The COVID-19 pandemic leaves the small business community reeling, with businesses instructed to shut their doors, lay off staff, or change the way they operate. These sudden and unexpected changes have hit many business owners hard because they struggle to follow social-distancing guidelines and comply with government orders. Unfortunately, many smaller businesses are already struggling financially or might be in the near future.
Small business aid provided with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Support Act has been making headlines. However, many small businesses missed out on funding, don't qualify, or didn't receive enough money to sustain their business to have an longer timeframe. What's promising, though, is the fact that many companies and organizations are providing huge amount of money in grant money to small businesses.
With most states having at least partially “reopened” after June, many COVID-19 relief grant programs have wound down or have been in the process of doing this. That said, using the economic damage still not fully assessed and the possibility of another wave looming, you shouldn’t assume that your window of opportunity has closed for good. Several new programs are still coming online, and existing ones could restart with a lot more rounds of funding. Stick with us to remain up to date on the status of these popular grant programs.
Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants
- Eligibility Criteria: Minnesota for-profit businesses with 50 or fewer full-time workers that have been affected by COVID-19
- Open & Close Date: Applications are open until July 2, 2022
This program, offered through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), provides $10,000 grants to businesses negatively affected by COVID-19. Grant funds received by businesses can be used for capital to aid payroll, rent, mortgage payments, bills, along with other similar expenses that occur and have occurred since March 1, 2022, in the regular course of business.
A grand total of $60.3 million can be obtained and will also be awarded via a randomized buying process. Interested business people can visit the Minnesota government site to use or have more information.
Pennsylvania COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance
- Eligibility Criteria: Pennsylvania small businesses affected by COVID-19
- Open & Close Date: June 1, 2022-December 31, 2022
Small businesses in Pennsylvania can tap the $225 million their state has set aside for COVID-19 business relief by applying with this grant through a qualified CDFI. The program is comprised of three parts:
- Main Street Business Revitalization
- Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization Program
- Loan payment deferment and loss reserve
You can find more details about the program and how to apply with the state’s community development site.
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
LISC is managing a Small company Relief Grant Program funded by grants from large corporations. These are all requested through LISC’s website and contingent upon continued funding in the corporations in question.
Sam’s Club Small company Relief Grants
- Eligibility Criteria: Small businesses which have been affected by COVID-19, particularly underserved communities
- Open & Close Date: Round 4 closed on Next month; round 5 TBD
Sam’s Club provides a $1 million grant through the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) that will be distributed to small business owners impacted by COVID-19. Through the program, small business owners can receive as much as $10,000 to cover immediate expenses. Qualified ways to use grant funds include payroll costs, rent, utilities, outstanding debts to vendors, upgraded tech infrastructure, along with other operational expenses.
Any business that's been impacted by COVID-19 can apply for that grant. Priority will be given to underserved communities, including businesses of women, minorities, and veterans as well as companies that are particularly challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Four rounds of funding happen to be closed. During the time of this update, round 5 has yet to be announced; however, LISC is encouraging your customers to sign up for updates should any future rounds be announced. Interested business people can click on the LISC web site to find out more about this grant, subscribe to email updates, or submit an application.
Lowe’s Small company Relief Grant
- Eligibility Criteria: Small businesses which have been impacted by COVID-19, particularly underserved communities
- Open & Close Date: Round 4 of funding closed on Next month, 2022; round 5 TBD
Lowe’s has donated $25 million in grant funding for distribution through LISC. Businesses may receive awards of up to $20,000 to use toward business expenses, including payroll, rent and utilities, and upgrading tech infrastructure.
Any small business that has been affected by COFI-19 is permitted to apply. However, priority is offered to underserved communities that are not able to find funding elsewhere. Businesses most affected by the pandemic will get priority.
Round 4 of funding concluded on June 17. If you’re thinking about any possible future rounds, you can sign-up for updates from LISC.
Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund
- Eligibility Criteria: Smaller businesses which have been impacted by COVID-19, particularly underserved communities
- Open & Close Date: Currently closed
Verizon Wireless has donated $7.5 million in grant funding that will be distributed through LISC. Businesses may qualify to get up to $10,000 for immediate operational expenses, including outstanding debts to vendors, rent and utilities, payroll costs, along with other purposes.
Businesses which have been impacted by COVID-19 can use. However, priority will be given to business people in underserved communities that are not able to secure funds elsewhere. Businesses that have been particularly challenged during the pandemic will also receive priority.
The grant funds were distributed through three rounds of funding. No additional rounds happen to be announced at this time. If you’re interested in this grant, you are able to apply, subscribe to email updates, and find out more through LISC.
GoFundMe Small company Relief Initiative
- Eligibility Criteria: Available to independently owned and operated businesses affected by COVID-19; all recipients must raise at least $500 with the GoFundMe platform
- Open & Close Date: Currently open; submissions will close when funds happen to be depleted
GoFundMe has launched its own fundraiser to help small businesses. The GoFundMe Small company Relief Fund has raised over $2 million that will be used to provide matching grants of $500 to qualified business owners.
Any clients are permitted to apply, provided it meets several requirements. Businesses must be independently owned and operated. Companies that are nationally dominant within their fields are not eligible to get a grant. Furthermore, all recipients should have been affected by COVID-19 and should use funds to pay for employees or ongoing operational expenses.
To be entitled to $500 grant, all recipients must register to confirm their small business status. Recipients should also launch a GoFundMe fundraiser and raise at least $500 in funds. All fundraisers must range from the hashtag #SmallBusinessRelief to qualify. Grants will continue to be distributed until all funds are depleted. The GoFundMe Small company Relief Fund campaign page and the program FAQs provide all the important information to secure your grant.
FedEx #SupportSmall Grants
- Eligibility Criteria: For-profit businesses in america which have been in operation not less than 12 months, have less than 50 employees, made less than $5 million in sales revenue in 2022, and also have shipped or plan to ship
- Open & Close Date: Submissions are closed as of June 12, 2022
FedEx is showing its support of small businesses by providing as many as $1 million in grant funding to eligible applicants. The 200 recipients of this grant will each receive $5,000 plus a $500 FedEx Office credit that can be used for posters, banners, and other marketing and promotional materials.
To be eligible, all applicants should be a minimum of 18 years old and operate a US-based business. Only for-profit businesses can apply. Qualifying businesses should have been in operation not less than 12 months, tight on than $5 million in sales revenue from 2022, and have fewer than 50 employees. All applicants must also have shipped in the last 12 months or are intending to ship within the next 12 months. Franchises, resellers, independent consultants, nonprofits, and former winners of FedEx Small Business Grants do not qualify.
The application period has closed, and applications are no longer being accepted. Interested business owners can read concerning the program here.
Nav’s Small Business Grant
- Eligibility Criteria: Any Nav customer with a social media account
- Open & Close Date: A new submission period opens quarterly; the following round will open July 30
Nav’s Small company Grant isn’t specifically for businesses affected by the coronavirus — any Nav customer can qualify. Every quarter, three recipients are selected to receive grants. The very first prize winner receives a look for $10,000. The very first runner-up receives a grant for $2,000, as the second runner-up receives $1,000.
To qualify for this grant, you've got to be a Nav customer. Then, you have to create a post and share it on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Your posting should discuss challenging that the business has faced and just how you plan to use your grant. Nav encourages participants to get creative using their posts by including photos, creating videos, or recording audio. Nav should be tagged within the post for that submission that need considering.
This grant program is ongoing and accepts new submissions each quarter, so if you lose out on one round, don’t worry — you are able to take part in the next round. Take a look at past submissions, tips for creating your post, and find out more about this grant by going to Nav.
COVID-19 Business For All Grants
- Eligibility Criteria: Any US-based business impacted by the coronavirus
- Open & Close Date: This contest is open from March 26, 2022, through July 16, 2022
The Hello Alice resource platform has partnered with companies such as eBay and Verizon to distribute funds through the COVID-19 Business For All Grant program. Through this program, qualifying smaller businesses can receive a $10,000 grant.
Qualifying with this grant is easy. The program is available to any US-based business that doesn't participate in illegal or illegitimate activities. All entrants must subscribe to a Hello Alice account and finish the internet application. Winners is going to be selected based on their requirement for funds and how grant funds is going to be used. Discover more relating to this grant and submit your application through Hello Alice.
Supermaker’s Entrepreneurial Dream Project
- Eligibility Criteria: New business organisations or businesses that haven’t yet launched, under $2.5 million in gross annual revenue, and an active business website and social networking account
- Open & Close Date: Applications are closed as of June 22, 2022
Supermaker’s Entrepreneurial Dream Project is aimed at new business organisations or businesses that haven’t even gotten off the floor yet which have been impacted by the coronavirus. Two winners will be selected to split a grant of $100,000. Ten additional winners is going to be chosen to receive mentoring with the Supermaker Mentor Network.
Businesses that made many obtainable in 2022 or later are eligible. Companies that have not yet launched could also apply. Existing businesses must have under $2.5 million in gross annualized revenue. Products must currently be sold or ready to sell within six months of applying to qualify. Eligible entrants should also possess a US-based business, an energetic website, and social media accounts showing entrepreneurial activity.
Winners is going to be picked based on certain criteria, including the business’s mission statement, sustainability, and proposed use of funds. Winners is going to be announced in July.
The Conductor Foundation
- Eligibility Criteria: Nonprofit organizations
- Open & Close Date: Applications currently closed, will reopen spring 2022
The Conductor Foundation grant program differs from other grants on this list. First, it’s available to nonprofit organizations. It also isn’t a fiscal grant but does offer more opportunities for growth and online visibility.
Winners of the grant will receive Conductor Searchlight SEO technology, Keyword Discovery Services, and ongoing support in the team at Conductor.
Applicants don't have to have COVID-19 to qualify, and this contest is ongoing. Interested nonprofits can find out more and submit a one-page application directly through The Conductor Foundation.
Amazon’s Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund
- Eligibility Criteria: Smaller businesses with less than $7 million in annual revenue or fewer than 50 employees which are located in select neighborhoods in Seattle and Bellevue
- Open & Close Date: Applications are presently closed
Amazon has created the $5 million Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund to provide financial help to small businesses situated in select Washington State neighborhoods. The amount of each award varies and will be determined based on information received during the application process. Funds ought to be accustomed to cover day-to-day operational expenses and also to improve cashflow.
Businesses must be located within closeness to Amazon’s offices in Regrade, South Lake Union, and Bellevue to qualify. All eligible entrants should have under $7 million in annual revenue or fewer than 50 employees. The grant program is open to any company that's open to the public and relies heavily on foot traffic.
PBA COVID-19 Relief Fund
- Eligibility Criteria: Licensed beauty professionals unable to act as a direct result COVID-19
- Open & Close Date: Ongoing until money is depleted
Licensed beauty professionals that have been unable to work because of the coronavirus can apply for any grant with the Professional Beauty Association COVID-19 Relief Fund. Eligible entrants will get a $500 Visa gift certificate you can use to purchase supplies or cover immediate expenses.
A lottery process is used to determine winners of this grant. Up to now, over $1 million has been distributed to help beauty professionals, and also the contest will be ongoing until funds are depleted.
Interested applicants must sign up. The PBA also provides FAQs that give more information on this funding opportunity.
CND x BCL Nail Professional Relief Grant
- Eligibility Criteria: Licensed nail professionals useful for at least 12 months that are currently to not get an income
- Open & Close Date: Submissions will be accepted through June 30, 2022
Beauty Changes Lives, through a donation by CND Creative Nail Design, will be awarding grants to nail professionals which have lost their income because of COVID-19. Each winner will receive temporary financial relief via a one-time $1,000 grant.
This program is open to licensed beauty professionals that have been useful for a minimum of 12 months as of March 16, 2022. Eligible applicants must also live in the united states and must not currently be receiving an income.
In addition to submitting a credit card applicatoin, entrants must also write an essay in excess of 200 words and provide documentation proving identity, quantity of dependents, licensure, and other information. Submissions is going to be accepted through the end of May 2022, and winners will be selected through July. Take a look at Beauty Changes Lives to explore this program and to subscribe to a chance to win.
The Red Backpack Fund
- Eligibility Criteria: Woman-owned businesses and nonprofits affected by COVID-19
- Open & Close Date: Application rounds will open on June 1, July 6, and August 3
The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation has donated $5 million and partnered with GlobalGiving to assist female entrepreneurs with the Red Backpack Fund. This fund will provide no less than 1,000 grants of $5,000 each to female entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus. Recipients will even receive an All-Access Pass to MasterClass for mentorship opportunities.
This grant program is open to US-based businesses that are at least 51% women-owned. Eligible entrants must have an EIN, a minumum of one employee but a maximum of 50, and annual revenue that does not exceed $5 million.
There is going to be multiple rounds of funding for these grants. Application periods are June 1-June 8, July 6-July 13, and August 3-August 10. In case your business is interested, check out the FAQs or submit the application. If the fund currently isn’t accepting applications, you are able to subscribe to email updates to be notified once the next round of submissions is open.
The Doonie Fund
- Eligibility Criteria: Black female entrepreneurs affected by COVID-19
- Open & Close Date: Undetermined
The Doonie Fund was launched by digitalundivided CEO Kathryn Finney to aid and empower black female entrepreneurs. The fund was launched on April 5, 2022, and has helped over 500 women up to now.
To qualify, all entrants must be a business owner that identifies as both black and feminine. Eligible recipients must also have been influenced by COVID-19. Recipients will get $100 to assist their business. It is really an ongoing fund with no announced submission deadlines, even though it appears you can no longer apply for the COVID-19 program through the site.
You can browse the Doonie Fund page to learn more about this program.
Grants Worth Watching
While some grant programs aren’t currently accepting submissions, there are a few that could offer more funding opportunities in the future.
Visa Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Relief
The Visa Foundation has committed $10 million to provide immediate relief to organizations around the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the foundation has distributed $8.8 million in grant funds to organizations, including UNICEF, Feeding America, and Red Cross.
Visa Foundation Small & Micro Business Program
The Visa Foundation has also committed $200 million within the next five years to support small businesses, micro-businesses, and also the economic growth of women. Of those funds, $60 million is going to be invested in non-government organizations worldwide that support smaller businesses and micro-businesses. The rest of the funds is going to be invested in investment partners that generate returns of these businesses.
Facebook Small Business Grants Program
Facebook provides small company grants for approximately 30,000 recipients through its Small Business Grants Program. The two-week window to submit an application for some of this $100 million fund is closed to US businesses. However, businesses in other nations may still meet the requirements to use. Additional resources may be provided later on.
Horst Rechelbacher Relief Fund
The Horst Rechlebacher Relief Fund provides $1,000 grants to unemployed licensed beauty professionals or students enrolled in a licensing program. Although the submission deadline has already passed, interested professionals will keep track of the Beauty Changes Lives website for updates.
Other Helpful information on Coronavirus-Affected Businesses
If you need immediate funding or don’t be eligible for a these grants, you still have choices to keep the business afloat in this pandemic. A good amount of resources are available through our COVID-19 hub, including industry-specific survival guides, emergency funding options, credit card payment assistance, and much more. We’re continually updating and adding new content to ensure that business people like you possess the financial support and resources required to weather this storm. Best of luck!
