Beyond the PPP: Other Funding and Support Options for Small Businesses

The Paycheck Protection Program has helped millions of small businesses to stay afloat through the pandemic, but for many the loans aren’t enough. Our data shows that nearly half of the small businesses we have helped are on the verge of closure, even with government support. But the good news is that if you need more help, there are options available. Whether you were ineligible for the PPP, haven’t heard back yet about your application, or received a grant but still need more assistance, there are many other grant and loan options available to you.

Read on to learn about funding options beyond the PPP for small businesses of every type. And if you’re curious about where $500 billion in PPP funds have gone so far, check out our loan data search tool.

Private Loan and Grant Programs

Large corporations and firms around the US have stepped up to offer their support to smaller businesses during the pandemic. Salesforce is offering $10,000 small business grants, while GoFundMe is offering $500 matching grants to eligible small businesses who fundraise using the platform. Goldman Sachs is offering $750 million in emergency loans to businesses all over the US. You can see a complete list of small business grants and loans, compiled by Gusto, here.

Regional Funds

State and local governments and organizations are also offering assistance to small businesses through relief funds. For example, small businesses in Washington state are eligible for grants of up to $10,000 (apply here) and Pennsylvania small businesses can receive up to $100,000 in zero-interest loans (apply here). The city of Los Angeles is offering emergency microloans to small businesses ranging from $5000 to $20,000 (apply here), and the city of San Francisco is offering 0% interest loans of up to $50,000 to small businesses in coordination with Main Street Launch (apply here). You can search for your state in this relief hub created by Gusto to see local relief funds available to you.

Other Aid: Free Services and Programs for Small Businesses

Beyond cash relief, many services are being offered for free to eligible small businesses. Work automation software company Zapier is offering 3-month free trials of their Starter plan to eligible small businesses, while Yahoo is offering their Get Online Plan, a suite of services for small and medium-sized businesses, for free for up to a year. Web builder GoDaddy is offering free websites to small businesses as well as free email and social media marketing tools.

The future is uncertain for many small businesses, but these relief programs can help. There may be another stimulus package or other national government support on the way, but in the meantime, take advantage of the great assistance options available from other businesses and regional and local businesses. And of course, make sure your business is listed on Skip so that your customers can find you and your community can offer their support.