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COVID-19 Business Resources
The Surprise Economic Development Department is committed to providing relevant and reliable information on a variety of resources and programming to all COVID-19 impacted businesses in our community. Information on this business resource page has been organized by a number of important topics and is subject to changes because of regularly posted updates.
Video Resources
- Financial Assistance
- Free Assistance
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- Business FAQ
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Financial Assistance Available
Arizona MEP Emergency Assistance Program
The Arizona Commerce Authority’s Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership (AZ MEP) is now accepting applications from Arizona manufacturers in need of assistance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The enhanced support is made possible by a one-time allocation as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, awarded to AZ MEP by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The funds will be used to subsidize services delivered by AZ MEP to help manufacturers overcome the impact of the pandemic. Support is also available to assist companies that are producing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies in response to COVID-19.
Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Companies will be notified of acceptance into the program within one week of submitting their application. Applications can be submitted online here.
Arizona Small Business Rent and Mortgage Relief Grant
The Arizona Small Business Rent and Mortgage Relief Grant program began accepting applications today at www.localfirstaz.com/azsmallbizrent
Business eligibility:
- Must be directly impacted by Executive Order 2020-43
- Employing less than 50 employees
Businesses can start prepping the following:
- Gathering rent or mortgage statements for June, July, August, September or October (subtract utilities if included).
- Provide information regarding other sources of income for the owner. Preference will be given to businesses which are the primary/sole source of income to the owners.
Maricopa County Small Business Relief Program 2.0
Available Starting August 17 through October 2
Starting August 17, local businesses may apply for up to $25K from the Maricopa County Small Business Relief Program to recover COVID-19 expenses/losses. The grants will be administered by the Arizona Communities Foundation. To assess your qualifications, prepare for application questions, & gather required documentation, read more...
To connect with the grant administrator, Arizona Communities Foundation, please visit: www.azfoundation.org/Grants-Loans/Current-Grant-Opportunities
PPP Loan Forgiveness Application
The U.S. Small Business Administration has released the application and instructions for how Paycheck Protection Program borrowers can see their loans forgiven. The application includes a worksheet that details how to calculate the amount of the loan that can be forgiven and provides a summary of costs eligible for forgiveness. The SBA also provided a list of documents borrowers have to submit with their forgiveness applications. Learn more…
Download the SBA PPP EZ Loan Forgiveness Application (6-16-2020) English
Download the instructions for the SBA PPP EZ Loan Forgiveness Application (6-16-2020) English
Download the PPP Loan Forgiveness Application (6-16-2020) English
Download the PPP Loan Forgiveness Application (6-16-2020) Spanish
Download the PPP Loan Forgiveness Instructions (6-16-2020) English
CARES Act Readiness Program for Small Businesses – available in English en espanol!
The Arizona Small Business Association and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to create the CARES Act Readiness Program for Small Businesses (www.caresactaz.com). This online training program helps small businesses access the capital they need, helping both novice and experienced borrowers successfully access relief funds with have individualized support to apply for loans.
The CARES Act Readiness Program for Small Businesses provides this individualized support for free. The program is customized to the business owner’s borrowing experience. It provides 2-5 online classes that will walk businesses through everything from the basics of finance to submitting loan applications.
Contact Laura Ciscomani from the AZ Chamber of Commerce at lciscomani@azchamber.com for assistance.
SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration. https://www.sba.gov/disaster-assistance/coronavirus-covid-19.
Download the CARES Act SBA Summary.
Download the CARES Act Program Comparison Chart
The CARES Act assists small businesses in the following ways:
Paycheck Protection Program: This program is now closed to applications as of June 30, 2020. Zero-fee, low-interest small business loans up to $10 million. Any small business concern that meets SBA’s size standards, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, 501(c)(19) veterans organization, Tribal business concern (sec. 31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act) with the greater of 500 employees or that meets the SBA industry size standard if more than 500, any business with a NAICS Code that begins with 72 (Accommodations and Food Services) that has more than one physical location and employs less than 500 per location and sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed persons are eligible to apply. View Program Information...
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL): EIDLs are loans of up to $2 million that carry interest rates up to 3.75 percent for companies and up to 2.75 percent for nonprofits, as well as principal and interest deferment for up to 4 years. The loans may be used to pay for expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred, including payroll and other operating expenses. With the Governor’s emergency declaration, every county in our state is eligible to receive relief through EIDL grants. Visit the SBA Guidance and Loan Resources page for more information and to apply.
SBA Emergency Economic Injury Grant: $10 billion in funding to provide an advance of $10,000 to small businesses and nonprofits that apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) within three days of applying for the loan.
The grant does not need to be repaid, even if the EIDL request is denied. EIDL can be used to provide paid sick leave, maintain payroll, meet increased production costs, or pay business obligations like rent or a mortgage.
Visit the SBA Guidance and Loan Resources page for more information and to apply.
SBA Express Bridge Loans: If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan. Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan.
SBA Debt Relief: The SBA Debt Relief program will provide a reprieve to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis. Under this program:
The SBA will also pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
The SBA will pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months.
Visit the SBA Guidance and Loan Resources page for more information and to apply.
For program questions or assistance in completing the SBA application online, businesses may contact the following:
SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955.
SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives) www.score.org
Arizona’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) https://www.azsbdc.net/where-we-are/locations/
Main Street Lending Program: The Federal Reserve has announced that it is establishing a Main Street Lending Program to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Program will operate through three facilities: the Main Street New Loan Facility (MSNLF), the Main Street Priority Loan Facility (MSPLF), and the Main Street Expanded Loan Facility (MSELF). Learn more…
View Main Street Lending Program FAQ
Better Business Bureau Main St. Matters Micro Grant: BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest is proud to launch Main St. Matters, a program that will offer emergency grants in the form of $500 or $1,000 awards for businesses who have been financially impacted during the COVID-19 crisis. Click here to learn more and to apply.