The Backing Small Businesses grant program supports economically vulnerable and under-resourced small businesses with community reach. This year, eligible small business owners can apply for $10,000 grants for projects that grow or improve their businesses by building community, supporting their economic viability, or bolstering meaningful change. Applications will open on March 14 at 9:00 am CT.
COVID-19 Resources
As developments continue to unfold in response to the spread of COVID-19, we know many small businesses have questions about implications in the workplace and funding options to help bolster their businesses during this difficult time. We are compiling relevant tips and resources and information on new funding opportunities and policy developments that we are sharing on our website and through online presentations. We will be posting daily updates to this page with useful information about the ways small businesses can prepare for the impact of COVID-19 on their business and community.
Founders First CDC
Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant
The Kitty Fund makes small micro investments in Moms who are running employer-based small businesses with two or more employees.
Verizon
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Community Grant
The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Community Grant is part of Verizon’s commitment to give small businesses the tools and resources they need to thrive in today’s digital economy and ultimately benefit their local communities. Available only in select markets. No purchase necessary.
Milestone Circles
Milestone Circles Program
Milestone Circles help women entrepreneurs like you revitalize your vision for your business, set a critical business milestone, and build a network of support to help you today and in the future through a 12-week, free cohort program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
California Office of the Small Business Advocate
California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
The California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is funded by the State of California and administered by the Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). The program provides competitive micro grants of $2,500 to eligible microbusinesses impacted by COVID-19 and the related health and safety restrictions. This program will be implemented by County organizations or nonprofits working on their behalf.
For application details and updates specific to the program available in your county, please contact the organizations listed. Applications start February 14.
Project N95
Equipment and COVID-19 tests for small businesses
Project N95 is the National Clearinghouse for personal protective equipment and COVID-19 tests. We protect communities and the people who live and work in them by providing equitable access to the resources they need to stay safe through the COVID-19 pandemic.
NowInStock
COVID Tests Tracker
Be alerted when COVID tests are in stock or available for pre-order and make sure to add that item to your account and turn on the corresponding stock status toggles.
U.S. Department of the Treasury
State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide a substantial infusion of resources to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery.
Business Advisor Learning Center
Federal Resources for U.S. Small Businesses
You can view relevant federal agency resources, access the latest news, and search for a Small Business Advisor near you.
Resilience Compass
Resilience Compass
The Resilience Compass was formed in response to the COVID-19 crisis as a collaborative public service. This group of partners, led by Conveners.org, aims to help small businesses, cooperatives, and nonprofits calmly navigate uncharted waters while accelerating their road to recovery. The Resilience Compass aims to bring helpful resources and guidance from a spectrum of public, private, and local sources that can be filtered to your organization's most pressing needs.
eBay
Seller School
Whether your business is just getting online or you’re looking to expand your ecommerce presence, eBay’s six-week guided Seller School course may be right for you. You can go at your own pace, get tips from eBay experts and join live webinars to learn more about how to maximize your sales on the platform.
D.C. Department of Employment Services
DC Paid Family Leave
The mission of the Office of Paid Family Leave (OPFL) is to plan, develop, and administer a paid leave program for the District of Columbia under the provisions of the Universal Paid Leave Amendment Act of 2016.
On July 1, 2020, the District of Columbia began administering paid leave benefits. DC workers can now apply for paid family leave. The Paid Leave Act provides up to:
Small Business Majority
California's Paid Family Leave Program FAQs
California’s Paid Family Leave program (PFL) provides wage replacement benefits to workers who need to take time off from work to bond with a new child or to care for a seriously ill family member.
This document is intended to answer any questions small employers might have about California’s PFL program and its effects on small business owners and their workers.
Small Business Majority
California's Paid Sick Leave Law FAQs
California’s paid sick leave law allows employees to take time off from work to address their health or a family member’s illness without losing a paycheck.
This document is intended to answer any questions small employers might have about California’s paid sick leave law and its effects on small business owners and their workers.