses affected by COVID-19—especially entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically underserved communities who don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital. Learn more and register for updates on next round in mid-April.
Greater Washington Community Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
The Community Foundation established the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to support local nonprofits leading emergency preparedness and response efforts to help mitigate the impact on disproportionately affected communities in our region. Through this fund, we are focused on addressing lost wages, providing relief for small businesses and gig economy workers, expanding access to medical services, and meeting the unique needs of people experiencing homelessness, among other needs. Learn more about the emergency response fund.
National Restaurant Association Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
The National Restaurant Association Restaurant Employee Relief Fund was created to help restaurant industry employees experiencing extraordinary hardship in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Through this fund, grants will be made to restaurant industry employees who have been impacted by COVID-19, including a decrease in wages or loss of employment. More information: https://rerf.us/.
Facebook Small Business Grant Program
Facebook announced a $100 million grant for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 and launched the Business Resource Hub, which features recommendations to help small businesses stay connected to customers and stay on track. More information: https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants.
Resources for Artists and Organizations
- Americans for the Arts is providing up-to-date COVID-19 news and resources for the arts and culture field.
- The American Alliance of Museums has compiled a guide to help museums prepare internally and externally for outbreaks in their communities.
- ArtsReady, an online emergency preparedness service by and for arts/cultural nonprofits, is adding updates daily.
- The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) has pulled together resources to help you and your team prepare for and respond to the potential impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Billboard has a state-by-state listing of resources for professional musicians.
- This COVID-19 & Freelance Artists list contains general resources, advocacy links, and a growing list of funding opportunities.
- Creative Capital has a comprehensive list for artists working in all disciplines, organizations trying to steady the boat, and anyone working to create the new normal.
- DC’s Capital Bop has posted a list of resources for DC jazz artists and audiences.
- The DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland is offering pro bono consultations to any US-based non-profit arts or culture organization, between March and June 2020, as a response to the mounting effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
- The Joan Mitchell Foundation has posted a COVID-19 Emergency Resources for Visual Artists listing that breaks opportunities out by regions, as well as nationally.
- NAPAMA (North American Performing Arts Managers and Agents) has posted a list of resources, including information related to airfare refund and/or cancellation policies, emergency fund and relief programs, sample communications, and more.