Creating an economic landscape for a better and brighter future.

Ready for Winter – Al Fresco Grant Program

The City of Dunwoody is offering a matching grant program to help businesses and restaurants purchase items needed to extend their outdoor services or dining season during the coronavirus crisis and cooling temperatures.  This grant program will benefit businesses, restaurants, and other venues located within the City of Dunwoody through the matching of qualifying expenses related to winter COVID-19 preparedness.  For details and an application for this grant, click here.  Please submit all application forms electronically to: cares.grant@dunwoodyga.gov

Temporary Signs

Businesses must comply with sign ordinances during Covid-19.  Click to view a flyer about temporary signs in Dunwoody

The DeKalb County Small Business Relief Program

This program, a partnership of Decide DeKalb and LISC Atlanta, will offer grants and zero-interest loans to small businesses in DeKalb County.  It's designed to aid DeKalb County businesses of 50 employees or fewer owned by women and people of color located in distressed census tracts.  The application will be available on August 3rd. Additional eligibility requirements and application details are available at this link.

Dunwoody Gives Restaurants New Options for Outdoor Dining

On May 11, the Dunwoody City Council unanimously approved a resolution to allow restaurants to add or expand outdoor operations. The vote creates a special temporary permit to help restaurants meet social distancing requirements designed to protect against COVID-19. Click here to link to the permit application. Click here to read details about the Painted Picnic Table Project.

Company Contact List for COVID-19 Supplies

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) has collected information from Georgia companies that indicate they are producing essential medical supplies (such as face shields, gloves, hair covers, hand sanitizer, hospital beds, N-95 masks or equivalent, negative pressure machines, thermometers, safety goggles, sanitation units, sanitizers, shoe covers, surgical gowns and masks, Tyvek suits, ventilators) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find company and contact information here.

Safety Guidelines for Reopening Barber and Cosmetology Salons

The Georgia State Board of Cosmetologists and Barbers recommends reopening barber and cosmetology salons and shops with the following strict guidelines in order to protect the safety of clients and employees.  Salon/shop owners and managers should use the OSHA “Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19” as a guide for reopening.  Check here for details.

Small Business Assistance

Georgia Department of Community Affairs - State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) - The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 created the State Small Business Credit Initiative, funded with $1.5 billion to strengthen state lending programs that support small businesses and manufacturers.  The Georgia Loan Participation Program (GA LPP) will enable lenders to provide more loans to businesses since the lender is able to diversity its risk by sharing exposure with the State.  The Georgia Small Business Credit Guaranty (SBCG) Program provides a 50% credit guaranty to the lender on loans up to $400,000.  Click on the links above for details.

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center is teaming up with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Georgia Department of Economic Development to provide the small businesses of Georgia with vital information and assistance during this time of need.  The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offices across the state are open and available to assist small businesses impacted by current circumstances. Virtual consulting and online resources are available, For more information, contact: UGA SBDC at (770) 414-3110 or dekalb@georgiasbdc.org.

Small Business Association Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.

Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.

For details under this program, go to:
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses

Small Businesses Association Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
*Update: On Saturday, July 11, The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advancement Program (EIDL), reached its funding limit of $20 million.  This loan is no longer available.

Small Businesses Association Express Bridge Loan (EBL)
The Express Bridge Loan pilot program allows SBA Express Lenders authority to deliver expedited SBA-guaranteed financing on an emergency basis for disaster-related purposes to eligible small businesses, while the small businesses apply for and await long-term financing.

For an SBA Emergency Loans Program comparison chart, links to SBA Preferred Lenders, and FAQs, go to: https://www.georgiasbdc.org/georgia-small-business-recovery/ 

For information about additional funding opportunities, see this article from the Atlanta Small Business Network.

Occupational Tax and Business Licenses

Penalties and interest on occupational taxes and business license payments have been delayed until 90 days after the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted. The city is also waiving the requirement for a notary on renewal applications for occupational tax and business licenses. Business owners need to follow up with a notarized application after the emergency has lapsed.

Passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

On March 18, 2020, Congress passed H.R. 6201.  This bill responds to the COVID-19 outbreak by providing paid sick leave and free COVID-19 testing, expanding food assistance and unemployment benefits, and requiring employers to provide additional protections for health care workers. Find more information here.

Additional Assistance

Georgia Power
Georgia Power is dedicated to giving back to the communities they serve.  Preference is given to Georgia-based organizations with goals to improve the quality of life of Georgia residents.  Non-profits are encouraged to apply.  Visit this link to find out if you qualify.

Georgia Restaurant Association
Resources for owners and operators of restaurants, including information of small business loans, taxes, the Georgia Department of Labor, and other pertinent information.

Facebook Small Business Grants
Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses.

American Express Merchant Financing
AMEX is providing rapid 12 month working capital loans at reasonable rates.

Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation
An advocacy and action non-profit created by and for restaurant workers, this page is a collection of information and resources that will help restaurants and workers deal most effectively with COVID19.

The Giving Kitchen
The Giving Kitchen is working to help restaurant workers through this tough time. Visit their website to donate to their efforts or to apply for assistance.

ACE Women's Business Center
Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the ACE Women’s Business Center (WBC) provides a full range of services for women entrepreneurs at all stages of planning, implementation, and growth.  Virtual meetings or phone calls only from 9:00-5:00 Monday-Friday
acewbc@aceloans.org       info@aceloans.org       ACELoans.org

Local Resources

Discover Dunwoody
Discover Dunwoody is keeping a growing list of restaurants, retailers, and attractions that have modified their operations. Here's an online form to add information to the list to help Dunwoody navigate through the distance.

Perimeter Connects - Free Teleworking Resources
Perimeter Connects has provided a bundle of resources for employers to implement a remote work program quickly and effectively.  Find more information here: https://perimeterconnects.com/businesscontinuity/

Georgia Commute Options offers practical guidance on how companies can maximize productivity and decrease employee stress while navigating responses to COVID-19: https://gacommuteoptions.com/

The Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber
The Dunwoody Perimeter Chamber has created a new Facebook group, Engage Dunwoody, to support small business owners and employees in Dunwoody during this time of uncertainty. It's designed to be a forum for questions like this:  What can we do to support you during this time of social distancing? Do you offer delivery or curbside pickup? Do you have an online store where gift cards may be purchased? What do you want the general public to know?

Additional Federal and State Information & Resources

Georgia Chamber of Commerce Resources

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Interim Guidance for Businesses & Employers

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Resources & Guidelines for Business