Maryland Strong: Economic Recovery Initiative Announced
Governor Larry Hogan recently announced the $250 million "Maryland Strong: Economic Recovery Initiative," which provides funding from the Rainy Day Fund to directly assist small businesses, restaurants, local entertainment venues, arts organizations, and Main Streets across the state. The new funding will be provided to new and existing programs. Information will be provided as it becomes available.
MSAC Additional Emergency Grant Funding Now Available
An additional $3 million was distributed to MSAC through its
Emergency Grant Program. Created in March in response to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, Emergency Grants provide funding to arts organizations and artists for losses sustained because of programming, operations, and events that have been modified or cancelled. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on November 13 to be considered for funding.
COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund Available
Additional funding is now available through the successful COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund, which is designed to support small businesses undergoing economic stresses due to the pandemic by preventing or minimizing the duration of unemployment resulting from layoffs. The award (up to $50,000 per applicant), will be a quick deployable benefit and customizable to the specific needs of your business to minimize the need for layoffs.
FY2021 COVID Relief Grants for the Arts Program
Anne Arundel County Partners with Arts Council to Provide $1 million for Artists and Arts Organizations through the FY2021 COVID Relief Grants for the Arts Program (GAP). Grants will be broken down in two categories: Independent Artists, and Arts Nonprofits or Businesses that solely employ artists or performers. All applicants must be a resident of Anne Arundel County.
Excluded Worker Humanitarian Relief Fund
To help our communities begin a path to recovery, AAWDC in partnership with Anne Arundel County has established the Excluded Worker Humanitarian Relief Fund. Financial support will be provided to unemployed residents who lost their job in 2020, were making $25/hour or less, and have not received unemployment insurance benefits. Contact the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation, 410-987-3890.
Upcoming Restaurant and Food Service Recovery Grant
The Restaurant and Food Service Recovery Grant, administered by Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, aims to help restaurants and food service businesses in the county that have been impacted by a significant reduction in revenue because of pandemic related restrictions while also trying to afford new costs related to ensuring employee and customer safety as well as regular operating expenses. The application portal will open this month.
Celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week
Join the US Small Business Administration this week, November 2-6, as they celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week. They will be showcasing our nation’s military and veteran-owned businesses all week long. This year’s theme is #VetBiz Resources in Your Local Community which highlights the breadth of free to low-cost entrepreneurial resources that veteran and military entrepreneurs can access right in their neighborhood.
Comcast RISE Offers Marketing and Technology Makeovers
Comcast RISE is a program that stands for Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment. It is initially available for Black small business owners, and beginning November 28, 2020, all BIPOC small business owners will be eligible to apply. In addition, all small businesses are able to sign up for free marketing insights and resources.