Banking Help
We have compiled a list (including contact information) of what many major banks are offering to do for Americans affected by the current health crisis. Keep in mind that most banks are providing relief on a case-by-case basis and you may not qualify for all of the programs. If your bank or financial institution is not listed, you should still reach out directly to ask about what assistance it can provide. We will update this list as we receive more information.
E-Commerce Help for Maine’s Farmers and Seafood Producers
Keep It Simple Marketing, a Portland-based marketing company that provides digital marketing services for small and mid-sized businesses across Maine, is offering up to 5-hours of FREE time to develop and update e-commerce sites for Maine’s farmers and seafood producers. If your business falls under this umbrella, check out their website, give them a call, and see how they can help you develop your online presence during the COVID-19 pandemic today.
Free Legal Answers
In these uncertain times, Maine lawyers are here to help. If your income has been impacted by the current global crisis, or if you qualify as a low-income household, you can have your civil legal questions answered for free at Maine.freelegalanswers.org. You can ask up to 5 questions and get answers from licensed Maine attorneys at no cost to you. This service is brought to you by the Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project.
Tips for Working From Home
Forbes has put together a great collection of information and links in this online article about the plusses and pitfalls of working from home.
Portland Region Chamber of Commerce
The Portland Region Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to providing the business community with services and support during this pandemic. Chamber staff are all working remotely but can be reached via the contact info on the Chamber’s Staff Page. There is also a new Coronavirus Resources page, which is being maintained with new information, resources, and other tools for businesses and their employees.
US Senate Guide to Small Business Resources
The US Senate published an excellent and comprehensive resource guide to various small business recover programs currently available. You can download the document here.
SCORE
SCORE is America’s premier source of free business mentoring and education. As a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs through mentoring, workshops, and educational resources since 1964. Click here to visit their Coronavirus Small Business Resource Hub for COVID-19 business assistance and SBA loan information. You can also click here to download a document with details and further information about what SCORE does. They are a terrific resource!
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
Small business owners in all U.S. states and territories are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here to apply.
Find more information on the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans
at: SBA.gov/Disaster.
The SBA will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
SBA Express Bridge Loans
Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.
Terms
- Up to $25,000
- Fast turnaround
- Will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan
Find an Express Bridge Loan Lender via SBA’s Lender Match Tool or by connecting with your local SBA District Office.
Find Your Local SBA Office
Helpful, quick answers from the SBA is readily available. Click this link to find your local office: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance
Financial Guide to COVID-19
Annuity.org has created a guide with what you need to know about your finances in lieu of the pandemic. Click here to find useful information on the CARES Act, and how loans, taxes, unemployment, and other financially driven programs have been affected by COVID-19.