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.”
As American Rescue Plan passes final political steps, small businesses are relieved and preparing for long road ahead
On the House reconciliation of the American Rescue Plan today and final bill headed to President Biden's desk, Main Street Alliance Government Affairs Director Didier Trinh had this to say:
“The American Rescue Plan will provide bold and critical relief to our nation’s Main Streets, both for small businesses and their customers and communities. We urge President Biden to sign and implement this as quickly as possible.
There are many pieces of this critical, comprehensive plan centered on public health and economic recovery that are particularly important to small businesses.
South Carolina Plant Suffers Layoffs at Hands of Corporation Despite PPP Loans
A South Carolina tire factory owned by a global corporation received a substantial loan from the Small Business Administration for pandemic relief while many genuinely small businesses — especially those owned by people of color and women — were unable to access the program.
Despite the generous loan, Giti Tire furloughed all of its workers for about one month and many workers were laid off permanently, according to a new study.
Small Businesses Applaud House Passage of American Rescue Plan, Want Senate to Keep the Bill as Strong
On the House passage of the American Rescue Plan today, Main Street Alliance Government Affairs Director Didier Trinh had this to say:
“Passing the American Rescue Plan has given small businesses on their last legs hope that we can make it through this crisis. We urge swift passage, in full, by the Senate to get needed relief to those who need it most.
There are many pieces of this critical, comprehensive plan centered on public health and economic recovery that are particularly important to small businesses.
Biden Administration Announces Fix for Paycheck Protection Program that will Boost Relief for Black and Latino-Owned Businesses
The Biden Administration's updates to the PPP are a welcome recognition of the major gaps and challenges to the program. These updates will help expand access, but more is needed to support small businesses. From retroactive application of these updates, to flexible grants outside the PPP program itself we look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to center Black, brown, women-owned and our smallest business owner needs, who have been disproportionately impacted by both the crisis and least likely to receive support.
White House Commitment to Smallest and Minority-owned Businesses Key to Solving Economic Crisis
The investment in supporting small businesses through the relief programs must also be matched with a long-term commitment to expanding equitable access to capital and increased technical assistance to support new and growing small businesses after the crisis. The COVID crisis has revealed and exacerbated pre-existing barriers to capital for such firms, including small business redlining, usury credit rates and practices, and lack of other supports and technical assistance needed to launch and grow a successful business. Main Street Alliance has outlined key small business priorities for this immediate crisis, and beyond, and looks forward to working with the administration to implement these priorities.
Small Business Have Needed a Comprehensive Plan - Biden Response Set to Deliver
On President-elect Biden’s announcement of an emergency coronavirus response plan Thursday, Main Street Alliance Government Affairs Director Didier Trinh had this to say:
“Small businesses across the country are breathing a sigh of relief at the announcement of a critical, comprehensive plan that centers public health and economic recovery.
The targeted small business grant support included in Biden’s plan is still desperately needed and cannot come soon enough. Investment in programs that will not only directly support public health, but will also provide the financial runway to support communities through this crisis is key.