Optimize the Benefits of Your Social Media
Tips on keeping your post organic• Aim to use 3-5 hashtags per post• Consider the time and day you post Tips for growing your followers• Find people who share your companies values/interests• Comment, like, and share their posts• Follow them or add them as friends Tips on communication• Address questions or concerns in comments or […]
Critical Financial Tips to Maintain Your Business
Categorize expenses as best as possible for budgeting and tax purposes Meet with your accountant at least quarterly to know your numbers Use billing systems to automate and organize your receivables Proactively negotiate terms with vendors to increase cash flows Review your financial statement monthly Staying on top of your finances is important to keeping […]
Non-Profits: Apply & Help Support Small Business Recovery
***Application for eligibility is now closed. 5/24/21. As part of Cook County’s Community Recovery Initiative, Cook County established the Small Business Assistance program in 2020 to help address the impacts of COIVD-19. Through the program and its 35+ partners, thousands of businesses have received free services to support resiliency and recovery. Cook County plans to […]
Paycheck Protection Program – Extended Through May 31, 2021
Paycheck Protection Program ***Closed as of 5/31/21. PPP is working for you. PPP has been extended through May 31, 2021. Lenders are open and accepting applications. PPP’s funding formula has been revised for sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals to receive more financial support. Additional critical changes have helped to increase equity and access […]
WBDC: Start Planning Your Business for Recovery in 2021
***Application for eligibility is now closed. Looking to Pivot Your Business into Recovery for 2021? Most businesses have been negatively affected by the pandemic, especially small businesses. If you are a Solopreneur or a small business (< 2 years), and are looking to pivot, reinvent your business, find new customers, learn ways to deliver your […]
EIDL Overview: What you need to know
Economic Injury Disaster Loan EIDL Advance funds were originally calculated based on the number of employees on an applicant’s COVID-19 EIDL application: $1,000/employee, up to a maximum of $10,000. The Targeted EIDL Advance provides businesses in low-income communities with additional funds to ensure small business continuity, adaptation, and resiliency. Eligibility• All forms of business (Profit […]
Be a Small Business Vaccine Leader: Join Us 4/6/21
On Tuesday, April 6th at 2:00 PM EDT, Reimagine Main Street will host a launch event regarding the important role small business owners can play in promoting vaccine access, confidence, and equity. As part of the event, we will: Release results of a survey fielded in conjunction with the U.S. Black Chambers Inc., U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and […]
Restaurant Revitalization Fund FAQs
***Application for eligibility is now closed. 5/24/21. UPDATE (5/21): Final Call! SBA announced that businesses have until Monday, May 24, 8 p.m. ET, to submit applications to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund The SBA still has potential set-aside funding available for eligible establishments with 2019 annual revenue of not more than $50,000 Eligible establishments that meet […]
Guidance on Grant Funds & Taxes
As a recipient of Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Grant Recipient/Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) through the county, you should have received a 1099-MISC Form from the WBDC. If you have not received your form please email COVID19Help@wbdc.org. Please include the name of your business, the business owner’s name, and the programs you participated in. State and local grants are […]
PPP Updates: Feb 22, 2021
Delivering equitable relief to hard-hit small businesses is a top priority. On February 22, some critical reform was announced to build on the success of PPP. These changes are designed to improve equity and access to the smallest business owners, minority-owned businesses, and those located in underserved areas across America. Employers with less than 20 […]
