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Startup Relief Resources

March 26, 2020

In uncertain times, being a startup founder comes with a whole new level of stress, anxiety, and fears. We are here to help you find resources to combat those things and come out on the other side bigger, better and more resilient than before. We are here for you and we are in this with you.

Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance

The President allocated as much as $50 billion to the SBA to extend financial assistance (low interest loans) to businesses  during the COVID-19 crisis.  Please find the SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers here.

COVID CARES Act

Watch this webinar to see Aprio unpack the historic $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the largest economic stimulus package in modern history and what it means to businesses and individuals.

They will discuss the key stimulus bill measures including:
• Direct payments to taxpayers
• The $500 billion lending program for businesses
• The historic boost for unemployment benefits
• Special rules for retirement funds
• Emergency FMLA and paid sick leave

Watch this COVID CARES Act Q&A with David Lerner and Robert Whitehurst from Ascent CPA

Paycheck Protection Program

HubSpot for Startups Resources

1. You got at PPP loan - now what? Many startups are struggling to figure out what's valid and what's not to retain the eligibility for forgiveness on the PPP loan program in the US. In this video Rho Bank founder Everett Cook shares with us some tips on how to use that PPP loan the best way possible.
2. Founder to CEO - many founders have to eventually go through the hard transition from founder and Chief Mission Officer to the more complex, and for some, less exciting role of CEO. In this presentation Kate Carney, founder of Carney Consulting, shares her insights into what goes into this transition and whether you should consider hiring an external CEO for your growing business.

US States’ Small Business Support Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic Article by Best Accounting Software

Best Accounting Software has ranked each state based on the help they’ve given and are continuing to give to small businesses during the pandemic. Scores depend on the number of loans that have been or are still available, the allocation of federal funding, and their regulations (e.g. extending businesses tax deadlines). Check it out!

Amex Waiving Interest and Late Fees

According to a statement by American Express, they are ready to assist customers having financial difficulties due to the effects of COVID-19. To learn about their financial hardship programs click here

CoronaVirus Tax Relief

The Treasury Department and IRS just announced a three-month delay for any tax filing and the option to defer payments owed up to $1 million to July 15. This will apply to individual tax returns but should also cover many pass-through entities and small businesses.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program

Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries. What makes a company eligible is still up in the air, but you can read more and sign up to get updates here.

Morris, Manning, & Martin, LLP Webinar & Task Force

MMM hosted a webinar on COVID-19 LEGAL ISSUES: WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED TO KNOW Watch here!

They covered several important issues that impact tech companies, including:

  • H.R. 6201: The Families First Coronavirus Response Act
  • Handling employee sick leave and other leaves of absence
  • Workplace reductions and furloughs
  • Remote workforce issues
  • Wage and hour compliance
  • Employee safety
  • Employee benefits issues related to COVID-19

MMM hosted a webinar on COVID-19 LEGAL ISSUES: WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED TO KNOW Watch here!

They have also put together a task force to keep everyone updated on legal updates. You can see those here. 

Invest Atlanta Economic Assistance for Atlanta Businesses Affected by COVID-19

The city capitalized a $1.5m loan fund to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 economic disruption. The basic terms of the loan will be:  0% interest, 6-12 month deferment, 5-year payment term and the range of loans will be $5,000-$30,000.  All loan information can be found here. If you have any questions, you can reach out to Invest Atlanta here

Salesforce Care Product and Resources

As part of Salesforce’s commitment to support small and growing companies through this crisis, they announced Salesforce Care for Small Business. Salesforce is offering assistance to companies with a combination of free product and helpful content resources. As new customers, startups will get:

  • 3 months free of out-of-the-box CRM, Salesforce Essentials
  • 3 months free of analytics solution, Tableau Desktop
  • 6 months free of collaboration tool, Quip 

CallRail Free Trial for 60 Days

Village Alumni company, CallRail, is offering two months free to help out during COVID-19! CallRail provides tracking and analytics for phone calls and web forms. You can discover which ads, keywords, and campaigns bring valuable leads over the phone and on the web. To check them out and sign up for the 2-month free trial, click here!

Resources For Transitioning to Remote Work

Remote Livestream Q&A

Basecamp has been a 100% remote company for 20 years. Founder, Jason Fried, tackles a livestream Q&A with helpful insight into managing remote work and remote teams. 

  • Basecamp is more than just a project management tool — it’s a better way to work. Teams that switch to Basecamp are more productive and better organized. They communicate better and require fewer meetings. And they’re far more efficient than before. Here’s how Basecamp makes it happen.

The Guide to Remote Hiring and Onboarding

Even though your team is remote, it shouldn’t mean you stop growing! Check out Twist’s guide to remote hiring. Once you’ve hired them, check out this guide on how to onboard remote team members.

Free CoronaVirus Phishing Test

Educate your workforce to stay secure.  With our new remote workforce we are already seeing hacking and phishing attempts at an all time high. Curricula is offering free phishing tests and you can sign up here. 

15 Questions About Remote Work, Answered

Remote work might be our new reality. Do you have questions about how to shift? Check out this article by the Harvard Business Review.

Resources For Transitioning to Working from Home with Kids

Georgia Aquarium Live Streams

Need a few minutes to get that e-mail out or take that phone call? Show your kids these  live streams and they’ll be occupied long enough for you to work! It’s also said that watching fish reduces blood pressure and increases relaxation. Watch here!

Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence at Home

Every day at 1PM  Mo Willems welcomes kids to Lunch Doodles! Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. Watch here!

GoNoodle

GoNoodle engages kids every month with movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts. Available for free at school, home, and everywhere kids are!

Mental Health Resources

Tips for Working from Home Effectively

Staying locked in during a global pandemic does not translate into zen feelings. Here are some options to help you put your best mind forward!

Staying Centered Among the Chaos

Read this Village blog post by Community Coordinator, Irina Burlack, to focus on what you CAN control. We already know that you are washing your hands and staying away from big crowds. Irina teaches us coping mechanisms and creates an on-demand de-stress toolbox.

Managing Stress & Anxiety from the CDC

Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Check out the CDC’s recommendations here.

As we always say, we are here to help startups find success. We are here to walk alongside you (6 feet apart, of course) as we come together to navigate the new normal. During this unprecedented time, we want you to know we are cheering for you!

March 26, 2020
Hilton Thompson