CITY OF PAWTUCKET SMALL BUSINESS WEBINAR PRESENTATION SLIDES HERE.

Guidance on Re-Opening for Small Businesses: https://www.reopeningri.com/%20target

Licensing on Outdoor Seating for Restaurants: http://www.pawtucketri.com/city-clerks-office

City announces New Loan Pogram for Small Businesses impacted by COVID-19 Outbreak

For questions regarding how the City may assist your business during the COVID 19 Emergency please contact us at businessassistance@pawtucketri.com or please call us at 728-0500 ext. 451.

In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, please see different opportunities for small business loans and grants.

Pawtucket Business Development Corporation (PBDC) COVID-19 Emergency Loans: Form here.

LISC Small Business Relief Grants: https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/small-business-assistance/

Save Small Business Fund Grant Program: https://www.savesmallbusiness.com/?fbclid=IwAR3jIStS285peWYQsiNBf-b0PD0Yt1VTDmn9-Pv518EyQsGeFlJ_ay71R10#eligibility

Commerce RI/Small Business Administration(SBA): https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ 

• SBA Contact Information: Email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov ; SBA Phone Number: (800) 659-2955
• RI Commerce Small Business Hotline: (401) 521 - HELP or info@commerceri.com
• SBA Rhode Island Office: https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ri/providence/resources/rhode-island-chambers-commerce  

Mainvest (Potential for $2,000, 0% interest loan partnered with community investment): https://mainvest.com/blog/MSI?utm_campaign=MSI%20Partners%20Outreach&utm_medium=email&utm_source=autopilot

Facebook Small Business Grants (Coming Soon): https://www.facebook.com/business/grants

LISC/Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund (Up to $10,000 in grant funds): https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/verizon-small-business-recovery-fund/  

James Beard Foundation (Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund): https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/relief-fund?utm_source=social&utm_medium=instagram&utm_campaign=2020-03-19

The Champlin Foundation: https://champlinfoundation.org/apply/#submit-an-application

Nonprofits & The Arts Grants/Information: 

United Way/RI Foundation for Nonprofits (those serving vulnerable populations): 

https://rifoundation.org/grant/covid-19-response-fund-grants

En Espanol: https://rifoundation.org/grant/subvenciones-del-fondo-de-repuesta-al-covid-19

Creative Capital Grants: https://creative-capital.org/2020/03/13/list-of-arts-resources-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/?fbclid=IwAR3kyQGd2JYvG8JBd3VEdhMQ7l9fQzaSz_Q-EZtkMZMu-E3lZowviK09-d0

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) (Information and Financial Resources):

https://risca.online/coronavirus-and-the-arts-resources-and-updates/

National Endowment for the Arts: https://www.arts.gov/covid-19-resources-for-artists-and-arts-organizations

Craft Emergency Relief Fund: https://cerfplus.org/get-relief/apply-for-help/craft-emergency-relief-fund/eligibility/

Theatre Community Benevolent Fund:  https://www.stagesource.org/page/TCBF

New England Grassroots Environmental Fund: https://grassrootsfund.org/dollars/rapid-response-funding

Local Bank Information:

Bank of America: https://about.bankofamerica.com/promo/assistance/latest-updates-from-bank-of-america-coronavirus.

Bank of America is taking proactive steps to protect our clients and teammates in its Financial Centers. Go to the bank’s website to find out which locations are open.  This information will be updated regularly.

Bank of America Client Assistant Program Benefits:

• Consumer and Small Business deposit accounts: clients can request refunds including overdraft fees,  non-sufficient funds fees, and monthly maintenance fees.
• Consumer and Small Business credit cards: clients can request to defer payments, refunds on late fees.
• Small business loans: clients can request to defer payments, refunds on late fees.
• Auto loans: clients can request to defer payments, with payments added to the end of the loan.
• Mortgages and home equity: clients can request to defer payments.
• In all of these instances, there will be no negative credit bureau reporting for up-to-date clients.
• We have also paused foreclosure sales, evictions and repossessions

Bank Rhode Island: 

https://www.bankri.com/aboutus/covid-19

Bank Rhode Island remains open for business and will take any reasonable action to ensure your banking needs are met.  We will continue to update this page as the situation dictates.Our Customer Service Center is also available to assist you with your banking during normal business hours at 866-422-6574.

Bristol County Savings Bank: https://www.bristolcountysavings.com/about-us/coronavirus-updates/

We have initiated a special program to assist existing customers who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 virus.  We are committed to reducing financial stress during this challenging and uncertain time. If you or your business has been impacted by COVID-19 and need our support, we are here to help.  As a customer who is impacted, your financial needs will be unique to your situation. Our team is available to assist you with options based on your specific needs. Please reach out to your account officer, call your local BCSB Branch Office (Pawtucket Branch Office 401-722-8838) or visit bristolcountysavings.com for additional information.

Citizens Bank:  https://www.citizensbank.com/learning/covid-19-coronavirus-small-business-protection.aspx?WT.tsrc=Citizens-Email&fbclid=IwAR0DYsOSQAZKCNezjmr3uIVz0zvKMK1ox8u5QOkr8HCA-CFSXu4EsP1P3Jw

Citizens bank is changing its operational hours from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Waiving all fees from early withdrawals of CDs. The bank will also put stop payments on pre-authorized debits.   Upon customer request, the bank will consider rebating overdraft. 

Freedom National Bank: 

https://www.freedomnationalbank.com/

Beginning on Thursday, March 19, branch access will be limited to Drive-Up only or if needed, by appointment only. ATMs, Online Banking and Mobile Banking access are available 24 hours a day. If you would like to meet with your account officer or banker, you may contact him/her directly or call us at 401-949-1600.

Navigant Credit Union: 

https://www.navigantcu.org/health-safety

We're open and conducting business at all locations. As of 3/20/20, branch lobbies are available for appointments only. At Navigant Credit Union, our priority and focus is on the health and safety of our members, communities, and employees. We are monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and are prepared to help you as needed. We are here to support you and are working hard to ensure our team can continue to provide you with uninterrupted, dependable service. We are also aware that some of our members may experience financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. If you are impacted, please contact us to discuss how we can help. And, any questions on the topics below, please call our Member Service Center at 401-233-4700.

Pawtucket Credit Union:

https://www.pcu.org/pcu-coronavirus-updates/

To protect the safety and wellbeing of both members and staff, our branch lobbies will be closed to the general public until further notice. Branch appointments are available on a limited basis and can be made for the following transactions – safe deposit box access, loan applications, loan closings, IRA transactions, and wire transfers. All other “in-person” business will be handled through our drive-ups. To ease this transition, we‘ve extended both our lobby appointment and drive-up hours. To make an appointment, please contact your preferred branch. For all non-appointment inquiries or to speak with a member service representative, please call our main number at 401-722-2212 and select option 7, #2.

At this time, we also encourage you to conduct your banking via our ATMs, Telephone Banking (401-722-2212, option 2), and our online services at pcu.org, whenever possible. ATM withdrawal limits have been increased to $1000/day based on available funds in your account. Online services include Online Account Opening, Online Loan Payment, Online Banking and Bill Pay, and Mobile Banking including Mobile Check Deposit.

Santander Bank:

https://www.santanderbank.com/us/coronavirusupdates

Santander Bank is helping business customers who are having difficulties with loan payments and those needing to make early CD withdrawals. In addition, Santander is helping businesses access credit and liquidity during this difficult time. Business customers impacted by the coronavirus should contact Santander Bank at 877-768-1145 for assistance.  

Santander’s mobile banking and online banking are available any time to help customers with their banking needs. We have a dedicated microsite on Santanderbank.com where customers can view our latest updates on the Coronavirus.

Seed Corporation:

https://www.seedcorp.com/

As an SBA lender, we are encouraging business owners in MA and RI to use the SBA Disaster Relief programs as their first port of call when looking for assistance. However, any business owner, whether they are a current client of ours or a potential borrower, can call us and we can see what we can do to help them. We will be looking at every case individually in order to provide the best possible avenue for each entrepreneur.

TD Bank:  

https://www.td.com/us/en/personal-banking/COVID-19/ 

As we keep a close watch on emerging cases and affected regions, we're committed to keeping you posted on what we're doing and how you can continue to bank. Please be sure to put your health first and remember that you can do most of your banking online or by app.

Check your balance, pay bills and transfer money online or on the TD Bank app. Visit Online Banking to get started or to log in to your account. The TD Bank app lets you bank from your smartphone ( Android and iOS ) and even make mobile deposits. If you've been affected by COVID-19, reach out to see how we can support you. We may be able to provide some financial relief that can help. Call us at 1-888-751-9000 to learn more.

Washington Trust:

https://www.washtrust.com/Customer-Solutions-Center/Coronavirus-Update

If you are a Washington Trust loan customer experiencing financial difficulty and would like to discuss payment options, please contact: For residential loans: Special Assets 800-475-2265 x 5215 or Tom  Jemo 401 348-1377; for commercial loans: contact your loan officer or Tom Contois at 401 348-1378. Most Washington Trust branches offer drive-up banking for those who wish to avoid person-to-person contact.

Webster Bank:  https://public.websteronline.com/personal/support-webster-bank-customers-impacted-covid19

Webster Bank NA, a unit of Webster Financial Corp., is providing several services to its customers and the community at large in light of the coronavirus outbreak, effective immediately.

For affected customers, the bank is: increasing daily spending limit on its debit card; waiving fees associated with early certificate of deposit withdrawals up to $25,000; increasing remote deposit limits; allowing need-based payment deferrals on mortgages, home equity, personal loans and small business loans; and expediting the Small Business Administration application process for qualified affected businesses, including vendors or other external business partners.

Also, the bank is placing a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures for the bank's residential loans.

Information & Resources:

Social Enterprise Greenhouse (SEG) COVID-19 Response Incubator: The COVID-19 Response Incubator is a seven-week virtual incubator focused on addressing the various social/public health challenges that have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 crisis

Registration (Closes May 27^th): https://segreenhouse.org/accelerate-your-enterprise/incubator/covid-19-response-incubator/

Gift it Forward/RI Small Business Resources (small business registration, nominations, and corporate giving): https://rismallbusiness.org/  

Rhode Island Division of Taxation: http://www.tax.ri.gov/; Phone Number 401-574-8484

Rhode Island Department of Labor & Training: http://www.dlt.state.ri.us/ ; Phone Number: 401-462-2020

RHode Island's Sick and Safe Leave Information: ENGLISH | SPANISH

Do I qualify for Paid "Sick and Safe Leave"? ENGLISH | SPANISH

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Resources: https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/small-business-resources-for-surviving-coronavirus

Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce: https://www.nrichamber.com/covid-19-resources-for-businesses.html ; Phone Number: 401-334-1000

RI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: www.rihispanicchamber.org

Rhode Island Center for Women and Enterprise: https://www.cweonline.org/About-CWE/CWE-Rhode-Island ; Phone Number: 401-277-0800

Rhode Island Black Business Association: https://www.ri-bba.org/ ; Phone Number: 401- 383-1179

Progreso Latino (free consulting for minority owned businesses): https://progresolatino.org/ ; Phone number: 401-256-7925

Polaris MEP (resources for manufacturers): https://polarismep.org/ ; Phone Number 401-270-8896

Support Rhode Island Restaurants Facebook Page: Support RI Restaurants 

Restaurant Dining Bonds Program:  Registration Site: https://diningbonds.typeform.com/to/AiAlfs   

Information: https://libn.com/2020/03/23/with-dining-bonds-restaurant-veterans-try-to-save-industry-from-covid-19-setback/

Internal Revenue Service (IRS):The Treasury Department and IRS have announced a three-month delay for any tax payments owed up to $1 million. You’ll still need to file your returns by April 15, 2020 but will have until July 15 to pay. This will apply to individual tax returns but should also cover many pass-through entities and small businesses. https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus ; Phone Number: 1-800-829-1040

Main Street America: https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/resourcecenter/covid19resources

Rhode Island superior court Business Protection Program: Court https://www.ri.gov/press/view/38050

Kabbage (Gift Certificates to support Small Business): https://www.kabbage.com/helpsmallbusiness

Free Online Software Tools

Microsoft Office 365: http://www.doit.ri.gov/covid-19/ (Microsoft Office tools for 6 months)

Google Hangouts Free Video Conferencing: https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/g-suite/helping-businesses-and-schools-stay-connected-in-response-to-coronavirus

Cisco Free WebEx Video Conferencing: https://cart.webex.com/sign-up

________________

Dear Business Professional:

Thank you for considering the City of Pawtucket, birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Whether you are the owner of an existing Pawtucket business looking to expand, someone who is looking to locate or relocate your business in our city, or thinking of holding an event here, we want to be a partner in your success. It is our goal to provide you with customized service of the highest quality. The City of Pawtucket is committed to promoting smart, responsible growth within our city that respects our rich history of economic innovation, cultural diversity, and the unique character of our community. 

We are truly here to help you however we can. Our team is always just a phone call, email, or text message away. Pawtucket is home to a vibrant business community which also takes an active role throughout our community, whether by individual initiatives or through public-private partnerships we enjoy such as with the Pawtucket Foundation. These leaders, from hundreds of diversified industries, possess a wealth of knowledge and a keen willingness to help other private sector ventures succeed. 

We have created this page to provide quick, convenient access to the numerous City resources you may need. From the permitting process to bidding on City projects, from licensing to tax incentives and a host of other ways we can help, this webpage is your one-stop shop for doing business in Pawtucket. We are continually looking for ways to improve our services, so if you have any suggestions please reach out and share them with us.

Thank you again for considering Pawtucket. We look forward to working with you.