COVID-related Economic Resource and Financial Aid Programs

Downtown Forgivable Loan – Applications Closed – The Downtown Business Continuity – Forgivable Loan Program (Program) is designed to assist eligible businesses that are in serious jeopardy of permanent closure due solely to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic impacts.

The Program will provide direct financial assistance to existing, locally-owned, eligible businesses, with a preference for ground-floor businesses operating continuously within the Central Business Improvement District (CBID map). See application for full details and requirements. Forgivable loan amounts up to $20,000. We are currently NOT ACCEPTING any additional applications.

Marketing Micro-Grant – Applications Closed – The Downtown Marketing Micro-Grant is designed to assist small and locally-owned Downtown businesses in the retail, food, and beverage, and service sectors, with customer-acquisition and new-segment marketing strategies. The Micro-Grant amounts are limited to $1,600 for each business. Up to $1,000 for implementation or improvement of an e-commerce platform or online store; and up to $1,000 for implementation of up to 6 months of social media marketing (social boost), with a cap at $600 for businesses also applying for the e-commerce support.

 

City of Memphis Small Business Stabilization Program – Economic relief for small businesses suffering a substantial economic injury. Funding can be used to pay for the costs of business interruption, working capital and business recovery challenges; as well as cover costs associated with reopening safely in accordance with the Shelby County Health Department and the Back to Business Plan.

City of Memphis Micro-Loan Program – Micro-loan programs will assist Memphis businesses that are experiencing hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are no fees to apply.

  • Neighborhood Emergency Economic Development (NEED)  – For businesses that are open or temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant awards are subject to approval by the EDGE Board of Directors.
  • Economic Hardship Emergency Loan Fund – Open to all for-profit industries except, non-profit, government, religious or retail.
  • Small Business Resiliency Loan Fund – Must follow the HUD guidelines for compliance with small business lending.

MMDC Small Business Remobilization Fund – Up to $10,000 for neighborhood restaurants, cafés, retail stores, and other small businesses in the Medical District

River City Capital (Community LIFT) Recovery Loan – Up to $12,000 in funds, 60% forgivable

Pathway Lending – Offering support with access to capital, educational, and technical services, including a rapid recovery loan with expedited underwriting (24-48 hours), deferred payments (6 months), lower-than-normal interest rates (4%) and extended terms (66 months). And a Roadmap to Resiliency virtual training class to assist business owners in navigating through uncertainties, disruptions, and quickly changing circumstances.

SBA – Disaster Loan Application – If you need assistance completing an application, visit tsbdc.org and follow the steps below:

  • Select “Request Free Advising”
  • Select “Local Advising” and Choose Your County
  • Complete the Requested Information (SBA Form 641 for confidential counseling)
  • A business counselor will contact you within 48 hours to set an appointment or start the process over the phone and/or via online video conferencing