Downtown Annapolis Partnership News
During times like these, we see how strong Annapolis is. It has been wonderful to see neighbors helping neighbors and the creative ways people are going it while maintaining social distancing. Supporting one another is what being a community is all about. The Downtown Annapolis Partnership is in the process of updating our website and by next week will feature downtown businesses that have online stores and sell gift cards online.
This Thursday, April 2nd there will again be a free farmers market in downtown Annapolis front of Latitude 38 at 11 am for first responders and 1130 am for the general public. Please share this with anyone that is in need of fresh food. When you arrive please be sure to maintain social distancing as you wait your turn to enter the market.
There is a new grant program for restaurant workers that will provide a $500 grant to those that have lost jobs in that industry. It is a first-come, first-served, program.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program helps the self-employed that have lost work
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides emergency unemployment assistance to workers who are left out of regular state UI or who have exhausted their state UI benefits (including any Extended Benefits that might become available in the future). Up to 39 weeks of PUA are available to workers who are immediately eligible to receive PUA. The program will expire on December 31, 2020, unless otherwise extended. Importantly, this program will provide income support to many workers who are shut out of the state UI systems in this country. In fact, workers who are eligible for state UI are not eligible for the PUA program. Those eligible for PUA include self-employed workers, including independent contractors, freelancers, workers seeking part-time work, and workers who do not have a long-enough work history to qualify for state UI benefits. Applicants will need to provide self-certification that they are (1) partially or fully unemployed, OR (2) unable and unavailable to work because of one of the following circumstances:
- They have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have symptoms of it and are seeking diagnosis;
- A member of their household has been diagnosed with COVID-19;
- They are providing care for someone diagnosed with COVID-19;
- They are providing care for a child or other household member who can’t attend school or work because it is closed due to COVID-19;
- They are quarantined or have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine;
- They were scheduled to start employment and do not have a job or cannot reach their place of employment as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak;
- They have become the breadwinner for a household because the head of household has died as a direct result of COVID-19;
- They had to quit their job as a direct result of COVID-19;
- Their place of employment is closed as a direct result of COVID-19; or
- They meet other criteria established by the Secretary of Labor.
Workers are not eligible for PUA if they can either telework with pay or are receiving paid sick days or paid leave. Unfortunately, workers must be authorized to work to be eligible for PUA, meaning that undocumented workers will not qualify. The PUA program will run from January 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Workers will be eligible for retroactive benefits and can access benefits for a maximum of 39 weeks, including any weeks for which the person received regular UI.
The City of Annapolis Economic Office has put together the following:
Covid-19 databases to help those in need as a result of shutdowns
COVID-19 Small Business Relief
COVID-19 Recursos Para Negocios
COVID-19 CARES Act Information
Contact the City Economic Development Office if you still questions related to their databases at 410-260-2200 or via email at
Steven Rice, Economic Development Manager smrice@annapolis.gov
Hope Stewart Small Business Liason hstewart@annapolis.gov
Free Webinars
New Financial Resources for Businesses Affected by COVID-19
Small Business Development CenterApril 2, 1:00 pm
COVID-19: Listening Session & Resources Webinar
Maryland Black Chamber of CommerceApril 3 10:00 am and 3:00 pm
Los negocios Latinos en tiempos del coronavirus
Small Business Development Center April 3, 1:00 pm
Managing and Mitigating Risks for International Business
Baltimore-Washington Global Chamber April 9, 12:00 pm
Recorded:
How to Apply for the SBA EIDL Loan Maryland SBDC
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Antidiscrimination Laws
US Equal Opportunity Employment Commission
COVID-19: Preparing for What Comes Next
Restore Your Economy/International Economic Development Council
Also during this time, we encourage people to take the time to call someone that may be home alone. Isolation compounded with the news of the day can be very hard on individuals and they will appreciate hearing from you.
Fun New links below that support your community
Annapolis Musicians offer daily concerts at Annapolis Streaminghttps://www.facebook.com/AnnapolisStreaming/
Annapolis Restaurants promote carryout and deliveryhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/163171134724782/
Annapolis promotes Small Business with pay it forward Gift Card Giveawayshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/638348060283201/
Feed Anne Arundelhttps://www.facebook.com/FeedAnneArundel/
Check out the Downtown Annapolis Partnership on Facebook for even more updates on downtown Annapolis events, specials, and new arrivals here.
Let's all work together. We will have a better chance of sustaining and growing our local economy while taking appropriate steps to protect the health of our community. We invite you to join, support and volunteer with the Downtown Annapolis Partnership. We are working to keep you informed and make downtown Annapolis even better. Join today atwww.downtownannapolispartnership.org/join
