Monday, April 20, 2020 | View in browser
 Without Aid Evanston
Small businesses are essential to our community and many Evanston businesses are operating without any financial aid or economic relief. With the recent news that most small businesses did not receive government funding, they need your support now more than ever!
Look for the #WithoutAid posters displayed in local businesses and visit https://www.withoutaidevanston.org/ for more information and an online directory of businesses operating without financial aid.
If you are an Evanston business, request a sign for your storefront and get listed in the Without Aid business directory here.
Thank you to Assembly Creator's owner Reyes Witt for leading this effort!
Regional Small Business Virtual Forum
Join this webinar on Wed., April 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. to learn the latest updates on federal agency programs. Speakers from the Small Business Administration (SBA), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration (SSA), and E-Verify will present on topics surrounding the response to COVID-19, including the PPP, emergency loans and grants, and economic impact payments. See full agenda here.
No registration is required. Click here to join.
DCEO COVID-19 Emergency Relief Webinar for African American Businesses
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Regional Economic Development Team, Office of Minority Economic Empowerment, and Small Business Association will be hosting a technical assistance webinar on Fri., May 15, specifically for African American businesses and workers. Register here.
Managing Cash Flow in a Crisis Webinar
Join the team at Cultivate Advisors Thurs., April 30 from 12 to 1 p.m. for a free webinar on managing cash flow in a crisis. Ensure you can weather the storm to survive the now and thrive in the future. Space is limited. Reserve your seat here.
The Save Small Business Fund
The Save Small Business Fund is a grantmaking initiative administered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation offering short-term relief for small employers in the U.S. Each grant is for $5,000 and must be applied towards business expenses. Apply online beginning April 20, 2020.
To qualify, you must:
- Employ between 3 and 20 people
- Be located in an economically vulnerable community
- Have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic
Support for Local Businesses
 Evanston Shop Local Gift Card Campaign April 25
Join the Evanston business community on Sat., April 25 for the Evanston Shop Local Gift Card Day! Whether shopping for Mother's Day, an upcoming birthday, or just because, every gift card sale with help push business owners out of this crisis. Visit our website for a list of businesses.
Buy a T-Shirt and Support the Small Business Community
 Downtown Evanston has partnered with Underground Printing to organize an Evanston T-Shirt Fundraiser to support Evanston retail shops. Proceeds from t-shirt sales go to a small business grant program administered by LEND Evanston. Show your support by purchasing and wearing one of these t-shirts! Purchase shirts here.
Restaurants and Essential Businesses Remain Open
In need of a family meal or some essential items this weekend? Looking for something to do? Check out virtual classes and remember that many local restaurants and businesses are still open or have online shops. Visit our website for list of open businesses and restaurants offering carry-out and delivery.
Small Business Advocacy Efforts
Looking for a way to advocate for additional relief measures and share your experiences? Provide your feedback through the links below.
Small Business Majority - Call on Congress to Bail Out Main Street
Join thousands of small business owners in signing this letter urging Congress to provide direct grant relief to ensure Main Street can recover from this unprecedented crisis.
National Restaurant Association Survey on Damage to Restaurants
The National Restaurant Association is collecting economic information on the economic impact of COVID-19 from April 1 through April 10.
Senate Small Business Committee
This page is specifically for businesses to give feedback on their disaster recovery vis a vis the EIDL and PPP loans.
For additional information and continuous updates on available resources, please visit our Evanston Business COVID-19 Resource Checklist.
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