Out The Mud is a Be Nimble virtual business bootcamp helping creatives and entrepreneurs understand how to get "out the mud" of uncertainty and into innovative solutions to take their ideas to the next level.
For Bag Talk Business Bootcamp Jeff and Kelli will be hosting a 3-part webinar series to teach creatives, promoters, event planners and others how to find, secure, and KEEP corporate sponsorships for your projects. In addition to the materials we'll share during the session, we'll also be providing all attendees with a template one-sheet, sample email templates, template pitch decks and other materials.
In each session, Jeff and Kelli alongside a host of special guests will walk through specific small business problems through the #NimbleCHAT rubric.
C.onditions - what are the painpoints you're currently experiencing in your business?
H.urdles - what are the roadblocks stopping you from moving to the next stage?
A.ctions - what are the specific actions you should take to bypass the roadblocks?
T.akeaways (or Tools or Tips) - What are the three takeaways you can use to make changes today.
Resources for black founders and entrepreneurs looking for capital and resources to keep them in business. If you have questions feel free to contact us directly at info@benimbleco.com and we can help you navigate the available resources.
The SBA loan program will assist small businesses impacted by COVID-19 by awarding low-interest loans and a loan advance of up to $10,000. For more information, and to apply visit https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/.
The Indy Chamber created the Rapid Response Loan Fund through its Business Ownership Initiative (BOI) as an affordable option for loans ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. Loans can be used to pay employee salaries, insurance premiums or as a bridge loan until additional funding kicks in from a business bank or from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Click here to learn more.
As part of the federal stimulus package, Indiana small businesses and nonprofits that maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 outbreak may apply for up to eight weeks of cash-flow assistance. If employers maintain payroll, the portion of the loans used for covered payroll costs, interest on mortgage obligations, rent and utilities would be forgiven. Click here for more information about the program and its eligibility criteria and application process.
Thanks to a $2.5 million investment from Verizon, Verizon and LISC are offering grants to help small businesses fill urgent financial gaps until they can resume normal operations or until other more permanent financing becomes available. Click here to learn more and apply.
Giving Compass and National Center for Family Philanthropy (NCFP) are working together to bring you the most comprehensive list of vetted COVID-19 relief funds. Their list is broken down by counties & cities. Learn about the 196 & counting funds at the 100 Giving Compass and National Center for Family Philanthropy.
GoFundMe is offering a matching $500 relief grant to small businesses who fundraise $500 themselves to help during this economic downturn. These funds will provide aid covering expenses to help keep the business operational and afloat and allow us to continue running charity events for others in need. Learn more here.
Facebook has announced a small business grant that is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits. More information about eligibility is to be announced, but it will be available to 30,000 businesses in over 30 countries where Facebook currently operates. Read more here.
Opportunity Fund specializes in money lending to small businesses owned by women, immigrants, and people of color. They are launching a coronavirus relief fund and it will provide grants and low-interest rate loans to business owners. Read about it here and stay tuned for more information.
James Beard Foundation is providing micro-grants to independent food and beverage small businesses in need through their Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund. Read more here.
Yelp has announced a $25 million relief fund primarily focused on supporting independent local restaurants and nightlife businesses in the form of waived advertising fees, and free advertising, products, and services. Learn more here.
Hello Alice‘s Business for All offers up to $200,000 business grants and mentorships from influential leaders. Learn more here.
JP Morgan Chase is committing $8 million to assist small businesses in the U.S., China, and Europe. Learn more here.
Bumble is offering up to $5,000 in monetary support for small businesses affected by COVID-19. Download the @bumble app and use any mode to match with their Bumble Community Grants profile to learn more and apply.
Lowe’s is committing $3 million to supporting local small businesses, particularly skilled trade professionals, to continue to operate through the current conditions. Learn more here.
IFundWomen and Visa are granting 3 early stage female founders a $10,000 cash prize for their small businesses. Although not specifically created as a response to COVID-19, they are accepting applications now through April 7, 2020. Learn more here.
Lendio and Indie.vc have teamed up to create an easy way to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program Loan through the SBA and partner banking institutions. Learn more by clicking here.
Sarah Blakely (founder of Spanx) announced that she will be giving $5 million dollars to help female entrepreneurs. The application is officially open! The $5 million dollars will be distributed to 1,000 women who will each receive $5,000 in funding. Click here to learn more.
We Buy Black, in partnership with SheaMoisture, proposes to lead the effort to help shape the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, specific to the negative impact on black owned businesses. This will be done by providing business grants to We Buy Black’s top black businesses, which are in jeopardy of going bankrupt or closing. To enter, entrants must complete this registration form by 11:59pm eastern time, April 15, 2020. Click here to apply.
To kick off the first $100,000 of funding, Shea Moisture wants to award small minority businesses that have been stepping up to support their communities during the recent COVID-19 crisis. Are you and your team on the frontlines, providing healthcare or community services? This cash award is intended to celebrate unsung businesses and help it keep doing the good work it's doing in the community. For the online application, click here. Applications close April 13, 2020.
LISC Indianapolis is awarding $5,000 in grants to Black, Hispanic, Women, and Immigrant-owned small businesses. To be eligible, you need to have a Business Tax ID# and be located in the following area codes: 46222, 46224, 46203, 46205, 46208, 46227, 46226, 46219. Funds can be used for commercial rental assistance, utilities, payroll, debt, operating costs and working capital.
Additional eligibility requirements:
Businesses must have 1-10 employees that have been impacted by COVID-19. This grant is also available to undocumented business owners.
Priority for businesses providing goods or services that are important for meeting basic needs during the crisis. Could include retail, restaurant, personal services, event planning, home healthcare, childcare, agriculture (gardens), and entertainment industry.
To apply, click here.
