As the pandemic, and the uncertainty that comes with it, stretches on for the foreseeable future, here are a few more opportunities that may be a support to you during this time:
Facebook Small Business Grants Programs
Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits to up to 300,000 small business owners who have been impacted by the Coronavirus. Businesses must have at least two (but no more than 50) employees, have been in business for at least a year, and be in or near one of the Facebook locations in the U.S. (no worries — Fulton County is on the list!) or one of the other 30 countries. Funds can be used for rent and operating costs, connecting with clients, and/or keeping your workforce going. Visit the website and enter your email address for information and the application.
https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants
Bumble Small Business Loves Grant
Bumble is for more than just dates! Two hundred businesses across 11 countries will receive up to $5,000 through this grant. To be eligible, sign up for an account in any of Bumble’s three settings (Date, BFF, or Bizz) and swipe right on the Bumble Community Grants profile. Applications are fairly simple, requiring basic company information, what you plan to do with the funds, and a short video about you and your company for social media. Submit your information no later than April 9th to be considered.
https://bumble1.typeform.com/to/RGxcXG
SheaMoisture Community Commerce Fund
The personal care giant has pledged $1 million in funds through its Community Commerce model to small, minority and women of color owned businesses to provide economic relief from COVID-19 and show the impact that these businesses have on a community. Applications open on April 8.
sheamoisturefund.com
Red Backpack Fund
Backed by Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, the Red Backpack Fund, through Global Giving, is providing at least 1,000 female entrepreneurs with a $5,000 grant between April and August. Applicants must be women-owned businesses or nonprofits with no more than 50 employees and an annual revenue less than $5 million to be eligible. The application will also require proof of legal incorporation and hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the monetary grant, recipients will have access to more than 80 Masterclass instructors and will also receive a red backpack as Blakely’s signature symbol of “starting small while dreaming big”. Applications will be open through April 12 or until 5,000 are received and will reopen on the first Monday of the month through August.
https://www.globalgiving.org/redbackpackfund/
National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
This $500 grant is specifically for restaurant industry employees impacted by lower wages or loss of employment since March 10 because of COVID-19. Individuals who have worked full or part time in the industry for at least 90 days in the last year and whose primary source of income came from the industry are eligible to apply. A pay stub from before December 10, 2019 and a pay stub from after March 10, 2020 (or a letter of termination or unemployment claim) are required.
https://rerf.us/
Creatively Mindful Artist Relief Fund
For artists working in photography, drawing, ceramics, videography, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and graphic design, Creatively Mindful is offering a $250 grant. Applicants are asked to send an email with their full name, visual art discipline, location, 3 examples of their work, and a 3-5 sentence artist statement no later than April 13 to be considered.
https://www.creativelymindful.org/artist-relief-fund
C4 Atlanta’s Atlanta Artist Lost Gig Fund
The Atlanta Artist Lost Gig Fund is providing up to $500 in financial assistance to artists in the metro Atlanta area who are struggling to cover their essential needs due to lost revenue from cancelled events. Eligibility is based on proof of residency, documented cancellation, specified need as a result of the cancellation, and artist resume or CV. Priority in disbursement of the grant will be given to artists who are C4 Atlanta members, are disabled or immunocompromised, or who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, transgender, and/or nonbinary. The application will be open and grants will be awarded on a rolling basis.
https://c4atlanta.org/covid19apply/
With all the uncertainty and the widespread impact surrounding COVID-19, remember that this is scary and uncharted territory for all of us. New information is coming out every second and things are changing quickly. It is likely that many of these companies and systems will be overwhelmed by the number of unanticipated applications. Keep trying, and do what is necessary to stay encouraged.
If you are in a position to safely help someone else in any way, please do so. Most of these funds are accepting donations to be able to support more businesses. Many local businesses also are crowdfunding to be able to keep their doors open. We are in this together. We are stronger together. We will get through this together.
