Business Resources
Financial Resources To Help You Get Through This Coronavirus Pandemic
We will get through this.
The entire world has been rocked by the coronavirus pandemic. Tens of thousands of people are sick around the globe. And, many are also looking for ways to cope with financial losses caused by the new normal that is social distancing.
While many have jobs with benefits and sick days, others don’t. Others have already lost jobs and, most of us don’t know whether or not we will have one in the coming weeks. Thankfully, there are some resources out there to help us keep our homes, keep the lights on, and even get free Internet.
Scroll through for national resources to help you get through these trying times. And, remember, this too shall pass.
Centers For Disease And Control
This is the number one place to learn about further impacts, spread, and response to the virus. Here is a link to general guidance for businesses and employers.
SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration is now offering small businesses impacted by COVID-19 up to $2M in low-interest federal disaster loans. applications can be completed online.
United Way 2-1-1
This is a free 24/7ervice that can help connect you to resources in your area, like housing and utility assistance, healthcare, and emergency information and disaster relief.
www.unitedway.org/our-impact/featured-programs/2-1-1
Unemployment Assistance
If you were employed, you can apply for unemployment assistance via your local state agency. Most will allow you to apply online or by phone. Click here to find local agency contact for your state.
FEMA Disaster Unemployment Assistance
If you lost a gig, are self-employed, on quarantine or are a parent with children who must stay home from school or daycare, you can apply for disaster assistance. You must first apply for regular unemployment benefits. Click here to find local agency contact for your state.
Two Months FREE Internet Access
Comcast and Spectrum both offer discounted Internet service for $9.95/month plus tax to low-income households that are on some form of public assistance program, like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI.
New Comcast applicants get two free months service if they apply by April 30.
Spectrum applicants with children in school(K–12 or college) can also get two free months of service.
Comcast Internet Essentials: www.internetessentials.com/covid19
Spectrum: 1.844.488.8395 or www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist
Pause Mortgage Payments For The Year
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and other lenders have been directed to help you reduce or completely pause payments for up to 12 months without fear of foreclosure. But don’t just stop paying! Call your lender to work out the details.
Pause Federal Student Loan Payments
Student loans may be the last thing on your on your mind, but take a few minutes to put them on pause. Contact your provider (like Navient, Nelnet, FedLoan Servicing or Great Lakes) to request a 60-day suspension on payments. If you are already over a month behind, it will automatically be suspended.
Facebook Small Business Grants Program
Facebook is offering up to $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 small businesses affected by COVID-19. The funds will assist with rent and operational costs, along with help keep businesses connected with their workforce and customers.
www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants
Please also check with your local county and city government support offices for additional shelter and food assistance.
