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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Expect Notices of Funding Availability from the EDA |
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) will soon release notices of funding opportunity for $3 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funding through multiple (perhaps as many as six) individual award opportunities. Given high demand for CARES Act grant funding, the EDA expects these next rounds of relief funds to be similarly competitive. Those who submitted applications for CARES Act grant funding will be required to resubmit a new application; previous applications cannot be rolled over.
The GCEDD will provide technical assistance for applicants. Contact Jillian Donatto at 631-897-3817 with any questions.
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New Child Care Relief Fund for COVID-Impacted Businesses |
Child care businesses are critical for Texas’ economy. Many child care businesses went out of business during the COVID-19 pandemic or are now operating under stress. The Texas Workforce Commission launched a Child Care Relief Fund and will accept applications until July 11. The Texas Workforce Commission will also provide free business coaching all year, including assistance with your application for the Child Care Relief Funds. For more information, visit childcare.texas.gov.
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USDA Resource Guide for Rural Community Leaders |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently released a resource guide to help rural community leaders expand employment opportunities and access resources to train, recruit and create a sustainable rural workforce. Read the full news release.
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May 2021 Gulf Coast Labor Report from Workforce Solutions |
Not seasonally adjusted unemployment for the Houston area fell more than half a point to 6.6% in May. More workers rejoined the labor market, and over-the-month job growth saw a return to May 2019 levels. May saw strong hiring in Leisure & Hospitality, primarily at restaurants and bars. “Seasonal hiring also picked up in the entertainment and recreation subsectors as pools, theme parks, and other summer venues added staff,” said Parker Harvey, economist with Workforce Solutions.
In May, Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas would no longer participate in the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Program. Additional benefits paid under the program ended on June 26.
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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 grant awards 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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Learn the basics of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), how to apply, steps for reconsideration and loan increases, and who is eligible for a targeted advance grant. The application deadline is December 31. Join live at 1 p.m.
The Small Business Administration will walk you step-by-step through the loan forgiveness process, including tips to consider when completing the application. Q&A will follow. Join live at 11 a.m.
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.
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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