State and Local Relief Programs for Businesses Affected by COVID-19

We know that in this unprecedented time, your business is likely facing various unforeseen challenges, and at Mulligan Funding we want to be there to support you.

Below you will find a number of programs currently available for businesses affected by COVID-19. We encourage you to review those relevant to you and your business for requirements, details, and application deadlines and to apply as soon as possible.

We’ll work diligently to keep this updated as new information comes out.

NATIONWIDE PROGRAMS:

Facebook COVID-19 Relief 

Facebook will offer up to $100 million in cash grants as well as grants for small businesses in the US as well as other countries in the coming weeks. You can sign up here to be on the list to receive updates on when the grants will be available.

SBA Disaster Relief Fund 

The Small Business Administration currently has a disaster relief fund, though additional new programs related to COVID-19 are expected to be rolled out within the coming weeks. Businesses affected by the virus are eligible for the existing disaster relief program, as long as their state has declared an emergency.  SBA offers up to 30 years at 2.75%, loan amounts up to $2mm. You can apply for a loan here. 

JP Morgan Chase Global Philanthropic Commitment

JPMorgan Chase will make available $5 million in funds for US small businesses affected by COVID-19.

• Helping Black, Hispanic and Asian Pacific Islander owned businesses that may struggle to access capital and keep their doors open. This includes entrepreneurs that have participated in the firm’s Entrepreneurs of Color Fund and Ascend in places such as Seattle, California and New York. Support will include working with local Community Development Financial Institutions that will provide low or zero-interest loans and interest rate buydowns to help offset the costs of business slow-downs and unexpected challenges, as well as technical assistance support for issues like remote working capabilities;
• Supporting vulnerable, underserved and underrepresented entrepreneurs and small businesses across Europe and China to navigate and access available and emerging financial and non-financial support.

The James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund  

The James Beard Foundation recognizes the dire situation the food and beverage community is in due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help bring swift economic relief to these essential businesses, the Foundation launched a fund that will be gathering support from corporate, foundation, and individual donors to provide micro-grants to independent food and beverage businesses in need.

If you are inquiring about criteria in the application process for the JBF Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund, please add your information here.

Yelp Relief Fund for Restaurants and Bars

Yelp announced $25 million in relief, primarily focused on supporting independent, local restaurant and nightlife businesses, in the form of waived advertising fees and free advertising, products, and services during this period.

These relief efforts are available to small, independently owned restaurant and nightlife businesses and franchisees in the U.S., Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico with fewer than five locations.

If you have questions about the program, get in touch by logging into your Yelp for Business account for Yelp contact details.

Google’s COVID-19 Response

On March 27, 2020, Google announced an $800+ million commitment to support small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), health organizations and governments, and health workers on the frontline of this global pandemic.  Of that, $340 million will be in Google Ads credits available to all SMBs with active accounts over the past year. Credit notifications will appear in their Google Ads accounts and can be used at any point until the end of 2020 across our advertising platforms. 

STATEWIDE PROGRAMS:

ALABAMA STATE PROGRAMS:

• BIRMINGHAM
  • What is it: An emergency loan fund for businesses affected by COVID-19 to provide zero-interest, 180-day loans to small businesses (less than 50 employees) of no more than $25,000 (with an average loan size of $10,000) to (a) prevent staff reductions; (b) offset losses related to the Coronavirus, and; (c) help companies sponsor sick pay for workers.
  • What is being done right now? Fundraising and drawing out the loan parameters. They will begin taking applications as soon as possible. On March 17, 2020, the City Council approved a $1.2 M allocation from the City of Birmingham to seed the fund.
  • Complete the Small Business Impact Survey to sign up for information as it becomes available.

ARKANSAS STATE PROGRAMS:

• STATEWIDE
  • Arkansas Community Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund
    • In the short term, the fund will provide rapid-response grants to nonprofit organizations working on the front lines. This critical funding will enable them to maintain operations and support the increased demand for services.
    • In the intermediate term, the fund will focus on addressing the ongoing economic needs of Arkansans affected by the pandemic and shoring up critical systems in our state, such as healthcare, emergency food distribution, schools, etc.

CALIFORNIA STATE PROGRAMS:

• STATEWIDE
  • Deferred Payroll Taxes
    • The California Employment Development Division (EDD) is granting a 60-day extension to file state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest for employers experiencing hardship from COVID-19. For the most up-to-date information, visit CA EDD’s COVID-19 resource page. 
• FRESNO
  • The Fresno City Council voted to provide COVID-19 financial relief for small businesses. Businesses with 25 or fewer employees will be eligible for 0% loans. If the business remains open for one year, the loan will be forgiven. You can apply for disaster loan assistance here.
• LOS ANGELES
  • In light of the sweeping impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the small business community, the City of Los Angeles has created a Small Business Emergency Microloan Program. The program provides financing needed to strengthen small business enterprises in this time of acute need that have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Businesses that meet the criteria may apply online for a City of LA Small Business Emergency Microloan.
• MOUNTAIN VIEW
  • The Mountain View City Council voted unanimously Friday evening to create a special relief fund for the city’s numerous small businesses that have been forced to close or scale back operations in response to the new coronavirus. The initial $750,000 program includes $400,000 in city funds and $350,000 in private pledges. Council members agreed to it with a sense of urgency and without knowing all the details. City staff say it’s likely that the money will provide either grants or loans of up to $10,000 per small business, meaning at least 75 businesses could receive help.
• OAKLAND
  • The Oakland Business Assistance Center is an online resource tool with information on zero-interest loans to help with tax bills for businesses affected by COVID-19. 
• SAN DIEGO
  • Please review the Small Business Finance Center for ongoing information
  • One of the SBFC loan guarantee programs is designed for Disaster Relief specifically and is currently available to small businesses needing assistance to overcome economic injury caused by COVID-19.
    • Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program (DRLGP): Loan guarantees up to 95% of the loan for small business borrowers impacted by disasters who need term loans or lines of credit for working capital.
    • Jump Start Loan Program: Loans from $500-$10,000 to low-wealth entrepreneurs in declared disaster and emergency areas.
• SAN FRANCISCO
  • The City of San Francisco is taking extensive and proactive actions to support businesses and workers during this unprecedented time. For more information on general programs please click here.
  • Deferred Business Taxes for Small Businesses
    • For businesses with up to $10M in gross receipts, the City is deferring payment of quarterly business taxes due April 30, 2020 for nine months until February 2021 with no interest or penalties. This will provide immediate cash-flow assistance to 8,050 small businesses.
  • Deferred Business Licensing Fee
    • The City is deferring collection of annual small business license and permit fees that make up the Unified License Bill for three months to June 30, 2020. This will support more than 10,000 businesses. 
  • San Francisco Small Business Revolving Loan Fund 
    • The City-sponsored Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) provides access to capital, including microloans and technical assistance.
  • COVID-19 Small Business Resiliency Fund
    • The City has established a fund administered by OEWD to offer emergency grants up to $10,000 for microbusinesses. Businesses must be able to show a recent loss in revenue.

COLORADO STATE PROGRAMS:

• STATEWIDE
  • The Work-Share Program
    • The Work-Share Program provides an alternative to laying off employees by allowing them to keep working, but with fewer hours. While an employee is working fewer hours, he or she may be eligible to collect part of his or her regular unemployment benefits.
• COLORADO SPRINGS
  • The City of Colorado Springs is committed to working with community partners including state, federal and county governments, local economic development organizations, non-profits and foundations on local programs in support of Colorado Springs business owners and their employees impacted by COVID-19.
    • Survive & Thrive COS Small Business Relief Fund
      • The City is working in partnership with Exponential Impact and Pikes Peak Community Foundation to provide relief loans, mentorship, and resources for small businesses. The highest priority for this fund are industries most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic such as the food industry, retail shops and personal care facilities as these businesses have had to temporarily close, are struggling to pay rent and utilities, and have had to lay off staff. Businesses with 2-25 employees in the Pikes Peak region are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in low interest loans. Installments of funding will be provided monthly over a three month period. Repayment occurs over three years, and payments are not required for the first year. Terms are 0% in year one and increase by 1% over each of the next two years.
    • Artist Recovery Fund
      • Pikes Peak Community Foundation and Bee Vradenburg Foundation have partnered to provide emergency support for individual artists and creative professionals in El Paso and Teller Counties who are being adversely affected due to cancellation of performances, art openings, lessons or other revenue generating artistic activity due to COVID-19. The Artist Recovery Fund will provide approximately $500 to cover the most immediate and essential expenses. The Fund is also seeking financial contributions to support their efforts, and all donations are tax deductible and 100% of contributions will go directly to supporting local artists in need.
• DENVER
  • Denver Relief Fund
    • In response to COVID-19, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity is working on connecting our Denver business community to the most appropriate resources in our region.
    • They are asking businesses to fill out this questionnaire about how your business is being impacted by filling out this questionnaire. Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) staff will evaluate your information and help you identify the most appropriate support for you and your business.
    • The emergency relief fund, announced by Denver Economic Development and Opportunity on Thursday, promises to provide up to $7,500 to qualifying small businesses. Those impacted by the pandemic the most — such as the food industry — will be first in line to receive the funds.

FLORIDA STATE PROGRAMS:

• STATEWIDE
  • Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
    • The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is currently available to small business owners located in all Florida counties statewide that experienced economic damage as a result of COVID-19.

GEORGIA STATE PROGRAMS:

• Atlanta
  • Invest Atlanta
    • Invest Atlanta, the city’s economic development authority, is offering zero-interest loans to aid small businesses to survive through the coronavirus pandemic. The Business Continuity Loan Fund is starting with $1.5 million provided as part of an emergency funding package ordered by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
    • The fund will offer loans ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 per applicant. The terms are up to five years with 0% interest and a six- to 12-month deferment available before first payments are due. There is no fee to apply.

ILLINOIS STATE PROGRAMS:

• STATEWIDE
  • One Fair Wage
    • Illinois is one of the states being prioritized by One Fair Wage to offer assistance that could be of use to your employees as well. They are offering up to $213 in cash assistance to restaurant workers, delivery drivers and other tipped workers and service workers.
  • Future SBA Relief
    • The state of Illinois is working with the SBA in order to get relief funds out for small businesses in your state. While disaster relief funds are not available currently for IL, we suggest filling out this survey to share the potential impacts of COVID-19 on your business. The survey will be used as a “request for an economic injury disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration” If approved, up to $2 million could become available to small business and non-profits in your state.
  • Hospitality Emergency Grant Program
    • To help hospitality businesses make ends meet in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, DCEO is launching the Hospitality Emergency Grant Program with $14 million drawn from funds originally budgeted for job training, tourism promotion, and other purposes. 
  • Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program
    • To support small businesses in downstate and rural counties across Illinois, DCEO is repurposing $20 million in CDBG funds to stand up the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program.  This Fund will offer small businesses of up to 50 employees the opportunity to partner with their local governments to obtain grants of up to $25,000 in working capital.  These grants will be offered on a rolling basis.
• CHICAGO
  • Chicago Small Business Resiliency Loan Fund
    • The city is launching a $100 million fund to help small businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday.
    • Loan applications will be administered through our Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) partners. Applications for the Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund will begin to be accepted on March 31, 2020

IOWA STATE PROGRAMS:

• STATEWIDE
  • Iowa Small Business Relief Fund
    • The program offers grants ranging from $5,000-$25,000, in addition to offering a deferral of sales and use or withholding taxes due and waiver of penalty and interest to eligible businesses. 
      • Funds can be used to assist eligible businesses in maintaining operations or reopening business following the COVID-19 pandemic
      • Funds may not be used to pay debts incurred prior to March 17, 2020
      • Application deadline is Tuesday, March 31 at 12 p.m. (noon)
      • The program is NOT first-come, first-served. Each completed application received will be reviewed.

MARYLAND STATE PROGRAMS:

• STATEWIDE
  • Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund Programs for Businesses
    • Maryland has authorized $130 million in loan and grant funding for small businesses and manufacturers that have been negatively impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This emergency assistance provides interim relief and proceeds that can be used to pay cash operating expenses including payroll, suppliers, rent, fixed debt payments and other mission critical cash operating costs.
    • If you are a Maryland-based business impacted by the Coronavirus with under 50 full- and part-time employees, or a Maryland manufacturer, check out the programs below to see if you qualify for assistance.
      • Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund – This $75 million loan fund (for for-profit businesses only) offers no interest or principal payments due for the first 12 months, then converts to a 36-month term loan of principal and interest payments, with an interest rate at 2% per annum. Learn more.
      • Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund – This $50 million grant program for businesses and non-profits offers grant amounts up to $10,000, not to exceed 3 months of demonstrated cash operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020. Learn more.
      • Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund – This $5 million incentive program helps Maryland manufacturers to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) that is urgently needed by hospitals and health-care workers across the country. More details are expected to be announced by Friday, March 27, 2020.

MICHIGAN STATE PROGRAMS:

• STATEWIDE
  • Michigan Small Business Relief Fund
    • The Michigan Economic Development Corp. received approval to implement a Michigan Small Business Relief Program that will allocate $10 million in small business grants and $10 million in small business loans to local business owners. In order to qualify for loan support, businesses must meet the following criteria:
      • The company is in an industry outlined in Executive Order 2020-9 (“EO”), or demonstrates it is otherwise affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, or is a company that provides goods and services to companies to the aforementioned.
      • The company has fewer than 100 employees.
      • The company needs working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business.
      • The company can demonstrate that it is unable to access credit through alternative sources.
      • The company can demonstrate an income loss as a result of Executive Order 2020-9.
• DETROIT
  • Detroit Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Fund
    • The DEGC, Detroit City Council and Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit have approved a $3.1 million COVID-19 Grant Relief Fund for Detroit Small Businesses. Applications will be accepted and awards will be made on a rolling basis subject to availability of funds. First payments are expected to be processed by April 10, 2020.

MINNESOTA STATE PROGRAMS:

• STATEWIDE
  • Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Emergency Fund
    • The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is creating an emergency loan program to help Minnesota small business owners who need immediate assistance to meet their families’ basic needs during COVID-19 closures. More information about the program is available.

NEW JERSEY STATE PROGRAMS:

• STATEWIDE
  • NJEDA Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan
    • In response to the economic challenges being faced by New Jersey small businesses due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has created the Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program. The $10 million program will make direct low-cost financing available to allow New Jersey small businesses and non-profits to cover operating expenses and ensure continuity of operations during the outbreak.
    • Applications are anticipated to be available shortly. To see whether you might qualify for this program, use the NJ COVID-19 Business Support Eligibility Wizard.

NEW MEXICO STATE PROGRAMS:

• STATEWIDE
  • NMEDD COVID-19 Business Loan Guarantee Program
    • The New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD) has created a program to assist businesses seeking emergency loans or lines of credit to deal with negative economic impacts from COVID-19. NMEDD can guarantee a portion of a loan or line of credit up to 80% of principal or $50,000. Loan proceeds are flexible and can be used for (and not limited to) the following: working capital, inventory and payroll. You may apply here.

NEW YORK STATE PROGRAMS:

• New York City
  • Small Business Relief
    • Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on March 8 that the City will provide relief for small businesses across the City seeing a reduction in revenue because of COVID-19. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees who have seen sales decreases of 25% or more will be eligible for zero interest loans of up to $75,000 to help mitigate losses in profit.
    • Please complete this interest form if your business has been affected by COVID-19 to receive information on obtaining loan assistance.
  • NYC Employee Retention Grant Program
    • The City is offering small businesses with fewer than 5 employees a grant to cover 40% of payroll costs for two months to help retain employees. Learn more and apply here.
• Rochester
  • Business Emergency Retention Grant Program
    • Grants may be utilized towards working capital to pay business expenses to continue operations and retain employees. Average grant awards are $2,000. Working capital expenses may include: Payroll, insurance, utility expenses, inventory and other similarly related short-term debt and operating expenses necessary to continue operations. Find the application here.
  • City of Rochester and REDCO Request for 90 Day Loan Deferral
    • Businesses that have current loans with the City of Rochester and/or the Rochester Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) may request a 90-day deferral of loan payments. 
      • Find the the City of Rochester Request for 90-Day Loan Payment Deferral application here.
      • Find the REDCO Request for 90-Day Loan Payment Deferment application here.
  • Monroe County Emergency Small Business Support Program
    • Monroe Couny has established a 0 percent interest loan of up to $10,000 to support small businesses (50 or fewer full-time or full-time equivalent employees) impacted by the pandemic. More information can be found on the Monroe County economic development webpage.
• Syracuse
  • The Syracuse Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) has created a dedicated $500,000 fund to provide zero-percent interest, 180-day emergency loans to small businesses in the City. Find information here for the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Application.

OHIO STATE PROGRAMS:

• STATEWIDE
  • Support for small businesses & non-profit organizations in Ohio
    • The Ohio Development Services Agency is preparing to submit an application in the coming week to qualify Ohio for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. This program provides low-interest loans up to $2 million in order to help businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue during the state of emergency.
    • Non-profit organizations in Ohio will also be eligible for low-interest loans through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
    • In order to complete the state’s application, businesses impacted by the current public health crisis should immediately send their contact information to BusinessHelp@Development.Ohio.gov. Additional information on the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program is available at SBA.gov/Disaster.
  • SharedWork Ohio
    • SharedWork Ohio is a voluntary layoff aversion program. It allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain trained staff during times of reduced business activity.
    • Interested employers provide ODJFS with a list of participating employees and specify their normal weekly hours of work, not to exceed 40 hours and not including overtime. Part-time employees may be eligible, but all employees in an affected unit must have their hours reduced by the same reduction percentage. Reduction percentages must be at least 10 percent but no more than 50 percent of the normal weekly hours of work.   

OREGON STATE PROGRAMS:

• PORTLAND
  • Jade District-Oldtown COVID-19 Small Business Response Fund
    • The city will contribute $140,000 through its economic development agency Prosper Portland, and the remaining $50,000 will come from nonprofit Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, which will also be distributing the funds.
    • For more information about the COVID-19 Small Business Response Fund, including applications, click here.
    • The nonprofit is accepting the applications at covidsupport@apano.org.
  • Portland Small Business Relief Fund
    • The Portland Small Business Relief Fund will provide grants and no interest loans to support Portland small businesses experiencing hardships related to COVID-19. Click here to apply.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE PROGRAMS:

• PHILADELPHIA
  • Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund
    • The Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund offers grants or zero-interest loans to Philadelphia small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can apply for the three relief programs through a single application. Your request will be directed to the appropriate program based on your annual revenue. Due to extraordinary demand and limited resources available, applications submitted after 5 p.m. on March 30 will only be accepted and reviewed from businesses applying for microenterprise grants of $5,000. Awards for applications received after that deadline will only be made as new funds become available.

TEXAS STATE PROGRAMS:

• EL PASO
  • EL PASO Disaster Relief Loan Program
    • El Paso County and El Paso city leaders have each approved $1 million in funding to establish a Small Business Emergency Relief Program, managed by LiftFund, a nonprofit organization that helps finance new small business and startup companies. The El Paso County Small Business Loan Program provides 0% interest loans of up to $25,000 to help small businesses in El Paso that have suffered financial losses as a result of COVID-19. Apply here.

UTAH STATE PROGRAMS:

• SALT LAKE CITY
  • Salt Lake City’s Emergency Loan Program
    • The purpose of this loan program is to provide financial relief to small businesses that will most likely see a downturn in business due to an unforeseen emergency. The second round application period will be open until Thursday, April 2nd at 11:59 p.m

WASHINGTON STATE PROGRAMS:

• STATEWIDE
  • 2020 OED Small Business Stabilization Fund Application
    • City of Seattle will offer up to $1.5 million in up to $10,000 grants for businesses with less than 5 employees (including yourself). If interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible, by applying here.
  • Amazon Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund
    • Amazon will offer up to $5 million in grants for service and retail businesses open to the general public with fewer than 50 employees. Eligible neighborhoods must be in Seattle (South Lake Union and Regrade neighborhoods) and Bellevue. Apply here by creating a new or existing account. 

WISCONSIN STATE PROGRAMS:

• STATEWIDE
  • Small Business 20/20 Program
    • The goal of the Small Business 20/20 program is to support small businesses and micro-enterprises adversely economically impacted by the COVID-19 Virus.
    • Program funds will be made available through approved community development financial institutions (CDFIs). Businesses that are not currently CDFI clients are not eligible to access these funds, but WEDC will work to expand access to funding through other programs as more resources become available.
    • If you have more questions, view this FAQ page on SB20/20

If you need any assistance whatsoever in the application process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are happy to assist in any way we can.

*This page was updated on March 20, 2020, and may not reflect recent changes to the Statewide and Nationwide Programs listed above. For up to date information, please follow the links provided and/or independently research and verify.

The information shared is intended to be used for informational purposes only and you should independently research and verify.

Note: Prior to January 23, 2020, Mulligan Funding operated solely as a direct lender, originating all of its own loans and Merchant Cash Advance contracts. From that date onwards, the majority of funding offered by Mulligan Funding will be by Loans originated by FinWise Bank, a Utah-chartered Bank, pursuant to a Loan Program conducted jointly by Mulligan Funding and FinWise Bank.