Small businesses are the lifeblood of every local economy, so while public safety is everyone’s primary concern at Ascendus, we’re also working around the clock to provide business owners the funds and resources they need to weather this pandemic. To assist with this, Ascendus is hosting a COVID-19 response webinar series to keep entrepreneurs informed of their options, helpful resources, and best practices during this crisis.
Don’t miss anything – subscribe for updates on new programs, webinars, or resources available in your area.
The City has partnered with community-based organizations to offer grants to Queens small businesses and vendors affected by COVID-19. Funding is available up to $20,000 for businesses and vendors with 20 or fewer employees and that meet certain criteria. Learn more and how to apply here.
What to consider when looking for COVID-19 relief?
Click here to contact us. We will work with you to make sure your small business’s financial needs are met during the COVID-19 crisis.
Ascendus COVID-19 Response
Business Financing from Ascendus
Our staff is working remotely, but we are open for business! Apply for a small business loan.
For national help, consider these flexible loans and other valuable resources for small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 crisis:
SBA COVID-19 Small Business Relief
While the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are not currently taking applications,
there may be other relief available to you especially if you received a PPP and need to apply for forgiveness or if you have an
SBA-backed loan. Check out the SBA’s website for the most up-to-date federal relief options.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
SBA Emergency Funds: Economic Injury Disaster Loans Program
Beware of Scams and Fraud Schemes
With an unprecedented amount of federal funding available through the CARES Act and other expanded programs, scammers
and fraudsters are taking advantage of the pandemic situation. It’s important to be vigilant and careful so you don’t fall victim to these schemes.
For example, the SBA will never initiate contact to offer a loan or a grant to a small business. If someone contacts you before
you’ve ever applied with the SBA, suspect fraud.
In addition, all of the SBA’s loan applications are completely free, so you should never pay an application fee for an SBA loan.
Be sure to check the interest rate as published by the SBA, too, because many fraudsters will attempt to add interest to your loan.
You can ensure that you’ll avoid these scams if you apply directly with the SBA or through a trusted, SBA-authorized lender.
Learn more about guarding against fraud by visiting the SBA’s Office of the Inspector General.
Small Business Majority Daily Updates
One of Ascendus’ national partners, Small Business Majority, provides a daily updated list of resources in English and Spanish
to support entrepreneurs’ ability to respond to the COVID-19 crisis in a variety of ways.
Centers for Disease Control Health and Safety Guidelines for Businesses
The CDC is America’s most trusted resource for health information and guidance on keeping you, your family, and
your employees safe. This page is updated often with the latest health and safety information.