Blue Ion Class: Google Ad Grants for Non-Profits

Blue Ion is launching their first Community Marketing Class on the topic of Google Ad Grants.

Google Ad Grants are a not-so-little gift designated specifically for nonprofits that often go unused. For the uninitiated, any eligible 501c3 organization that meets the requirements can apply to receive up to $10,000 in-kind for free advertising on Google each month.

Included in this 45-minute lunchtime discussion: a brief overview of advertising on Google, the differences between the Ad Grant and a standard Adwords account, the types of organizations that qualify, steps for applying, initial campaign setup, and the requirements for both managing the account and staying compliant with Google’s grant policies.

Wednesday, September 30
Email ellen@blueion.com to reserve your spot.

American Express Business Class

A one-day virtual online business summit from American Express. This is their ninth year hosting Business Class LIVE: Summit for Success. The virtual programming allows you can safely connect with fellow business owners, learn from industry experts, and get inspired. Register by 10/16/20.

When: Octo‍ber 20, 20‍20
9:‍00am–5‍:00pm ET 

UPDATE: Greenville County CARES Grant

Update: As of 8/19/2020 there are still millions in unclaimed funds still to be awarded. A brick and mortar location is not necessary. Eligible expenses include equipment, supplies, processes, building/equipment modification or adaptation, rent and utilities for leased space that was ordered to close, and operation procedures due to COVID-19.

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Greenville County, South Carolina is distributing Federal CARES Act money to businesses, non-profits, public health outlets, housing authorities, special purpose districts and other agencies through their Sma

Greenville County, South Carolina is distributing Federal CARES Act money to businesses, non-profits, public health outlets, housing authorities, special purpose districts and other agencies through their Small Business and Minority Small Business Relaunch Grant. CARES mandates that all funding meet the criteria of providing relief directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses can apply for more than one grant but will only be awarded a grant in one category. The application process will be a “first come” basis until further notice.

FUEL Non-Profit Grant

Each quarter, Greenville-based FUEL selects a local non-profit organization in need of marketing assistance and provides up to $10,000 in marketing services at no charge. Applicants are required to be based in Greenville County, hold a valid 501(c)(3) certification, and have an identifiable need for marketing assistance.

Apply or nominate a non-profit organization. Deadline is September 8, 2020

CERF+ Relief Grant

CERF+ is offering one-time $1,000 grants to provide financial assistance to professional artists working in craft disciplines who are facing dire circumstances from the COVID-19 crisis. 

The deadline for applications is September 9th. The program will focus on those facing the most severe financial pressures. Priority will be given to eligible artists who have traditionally been underserved by the grantmaking community including people of color and folk and traditional artists.

Spoonflower Small Business Credit

Pictured: previous Small Business Grantee @gumnut___, who creates ethically made clothing and accessories in Brisbane

Spoonflower is currently seeking applicants for their second cycle of Small Business Grants, awarded to creative makers looking to use custom fabric for their business. Winners receive up to US $1,000 Spoonflower credit. Grant requests will be awarded to up to 10 applicants per cycle and applications are open to businesses worldwide.

Deadline to apply is August 15, 2020

Unrestricted Artist Grants from SCAC

The South Carolina Arts Commission (SCAC) will grant four awards of $5,000 each to artists in visual arts, craft, media production & screenwriting. The deadline to apply is Monday, Nov. 16, 2020.

Reopening Checklist from SC SBDC

This in-depth checklist from the South Carolina Small Business Development Center can help you determine the health of your business and what the best plan of action is moving forward.

SC SBDC No-cost virtual workshops

South Carolina SBDC is offering no-cost virtual workshops for Small Businesses on the following topics:

EMAIL MARKETING This is key to getting the word out about your business.  Learn tips on how to set up and manage a successful email marketing campaign. Register

Friday, July 31, 2020 at noon

 
SMALL BUSINESS TAX WORKSHOP This workshop is directed toward the small business person who is starting a business or has recently started a business in the service, retail or manufacturing sectors. Register

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Craft Futures Fund

The Center for Craft, based in Asheville, NC has created a fund designed to support craft communities throughout the United States and their creative responses to COVID-19. These one-time, unrestricted grants of $5,000 will be disbursed to craft-based education projects that seed resilience, foster community, and amplify impact.

The Craft Futures Fund will award up to six project grants, or $30,000, each month from May – October 2020. Artists can begin the application process by submitting a simple Interest Form.

TILA #Above4fund

Atlanta-based TILA is launching a new recurring monthly fund to support black women artists nationwide.

In an effort to sustain black women’s contributions in the art industry during COVID -19, this funding will occur monthly from April 2020 until August 2020. If the organization continues to witness and experience the economic impact of the COVID-19 they will continue awarding an unrestricted financial award until January 2021.

Just 4% of art across museums and galleries are from black women artists. The #AboveFour Campaign’s goal is to increase awareness and interest around Black Women’s participation and contributions in the Fine Art Industry by elevating black women artists stories, gathering community and hosting conversations during Miami Art Week. 

Burnaway's Southern BIPOC Artist Fund

In response to the immense toll of the combined forces of COVID-19, recent racial unrest, and the intense economic instability currently facing many BIPOC communities, Burnaway will award ten grants of $500 ($5,000 total) to Black, Indigenous, and other artists of color in the South.

BIPOC artists living and working in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia are eligible to apply for this grant. While all BIPOC artists in the coverage region are invited to apply, special consideration will be given to Black and Indigenous artists.

Deadline: Applications are due by 11:59 pm EDT on Sunday, July 12.
Grantees will be notified by Wednesday, July 15.

Additional SBA Disaster Assistance

SBA has reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19.

SBA’s EIDL program offers long-term, low interest assistance for a small business or non-profit. These loans can provide vital economic support to help alleviate temporary loss of revenue. EIDL assistance can be used to cover payroll and inventory, pay debt or fund other expenses.

Additionally, the EIDL Advance will provide up to $10,000 ($1,000 per employee) of emergency economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties, and these emergency grants do not have to be repaid.

Small Business & Non Profit Funding

LISC is actively curating a list of state by state funding opportunities and resources that may be helpful for small businesses and non-profits. The lists includes opportunities that are now accepting – or soon will accept – applications from nonprofit organizations, businesses, and workers who need more support in this time of crisis.

About LISC: The Local Initiatives Support Corporation, known as LISC, is one of the country's largest social enterprises supporting projects and programs to revitalize communities and bring greater economic opportunity to residents. 

Small Business Relief Grants

With the help of Lowe’s, Verizon, Sam’s Club and Truist, LISC is providing grants for small businesses and enterprises affected by the COVID-19 pandemic across the country. Their focus is businesses in underserved communities owned and led by minorities and women – all groups who often lack access to flexible, affordable capital.

Applications will be reviewed based on criteria designed to prioritize particularly challenged businesses, and the final grantees will be randomly selected from the top scoring applicants.

Deadline: Wednesday, June 17th at 11:59 PM ET

Navigating PPP Loan Forgiveness

Faire has compiled some helpful information about how to navigate the loan forgiveness aspect of the Payroll Protection Program. If you’ve received funding, now is the time to start thinking about loan forgiveness.

Facebook Shops

Facebook just announced an integrated shopping experience that spans their Facebook and Instagram platforms. This is a free option for anyone with a Business Page on either service. Some of the key features include, Live shopping, loyalty programs, and integration with stories and ads. Customers can place an order either from the business’ website or directly from the app, if the user has enabled the checkout feature.

Tips for Offering Curbside Pickup

Craft Industry Alliance has put together some information about offering and implementing curbside pickup at your business. Helpful for anyone looking to adapt by offering alternative options for local shoppers.

Organizations Helping Women

Four organizations providing professional support and resources for women. From mentorship opportunities to job connections, fellowship programs and financial assistance, CNBC Make It has created a list of four organizations that are doing their part to ensure women remain connected to today’s workforce.

Grants for Minority- and Women-Owned Companies

Magic Johnson, the CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises is collaborating with MBE Capital Partners to offer $100 million in loans to minority- and women-owned companies hurt by stay-at-home orders due to Covid-19. The funds will be distributed through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program.