A list of #COVID-19 info, resources, toolkits, and funding available to Native Entrepreneurs
We will keep this list as current as possible and welcome you to share any resources you know of to hello@nativestartup.org. Check out the Change Labs Resources page to see the most up to date information.
What is Diko Ntsaaígíí-Náhást’éíts’áadah? (aka COVID-19 and Coronavirus)
Coronavirus Q&A: What is it? The symptoms. And how it spreads (from Indian Country Today)
The Science: how Coronavirus spreads from person to person (from Indian Country Today)
Volunteering or Getting Help on Navajo and Hopi
There is a GoFundMe page setup to fund relief for residents of the Navajo and Hopi Nation that is nearing $150,000 in contributions. Funds raised are being used to purchase and distribute supplies on the rez. If you would like to volunteer to distribute supplies, fill out this form. If you need help and want a volunteer to assist you, fill out this form.
Paycheck Protection
For small businesses and nonprofits, the $2 trillion stimulus package provides funding for a Paycheck Protection Program that will be overseen by the US Small Business Administration. This program will distribute $350 billion to qualifying small businesses and nonprofits (must have 500 or fewer employees) that can be partially forgiven if the companies meet certain requirements. Click the link to apply or call your bank to apply.
Grants for Businesses, Nonprofits, and Individuals
For individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19: if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or directed to self-quarantine by a healthcare provider or government agency AND you have cancer or a chronic or rare disease AND you have Medicare health insurance AND your income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, then you are eligible to apply for $300 from the PAN Foundation to help pay for expenses. Apply here.
For nonprofits: Nike N7 Fund expanded the criteria of the N7 Fund grant cycle and is now accepting grant applications that support a focus on sport & physical activity OR your organization’s greatest need at this time. You must be serving Native American youth with your program. Deadline is extended to April 17th at 12am PST
The Native American Agriculture Fund has launched a second cycle of grants for nonprofit Native Agriculturists impacted by COVID-19. The deadline to apply is Monday, June 1, 2020 at 11:59 pm CT. Click on the link to start your application or get contact info to ask questions.
The Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund is awarding $10,000 grants to small businesses to help fill urgent financial gaps until they can resume normal operations or until other more permanent financing becomes available.
Apply for grants up to $50,000 to support business growth, including $10,000 emergency COVID-19 Business for All Grants to help small businesses in crisis.
Coming soon: Facebook Small Business Cash Grants. Facebook will giving out $100M to small businesses in 30 countries around the globe. We’ll post this again as soon as they start accepting applications.
The Arizona COVID-19 Community Response Fund was established by the Arizona Community Foundation and provides immediate relief to nonprofit organizations in Arizona facing an increased demand for services from clients and communities as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Creator Fund (grants for artists only)
CERF+ Emergency Assistance (grants for artists infected with the virus)
Loans for Businesses and Nonprofits
Change Labs Kinship Lending is distributing loans up to $5000 for Native American entrepreneurs, vendors, nonprofit leaders, and startups on the Navajo or Hopi Nations as well as the surrounding border towns.
The Loan Fund, a nonprofit organization that offers business loans and lines of credit up to $500,000 throughout New Mexico. Call (505) 243-3196 or info@loanfund.org.
DreamSpring, a nonprofit organization that increases access to business credit, offers loans, and provides training throughout New Mexico. Call (800) 508-7624 or info@dreamspring.org.
LiftFund, a nonprofit organization, provides education and capital up to $500,000 to business owners and entrepreneurs in Southern New Mexico. Call (888) 215-2373 or info@liftfund.com.
SBA Disaster Assistance Loans (currently applicable to small businesses and non-profit organizations in all counties in Arizona. McKinley County (NM) small business owners should contact Cyndi Jarvison at (505) 722-2220 and cjarvison@unm.edu.
Navajo and Apache County (AZ) small business owners should contact Tracy Mancuso at (928) 532-6170 and tracy.mancuso@npc.edu.
Coconino County (AZ) small business owners should call their local SBDC at (928) 526-7644.Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) - Zero Percent Interest Loans
American Indian Owned Small Businesses and Startups - Bii Gii Wiin Community Development Loan Fund (Minnesota tribal members only)
Kiva (microloans for small businesses)
New Mexico Finance Authority: Business Loan Partnership Program (Contact, John Brooks, 1-877-ASK-NMFA, or jBrooks@nmfa.net)
SBA Federal Assistance loans (available to small businesses and non-profit organizations)
Burial Assistance for Lost Loved Ones
COVID-19 has taken an emotional impact on families who have lost a family member due to the COVID-19. An additional impact is the unexpected expense to put family member’s to rest. To assist during this difficult time, the Navajo Division of Social Services has established the Navajo Nation COVID-19 Burial Assistance to help Navajo families with the burden of the financial expense. Click here to get help with burial expenses.
Toolkits and Fact Sheets
COVID-19 Business Resource Center - Updated daily, with real-world funding, resources, and support for small business owners adapting to the impacts of Coronavirus.
City of ABQ Small Biz Supports
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
National Restaurant Association COVID-19 Info & Resources
How to Manage your Business Digitally
Tools and Services That are Now Free for Businesses
Google Hangouts. A popular video and tele-conferencing tool, Google is rolling out free access to Hangouts Meet video-conferencing capabilities to all G Suite and G Suite for Education customers globally. If you need to continue working virtually, you might consider creating a G Suite account.
Comcast Internet. Comcast in increasing internet speeds from 15/2 MBPS to 25/3 for all new and existing customers and also offering 60 days of free internet services to new subscribers who qualify for their Internet Essentials program.
Archived Webinars you can Watch Anytime
Coronavirus: The Internal And External Critical Communications You Need to Know For Your Business (with Navajo entrepreneur, Ty Largo)
