Connected Nation recently launched an online application for the AT&T K-12 Connected Learning Program, which is focused on closing the homework gap for at-risk students by providing free AT&T wireless internet service and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots to students nationwide. Nonprofit organizations and schools that serve at-risk youth nationwide are invited to apply. Applications are due January 11, 2021. Awardees will be announced in February 2021. Visit the application website for more eligibility information and answers to frequently asked questions.

The Local Initiatives Support Corporation has opened another round of the Rural Relief Small Business grant program for small businesses in a rural community facing immediate financial pressure due to COVID-19. Rural communities are defined as having a population of 50,000 or less. Applicants can be awarded between $5,000 and $20,000 for expenses including rent and utilities, payroll, debt payments, and other immediate operational costs. The application deadline is December 2, 2020. Additional application windows will be December 29, 2020 - January 5, 2021 and January 26 - February 2, 2021. See more grant information and frequently asked questions. 

Join the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Fall Planning Workshop this Friday, December 4, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. This annual half-day workshop for local governments will focus on Responsible Revitalization and build on last year’s workshop theme “Building Equity into Planning.” This year, hear best planning practices for ensuring equitable housing, equitable jobs, and equitable transportation. Registration is required. For more information, contact Cheryl Mergo at 713-993-4520.

The White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are hosting a webinar series for local economic development leaders and stakeholders in communities with designated Opportunity Zones (OZs). Public officials, community development professionals, nonprofit organizations, civic leaders, and other local economic development stakeholders are encouraged to attend. On December 3, join to Understand the Current Environment and Align Place-Based Assets. On December 8, join to learn how to Establish Policy Tools and Incentives, Develop Partnerships, and Measure Impacts. On December 15, learn how to Develop Your OZ Action Plan to Build or Strengthen Your Local OZ Ecosystem.

Houston's local SCORE chapter is offering free virtual events and workshops for small businesses and small business support organizations. Upcoming in December, they will offer workshops on Planning for the Disaster, the SBA 7(a) Loan Program, Planning for Recovery and SBA disaster loans, and much more.

The University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast Small Business Development Centers offer free access to pre-recorded webinars for small businesses and a wide selection of upcoming webinars. In the month of December, learn about digital marketing, creating a budget, futurizing your business for 2021, and defining a marketplace in the new economy, among other topics.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. 

Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program (Ongoing) 

Texas Community Development Block Grant Programs (May 3, 2021)

For non-entitlement units of general local government, the Community Development Fund; Colonia Fund: Construction Program; and Downtown Revitalization Program can finance public infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and numerous other activities.

Business & Industry CARES Act Guaranteed Loan Program (September 15, 2021)

Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (Ongoing)

EDA Scaling Pandemic Resilience Through Innovation and Technology (SPRINT) Challenge (December 3, 2020)

Community Connect Grants (December 23, 2020)

December 1 | Counties and COVID-19 Vaccine Planning: How Counties are Investing Coronavirus Relief Fund Dollars | National Association of Counties

December 3 | PPP Loan Forgiveness Overview and Q&A | Small Business Administration

Participants will walk step-by-step through the Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application. No registration required; join live at 2 p.m. on December 3.

December 7-11 | The 2021 Legislative Session Virtual Symposium | The Texas Tribune

December 16 | Financing Local Food Systems Development | Texas Economic Development Council and the Council of Development Finance Agencies

Visit the GCEDD website for information and links to local, regional, and partner organizations that have additional resources and information on economic recovery. A select list is presented below.