Number 74 July 3, 2020 St. Louis
Applications are now being accepted for the City of St. Louis Small Business Grant Fund (SBGF). These grants will provide financial assistance to small businesses that have been severely impacted by COVID-19 and Stay at Home Orders. Through the CARES Act, the total amount of the funding available for disbursement is $4 million. These grant amounts will be $5,000.
Approved grants are subject to the Board of Aldermen approving the CARES Act budget. Fifty percent (50%) of the available funding will be reserved for businesses located within the St. Louis Promise Zone, an Opportunity Zone, or a Neighborhood Revitalization Stabilization Area.
Please go to the SLDC Website for the link to the application at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc/
Businesses that did not receive a Small Business Relief Program loan from SLDC will be prioritized over those businesses that did.
If you have any questions about this program, please email sldc-grants@stlouis-mo.gov.
The Pandemic Diaries: Redefined
The Pandemic Diaries was a weekly reflection penned by individual Justine PETERSEN staff members in the style of journaling, chronicling the daily reality of working from home in the wake of Covid-19. In light of us fighting the long entrenched pandemic of structural racism and inequality, the series will now include diary submissions reflecting on what it means to live in a world that is unjust, and what can and should be done for “cultural course correction.” This week’s diary entry is written by Stephanie Slay, Portfolio Associate at Justine PETERSEN.
When I was asked to contribute to the JP UP date, I was taken back on what to say – I am not one to express my opinion on social matters. Overwhelmed by a sense of obligation, I began to reflect on my past 3 years at JP.
JP is an organization that has not only helped my family and I, but an organization that has helped countless individuals and small businesses in the St. Louis Community. Due to Covid-19 taking the country and the world hostage, there has been an up-roar of uncertainty in not only the economy, but everyone’s lives; JP has been there to lend a hand. JP has been able to assist with the PPP, SBA Cares, and restructuring client loans, just to name a few.
We all have become victims to Covid-19 in one way or another, and to help do our part to flatten the curve and slow, if not stop the spread of the virus, JP has allowed the entire staff to work remotely. As the State of Missouri eases its restrictions, some have returned to the office for a few days a week, while others continue to work from home. This has allowed us to continue serving the community and allowed the staff to continue supporting their families in these financially trying times.
As individuals across the country take to the streets to demand justice for those who have lost their lives for the color of their skin – JP has always had a diverse staff as a way for various forms of representation and diversity. This has created a comfortable and supportive work environment and has given individuals and businesses an equal chance based on nothing more than what they need. You do not find that at big name banks who take our socioeconomic status and race into consideration, ultimately putting you at an unfair advantage.
I am a GOD-fearing woman, and I believe that with GOD’s guidance, we can make changes for the better. We can come together to eliminate this deadly pandemic and make progressive changes in the area of race, justice, and diversity.
I thank my employer for giving me these opportunities in the past few months of crazy 2020. As Portfolio Associate at JP, I continue to help our clients to satisfy their loan commitment during these stressful and uncertain times.
