Copy
FYI - March 30, 2020

STAY CONNECTED

Website
Twitter
Email
Facebook

In This Issue...

[email may appear truncated; click "view entire message" at the end or view in browser]

CNHED Meetings & Events
Webinar: Information Session on SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan 
CNHED is convening a timely information session with Antonio Doss, the District Director, Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration and his team at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a presentation about agency’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. In response to COVID-19, the SBA is providing targeted, low-interest loans of up to $2M to District-based small businesses and nonprofits severely impacted by this public health crisis. 

This webinar session will provide an overview about the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Antonia Doss and his team will cover the following areas: 
  • Application process
  • Eligibility 
  • Required documentation 
  • Resource partners to assist with your application
You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions too! Join us on Thursday, April 2 at 11:00am - 12:00pm. RSVP NOW.
CNHED Meetings & Events
Workforce Development Working Group 
Wednesday, April 1 at 10:00 – 11:00 am Conference call details forthcoming

Ownership Housing Working Group
Thursday, April 2 at 2:00 – 3:00 pm Conference call details forthcoming.

Support for Tenant Purchase Working Group 
Thursday, April 9 at 10:00 am - Noon Conference call details forthcoming.

Greater Voice for Small Business Working Group
Wednesday, April 15 at 10:00 am - Noon. Conference call details forthcoming.
Council Sessions & Government Activities
Council Passed: COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 
Introduced by Chairman Mendelson and Councilmembers Grosso, R. White, Cheh, Allen, T. White, McDuffie, Bonds, Silverman, Nadeau, Todd, and Gray, this legislation will provide, on an emergency basis, additional flexibility and authority to the Executive to address critical needs of District residents during a public health emergency, including wage replacement, business relief, and additional authorities and exemptions regarding health, public safety, consumer protection, education, and the Council. You can view a summary here
Access to Jobs Amendment Act of 2020 is introduced
Councilmembers R. White, Grosso, Allen, T. White, Cheh,
Bonds, Nadeau, and Todd recently introduced a very important piece of legislation, B23-0664-- the Access to Jobs Amendment Act of 2020, which will "establish and implement a pilot program that provides employers with grants to support the employment of returning citizens." Keep track of its development here.
Streetscape Business Development Relief Expansion Emergency Amendment Act
This recently introduced legislation, the Streetscape Business Development Relief Expansion Emergency Amendment Act of 2020-B23-0664, will "allow Main Streets Program organizations to be recipients of funds available in the Streetscape Business Development Relief Fund." Keep track of its development here.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Unified State Plan, 2020-2024 
The Mayor recently released the RC23-0167 - Correspondence on the District's Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), July 2020 – June 2024 Proposed Unified State Plan. Click here to download the plan. 
Extension for CRA Comments
Sample CRA Comment Letter
Make your voice heard regarding rule changes to the Community Reinvestment Act. NACEDA posted a sample comment letter that's specifically tailored to the members of the community development field. CNHED members, please comment on letter! Per the FDIC and OCC, the public comment period has been extended, and now ends on Wednesday, April 8!
COVID-19 Information & Resources
Keep Up to Date on Coronavirus within the DC area
Visit the Mayor's website to find information and resources related to COVID-19 prep in the District here.
U.S. Congress Passed a New Law Yesterday: CARES
The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers. JTo learn more, join the Coronavirus & Small Business Webinar tomorrow- Wednesday, March 31 at 6:00 PM EST.
Join Our Lender Series Webinar
The Credit Builders Alliance is hosting a webinar Credit Reporting & Borrower Support in Response to COVID-19 on Thursday, April 2 at 1:00 pm EST. As your loan fund seeks to adjust to business closures, layoffs, and economic hardships induced by COVID-19, join us to learn how to properly code flexible loan terms, and discuss strategies for continuing to support your borrowers in maintaining stability throughout this time.
COVID-19 and Unemployment Insurance: A Discussion with Rebecca Dixon 
What can we do to help individuals who are unexpectedly out of work due to the effects of COVID-19? The Aspen Institute is hosting a webinar with Rebecca Dixon, Executive Director of the National Employment Law Project and the newest member of our Advisory Council, to talk about unemployment insurance—how it works, who it helps, and how it might better meet the needs of the people who find themselves in need in our current crisis. Join the conversation on Friday, April 3 at 2:00 PM on Zoom to ask questions about unemployment insurance in this fast-changing situation.
Resources for Small Business in DC
  • DC’s Small Business Recovery Microgrants: Small business grants of $1,000, $10,000 and $25,000 are available to businesses located in DC who have seen at least a 25% revenue loss due to the pandemic. LEDC is one of four organizations selected by the city to disperse these business grants. Businesses interested in receiving more information about the grant from LEDC can fill out this form. If you cannot complete the form online, please contact Carlos Brown at cbrown@ledcmetro.org or (202) 655-4958.
  • Tax Filings and Payment Deadline Extension: On Monday, March 23, 2020, Mayor Bowser and Chief Financial Officer DeWitt announced 2019 tax filing and payment deadlines have been extended to July 15, 2020. The federal filing and payment deadline has also been extended to July 15, 2020.
  • Business Licensing & Permitting Extension: Any business licenses, professional/occupational licenses, vending licenses, etc. that expire during the declared emergency will be considered valid, and people will have until 45 days after the declared emergency is over to renew their licenses.
  • COVID-19 Emergency Sales and Use Tax Relief: The Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) is waiving interest and penalties that would ordinarily be considered for failure to pay sales and use tax due for periods ending on February 29, 2020, and March 31, 2020, provided certain conditions are met.  
Small Business Disaster Loans
The SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will provide targeted, low-interest loans of up to $2 million to District-based small businesses that have been severely impacted by COVID-19.
As you look to apply for these SBA loans, here some things to keep in mind and simplify the process:
  1. Start the online application process by clicking here and then press Apply for Assistance;
  2. Prepare to apply by reviewing the “Three Step Process” of SBA Disaster Loans to understand what to expect in the application process;
  3. Remember that the online application requires at least three (3) years of tax returns; and,
  4. Contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1.800.659.2955 (7 AM to 9 PM - every day) or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for help in completing the online application.
  5. If you need any additional assistance in the application process, please do not hesitate to contact DSLBD’s DC PTAC Team at DSLBD.PTAC@dc.gov or 202.727.3900 (select option #7).er 
Other COVID-19 Financial Assistance Opportunities 
DC Housing Authority is committed to continuing essential services while also taking preventative measures recommended by DOH and CDC to slow the spread of COVID-19.  DCHA is open and designated as partial telework. Additional updates and information will posted online on a periodic  basis so please check www.dchousing.org or www.coronavirus.dc.gov.
  •  Property Management Operations -  DCHA will continue to address emergency work orders and maintain and secure our communities. Regular cleaning and preventative measures to encourage social distancing is ongoing.  For general inquiries,  Email covid19@dchousing.org and questions will be routed to the appropriate department.  
  • Housing Choice Voucher Program – Initial eligibility, initial and emergency inspections and rental assistance payments are proceeding as normal. Annual inspections scheduled for 3/16 – 3/31 are being rescheduled. Annual re-certifications due 3/16 – 3/31 are also being paused.  Residents are still able to drop off documents/packets to our lobby in a designated lockbox, 
  • Family Self-Sufficiency and Workforce Development – The SW Family Enhancement and Career Center (ward 6) and Fred Douglass Community Center (ward 8) are closed and activities have been cancelled. The centers are anticipated to resume April 1st.
SOME CET Resources for Residents
SOME CET’s facilities are still open.  This includes their emergency food services at 60 O St. NW (which will be providing hot takeaway meals). Click here for a full list of resources.
Landlord-Tenant Court is CLOSED through 5/1. All evictions scheduled for May 1 or earlier are stayed. There will be no hearings between now and May 1, all currently scheduled hearings will be rescheduled. DC Attorney General: Know Your Rights
Office of Contracting and Procurement
From Monday, March 16, through Tuesday, March 31, 2020, the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) will be physically closed to prevent the potential spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Contracting and Procurement Services will be delivered virtually and Learning and Development, Procurement Training Institute (PTI) will offer most upcoming classes in a virtual classroom. There will be no option to attend these classes in person. OCP will continue to provide most services as usual and can be contacted at (202) 727-0257 or ocp@dc.gov.
Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act
The US Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.
  • The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
  • SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
For additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or email  disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Funding Alerts & Resources
DC Co-op Impact Grant -- Deadline Approaching
The D.C. Co-op Impact Grant seeks to build on this history by supporting the growth of emerging cooperatively owned businesses. The Washington Area Community Investment Fund, with support from Citi Community Development, is excited to announce a partnership with Capital Impact Partners for the inaugural D.C. Co-op Impact Grant. Cooperatively owned food businesses at all stages of development are encouraged to apply, but all co ops will be considered. Applications are due by 11:59pm on March 31, 2020.
Support for Racial Equity in Health and Economics in the DC Region
The mission of the Consumer Health Foundation is to advocate for racial justice and racial equity through programs and investments that advance health and economic justice in low-income communities and communities of color in the District of Columbia, Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and northern Virginia. Support is provided for the organizing of low-income patients/clients, workers, community members, and immigrants and their engagement in advocacy. Organizations that use advocacy strategies with a racial equity lens at the local, state, and regional levels to create positive social changes are also supported. The application deadlines for the District of Columbia: June 24, 2020. Visit the Foundation's website to review the 2020 Request for Proposals in English or Spanish.
Take Advantage of Available Free Tax Preparation Services in DC
The deadline to file your personal income taxes with the IRS and the DC Government is just one month away! Out of an abundance of caution, as of today, March 15th, several tax preparation sites in Washington, DC will stop providing services through at least March 31st. There are still some locations that continue to provide high quality, trusted and free tax preparation services. To locate an open tax preparation site, please visit www.caab.org/en/freetaxprep
Funds Available for Workforce Training for the Incarcerated
The Pathway Home program provides incarcerated individuals in state correctional facilities or local jails with workforce services prior to and after release. These grants are job-driven and build connections to local employers that will enable transitioning offenders to secure employment. The application deadline is April 15, 2020.
Building Bridges to Success, Inc. Announces the 2020 ACE Ahmad Scholarship 
The Aceyson Ahmad Civic Leadership scholarship seeks to provide financial support to a rising high school junior or senior who demonstrates strong civic/community leadership and a continuous quest for academic excellence. The award will provide financial support to attend the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute at Hampton University during the summer of 2020. Program dates are July 12-18, 2020. Workshop topics include: developing a personal brand/ social media style, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and more. Click for more information
2020 Grant Opportunities with DOES
The DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) is issuing this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to announce its intent to solicit multiple grant applications for opportunities to support Workforce Development Innovation Initiatives. The purpose of the grants is to support innovative workforce development solutions for residents of the District of Columbia (District) to increase their success rate of entering in and sustaining employment that forges a path to the middle class and further stimulates the District’s economy. New grant opportunities are as follows: [1] 2020 Apprenticeship Intermediary Initiative Grant; [2] 2020 Workforce Intermediary Initiatives - Software Engineer; [3] MBSYEP Public Safety Grant; and [4] Public Education Program 3
Small Building Program Guidelines and Application Package
The Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Small Building Program (Program) will provide financial assistance for limited systems replacement and other key repairs to eligible property owners of multi-family rental housing located in the District of Columbia (District). Repairs are expected to improve sub-standard housing conditions, including safety and environmental hazards in the District. The Maximum Grant Amount per application is $25,000 per rental dwelling unit and a maximum of $200,000 per project. Learn more about the Small Building Program Guidelines and Application Package 
What We're Reading
Facing eviction as millions shelter in place Washington Post 3/22

New business formation and survival across DC region, DC Policy Center, 3/11

Philadelphia, PA Unveils Sweeping Poverty Plan Route Fifty, 3/10
 
  • Bank of America
  • BB&T
  • Capital One
  • Citi Community Development
  • DC Housing Authority
  • DC Housing Finance Agency
  • E*TRADE
  • Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation
  • Enterprise Community Partners
  • Greater Washington Community Foundation
  • HSBC, Inc.
  • JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • Klein Hornig LLP
  • Local Initiatives Support Corporation
  • M&T Bank
  • Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation
  • The Moriah Fund
  • Naomi & Nehemiah Cohen Foundation
  • National Community Reinvestment Coalition
  • PNC Bank
  • Somerset Development Company LLC
  • SunTrust Foundation
  • The William S. Abell Foundation
  • Wells Fargo Foundation
Do you have information you'd like added to the FYI? Contact Precious at prideout@cnhed.org
Copyright © 2020 Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development, All rights reserved.


If you'd like to stop receiving all CNHED emails, you can unsubscribe at any time.  

If you'd like to choose which emails to receive, update your subscription preferences.








This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development · 727 15th Street, NW · Suite 600 · Washington, DC 20005 · USA