Happy Friday!!!....whatever that means now. I know since COVID-19 changed our lives, most of our energy is focused on keeping our businesses afloat ...when we seem to be lost at sea.

So today, do these FOUR THINGS and know you're doing great!

We're here for you!

We're in this TOGETHER! 

1.     SIGN UP FOR THE SAVE SMALL BUSINESS FUND

• Opens Monday 4/20/20. Businesses in 30317 are eligible for $5000 grants
• Sign up to notified to apply on Monday 

SIGN UP TO APPLY ON MONDAY

2.     LET CONGRESS KNOW SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS NEED MORE FUNDING 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.

COVID-19 LOAN TRACKER

EASY TEMPLATE TO SEND CONGRESS A MESSAGE NOW

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH PPPL PROGRAM

3. FILL OUT THE Kirkwood Business Owners' Association COVID-19 RESPONSE SURVEY 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 advocate on behalf of small businesses in our community. DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS FRIDAY APRIL 24, 2020.

FILL OUT THE SURVEY

4. REGISTER FOR THE KBOA ZOOM MEETING ON TUESDAY, 4/21

You are invited to a Zoom meeting. 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. 

FILL OUT THE SURVEY NOW

WEBINARS

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

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 LISTINGS

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

GOFUND ME MATCHING GRANT

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...

• - Have at least $500 raised
• - Have the business owner set up as the beneficiary to the campaign (if they aren't raising funds themselves)
• - Have withdrawals set up
• - Add the hashtag #smallbusinessrelief to your campaign story

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.
  

• • Email additions or changes to kirkwoodbiz@gmail.com!
    

• 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.

VIRTUAL SMALL BUSINESS COFFEE ON TUES. APRIL 7 @ 9:30AM

We are holding a virtual business networking on Tuesday April 7th from 9:30-10:30am via Zoom. This month the board of directors will hold a COVID-19 Business Resource Q&A.

Submit your questions by Monday April 6th @ Noon.
https://forms.gle/Yn9nVJc7P7YmeNDo8


Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/upcrceigqTMprkb2rysj3tCB-qrfYx81Iw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

We hope you are healthy, staying sane while you shelter at home, and taking walks in the sunshine. We know there is a lot of information out there and it is very overwhelming.   KBOA is here to curate the most up to date resources and support for our members and all Kirkwood businesses during these uncertain times.

FRIDAY APRIL 3 WEBINARS

NFIB COVID-19 Part IV: How to Apply for a Coronavirus Small Business Loan Webinar: Friday April 3 @ Noon

• NFIB will host its fourth COVID-19 webinar on Friday, April 3, 2020, at 12 pm ET, which will focus exclusively on small business loan programs that are now available.
• SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications are already being accepted. And starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply for forgivable loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPPL). Businesses interested in a PPPL have been advised by the U.S. Treasury Department to apply as quickly as they can because there is a funding cap. 
• REGISTER NOW

Facebook Live with Downs Law on Commercial Landlord/Tenant Q&A: Friday April 3 @ Noon

• https://www.facebook.com/events/902298516896892/

Today is the fifth day of the 14 day stay at home order until April 7th.        We hope you are getting outside and enjoying this beautiful Spring weather.

We highly encourage all businesses to follow the City of Atlanta Executive Order to Stay at Home signed on March 23, 2020. For your health and our community's health we want to reiterate that only the "Essential Businesses" are allowed to be open. What does that mean? --

• Essential Businesses are focused on brick and mortar locations where the public gathers, which increases the chances of spreading COVID-19. These "Essential Businesses" are outlined in Section 6. (f). 
  
• If your business is outlined in the Executive Order to be closed, we encourage you to follow the order.
  
• If you have an appointment based business that does not operate out of a brick and mortar location but classified as non-essential business in the Executive Order, please follow CDC guidelines when operating.
  
• Your cooperation makes a difference!
• Remember to be gentle with yourself, your family and the community at large during this uncertain time. Please see Section 6. (a) for an outline of "Essential Activities" that may require you to leave your home.
  
• Your health is the most important right now.
• KBOA is here to help you connect with resources and up to date information regarding COVID-19!
  

We will get through this together!!!

LEARN HOW TO SUPPORT KIRKWOOD BUSINESSES DURING COVID-19

• We've added this button to our website at Kirkwoodbiz.com as well as pinned on FB @kirkwoodbiz
• If you have a change your business offerings during this time, please email kirkwoodbiz@gmail.com and we'll update the list.

ICYMI: OUR BLOG POSTS

3.26.20 COVID-19 Update: Stay At Home Order + ATLStrong.org Launch + Schools Closed Until April 24

3.24.20 Updates: Virtual Town Hall for Business & Hospitality TMW + Invest Atlanta Loan Fund Now Open

3.18.20 COVID-19 Update + FILL OUT IMPACT SURVEY

No Meeting 3/17 + COVID-19 Business Impact Survey + Resources!!!

3.26.20 MORE BUSINESS RESOURCES DURING COVID-19

HootSuite Article Adapting to More Digital and Social Ways of Being in a Time of Crisis + Free Access to Professional Plan Until July 1, 2020 

Small Business Relief Initiative with Quickbooks & GoFundMe

Invest Atlanta Business Continuity Loan Fund

Atlanta BeltLine Business Resources During COVID-19

ATLSTRONG.org

QuickBooks customers with personal and business credit history and revenue of at least $50,000 over the past 12 months, you may be eligible for a loan up to $100,000 from Intuit's small business program. APPLY HERE

Square customers:Square Capital supports eligible businesses with loans between $500-$250,000. Log in to your Square Dashboard, or learn more HERE

Toast customer:Eligible restaurants can access capital without a credit score requirement via Toast Capital. LEARN MORE HERE

Kabbage provides small businesses with a simple online application that can be paid over 6, 12, or 18 months with no origination fees.If it makes sense for your business, you can explore applying to a line of credit up to $250,000 HERE
Kabbage launched an online hub to help boost sales for U.S small businesses impacted by COVID-19, including a system through which businesses can sell gift cards to consumers for use at a later date. Learn more.

List of some banks providing relief during this time.

JPMorgan pledged $50 million global philanthropic commitment to support communities and people hit hardest by this public health crisis, including $2 million to existing nonprofit partners and $8 million to assist small businesses. Learn more.

The James Beard Foundation is launching a fund that will be gathering support from corporate, foundation, and individual donors to provide micro-grants to independent food and beverage businesses in need. Learn more. 

MainVest, a crowdfunding platform, announced its new Main Street Initiative: a $2,000, zero-interest, 120 day loan for restaurants or other brick and mortars affected by the shutdown. Learn more.

Opportunity Fund, which specializes in money lending to small businesses owned by women, immigrants and people of color, is collaborating with investors and nonprofits to put together a coronavirus relief fund that will provide grants and low-interest rate loans. Learn more.

For assistance with applications, please reach out to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center

The City of Atlanta has ordered a 14 day STAY AT HOME ORDER. Find out what you can and can not do during this time.  

This includes a list of essential businesses that are allowed to be open. 

Here are the ones open in Kirkwood/East Lake!  

• Restaurants with Take Out/Delivery + To Go Alcohol with Order: Arden's Garden, Dom Beijos, Urban Pie, Dulce Vegan, Elmiryachi, Anna's BBQ, Sun in My Belly, Salaryman, Poor Hendrix, My Coffee Shop and Dish Dive.
  
• Gas Station:Valero with limited hours: 8am-8pm
  
• Grocery Store: Kroger, Aldi and Publix (close by)
• Dry Cleaner/Laundromat.: 
• Liquor Store: 
• Pharmacy: 
• Pet Store:Kirkwood Feed & Seed + Kirkwood Bark & Lounge
  
• Veterinary: 
• Auto Repair: 
• Home Supply Store: 
• Post Office: Kirkwood Post Office

CHECK OUT A FULL LIST OF KBOA MEMBERS' COVID-19 OFFERINGS

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Launches #ATLSTRONG, Providing COVID-19 Information and Resources for Atlanta Residents

ATLANTA—Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced the launch of #ATLSTRONG—a new website that will serve as a COVID-19 resource hub for Atlanta residents. By visiting ATLSTRONG.ORG, residents and businesses can sign up for COVID-19 text alerts, request information on emergency fund assistance relief and more.

“Atlanta will rise above the challenges we face with the COVID-19 health threat, and we will do so together,” said Mayor Bottoms. “By staying connected, residents and businesses alike can do their part to ensure we stop the spread of this virus and start the recovery process.”

By texting “ATLCOVID19” to 888777, users will receive the latest and necessary information on COVID-19 as it happens. By visiting ATLSTRONG.ORG, visitors will find information on meal assistance, CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, find information on Mayor Bottoms’ Executive and Administrative Orders and tax relief information for businesses.

The launch of #ATLSTRONG is the latest action taken by Mayor Bottoms to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the City of Atlanta. 

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued an Executive Order instituting a temporary order for those individuals within the territorial jurisdictional limits of the City of Atlanta to stay in their place of residence.

Mayor Bottoms issued an Executive Order calling for the closure of all bars and nightclubs that do not serve food, gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys, and arcades, and private social clubs, located within the territorial jurisdictional limits of the City of Atlanta. However, restaurants and other eating and drinking establishments where food is served may continue preparing and offering food to customers via delivery service, drive-through, or take-out. 

Mayor Bottoms issued an Administrative Order directing the Atlanta Police Department to refrain from enforcing prohibitions against the sale of unopened wine or malt beverages by the package for off premises consumption by restaurants and other eating and drinking establishments licensed for the sale of those beverages. 

Mayor Bottoms also issued a directive for the Centers of Hope Afterschool program to continue to provide free meals to all students who rely on them throughout the closure of schools. For more information on the Centers of Hope Afterschool Program and Registration, please visit the Official Website. 

The City has also posted prevention information and additional resources related to COVID-19 on its website here. 

Chief among the City’s guidance to residents and visitors are the following preventative measures:

1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
4. Stay home when you are sick. 
5. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
6. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 
7. If you have recently returned from a country with ongoing COVID-19 infections monitor your health and follow the instructions of public health officials

Recommended CDC safety guidelines can be found online here.

###

Gov. Kemp Orders Schools Closed Through April 24

GEORGIA — As the initial closing of Georgia schools nears on Tuesday, Gov. Brian Kemp extended the closure of all public schools in Georgia through April 24.

Kemp signed an executive order on Thursday "that mandates public schools will remain closed for in-person instruction through April 24 - students may return on Monday, April 27," Sen. Jen Jordan tweeted.

"Prior to this date, governor will make a decision on the remainder of school year," Jordan said.

READ ARTICLE

a. City of Atlanta Shelter at Home Order + Governor Kemp Announcement: YESTERDAY 3.23.20
b. Town Hall: TODAY 3.24.20: Amir Farokhi hosts District 2 COVID-19 Town c. Hall - Small Business & Hospitality Focus
c. No Interest Loans: Invest Atlanta Business Continuity Loan Fund- Fill out sooner than later!!!

d. SBA Disaster Loan Assistance: Now Open

e. FB Grants- sign up for notifications

The details --

a. YESTERDAY: 3.23.20 City of Atlanta + Governor Kemp Announcement

• City of Atlanta Announces 14 day stay at home order
  
• Governor Kemp banned large gatherings (more than 10 people) and ordered shelter-in-place for the 'medically fragile.' THE DETAILS

• Dekalb County asked families to shelter in place and added a 9pm voluntary curfew. READ MORE
  

b.TODAY 3.24.20 - Amir Farokhi hosts District 2 COVID-19 Town Hall for Any Small Business & Hospitality Business in Atlanta

Hosted by Amir Farokhi, District 2 Council member. 

Open to any small business and hospitality business in Atlanta. 

Town Hall Login Details: 

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Mar 24, 2020 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: District2 COVID-19 Town Hall - Small Business & Hospitality

 

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://zoom.us/j/811863095

 

Or iPhone one-tap :

US: +16465588656,,811863095#  or +13126266799,,811863095#

Or Telephone:

Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

    US: +1 646 558 8656  or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782

    Webinar ID: 811 863 095

International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/aKIpsF53v

 

 

c. Small Business Funds Available

IN CASE YOU MISSED THIS LAST FRIDAY! --

Invest Atlanta Business Continuity Loan Fund NOW OPEN https://www.investatlanta.com/business-continuity-loan-fund

d. SBA DISASTER LOAN ASSISTANCE NOW OPEN

SBA Loan Overview with Application Link

e. SIGN UP FOR NOTIFICATIONS 

Facebook Grants for Small Businesses

 

Stay safe! 

#flattenthecurve

#supportlocal