The board of directors of Kirkwood Business Owners' Association has been working together to express how we feel, what we believe, what we need to learn and what we will do to move forward towards a more equitable business community. Please accept our statement of solidarity as a starting point for ongoing listening and actions moving forward from this very pivotal time in all of our lives.
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Our hearts hurt! We can’t sleep and see pain in each other’s eyes.
Kirkwood Business Owners’ Association believes in “everyone is welcome”. Our community is better with diverse businesses and owners, employees, vendors and customers of every color.
We know that community is born through individual relationships and change starts with one person at a time. We will continue to reach out to all business owners in the best way we can and strive to improve our community through inclusive, heartfelt connections.
We stand with the black lives matter movement and protests for justice and equality for all.
It's the middle of May and our lives have changed significantly over the last 8 weeks during COVID-19. You can track the changes to business on our blog.
Changes are daily and business operations are top of mind!
Some businesses are open within the new guidelines, operating with to go/delivery and limited social distance appointments.
Here is our ongoing list. KBOA supports businesses who operate safely and respectfully and those businesses choosing to stay closed. Gov. Kemp just extended the closing of bars and venues through May 31st.
Let's keep supporting our local businesses, being kind and respecting the CDC guidelines. We're not over COVID-19 yet, but together we can keep flattening the curve!
NFIB Small Business and COVID-19: Your Questions Answered Live!
Wed., May 13th, 2020, 12:00 PM ET
REGISTER HERE
Recording: Webinar about Safety Procedures for Opening Up, PPP and Unemployment
LISTEN NOW
Recording: The Post COVID-19 Workplace
Kara Govro, Senior Legal Editor with Mammoth HR, addresses the compliance aspects of layoffs, furloughs, and recalls to help employers navigate these difficult decisions.
Recording: QuickBooks Town Hall Series
U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Ben Cardin joined Intuit business leaders to discuss some of the most pressing questions about small business relief and support in the midst of COVID-19.
Attention all Gig Workers! New City of Atlanta Relief Program.
Applications open soon. Check out the info here.
Resources available to creatives: The recent CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) ACT expands unemployment insurance benefits to cover self-employed freelancers and gig workers.
Visit https://dol.georgia.gov/gdol-covid-19-information for more information on how to apply.
Invest Atlanta’s COVID-19 Resources page: https://www.investatlanta.com/covid-19-resources.
FedEx Grants
If you’re a small business impacted by COVID-19 in the U.S., consider applying for a #SupportSmall Grant starting May 25. Selected recipients will get a cash grant of $5,000 plus a $500 FedEx Office credit.
More Info: Applications Open May 25th
APPLICATION DETAILS
Prepare for Paycheck Protection Program Loan forgiveness
Learn more about applying for PPP loan forgiveness 8 weeks after receiving funds from your lender.
CHECK IT OUT
All businesses can now have a page on NextDoor.
List of Georgia COVID-19 Suppliers from the Georgia Dept. of Economic Development - https://www.georgia.org/covid19suppliers
We hope you are healthy and rolling along with all the changes as best as you can. Now that the state wide shelter-in-place is no longer guiding our lives, now might just be the most uncertain we've had so far in this COVID-19 time.
Let's stay safe, respect guidelines and continue to support local businesses as the new way of life unfolds. We do know two things:
TUESDAY, MAY 5TH IS CINCO DE MAYO AND GIVING TUESDAY!
Join us for Virtual Networking Tomorrow, May 5th at 9:30am to share our innovations and ways business has adapted during COVID-19.
Register in advance for this meeting:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwude-oqTktEtz85T56CuoQtqWIavgsTfSq
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
You can still celebrate by grabbing To Go Food and Drinks from KBOA member, Elmyirachi.
Staff GoFundMe
Support these Kirkwood & East Lake COVID-19 Support Efforts
Kirkwood Cares https://www.facebook.com/kirkwoodcares/
Neighbor in Need East Lake https://www.facebook.com/Neighborinneedeastlake
Adopt a Senior Program https://www.gagives.org/organization/Kasp
We want to know how your business has been impacted over the past month and business continuity steps you have taken.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS FRIDAY MAY 8, 2020.
FILL OUT THE SURVEY
Changes to Operations
Read Gov. Kemp’s Reviving a Healthy Georgia Executive Order
Salons and Spas as of 4/24/20
Restaurants as of 4/27/20
Getting Back to Business-COVID-19 Financial & Workplace Safety Updates Wed., May 6th, 2020, 12:00 PM ET
REGISTER NOW
List of Georgia COVID-19 Suppliers from the Georgia Dept. of Economic Development
https://www.georgia.org/covid19suppliers
Can you believe it's been SIX WEEKS since COVID-19 became a daily topic?
How are you feeling now that some restrictions are being eased?
Tues. April 28th @ 2pm Webinar about Applying for PPP and Other COVID-19 Funding
With a new round of COVID-19 relief legislation approved, GoDaddy wants to help you secure the small business funding you need. We have partnered with small business experts, Next Street, to break down how you can get in the best position for the upcoming $310 billion stimulus package.
REGISTER
Wed. April 29th @ Noon NFIB Coronavirus Weekly Briefing for Small Business
The upcoming webinar on Wednesday April 29th, will focus on new developments with the PPP and EID loan programs and participant Q&A.
PPP APPLICATION NOW OPEN: Reinvestment Fund
MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
Can I get a Paycheck Protection Program loan if I've laid off employees?
Employee Retention Credits versus the Paycheck Protection Program
How the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act affects your payroll
Workforce Atlanta Guide for Employers and Job Seekers
We want to know how your business has been impacted over the past 6 weeks and business continuity steps you have taken.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS FRIDAY MAY 1, 2020
Thank you for supporting Kirkwood Businesses during this time, please continue!
Many businesses that are allowed to re-open per Gov. Kemp's orders will remain closed until they feel safe for their customers and employees.
Some businesses will choose to re-open. It is up to each business to choose what is best for them at this time.
See the guidelines for salons, spas that choose to re-open tomorrow.
We continue to support safe practices for businesses and individuals alike per the CDC guidelines.
Thanks to a $1 million grant from Sam’s Club, LISC will provide emergency assistance that small businesses desperately need during the Covid-19 crisis. And it doesn’t stop there: Sam’s Club is mobilizing its members to support this effort as well.
Senate Passes Roughly $484 Billion in New Coronavirus Aid
The Senate on Tuesday approved roughly $484 billion in new coronavirus aid for small businesses and hospitals and more funding for testing, ending a lengthy battle over the size and contents of the package.
SBA Payment Protection Program: Information from Congressman John Lewis
Get your application in now!
The funds will move fast and many lenders have applications lined up already.
CDFIs, Credit Unions, and smaller banks are expected to be able to offer these loans this round with the new funding.
Unity Bank of Texas urges small businesses to apply with them immediately if they have not applied already. You do not have to be a current client.
https://www.unitybanktexas.com/Business-Loans.aspx
George Andrews 404.588.9611
Michael Green 404.609.3463
Great Webinar that answers a lot of questions!
Click here to view.
On the Federal Tax Deferrals
The federal government is now allowing deferrals for 100% of the social security payroll tax paid by employers and deferral for 50% of social security costs paid by self-employed individuals. This is applicable to any tax deposits due between 3/27/20 and 12/31/2020.
Why it's right for you:
The social security payroll tax amounts to 6.2% of gross wages. You can pay 50% of the taxes by December 2021 and the other 50% by December 2022.
Things to note:
If you defer these tax deposits, you as the employer are solely liable for payment by the extended due date.
Employers that participate in the PPP are not eligible for this program. However, they can defer taxes up until the date the employer applies for and receives a decision that their PPP loan has been forgiven.
On Employee Retention Credit (ERC)
For each quarter through the end of 2020, employers are eligible for a credit of up to 50% of the first $10,000 in qualified wages for each qualified employee. This employee retention credit is limited to the 6.2% employer share of Social Security taxes subject to several conditions, and any excess credit is refundable.
You cannot get this credit if you have a PPP loan.
There are a lot of questions as Georgia prepares to reopen for business under strict social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Update on Pandemic Unemployment for 1099 contractors and self employed.
We want to know how your business has been impacted over the past month and business continuity steps you have taken. This information is needed to best understand the impact and the resources you have used.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS FRIDAY APRIL 30, 2020.
FILL OUT THE SURVEY NOW
So today, do these FOUR THINGS and know you're doing great!
We're here for you! We're in this TOGETHER!
We're here for you!
We're in this TOGETHER!
Since Friday, April 3, small businesses have been applying for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans authorized under the CARES Act that was enacted on March 27.
Business owners have experienced setbacks while applying for the PPP forgivable loans and the Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) and Emergency Grants. Further appropriations and improvements to the PPP are needed as well as increased access to EIDLs and Emergency Grants.
Congress needs to hear from you NOW. Tell them your experience applying for PPPL and EIDLs and how they need to improve and expand these programs immediately.
Act NOW and urge your Senators and Representative to improve and expand access to the PPP, EIDLs, and Emergency Grants.
When: Apr 21, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this meeting: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/vpcvduurqzot-b1NyuxWwElHc1IiTdqPsg After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
We want to know how your business has been impacted over the past month and business continuity steps you have taken. This information is needed to best understand the impact and the resources you have used. We will share this information with the City of Atlanta to better advocated on behalf of small businesses in our community. DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS FRIDAY APRIL 24, 2020.
Free webinar on the Paycheck Protection Program
Join Intuit on Friday, April 17 at 11:00 AM PT as our panel discusses this new government-backed relief program and how it can help eligible businesses and organizations.
Commercial Tenant/Landlord FB Live with Downs Law
https://www.facebook.com/events/868902863589924/
There's obviously a lot of economic instability with the recent Covid-19 outbreak. What is the impact of the recent crisis on landlord/tenant relationships? Downs Law will answer landlord/tenant questions live on Facebook this Friday at noon. POST YOUR QUESTIONS Please post your questions on FB in the event conversation or send us a question in messenger.
AWBI Grants for COVID-19 Small Business Support + Recording of EIDL & PPP Webinar
Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative (AWBI) has just launched a new COVID-19 Small Business Support fund with a focus on supporting black owned businesses located in City of Atlanta's Southwest, Southeast, or Northwest neighborhoods.
Grants ranging from $2,500 - $25,000 will be awarded to qualifying businesses to cover employee salaries, rent, supplier expenses, and technical assistance for up to 3 months.
Criteria:
• Business must be established prior to March 16, 2019.
• Business must be in good standing.
• Annual Revenues of the business or nonprofit not to exceed $3 million as evidenced by Financial Statement or other financial documentation.
• Eligible uses include: working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, technical assistance or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of operations.
Learn more and apply >>
https://www.atlantawealthbuilding.org/covid19-relief-fund
Patch has made it easier for local businesses and individuals to help reach their communities during the coronavirus outbreak.
For a limited time, events and classifieds are free to promote in one community, so your messages to your neighbors can get more visibility.
Posting to Patch’s classifieds section can help spread the word out about job listings, housing opportunities, stuff for sale and more.
Also, you can post to Patch’s local calendars to share fundraisers, webinars or other virtual events still happening while you’re sheltered in place.
When you choose to promote your event or classified for free, your post will get featured on Patch’s news pages and in our newsletters for the next seven days. If you want to promote for longer, or to more communities, you can do so for just $1 per day.
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to our support team, who can help you get started right away.
The Patch Team
Business Owners: If you have one, submit your GoFundMe to get a $500 matching grant. I did it a couple weeks ago and they just matched $500 to our GoFundMe today. It's really simple...
Here are the requirements...
https://www.gofundme.com/small-business-relief-fundraisers…
To donate to the grant fund:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/smallbusinessrelieffund
It’s been a wild ride this past month since COVID-19 has become an ever changing daily topic of our lives and impact on our small businesses. Now, with the Governor extending the stay at home order through the end of April, we feel your anxiety about the unknown especially how to navigate all the information that is out there!
This is absolutely a time to lean on YOUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION. Kirkwood Business Owners' Association was formed to promote, advocate and connect - no matter the circumstances. During these uniquely challenging times, here is what we are doing on your behalf:
Advocate
COVID-19 business impact and response surveys that convey the needs of the business community to the City of Atlanta.
Impact Survey Results
See Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative Survey Results
Response Survey Available 4.13.20. Fill out by 4.24.20
Drafting a letter to the Mayor Bottoms and City Council advocating to alleviate license fees for 2020.
Promote
Ongoing list of Kirkwood Businesses and their offerings during COVID-19.
Starting member social media posts featuring offerings and ways to support
Connect
Weekly emails and blog posts with business resources
Members can expect a check-in call from our board of directors over the next few weeks.
Virtual meetings over the next few months.
UNEMPLOYMENT FILING & DOR TAX DEADLINES
As an Employer: Unemployment Filing for Partial Claims for your Employees
You must Establish Administrator Access
Follow these Steps for Partial Unemployment Claims
Update on Department of Revenue Tax Filing Deadlines
PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance)
This includes individuals who are self-employed, gig workers, 1099 independent contractors, or those with limited work history who will not qualify for state unemployment benefits.
The GDOL is modifying its current online unemployment application adding new questions to better identify those individuals who may be eligible for PUA. This modified application is expected to be available on Monday, April 13, 2020. Once the application is received, it will take several weeks to process.
If you have already filed a claim with the GDOL and will be eligible to potentially receive benefits under this program, you do NOT have to refile your claim. These individuals will be identified and sent an email with a link to provide additional information for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program.
Read More
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, allocates $349 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the current circumstances they are encountering. The CARES Act provides funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, modifies the existing Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and provides immediate loan payment relief for current SBA 7(a) borrowers.
READ MORE
NFIB Coronavirus Part V: UPDATE – SBA’s EIDL and PPP Loan Programs
Download here
In the process of working with philanthropy and other partners to increase the funds available, with the intention of increasing the number of small businesses that can be served through this program.
Please share that all applications in process, but not completed, will be placed on hold until additional funds are identified.
Program updates will be sent out to applicants via email.
Those who have not yet begun an application, but are interested in receiving updates, should fill out this brief survey and indicate their interest in the business continuity loan fund.
Add your fundraiser to your Open Table Listing
National Restaurant Association Restaurant Employee Relief Fund: A fund set up for individuals who have lost their restaurant industry jobs due to COVID-19.
The James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund: A fund started by the acclaimed restaurant award organization, with money earmarked specifically for “small, independent restaurants” to help keep them from going out of business.
The LEE Initiative Restaurant Workers Relief Program: A program create by popular chef Edward Lee that feeds laid-off service industry workers through restaurants across the country.
World Central Kitchen: A humanitarian non-profit from award-winning chef José Andrés that sets out to feed the hungry, often through restaurants, in times of need.
Artist Relief is an emergency, non-restricted fund that will grant $5,000 to individual artists facing financial hardship; serve as an informational resource; and co-launch the COVID-19 Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers, designed by Research Partner Americans for the Arts, to better identify and address the needs of artists moving forward.
