COVID-19 Information for Small Businesses

City of Dallas COVID-19 Overview

The City of Dallas continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on the business community, working closely with our local, state and federal partners. For the latest COVID-19 information for Dallas residents, please visit https://dallascityhall.com/Pages/Corona-Virus.aspx.  Below is additional information that we hope will help you navigate these changing times.

Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program

Starting September 1, 2023, the State of Texas Office of the Governor is opening a new application category for the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant (TTIR) Program. Approved applicants may receive up to $250,000 in total from the program. Applicants who previously received Categories 1-5 funding are eligible to reapply for Category 6. Full eligibility details can be found on the TTIR FAQs page https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/ttir-faq.

Originally established in 2021 by the Governor following the 87th Legislative Session to administer $180 million of funds under the  American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), TTIR provides grants for the recovery of Texas businesses in tourism, travel, and hospitality industries impacted by COVID-19.

The program will be available for applicants in the following NAICS codes who submit supporting documents and demonstrate eligibility and grant compliance.

For more information, please visit https://gov.texas.gov/business/page/texas-travel-industry-recovery-grant-program. Questions can be sent to TTIR Program staff by emailing [email protected].
 

Employers Needing Essential Workers
Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas

If you are an employer needing essential workers, Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas is available to assist. Call them at 214-302-5555 and they can help you find the essential workers you need.

Jobseekers

For immediate and ongoing access to job matching services go to www.workintexas.com and the Dallas Regional Chamber's Jobs for Displaced Workers.

Unemployment Benefits  

Summary

If your employment has been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. The state recommends you apply online for benefits, but applications can also be accepted over the phone by calling 800-939-6631.
 
Governor Abbott announced the week of March 16, 2020 that he has instructed Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to waive the normal waiting period, and work search requirements.

Eligibility

To qualify for unemployment benefits in Texas, you must have worked in Texas during the past 12 to 18 months and have at least a minimum amount of wages as required by state guidelines. You must also be able to work and available to work, although the state has waived the provision that you must be looking for work each week that you request benefits.
 

Contact

Go online at https://www.twc.texas.gov/jobseekers/unemployment-benefits-services or call 800-939-6631 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Central Time Mondays through Fridays. 
 

Shared Work Program

As an alternative to layoffs, TWC is encouraging employers to enroll in the Shared Work program. A voluntary program, it was developed as a way to help Texas employers and employees withstand a business slowdown, such as occurred due to COVID-19. Under this program, an employer can supplement an employee's lost wages because of reduced hours worked with partial unemployment benefits.

To read more about the Shared Work program, or to apply, visit https://twc.texas.gov/businesses/shared-work.

Small Business Financial Resources

The federal government offered a variety of programs to provide COVID-19 relief for businesses. Most of these programs are no longer accepting applications; however, the SBA is still processing PPP loan forgiveness applications. For more information about SBA programs, please visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options

Dallas' Small Business Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have resources and loan products to assist businesses:

• Business & Community Lenders of Texas: For more information click here.
• DreamSpring: For business loans, click here.
• Lift Fund: Up to $50,000; apply online here.
• PeopleFund: Quick turnaround, disaster assistance loans; for more information clickhere.
• National Development Council (NDC) Small Business lending, click here.

Third-Party Grants and Loans

Third-parties are providing grants and loans to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Please note we are providing for informational purposes only.

Google Support for Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs)

Google is supporting small- and medium-sized businesses around the world that have been impacted by COVID-19. They are doing this in a variety of ways, from providing access to capital, Google ad credits, and more. For details click here.

Hello Alice COVID-19 Resources

Hello Alice is inviting small business owners to submit applications for their general Business For All program, which offers mentorship opportunities as well as grants up to $50,000 in support of long-term business growth. Applications are open through September 25, 2020. For details click here.

Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund

In partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Verizon is investing $2.5 million for grants of up to $10,000 to entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19, especially entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and others in historically underserved communities who don't have access to flexible, affordable funding. For the most recent round of funding, applicants were to be notified by September 18, 2020 via email. More information can be found here.

Support Local Restaurants

You can support local restaurants by ordering take-out or delivery. For a list of participating restaurants, click here.

 As new information is received we will update this page, so please check back.