COVID-19 RESOURCES

City of Austin COVID-19 Resources

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests - Free at-home COVID-19 tests  

COVID-19 relief options (sba.gov) with the below links for the updated info as well:

Disaster Assistance Loan for EIDL for Covid-19 is max amount of $500k now(up from $150k) - COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (sba.gov)

Disaster Assistance for physical damage home and business and EIDL loan for businesses affected by the Winter Storm declaration is max of $2mil still - Disaster Details (sba.gov)

PPP info link has changed. here is the updated one - Paycheck Protection Program (sba.gov)

We also have the new Shuttered Venue Operators Grants incoming - Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (sba.gov)

And Debt relief on SBA loans is also in place - SBA debt relief

Locally, Texas State SBDC(Texas State SBDC : Texas State University (txstate.edu)) and Austin SCORE(Austin | SCORE) are the resource partners providing direct assistance with the UTSA COBRA in San Antonio as a grant funded group specifically formed for helping with COVID-19 recovery for businesses (SBDC COVID Business Recovery Accelerator | UTSA | University of Texas at San Antonio)

Austin Economic Recovery Website

Resources from Corporate Sponsors

• Google for Small Business provides COVID-19 Resources Link
• Bank of America's Client Assistance Program Link
• Texas Mutual donates $2M to support nonprofits meeting COVID-19 needs Link
• Facebook Small Business Grants Program Link 

Resources for businesses, non-profits, organizations

• Austin Economic Injury Bridge Loan Program Link
• CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers Link
• Small Business Administration offers Disaster Relief Loans Link
• US Chamber of Commerce Guidance for Employers Link
• Freelance Artists Resources Link
• Texas Workforce Commission Shared Work Plan Link
• Workforce Solutions Layoff Assistance Link
• Non-profit Resources for Remote Work Link
• Squarespace sets up gift cards to help your business Link
• PeopleFund is now offering a disaster assistance loan Link
• Planoly's Designing Change: Local Love Grant Link
• Texas Small Business Emergency Micro-grant Source (TSBEMS) Link
• Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act Link
• James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund Link
• Kiva supports local businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic Link
• LiftFund Disaster Relief 2020 Loan Program Link

Resources for Employees

• Texas Workforce Commission Rapid Response Services Link
• Texas Workforce Commission Resources for Job Seekers Link
• Unemployment Benefit Claim Self-Service Link
• Southern Smoke Helps Employees of Restaurants Link
• Help with housing issues: evictions etc Link
• Carriers introduce plans to keep consumers connected during COVID-19 Link 
• Managing Anxiety and Stress Link
• National Alliance on Mental Illness Link 
• Small Business Paycheck Protection Program Link

Resources for Families​

• Family Business Loan Program Link 
• Family and Medical Leave Act Q&A Link
• Supporting Families During COVID-19 Link
• Stay Home, Stay Healthy Grocery Delivery Program Link

• School Meal Finder Link

Resources on COVID-19

• AustinTexas.gov COVID-19 Information Link 
• Austin Public Health Information Link
• Austin Bergstrom Airport Updates Link

How to Help

• Purchase gift certificates to local restaurants, stores, and brick & mortar retailers
• Donate masks, gloves, gowns to Travis County Medical Society. Call 512.206.1249 for instructions.
• Donate to artists, performers, and venues to continue the celebration of the arts
• Donate to All Together ATX Link
• 10 Ways to Support Those Affected by SXSW Cancellation Link
• Stand With Austin Link
• Austin Homeless Service Organizations That Need Your Help Link 
• COVID Rangers Link

Disaster Loan Assistance as a response to COVID-19
Federal Disaster Loans for Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners, and Renters

You can apply online for all types of SBA disaster assistance loans. The online application is the fastest method to receive a decision about your loan eligibility. You have the option of submitting a paper application by mail. For either application, you must submit the completed loan application and a signed and dated IRS Form 4506-T giving permission for the IRS to provide SBA your tax return information.

You may also apply in person at any Disaster Recovery Center and receive personal, one-on-one help from an SBA representative. For information or to find a location near you, please contact our Customer Service Center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Start a BusinesS

So you want to start a business but don’t know where to start – don’t worry, we’re here to help! In our evolving economy many people have decided to create a business to continue to do the work that they love. No matter what the motivation is to be your own boss, you can start today.

Entrepreneurial ventures and small businesses have thrived in Austin, which has a number of angel investment groups that focus on startup businesses. Here are some helpful tips and resources that will help you start and grow your business in Austin.

BizAid Business Orientation – This orientation is a great no-cost opportunity to meet with business professionals who can provide you with basic information and guidance. Orientation provides the following services:

• Business Plan Review & Development Assistance
• Marketing Plan Review & Development Assistance
• Financial Readiness Assessment
• Business Management Technical Assistance

Register for BizAid Orientation and other classes.

In Austin, you would file your paperwork for your Assumed Name, Doing Business As (DBA) at the Travis County Clerk’s Office. A DBA ensures the business name you plan to use is not being used by someone else in Travis County. The Assumed Name is good for 10 years unless changes are made.

MBE/WBE Certification – The City of Austin’s Small & Minority Business Resources Department’s Certification Division is responsible for the initial and annual review of all certification applications. All certifications offered by the City of Austin are FREE. Contact 512-974-7645 for more information or visit www.austintexas.gov/department/certification.

Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program – HUB Certification is contingent on MBE/WBE approval if proof of citizenship or naturalization and a Federal Tax Identification number are provided. Apply for HUB Certification

Financial Options for Your Business

Peoplefund – A proud supporter of GABC, Peoplefund creates economic opportunity and financial stability for underserved people by providing access to capital, education and resources to build healthy small businesses. Visit Peoplefund TODAY!

Family Business Loan Program – The Family Business Loan Program is a public-private partnership between the City of Austin, HUD, and participating private lenders to offer low-interest loans to qualified small businesses that are expanding and creating jobs. For more information, call 512-978-2502 to set an appointment and discuss your project with a Loan Program Advisor. For More Information Click Here!

Crowdfunding – Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or business by raising money from a large number of people, usually through the internet. Sites such as GoFundMe, Kickstarter and Indiegogo make it easy for you to create an opportunity for the masses to donate to your new business venture.