COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses in the Round Rock and Austin Area
The information included here is current as of April 4, 2020. As this is a rapidly changing situation, updates will be noted as they occur. For more relevant content, check out our special series of content and our new blogcast here: Zig When They Zag.
There’s no doubt, our lives, especially when it comes to our business operations have been turned upside-down. Our community just outside of Austin is feeling the effects of COVID-19 in an immediate way. Hot Dog Marketing’s main office is located on Main Street with many other local and small businesses that we are thinking about during this time and looking for any way we can help. One of those ways is this resource for small businesses in our community and beyond to see what is available to help the most vulnerable businesses at this time and how to access those resources.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advances for Small Business During COVID-19
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advances to small businesses affected by COVID-19. From the sba.gov website:
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This loan advance will not have to be repaid.
Learn more about applying for an SBA Loan here.
Texas Workforce Commission COVID-19
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is providing necessary information for employers, job-seekers, and child-care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Updates from TWC include:
- The deadline for 1st quarter 2020 tax reports and payments have been extended to May 15, 2020, and can be filed starting April 15, 2020.
- Unemployment benefit resources and qualifications for businesses are detailed here.
- The latest precaution recommendations for employers are detailed here.
- Information on mass claims and shared work programs are detailed here.
Learn more from the Texas Workforce Commission here.
Round Rock Cares Fund in Response to COVID-19
We’re seeing many in government and industry work to help prop up small businesses across the country right now and Round Rock is no exception. Several companies and local government entities have come together to fund the Round Rock Cares fund for small business relief. More businesses are working toward matching funds that are donated from the community all the time. Hot Dog Marketing is contributing by selling our Main Street Over Wall Street shirts with all profits going straight to the Round Rock Cares fund in order to support our fellow local small businesses.
To qualify for assistance, a business must:
- Have its principal location or business address in Round Rock. This includes areas of Round Rock within Travis County and Round Rock Municipal Utility Districts within the City’s extra-territorial jurisdiction.
- Have incurred significant disruptions to operations or the ability to remain open.
Learn more about the Round Rock Cares fund here.
Round Rock Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Resources
The message of the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce is more relevant than ever right now. #TomorrowTogether Their list of COVID-19 resources (including a helpful and inspirational article from our founder) can be accessed here.
Texas Woman’s College AssistHer Emergency Relief Grant
Businesses owned by women in Texas may be eligible for a relief grant offered by the Texas Woman’s College. Qualifications for women-owned businesses are listed here.
Austin Small Business Relief Grant from Antic Screenprinting
Antic Screenprinting in Austin is working to help with a grant for Austin small businesses that they are raising money for through sales of shirts on their website. Learn more or apply here.
austin.gov Resource List
Austin.gov has put together an extensive list of resources for businesses in the area with grant opportunities, as well as industry, non-profit and arts-specific categories for COVID-19 resources. Check out the list here.
As more resources become available, we will continue to add to this list. Please feel free to send us a message on Facebook with links to resources that you have come across as well.