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 or call 631-897-3817 to discuss economic recovery needs you may have.
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Emergency Connectivity Fund Open to Applications from Schools, Libraries |
The Federal Communication Commission's Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) is a $7.17 billion program that will help schools and libraries provide tools and services for remote learning during the COVID-19 emergency period. For eligible schools and libraries, the ECF will cover reasonable costs of computers; Wi-Fi hotspots; modems; routers; and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons. Applications are due August 13. Learn more.
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Restaurant Revitalization Fund Closed, Over $28 Billion Awarded |
As of July 2, the U.S. Small Business Administration is no longer accepting applications for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). Over 100,000 restaurants were awarded $28.6 billion through the fund; the average award was $283,000. The RRF application platform will remain open until July 14 to allow applicants to check their status, address payment corrections, or ask questions. Learn more.
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American Rescue Plan Grants to Local Arts Agencies for Subgranting |
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will competitively award American Rescue Plan Act funds to local arts agencies—including nonprofits or units of local government—for subgranting programs. To be eligible to subgrant, a designated local arts agency must have a history of grantmaking that occurred anytime within the 10-year period immediately preceding this program’s application deadline (i.e., July 22, 2011, to present). Cost share/matching funds are not required. Similarly, subgrants awarded as a result of this program do not require a cost share/match. Applications are due July 22. Learn more.
Eligible local arts agencies may also apply to NEA’s Grants to Organizations program for day-to-day business expenses/operating costs, and not specific programmatic activities. Cost share/matching funds are not required. Applications are due August 12. 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.
Loan guarantees to lenders supporting rural businesses and agricultural producers to supplement their working capital to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus.
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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.
U.S. Department of Transportation grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects, including capital investments or planning projects, that will have a significant local or regional impact.
U.S. Small Business Administration grants for partners to engage in targeted outreach to small businesses in underserved communities—including micro and rural businesses, with emphasis on those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals—to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration grants for covered partnerships between political subdivisions of a state and providers of fixed broadband service to deploy broadband infrastructure.
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Upcoming Economic Recovery Webinars |
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Join National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) staff to hear more about NTIA's Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Grants Program funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
A year has passed, and many higher education institutions are still facing the challenges of COVID-19. In this webinar, top higher education association leaders will provide details on lessons learned from the pandemic.
The Greater Houston Partnership’s Patrick Jankowski will discuss Houston’s recovery from COVID-induced recession and what the region can expect through the remainder of the year.
Join National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) staff to hear more about NTIA's Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Changing workplace and home dynamics due to the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the need for reliable broadband for communities and magnified the digital divide between various populations and rural communities. Join IEDC for this webinar on how communities can best incorporate broadband into underserved communities and hear from economic development professionals who are leading broadband initiatives.
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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
713-627-3200
The Economic Recovery Resources - Weekly Update is published by the
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