Economic Recovery Resources - Biweekly Update |
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The Houston-Galveston Area Council and the Gulf Coast Economic Development District issue this Economic Recovery Resources Biweekly Update to help our local partners secure the resources they need to recover from economic disruption. Subscribers to the monthly Regional Economic Development Digest will receive the update automatically.
Please email Jillian Donatto to discuss economic recovery needs you may have.
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Update on the Passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act |
On November 15, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. The $1.2 trillion bill aims to provide resources to improve national transportation infrastructure, expand access to clean drinking water, expand access to high-speed internet, address climate related issues, and above all, create additional investment in traditionally underserved communities. Learn more.
H-GAC and the GCEDD are engaged in an in-depth analysis of this legislation and its funding potential. More information regarding economic development related programs from the bill will be included in forthcoming issues of the monthly Economic Development Digest. To subscribe to the digest, click here. |
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SBA Announces Updated Guidance Regarding Applicant Deadlines for COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program |
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced updated guidance for COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program applicants to better serve small business owners in need, while funding remains available.
Specifically, the following updated guidance is being provided:
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EIDL loan and Targeted Advance applications will be accepted until December 31 and will continue to be processed after this date until funds are exhausted.
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Supplemental Targeted Advance applications will be accepted until December 31.
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Borrowers can request increases up to their maximum eligible loan amount for up to two years after their loan origination date, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever is soonest.
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The SBA will accept and review reconsideration and appeal requests for COVID EIDL applications received on or before December 31 if the reconsideration/appeal is received within the timeframes in the regulation.
The SBA strongly encourages the submission of supplemental advance applications by December 10; all applications are due by December 31. Learn More.
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Inclusive Backing Grants for Underrepresented Small Business Owners: Deadline TODAY
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As small businesses continue to feel the impact of the pandemic, many still need support to keep their doors open. American Express is partnering with Main Street America to launch a $1.65 million year-round grant program called Inclusive Backing. More than 250 grants of $5,000 each will be awarded in four cycles over 12 months to small business owners in older or historic commercial districts across the country, with priority given to businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The first grant cycle will provide grants to both small business owners with disabilities and/or those who identify as Asian, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander. First cycle applications must be submitted by TODAY, November 29. Future grant cycles will be announced in early 2022. Learn more.
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Texas Community Resiliency Program Community Development Block Grant Deadline Is Tomorrow
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The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) announced the release of $38 million in Community Development Block Grant CARES Act funds for the Texas Community Resiliency Program. The program is for non-entitlement cities and counties to create, expand, or enhance public facilities that provide medical care, social services, and/or emergency housing and increase the community’s long-term resiliency and ability to mitigate future coronavirus outbreaks. The minimum request amount per project is $500,000, and the maximum is $5,000,000. Applications must be submitted by TOMORROW, November 30 at 5 pm. Contact [email protected] with questions about this program. Learn more.
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Federal Funding for Rural Communities |
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.
Grants and loans to construct, enlarge, or improve essential community facilities in rural areas.
Loans and grants to a non-profit entity or institution of higher education to establish revolving loan funds for rural micro-loan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs, or to provide training and technical assistance to micro entrepreneurs.
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Federal Funding for All Communities |
U.S. Economic Development Administration grants for construction or non-construction projects that will retain or create jobs and/or generate private investment.
American Express is partnering with Main Street America to launch a $1.65M year-round grant program of more than 250 grants of $5,000 each for small business owners in older or historic commercial districts across the country, with priority given to businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The first grant cycle will provide grants to both small business owners with disabilities and/or those who identify as Asian, Asian American, and/or Pacific Islander.
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs grants to create, expand, or enhance public facilities that provide medical care, social services, and/or non-congregate housing in response to both the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics.
National Telecommunications and Information Administration grants to eligible Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges or Universities (TCUs), minority-serving institutions (MSIs), and consortia led by an HBCU, TCU, or MSI that also include a minority business enterprise or tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization to expand broadband access.
Federal Emergency Management Agency grants to support community capacity building and resilience strengthening in direct response to the growing hazards associated with climate change.
U.S. Economic Development Administration grants to develop and strengthen regional workforce training systems and sector-based partnerships with a focus on programs for women, people of color, and historically underserved communities.
U.S. Economic Development Administration grants to help communities plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs.
U.S. Economic Development Administration funding for Tribal Governments and Indigenous communities to develop and execute economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future.
U.S. Economic Development Administration investments to revitalize the hard-hit travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries and accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on these sectors.
U.S. Economic Development Administration funding for regional coalitions to implement a collection of 3 to 8 distinct but related projects, in coordination with industry and community partners, and aligned around a holistic vision to build and scale a strategic industry cluster.
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Upcoming Economic Recovery Webinars |
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is hosting a series of online courses throughout November on inclusive economic recovery. The Whole Community Inclusive Economic Recovery course will introduce economic development districts, civic, community, and economic leaders to economic recovery planning using a whole community approach.
The International Economic Development Council and the International City/County Manager Association (ICMA) have developed a new training course in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The course, designed for government administrators and economic development professionals, will help participants gain the knowledge they need to update communities’ economic recovery plans. Planning for Economic Recovery is a free, interactive webinar filled with examples of successful economic recovery strategies. Participants will have opportunities for small group discussions and peer learning.
In-Person Events:
The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC), in partnership with the International Sustainable Resiliency Center, are hosting a workshop on disaster resiliency and recovery. The workshop will focus on preparing your community to be more resilient to navigate disasters of all kinds, to learn the best practices for business continuity and where to access resources to aid in economic recovery. Each workshop participant will receive resource materials, a resilience scorecard and important information to aid in resilience and recovery strategies for economic development.
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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.
The Greater Houston Partnership has established the Greater Houston Business Recovery Center (GHBRC), which will provide guidance on policy and financing related to recovery programs.
RestoreYourEconomy is your resource for up-to-date information related to COVID-19 and its economic impacts.
The Texas Economic Development Council COVID-19 webpage catalogs webinars, small business program examples, research white papers, Texas Workforce Commission resources, and advice for retailers.
The National Association of Development Organizations COVID-19 resource center provides advocacy resources, upcoming virtual events and trainings, federal agency COVID-19 resources, national partner organizations response resources, Office of Management and Budget guidance, state-by-state workforce guidelines, and philanthropic resources for communities.
A wide range of free resources for Main Street leaders, including recovery planning tools, research, and best practices and examples from around the Main Street Network.
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Gulf Coast Economic Development District
The Economic Recovery Resources - Weekly Update is published by the
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