Pandemic

Census Bureau: Small Business Pulse Survey Phase 4 Weekly Data Released

The U.S. Census Bureau today released new data from the fourth phase of the Small Business Pulse Survey (SBPS). Data collection began Feb. 15. Results will be released weekly Feb. 25 to April 22. The SBPS includes questions on topics such as location closings, changes in employment, disruptions in the supply chain, the use of federal assistance initiatives such…

SBA: First-of-its-Kind Technology Initiative for Restaurant Revitalization Fund Announced

Point-of-sale service providers will support eligible restaurant owners with innovative technology solutions The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today the first round of technology partners participating in a new initiative for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) – a program that will allow eligible restaurants and other food establishments to access the RRF application or data they need…

EDA: $5.5 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Invested to Provide Business Capital and Boost Broadband Capacity in Texas

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $5.5 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to help the state of Texas prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. “President Biden remains steadfast in his support of small businesses as they build back better from the…

EDA: $3.5 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Invested for Infrastructure Improvements and Business Capital Support in New Mexico

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $3.5 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to help the state of New Mexico prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. “President Biden is committed to supporting New Mexico communities as they build back better from the…

FHFA: Extension of COVID-19 Related Loan Flexibilities Announced

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced today that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) will extend some temporary loan origination flexibilities until May 31, 2021. All temporary flexibilities were originally set to expire on April 30, 2021. Alternative appraisals on purchase and rate-term refinance loans are among the flexibilities that will now be…

SBA: Official Restaurant Revitalization Fund Application and Guidelines Announced

Economic relief prioritized for underserved communities SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman today announced key details on application requirements, eligibility, and a program guide for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). The restaurant industry has been among the hardest-hit sectors during the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To help bring jobs back and revive the industry, the American Rescue Plan, signed into law by President Joe Biden, established the $28.6…

CFPB: Interim Final Rule Clarifies Tenants Can Hold Debt Collectors Accountable for Illegal Evictions

Bureau Issues Interim Final Rule on Fair Debt Collection Practices Act The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) today issued an interim final rule in support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s eviction moratorium. The CFPB’s rule requires debt collectors to provide written notice to tenants of their rights under the eviction moratorium…

EDA: $3.3 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Invested to Support Production of PPE and Develop Related Training in Lowell, MA

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.3 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Massachusetts, to continue the production of PPE and to develop related training and curriculum, creating new job and economic opportunities following the pandemic. “President…

Census Bureau: Small Business Pulse Survey Phase 4 Weekly Data Released

The U.S. Census Bureau today released new data from the fourth phase of the Small Business Pulse Survey (SBPS). Data collection began Feb. 15. Results will be released weekly Feb. 25 to April 22. The SBPS includes questions on topics such as location closings, changes in employment, disruptions in the supply chain, the use of federal assistance initiatives such…

EDA: $4.25 Million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance Invested to Support Workforce Development and Business Resiliency in Texas

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $4.25 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to help the state of Texas prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic. “President Biden is committed to creating new opportunities for employers and businesses as they recover…