Small Businesses Resource During COVID-19 Crisis, Northeast Tennessee

Restart Accelerator

Regional Entrepreneur Center, Sync Space, announcing $50,000 for innovation program aimed at restarting our regional economy – Sync Space Entrepreneur Center and TSG Innovation Group, with support from Activated Capital, are announcing the Restart Accelerator, an innovation program to help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will identify, promote, and nurture companies with technology, products, and services that will overcome the challenges in the new economy and help implement these solutions for struggling businesses in our region.

Companies are encouraged to apply for the program starting in early May. Visit RestartOurRegion.com to apply.

Apply Now

Financial and Capital Resources

Indiegogo Crowdfunding Platform, Fees Waived
http://innovate.indiegogo.com/en/local-business-relief-program

Indiegogo is known as a crowdfunding platform, but we also focus heavily on building communities. Many businesses have already felt a strain due to COVID-19, so from March 18 – April 18, we are waiving our platform fee for the campaigns who have been accepted into our Local Business Relief Program. Apply at the link here.

Pathway Lending
https://www.pathwaylending.org/loans-small-business/

To apply for a SMALL BUSINESS RAPID RECOVERY LOAN up to $50,000, select PURPOSE = ‘RECOVERY COVID-19‘. Submit the application on the linked page above. In addition to an email acknowledgement, you will receive an email with detailed instructions for completing your application.

Contact Keith Hickey for more: Keith Hickey, VP Lending East TN
Main: (615) 425-7171 | Mobile: (865) 322-0168 | Keith.Hickey@Pathwaylending.org

SBA
https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2Fela%2FLoanApplication%2FStartApplication

If your business is in need of a loan during COVID-19, you can apply by clicking this link. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

For Employers and Employees

COVID-19: Families First Act provides Coronavirus-related credits
Easy to read overview: Paid Sick Leave, Complete Coverage, Employer reimbursement and Fast Funds, Small Business Protection, Easing Compliance

Tennessee Department of Health Video
Related to unemployment insurance for employers who have to lay off or furlough employees

Got a website, but need a store?

Hillhouse Creative is offering free web consultations for businesses who are seeking to add e-commerce or improve buyer experience on their websites. The consultation will include a review of your existing site, followed by a 1-hr virtual consultation and action plan. To schedule your consultation, contact matthew@hillhousecreative.com.

Tennessee Innovation Crowdsource Platform

Fast-track vetting for solutions and resources to solve COVID-19 challenges
LaunchTN is partnering with Gov. Bill Lee’s COVID-19 Unified Command to sync together businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups to solve the challenges facing our state during this unprecedented time.
We invite companies, including entrepreneurs and startups, to propose solutions and connect resources via the Tennessee Innovation Crowdsource Platform.
Our goal is to leverage the collective power of creative problem-solvers and industry experts to rapidly address critical issues brought on by the coronavirus — from medical-device needs to tech innovations that expedite treatment.
We’re seeking proposals from companies that have an existing solution or resources that can quickly pivot to address immediate challenges, regardless of whether you’re able to scale at the level needed right now.
Have a solution or resource to share? Learn more here.

Restaurant Business Relief Guidance

Food & Wine: Food & Wine List of Resources

National Restaurant Association’s COVID-19 Business Continuity Planning

Restaurant Workers Community Foundation is a nationwide advocacy and action nonprofit created by and for restaurant workers. Posting updates here.

Take Your Business Online

Need help taking your business online? Sync Space and our tech community will guide companies to get started with e-commerce, selling on amazon market place, ETSY or others. Contact Sync Space for more information and to connect with others willing to help.

Contact: SyncSpace.org, Email, or call (423) 430-9675.