Mayor Muriel Bowser has launched the application for the new $25 million microgrant program to provide relief to local small businesses affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19). As part of the District’s recovery efforts, relief will be provided to workers and small businesses through waivers for unemployment claims, federal assistance, local funding, and local programs.

“As we continue to support each other during of this public health emergency, we are also thinking about how we can help the many workers and small businesses who are making tremendous sacrifices for the greater good of our community,” said Mayor Bowser. “We are all in this together, and we will get through it together. And when we get to the other side of this, our city will recover together.”

Small Business Relief

The Mayor and the Council of the District of Columbia are investing $25 million in the DC Small Business Recovery Microgrant Program, which will be housed in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. The microgrants will be available to businesses, non-profits, and independent contractors or self-employed individuals. Grants will provide financial support for expenses such as employee wages and benefits, rent, and other operating costs. The program will provide support up to $25,000.                                                                                                          

Applications and information on the microgrants program can be found at: 

 https://coronavirus.dc.gov/recovery-business.

**DC Small Business Recovery Microgrant Application closes at 11:59pm on Tuesday, March 31st**

FEDERAL SBA SUPPORT

Last week, Mayor Bowser also announced the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) accepted the District of Columbia’s declaration for assistance in the form of economic injury disaster loans following the advent of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and DC businesses can apply. While the SBA directly administers this loan program, the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), led by Director Kristi Whitfield, is the liaison with the SBA on behalf of the District of Columbia. More information on SBA loans can be found at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/recovery-business.

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Unemployment Benefit Waivers

The Department of Employment Services (DOES) is taking action to allow more workers to file for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits during the public health emergency. DOES is in the process of updating statutory eligibility requirements for workers impacted by COVID-19. Updates will include waivers for:

·     the seven-day waiting period to receive benefits;

·     the work search requirement for those affected by COVID-19 (included in Council emergency legislation); and

·     additional flexibility with the requirement to be able and available to work.

These waivers will expand coverage and ensure a faster turnaround period for District workers who have become unemployed or partially unemployed, as a result of COVID-19. When implemented, the waivers will remain in effect until the end of the public health emergency.

Based on the increase in call volume and wait times, DOES encourages residents and workers to visit does.dc.gov to review important information with regard to UI benefits and workplace rights. Similarly, claimants are encouraged to apply for unemployment insurance benefits online at dcnetworks.org, using a desktop or laptop.