CommunityWorks, a South Carolina US Treasury certified nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI), provides critical financing for small businesses, affordable housing, and community development organizations and efforts. Now more than ever, small businesses and nonprofits need our help. In the wake of COVID-19, we are here to offer hope through financial and educational resources. We will keep this resource page regularly updated.
APPLY FOR A PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) LOAN
Paycheck Protection Program applications have opened back up. We are accepting applications until August 5, 2020. In order to streamline the process, we have set up an online system for applications going forward. Please follow all 3 of the below steps in order to fill out an application.
-
Carefully read the Comprehensive Online Application Instructions.
-
Use this Calculation Form to assist you in calculating your payroll costs and eligible loan amount.
-
Open the PPP Ventures Borrower Instructions to use as you go through the application.
-
Click to start the application.
Due to a high volume of calls, we ask that you carefully read through each document before calling for assistance.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Stay up to date on reopenings and COVID 19 updates in South Carolina.
accelerateSC – Powered by SC.gov, this recently launched site is being continually updated with reopenings and important information to help SC citizens stay in the know during these changing times.
SMALL BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
GREENVILLE COUNTY CARES COVID19 FEDERAL FUNDING – Greenville County has been entrusted with allocating Federal CARES Act money to local businesses, non-profits, public health outlets, housing authorities, special purpose districts, and other agencies. CommunityWorks is a partner of this program as one of the preferred lending partners.
SPARTANBURG BACK THE BURG PROGRAM (click to learn more and apply) – The Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with CommunityWorks has established the Bringing Back the Burg Small Business Fund to help businesses impacted by COVID-19. The BTB loan is specifically to equip businesses to prepare, prevent, or respond to COVID-19. The fund is designed to financially assist qualifying small businesses through low interest and forgivable loans. Businesses that meet the criteria could be eligible for a $10,000 loan.
- Uses the funds for the intended purpose outlined in your request (To prepare, prevent and respond to impacts associated with COVID-19) and provides the necessary documentation proving that funds were used for the intended stated purpose
- Provides the necessary data and reporting required which could include but not limited to the number of jobs retained or created, business gain, loss or growth, target population served (the necessary forms will be provided)
- Maintains business operations for one year from the release of funds
The Chamber will provide complimentary 12-month membership to businesses that receive a grant.
***Due to high demand and limited funds, approvals will be made on a first come first serve basis. Please note that you must submit a full application and all documentation in order to be considered. Only Spartanburg businesses are eligible, and the loan maximum is $10,000.***
CITY OF ROCK HILL UNITE RELIEF PROGRAM (click to apply) – The purpose of the Rock Hill Unite Loan program is to provide expedited financial relief to small businesses that have experienced a downturn in business due to impacts from COVID-19. You can learn more about the program here.
IN HOUSE PRODUCTS
If a business, nonprofit, or individual does not qualify for federal funding, we have developed several in-house relief products. These products are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and require an application and supporting documentation.
To learn more and/or apply for any of the below products, please fill out this form.
SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF FUND LINE OF CREDIT
- COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund Line of Credit for small businesses: up to $10,000. This credit is intended for working capital to cover business losses due to COVID-19.
- The variable interest rate will be no more than Wall Street Journal Prime plus 1%
- The repayment terms call for a 3 month draw period with a 6-month interest-only renewal option. The maturity will be no more than 12 months following the closing date.
- No prepayment penalty.
- Must meet CW eligibility checklist and provide all documentation required
COMMUNITY RELIEF FUND LINE OF CREDIT
- COVID-19 Community (nonprofit) Relief Fund Line of Credit to help nonprofit partners: up to $50,000 unsecured and $250,000 secured. This credit is intended for working capital to cover losses due to COVID-19 for nonprofit and governmental entities.
- The variable interest rate will be no more than Wall Street Journal Prime
- The repayment terms call for a 6 month draw period with 24 months of interest-only payment and a maturity date no more than 24 months following the closing date
- No prepayment penalty
- Must meet CW eligibility checklist and provide all documentation required
CONSUMER RELIEF FUND LOAN
- COVID-19 Consumer Relief Fund loan to help with emergencies: up to $1,500 unsecured in partnership with Self Help Credit Union. This Small Dollar Relief Loan is a response to help individuals access affordable credit during this time of need and avoid predatory loans.
- The interest rates will be 4% through a shared, secure count, up to 12 months for unsecured loans
- All loans will have a savings component
- Loans will be eligible for a limited list including immediate expense needs due to COVID-19, refinancing high interest, reliable transportation, emergency car repairs, driver’s license reinstatement, and more
- Must meet CW eligibility checklist and provide all documentation and any collateral required
Interested in a one-on-one financial wellness assessment with our certified financial counselor? Schedule an appointment here. Wondering what the benefits of an AFCPE® Certified Counselor are? Click here.
FEDERAL FUNDING AND RELIEF
Below is a list of federal relief programs. If you would like to apply and are curious about your eligibility or need help reviewing your application, please reach out to us. Whether you are a current client of CW or not, we would be happy to help however we can.
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance (EIDL) – This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. Apply here.
SBA Express Bridge Loans – Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.
SBA Loan Deferrals for 7(a) – The SBA will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of six months.
SBA Loan Deferrals for Microloans – The SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Emergency Housing Assistance Fund – Provides access to emergency shelter for those in need, as well as rent and mortgage assistance for those economically impacted by the effects of COVID-19. In partnership with UnitedWay, City of Greenville, CommunityWorks, and more. To apply call 2-1-1.
Self-Help Credit Union – Loan information, applications, and financial health tips.
Hispanic Alliance Resources – Information for students, financial stability, and healthcare access.
Stimulus Check Questions / Reasons you may not have received yours yet
Local United Way Relief Resources – Give to the relief fund, find ways to volunteer, and access resources to help the most vulnerable in our community.
Greenville Chamber of Commerce – Business support, emergency remote work, corporate policies and more.
Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce – Financial resources, business guidance, innovation ideas and more.
Columbia Chamber of Commerce – Business resources, CARES Act information, and more
Together SC Nonprofit Resources – A framework for nonprofit organizations to face COVID-19
