Economic Recovery Resources - Weekly Update |
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The Houston-Galveston Area Council and the Gulf Coast Economic Development District stand ready to assist the 13-county region in pursuing strategies to restore local economies. We will be issuing this Economic Recovery Resources - Weekly Update to help our local partners stay on top of new funding opportunities. Subscribers to the monthly Regional Economic Development Digest will receive the weekly update automatically. We hope to make it easier for you to secure the resources you need to recover quickly.
Please email Jillian Donatto or call 631-897-3817 to discuss economic recovery needs you may have.
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COVID-19 Small Business Relief & Recovery Loan Program Opening October 14
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The Houston-Galveston Area Local Development Corporation (H-GALDC) is making loans of up to $50,000 available to small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Funds are available for projects in the following Texas counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton. Register for an informational webinar on Wednesday, October 14, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration Houston District Office and the H-GALDC. More eligibility information and application requirements are available on the H-GALDC website.
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eBay and Main Street America Offering Free Course in Ecommerce for Small Businesses Beginning October 21 |
Main Street America has teamed up with eBay to offer a free, six-week course for businesses just getting started in ecommerce or looking to expand their online presence. The course offers a dynamic virtual learning experience, including on-demand lessons, exclusive weekly webinars, and live coaching from expert sellers. Eligible businesses must have been in operation for at least one year and have registered an eBay business account in the past six months—registering is fast and free. Join an informational webinar about this opportunity on Wednesday, October 7. Learn more and enroll in the course by Tuesday, October 20, at ebay.com/smallbusiness.
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Rural, Small Town Town Downtown Summit Looks at Doing Business During COVID-19 |
from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27. Planned topics include doing business during COVID-19, including ways to attract visitors and residents to downtowns, support and maintain downtown businesses, and plan for growth in downtowns. This event will be online. Registration is required. For more information, contact Cheryl Mergo at 713-993-4520.
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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.
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Federal Funding for All Communities |
For construction or non-construction projects that prepare for or respond to economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, create jobs, and/or generate private investment.
Grants to expand community colleges’ ability to meet the labor market demand for a skilled workforce and to build capacity to address challenges associated with the coronavirus, such as technology-enabled learning.
For governmental and nonprofit entities working to implement STEM apprenticeship models in their regions, especially projects that will expand work-based learning for adults, increase regional innovation capacity, and expand diversity
To highlight successful examples of innovation ecosystems, particularly resources that support underserved communities or remarkable responses to the pandemic environment. Cash prizes of $10,000 or $25,000 will be awarded.
Seed funding (up to $100,000) for research and development that has a commercial potential.
Funding up to $3 million to construct facilities used to deploy broadband services to residents, businesses, and essential community facilities (schools, libraries, fire stations etc.) or to cover the cost of providing broadband service to community facilities for two years.
The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program and the new Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) pre-disaster mitigation program provide states, local communities, tribes, and territories funding for eligible mitigation activities.
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Non-Federal Funding Opportunities |
Grants available to educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, Chambers of Commerce, and programs conducted by municipal, county, state or federal government entities to be dedicated towards community development, education, and safety initiatives. Grant amount requested must be $5,000 or more.
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Upcoming Economic Recovery Webinars |
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The next Governor’s Small Business Webinar, focused on Dynamic Financial Planning, will provide small businesses and entrepreneurs with information and resources to create a sustainable vision for their business and enhance their cash flow management strategies in light of the pandemic.
USDA staff will provide an overview of the funding opportunity announcement, eligibility and regulatory requirements, the application process, and guidance on how to submit a successful application. Participants can ask specific questions about the Community Connect program and the new application process.
Learn more about this small business loan program for the 13-county Houston region. Small businesses impacted by COVID-19 can get up to $50,000 in loan funds for immediate financial assistance.
This free event will bring together business, government, and healthcare leaders to discuss strategies to address the public health and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2020, billions of state and local infrastructure and transportation projects have been cancelled, and states and municipalities provide 80% of U.S. public infrastructure investment. Join to hear an expert panel discuss how the slowdown may affect the economy, jobs, and the municipal market.
Industrial Development Bonds, or Manufacturing Bonds, are the most frequently used bond tool for financing the manufacturing sector. Learn how IDBs act as a resilient economic driver by financing the manufacturing facilities that stabilize local economies during crises.
USDA staff will provide an overview of the funding opportunity announcement, eligibility and regulatory requirements, the application process, and guidance on how to submit a successful application. Participants can ask specific questions about the Community Connect program and the new application process.
As part of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s Net Inclusion conference, this one-hour webinar will feature both a presentation and question and answer portion.
Learn how communities are helping students get connected, assisting parents and caregivers gain the skills to help their children navigate online learning environments, and transitioning educators to online teaching.
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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.
The International Economic Development Council Coronavirus Response webpage provides information on the IEDC's COVID-19 webinar series and frequently updated situational reports.
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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