COVID-19 Resource Update

GFDC plans to send weekly updates on relief resources relating to COVID-19 as long as we have updates to report. Please forward as you see fit, and refer anyone to sign up for our newsletters at the link below.

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TODAY AT 1: Maine Calling will discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the inadequate broadband in much of the state. An estimated 83,000 homes in Maine don’t have broadband internet connectivity during this Covid-19 pandemic. That means lack of access to video tele-health options, online classrooms, “Zoom” work meetings, or streaming entertainment. What needs to happen to connect all of Maine?
Quick Links

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Small Businesses

Franklin County Business Owners Facebook Group

Maine Downtown Center COVID-19 Resource Page

CEI Business Directory Form

Maine Farm Product and Pick-Up Directory

MANP – Information on COVID-19 for Maine Nonprofits

Americans for the Arts COVID-19 Response and Resource Center

Governor Mills’ Newsroom

Congressman Golden’s Small Business Resource Guide

Senator Collins’ COVID-19 Resource Guide

Grant opportunity for tourism industry small businesses, their employees, and self-employed individuals

“The Maine Tourism Relief Fund was created by the Maine Tourism Association to provide relief to small businesses and their employees experiencing great hardship as a result of business closures in the state due to COVID-19.

Through this fund, grants will be made to small businesses based in the state of Maine who work in tourism-related industries for companies with less than 50 people who have been impacted by COVID-19. It also helps their employees who have experienced a decrease in wages or loss of employment.”

Recordings of Congressman Golden’s Q&A Sessions with the SBA

“During these listening sessions, small business owners asked Golden and his panel, which included SBA Maine Director Amy Bassett, Maine Chamber of Commerce President Dana Connors, Maine Credit Union League President Todd Mason, and Maine Bankers Association President Chris Pinkham, a wide range of questions which programs would work best for their business, when they could expect the applications to be approved, whether funding for small business programs will continue, and other issues. Audio of the small business listening sessions is available here and here.”

Maine Downtown Center’s Resources for Downtowns & Small Businesses

“We know that one of the biggest challenges currently is sifting through information about recent and pending legislation, available financial resources, and implementable ideas to help keep downtown businesses viable and vibrant during and beyond the immediate crisis. Please find a selection of resources most relevant to small business owners and the organizations that support them.”

Grant Opportunity for Maine Artists

“The Maine Artist Relief Fund will award grants of $500 to individual artists who live in Maine and whose creative practices and incomes are being adversely impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19). With events of all types being cancelled to reduce the spread of COVID-19, people who make income partially or fully through artist gigs, exhibits, events and freelance work are losing critical opportunities to support their well-being in our state.

The Maine Artist Relief Fund will open for applications on April 1, 2020, for artists who have lost or anticipate losing income. The Maine Artist Relief Fund will be open through the rest of our fiscal year, ending June 30, 2020. We welcome applications from all artists living in Maine, but will prioritize lower income artists as determined by the application.”

If you have business or community resources to share, please send them to us at info@greaterfranklin.com!

 

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