Main Street Relief Fund Round 3 Applications Open for Bars in Partnership with Seagram’s 7 #KeepTheDiveAlive Campaign
With the support of Seagram’s 7, Main Street Alliance has opened a third round of our small grant direct support fund to make as much impact as possible for those who have not yet been able to access federal relief.
But we also know one relief fund will never be enough. Progress has been made through tireless and continuous advocacy to drive longer-term, comprehensive support through Congress, for all small businesses, but small businesses need grants to survive and truly recover.
Bipartisan Deal a Positive Step Forward, but Not the Only Step Needed
June 24, 2021
On the announcement of a bipartisan deal for infrastructure investments, Co-Executive Directors of the Main Street Alliance Chanda Causer and Stephen Michael had this to say:
“Small businesses are applauding the step towards critical investment in our roads, bridges and broadband networks, which will support entrepreneurs across the country. But we know these aren’t the only critical needs for small businesses. Investment in our care infrastructure, including a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program, and affordable, quality child care, must move along in tandem to this deal. One without the other will not ensure an equitable or sustainable recovery.
As the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and Paycheck Protection Program Come to an End, Congress Must Make More Small Business Grants Available
May 25, 2021
With key federal relief programs out of funds, more than 1,500 business organizations and small business owners nationwide express need for unrestricted direct grant assistance for hard-hit small businesses.
“Main street businesses have been crying for flexible grants from the beginning. Great strides have been made, but with many businesses not able to access PPP now that banks have shut down applications, and industry specific grants ending without meeting the full need, it’s time to heed that call for all small businesses,” said Stephen Michael, Executive Director of the Main Street Alliance.
Small Biz applaud bipartisan Senate bill to make critical PPP updates retroactive, say it's urgently needed
April 21, 2021
On the bipartisan Senate introduction of a bill to make changes to the PPP for sole proprietors and farmers retroactive, Main Street Alliance Government Affairs Director Didier Trinh had this to say:
“The bill introduced by Small Business Committee Chair Senator Cardin and a bipartisan group of Senators across the country to retroactively allow sole proprietors and farmers to use gross revenue to calculate PPP amounts is a critical fix to addressing the major gaps for our smallest businesses. Making it even more imperative is the fact that minority-owned businesses are around 30% more likely to be sole proprietors.
PPP Extension Critical - and provides opportunity to address sole proprietor needs through retroactive application of current rules
March 25, 2021
“With the Biden Administration’s recent, critical changes to the Paycheck Protection Program, adding a couple more months of eligibility will be key for businesses needing extra time to apply or waiting on opening of industry-specific grant funds. We urge President Biden to sign this extension immediately. There is still a glaring gap in PPP accessibility, however, which is to make the current revenue rules for sole proprietors retroactive, as was done for small farmers last year, so they can access the funds they deserve and desperately need. Over 90% of BIPOC small business owners are sole proprietors, and for many this change came too late. With the extended timeline, there is no excuse not to retroactively address the massive disparities in PPP access and financial support.”