*This list will be updated as more resources become available*
*NEW* PA 30 Day Fund
Forgivable loans up to $3,000 to small businesses in need, prioritizing eligible businesses that were victims of looting and property damage due to the recent civil unrest.
*NEW* Force Majeure Clauses in Contracts
Prepared by Philadelphia VIP with assistance from the Penn Law Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic
*NEW* Preparing for Pro Se Representation in Small Claims Court
Prepared by Rana Ozer, esq. for Philadelphia VIP
*COMING SOON* Temporary Financial Monitor Program
Philadelphia’s Commerce Court has started a new program designed to help small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. The program assigns volunteer legal or accounting professionals as Temporary Financial Monitors who “shall be responsible for evaluating the financial information provided by the petitioning entity and, upon consultation with the entity and its creditors, shall prepare a proposed Operating Plan to enable the entity to resume and/or continue operations while paying off its accumulated debts.”
CARES Act Payroll Tax Relief Provisions
A summary of COVID-19 tax relief provisions prepared by DLA Piper
Citizens Bank Small Business Recovery Program
Grants of $15,000 each that will be awarded to eligible Citizens Bank business customers who apply.
COVID-19 Relief Pennsylvania Statewide Small Business Assistance
Provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses economically impacted by COVID-19. The Pennsylvania CDFI Network will administer several rounds of funding to the best qualified applicants. This is not a first-come, first-served program. Round 2 will open up in August.
COVID-19 Working Capital Access (CWCA) Program
Administered by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA). Provides working capital loans to small businesses up to $100,000.
The Enterprise Center Capital Corporation COVID-19 Loan Fund
Loans for Philadelphia’s small businesses that have been in operation for at least 6 months and have a documented hardship.
Facebook Small Business Grant Program
Offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where Facebook operates
Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI)
$3 million in grant funds available for food retail and food enterprises working to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas, to create and preserve quality jobs, and to revitalize low-income communities. Funding for HFFI is provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), authorized by the Farm Bill.
LISC Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund
Provides grants of up to $10,000 to businesses facing immediate financial pressure because of COVID-19—especially entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically underserved communities who don’t have access to flexible, affordable capital.
PA Department of Community and Economic Development COVID-19 Business Resources
Information about Governor Wolf’s mandate on business closures + state-level resources for affected businesses
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
Pennsylvania is now offering unemployment assistance to individuals who have traditionally been ineligible for unemployment benefits (e.g. self-employed workers, consultants, independent contractors, gig workers).
Paycheck Protection Program
A loan program from the SBA that provides 8 weeks of cash-flow assistance to small businesses and nonprofits with up to 500 employees, which may be forgiven if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. *UPDATE 4/27/20* The PPP has received more funding and is accepting applications again.
Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund
*UPDATE 4/16/2020* This program is no longer accepting applications at this time.
Philadelphia Emergency Fund for Stabilization of Early Education (PEFSEE)
Tiered grant awards of up to $20,000 will be made available to provide immediate relief to eligible organizations with operations located in the city of Philadelphia.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
Targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
Social distancing for essential businesses during COVID-19
Guidance from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Start Small Think Big
Free financial and marketing services for small businesses and nonprofits, as well as the Rapid Response Project to help with businesses affected by COVID-19.
US Department of Treasury and IRS Guidance on Deferring Tax Payments Due to COVID-19 Outbreak
*NEW* Force Majeure Clauses in Contracts
Prepared by Philadelphia VIP with assistance from the Penn Law Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic
*NEW* Main Street Lending Program
Information from DLA Piper on loans that have been approved by the Federal Reserve Board for nonprofit organizations under the Nonprofit Organization New Loan Facility (“NLF”) and the Nonprofit Organization Expanded Loan Facility (“ELF” and collectively with the NLF, the “Facilities”).
CARES Act Payroll Tax Relief Provisions
A summary of COVID-19 tax relief provisions prepared by DLA Piper
Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI)
$3 million in grant funds available for food retail and food enterprises working to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas, to create and preserve quality jobs, and to revitalize low-income communities. Funding for HFFI is provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), authorized by the Farm Bill.
Paycheck Protection Program
A loan program from the SBA that provides 8 weeks of cash-flow assistance to small businesses and nonprofits with up to 500 employees, which may be forgiven if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. *UPDATE 4/27/20* The PPP has received more funding and is accepting applications again.
PHL COVID-19 Fund
Grants available to Greater Philadelphia organizations with a successful track record of serving at-risk populations
Philadelphia Emergency Fund for Stabilization of Early Education (PEFSEE)
Tiered grant awards of up to $20,000 will be made available to provide immediate relief to eligible organizations with operations located in the city of Philadelphia.
Responding to the Coronavirus Outbreak: Resources to Help Nonprofits
Materials and articles on a wide array of topics to help nonprofits respond to COVID-19, prepared by The Chronicle of Philanthropy
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
Targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
Start Small Think Big
Free financial and marketing services for small businesses and nonprofits, as well as the Rapid Response Project to help with businesses affected by COVID-19.
Business Resource & Innovation Center
Free Library of Philadelphia
City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce
Clinic for Law & Entrepreneurship, Villanova University School of Law
Providing legal services for start-up businesses
Contracts Hub
Database of opportunities for vendors to work with the City of Philadelphia
Community College of Philadelphia’s Power Up Your Business Program
Offering workshops and an extended 12-week course in small business management
Department of Licenses and Inspections
City of Philadelphia’s L&I Department website
Entrepreneur Works
Provides entrepreneurs with access to capital, one-on-one technical assistance, business training & networking opportunities
FINANTA
A community lender including peer-to-peer loans and small business counseling
PA Department of Community and Economic Development
Penn Law Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic
University of Pennsylvania Law School program that offers no-cost assistance to small businesses
Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers
Provides a list of Small Business Development Centers
SBA
The U.S. Small Business Administration
SCORE Philadelphia
Provides free and confidential business advice and counseling
The Enterprise Center
Assists local entrepreneurs in West Philadelphia
The Merchants Fund
Provides charitable gifts to business persons facing financial hardship
Vets First Verification Program
Affords verified firms owned and controlled by Veterans the opportunity to compete for VA set-asides
Women’s Business Enterprise Center East
Provides resources to entrepreneurs and business owners looking to expand
Women’s Opportunities Resource Center
Provides training, individual business assistance, job placement, and access to business and financial resources
*NEW* Choosing Your Corporate Entity: C Corps, Nonprofits, and Hybrid Entities
Prepared for Philadelphia VIP by Rana Ozer, esq.
A Guide to Business Registration in Pennsylvania
Prepared by Pennsylvania Department of States Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
Entrepreneur’s Guide: Starting and Growing a Business in Pennsylvania
Prepared by Pennsylvania Department Community & Economic Development
Dissolving a Small Business
Prepared by Philadelphia VIP
Guide to Writing a Business Plan
Prepared by Philadelphia VIP and Penn Law Financial Literacy Project
How to Start a Business Guide
Prepared by Philadelphia VIP
Immigration Impacts on Small Business Ownership Webinar
Prepared by D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center
Legal Checkups – Smart Practices for a Healthy Business
Prepared by D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center
Model Employee Handbooks for Small Business
Prepared by the National Federation of Independent Businesses and Arent Fox LLP
Succession Planning
Prepared by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Tax Considerations for Small Businesses – Part 1
Tax Considerations for Small Businesses – Part 2
Prepared by D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center
Arts and Business Council of Greater Philadelphia
New Beginnings
Nonprofit incubator
Nonprofit Center at LaSalle University
Technical assistance for nonprofits
The Nonprofit Partnership
Capacity building programs and services
PHENND
Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development
Regional Foundation Center
Free Library of Philadelphia
RSVP VEC of Montgomery County
Responding to Community Needs through Volunteerism: Volunteer Executive Consultants; helps nonprofit organizations in need of management assistance. Contact Anne Sheehan at annes@rsvpmc.org for free assistance with creating a budget
Urban Affairs Coalition
Offering fiscal sponsorship, consulting services, and fee for service options to nonprofits
Volunteer Accountants for Nonprofits
Offers free assistance with creating a budget for nonprofit
*NEW* Choosing Your Corporate Entity: C Corps, Nonprofits, and Hybrid Entities
Prepared for Philadelphia VIP by Rana Ozer, esq.
*NEW* Guide to Drafting Bylaws for a Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation
Prepared by Philadelphia VIP
Conflict of Interest Policies: Disclosure, Monitoring and Enforcement
Prepared by D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center
Developing Better Bylaws – A Webinar on Improving Your Organization’s Governance
Prepared by D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center
Fiscal Sponsorship FAQ
A guide to fiscal sponsorship, an alternative to forming a 501c(3) organization; prepared by Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Justice
501c3 vs 501c4: Everything You Need to Know
Published on Up Counsel
How to Form a Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation
Published on NOLO.com
Model Board of Directors Orientation Manual
Prepared by D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center
Nonprofit Legal Checklist
Checklist to help ensure nonprofit organizations are on the road to good legal health; prepared by Wayfind
Your Nonprofit Organization’s Board of Directors
A guide outlining the general and specific responsibilities of vital roles in an organization’s board of directors; prepared by the AIDS Committee of Ottawa (ACO)
Before Applying for Tax Exempt Status
Applying for Tax-Exempt Status
Charitable Contributions Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for Tax Exemption
Form 1023 is the Application for Recognition of Exemption Under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
Public Charity Compliance Guide
Which Forms Do Exempt Organizations File?
Table indicating the appropriate 990 Series form tax exempt organizations must file as part of their annual return dependent on financial activity
A Guide to Being a Fiscal Sponsor: Is it a Good Fit for Your Organization?
A fiscal sponsor is a 501(c)(3) public charity that agrees to sponsor a project (fiscal agent) that may lack tax exempt status, allowing the agent to seek grants and solicit tax-deductible donations under the sponsor’s exempt status; prepared by Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Justice
A Nonprofit’s Guide to OSHA
Guide to compliance with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration; prepared by Pro Bono Partnership
A Nonprofit’s Guide to Risk Management and Insurance
Prepared by D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center
Dissolving a Nonprofit Corporation in Pennsylvania
Prepared by Philadelphia VIP
Employee Benefits for Nonprofits
Prepared by Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
Federal Grant Information
A centralized location for grant seekers to find and apply for federal funding opportunities; managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Good Financial Policies for Nonprofits 101
Prepared by Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
Good Financial Policies for Nonprofits 102
Prepared by Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
Grant Writing 101
Prepared by Michigan Community Resources
Legal Issues of Working with Volunteers
Prepared by Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
Pennsylvania Attorney General Handbook for Charitable Nonprofit Organizations
Prepared by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General
Political Activity – What Your Organization Needs to Know
Prepared by D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center
Risks and Rewards of Crowdfunding for Nonprofits
Prepared by Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
Sample Employee Handbook
Prepared by National Council of Nonprofit Associations
“…Your Huddled Masses Yearning”: An Update for Nonprofits Serving Undocumented Immigrants
Outlines legal limitations, risks, and tips for nonprofit organizations serving undocumented immigrants; prepared by Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
Document Retention Policy Template
Prepared by Lawyers Clearing House
*NEW* How to Draft a Template Contract
Prepared by Philadelphia VIP
A Practical Guide to Legal Risk Management: Contracts
Prepared by Lawyers Alliance for New York
Contract Management Guide
Prepared by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply
The Alphabet Soup of Labor and Employment Law
Prepared by Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta
Guide to Independent Contractors
Prepared by the National Federation of Independent Businesses
Handy Reference Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act
Prepared by the U.S. Department of Labor
Intellectual Property Essentials – Identify, Protect, and Profit from Your Innovation (Part 1)
Intellectual Property Essentials – Identify, Protect, and Profit from Your Innovation (Part 2)
Prepared by D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center
Trademark, Patent, Copyright?
Outlines the major differences between the three; published on United States Patent and Trademark Office
The Basics: Commercial Leases
Prepared by Cozen O’Connor
Commercial Real Estate Terms and Definitions
Prepared by NAIOP Research Foundation
START RIGHT A Guide to L+I Services
Philadelphia Guide to Licensing and Inspections; prepared by Philadelphia office of Licenses and Inspections