Good evening everyone,

Today, we were able to hear from many of you on the status of your PPP loan application. Many of you did not make through on the first round but are waiting patiently in hopes that your application will be approved in the upcoming 2nd round.

LISC and Facebook also have grant programs for small businesses. We encourage you to apply. See information below.

Huge appreciation to Greg Viloria who captured video footage today during our walk through. We’re hoping to share these images with our community and beyond to show that Japantown small businesses are doing their best and holding strong with their Ganbaru (persist & do one’s best) spirit.

Thank you for sharing and please stay Safe!
 

LISC Small Business Relief Grants

LISC is one of the country's largest social enterprises supporting projects and programs to revitalize underserved communities and bring greater economic opportunity to residents. Thanks to support from funders like Verizon and Sam's Club, LISC is providing grants to small businesses, to help them keep functioning and remain vital facets of their local economies through this challenging period.

Grant Application: Before completing the appliation, please read the Grant Overview and FAQ.

Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, April 28 at 11:59PM EST.  
 

A reminder that Facebook has pledged to give $100 million in small-business grants to help struggling businesses emerge from this pandemic — and $15 million in grants will be distributed in the Bay Area. 

Grant Application: Open: Apr 20 2020 10:00 AM (EDT)
Deadline: May 6 2020 11:59 PM (EDT)

Application website:
https://www.facebook.com/grantsforbusiness
 

Yesterday the Senate passed a $484 billion funding to replenish a small-business loan program. The House is expected to approve the measure later this week. We will keep you posted.

If you have not applied, we recommend that you contact your financial institution as soon as possible.

Being prepared is important! Download a copy of the PPP borrower application form to see what type of information will be requested when you apply with your lender.

API Legal Outreach (APILO) can assist you in the application process and answer any other questions you may have. Please call 1-415-567-6255 and leave a message requesting help in the language preferred. They are able to provide assistance in the following languages: Korean, Japanese, Tagalog, Cantonese, and Spanish. Leave your name, business name and phone number so that APILO staff can contact you.
 

Small businesses are facing significant impacts during the coronavirus pandemic. Join Mayor London Breed and members of San Francisco’s small business community for a webinar to discuss the City’s response to COVID-19.

Get updates and information on small business support, the latest regarding the Stay Home Public Health Order, and the City’s Economic Recovery Task Force. 

Panelists include: Cynthia Huie, Small Business Commissioner, Rodney Fong, President & CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, Joaquín Torres, Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development

Please note the changes in operating hours for the Japan Center Garage. Please share this information with your staff and customers.