WASHINGTON — With security incidents on the rise, the Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the tax industry urged tax professionals and taxpayers to use a special feature – multi-factor authentication – available on tax software products to help protect against identity and data theft. The Security Summit partners today kicked off the annual 2021 "Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself" summer campaign aimed at tax professionals. This year's theme is "Boost Security Immunity: Fighting Against Identity Theft" to urge tax professionals to step up their efforts to protect client data amid the pandemic and its aftermath. Multi-factor authentication, also known as two-factor authentication, provides more security. It allows the tax professional or taxpayer to use another feature such as a security code sent to a mobile device, a pin number or a fingerprint in addition to the username and password. A thief may steal usernames and passwords but cannot access accounts without the additional multifactor feature. "The Security Summit has made great strides to protect the tax community, but we need the help of everyone in the tax professional community," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Using the multi-factor authentication feature available on tax preparation products is one of the easiest and cheapest security measures any tax pro can take. It's offered for free by the tax software providers. As people continue to get vaccines, we urge tax professionals as well as taxpayers to boost their security immunity and help in the battle against identity theft." This marks the sixth year of the tax professional campaign, part of a wider effort by the Security Summit coalition of the IRS, state tax agencies and the nation's tax community to strengthen protections against identity and data theft threatening the tax system. This is the first in a series of weekly news releases running through August 17. Through June 30, 2021, there have been 222 data theft reports this year from tax professionals to the IRS, outpacing the rate of 211 in 2020 and 124 in 2019. Each individual report may involve hundreds to thousands of taxpayers. Client information stolen from tax professionals' offices is used to create fraudulent tax returns that are difficult to detect because the identity thief is using real financial data. Based on reports to the IRS in 2020, many tax professionals whose client data was stolen failed to use multifactor authentication, and the feature could have prevented some of the thefts. Tax professionals also should use multi-factor authentication features anywhere it is offered, such as commercial email products and cloud storage providers. Multi-factor authentication is just one of several security steps tax professionals – and taxpayers – should use to protect sensitive data. Other steps include: The IRS also reminds tax professionals that federal law, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, requires all professional tax preparers to create and implement a data security plan. The IRS also recommends tax professionals create a data theft response plan, which includes  contacting the IRS Stakeholder Liaisons  to report a theft. Tax professionals also can get help with security recommendations by reviewing IRS Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data PDF, and Small Business Information Security: The Fundamentals PDF by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The IRS Identity Theft Central pages for tax pros, individuals and businesses have important details as well. Publication 5293, Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals PDF, provides a compilation of data theft information available on IRS.gov. Also, tax professionals should stay connected to the IRS through subscriptions to e-News for Tax Professionals and Social Media. For more information, see Boost Security Immunity: Fight Against Identity Theft.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced today they have disbursed more than 2.2 million additional Economic Impact Payments under the American Rescue Plan. Today's announcement covering the most recent six weeks of the effort brings the total disbursed so far under the American Rescue Plan to more than 171 million payments. They represent a total value of more than $400 billion since these payments began rolling out to Americans in batches on March 12. Here is additional information on the last six weeks of payments, which includes those with official payment dates through July 21: The IRS will continue to disburse Economic Impact Payments on a weekly basis. Ongoing payments will be sent to eligible individuals for whom the IRS previously did not have information to issue a payment but who recently filed a tax return, as well to people who qualify for "plus-up" payments. Although payments are automatic for most people, the IRS continues to urge people who don't normally file a tax return and haven't received Economic Impact Payments to file a 2020 tax return to get all the benefits they're entitled to under the law, including tax credits such as the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Filing a 2020 tax return will also assist the IRS in determining whether someone is eligible for monthly advance payments of the 2021 Child Tax Credit, which began earlier this month. For example, some federal benefits recipients may need to file a 2020 tax return – even if they don't usually file – to provide information the IRS needs to send payments for a qualifying dependent. Eligible individuals in this group should file a 2020 tax return as quickly as possible to be considered for an additional payment for their qualifying dependents. People who don't normally have an obligation to file a tax return and don't receive federal benefits may qualify for these Economic Impact Payments. This includes those experiencing homelessness, the rural poor, and other historically under-served groups. Individuals who didn't get a first or second round Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amounts may be eligible for the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit, but they'll need to file a 2020 tax return. See the special section on IRS.gov: Claiming the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit if you aren't required to file a tax return. The IRS has provided an online Non-Filer tool to allow individuals who weren't required to file (and have not filed) a tax return for 2020 to file a simplified tax return. This simplified tax return allows eligible individuals to register for advance Child Tax Credit payments and the third Economic Impact Payment, as well as claim the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. Free tax return preparation is also available for qualifying people. The IRS reminds taxpayers that the income levels in this third round of Economic Impact Payments have changed. This means that some people won't be eligible for the third payment even if they received a first or second Economic Impact Payment or claimed a 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit. Payments will begin to be reduced for individuals making $75,000 or above in Adjusted Gross Income ($150,000 for married filing jointly). The payments end at $80,000 for individuals ($160,000 for married filing jointly); people with Adjusted Gross Incomes above these levels are ineligible for a payment. Individuals can check the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov to see the payment status of these payments. Additional information on Economic Impact Payments is available on IRS.gov.

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today launched a new feature that will give taxpayers digital control over who can represent them or view their tax records, a groundbreaking step in the agency's expansion of electronic options for taxpayers and tax professionals. The new feature, one of many recent enhancements to the Online Account for individuals, will allow individual taxpayers to authorize their tax practitioner to represent them before the IRS with a Power of Attorney (POA) and to view their tax accounts with a Tax Information Authorizations (TIA). "The ability for taxpayers to connect online with their tax professional is a groundbreaking step for the IRS," said Chuck Rettig, IRS Commissioner. "This is the first, basic step toward a more fully integrated digital tax system that will benefit taxpayers, tax professionals and the IRS." As of today, tax professionals may go to the new Tax Pro Account on IRS.gov to digitally initiate POAs and TIAs. These digital authorization requests are simpler versions of Forms 2848 and 8821. Once completed and submitted by the tax professional, the authorization requests will appear in the taxpayers' Online Account for their review, approval or rejection and electronic signature. Because the taxpayers' identities already are verified at the time of login, they simply check a box as their signature and submit the authorization request to the IRS. A key benefit is the completed digital authorization, if accurate, will go directly to the Centralized Authorization File (CAF) database and will not require manual processing. Most requests will be immediately recorded and appear on the list of approved authorizations in the taxpayer's Online Account and the tax professional's Tax Pro Account. Some authorizations may take up to 48 hours. Tax professionals may then go to e-Services Transcript Delivery Service to see the taxpayer's records. This new digital authorization option will be a much faster process. It will allow the IRS to reduce its current CAF inventory and to focus on authorization requests received through fax, mail or the Submit Forms 2848 and 8821 Online – all of which require IRS personnel to handle. To connect with their tax professionals, taxpayers either login to their Online Account using their IRS username and password or they must create an account after passing a one-time identity verification process. Taxpayers who cannot validate their identities cannot use this option, and their tax professional must use the fax, mail or online submission process. However, the IRS will be announcing a new process for this application later this year. Tax professionals should use their IRS usernames and passwords to access the Tax Pro Account or create an account after verifying their identities. This initial launch of the Tax Pro Account represents the first release of the tool. Over time, additional functionality will be added for taxpayers and tax professionals that will increase the options for electronic interactions. Currently, the digital authorization process is available only to individual taxpayers, not businesses or other entities. Also, tax professionals must be in good standing with the IRS and already have a CAF number prior to making requests through Tax Pro Account. To initiate the authorizations, tax professionals must enter their personal information and their clients' personal information exactly as it appears on IRS tax records. Also, the feature is available only to those with addresses in the United States. Tax Pro Account is a separate tool from e-Services. To help tax professionals educate their clients about this new process, the IRS has created two e-Posters that practitioners may share. These are: There are additional features available to individual taxpayers from their Online Account. Taxpayers can view: Taxpayers can also:

WASHINGTON: On Thursday, July 8, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Public Private Strategies Institute hosted a New England Region (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) briefing for small business owners on COVID-19 recovery as part of the "Getting Back on Track: Help is Here" webinar series.   Nearly 1,000 participants joined the livestream briefing featuring Bibi Hidalgo, Associate Administrator for SBA Government Contracting and Business Development. “President Biden and SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman have laid out a bold vision for the agency to reinvigorate our nation’s small businesses. Right now, we have an opportunity for the government to use its purchasing power to build wealth in underserved communities and to provide new opportunities to small businesses across the country,” said Ms. Hidalgo. The webinar featured live translation for Spanish speakers.  Participants joined an in-depth question and answer session with SBA New Hampshire District Director and New England Acting Regional Administrator Amy Bassett. Ms. Bassett provided detailed updates on low-interest disaster relief aid and American Rescue Plan programs, such as the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants and Paycheck Protection Program.  She also discussed technical assistance that SBA district offices could provide applicants. Additionally, participants heard from guest speaker Jeff Wu, Deputy Director, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, emphasizing vaccinations and healthcare options for small business employers and employees. Rhett Buttle, President of Public Private Strategies Institute, emphasized, “Public Private Strategies Institute continues to be honored to partner with the SBA on this ongoing series to give small business owners the tools they need to build back better. We continue to talk about how access to capital, small business leadership on vaccines, and digital tools can help Main Streets come back stronger from COVID-19. At the same time, we will bring new topics to these events like the importance of government contracting and were thrilled to have Associate Administrator Bibi Hidalgo join the webinar.”   SBA recommends applicants, interested parties, and qualified entities check these additional resources for economic aid and vaccinations: SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center: 1-800-659-2955. Operation Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday; 1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing or DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov Local Resources Partners:  https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance or www.sba.gov/asistencia-local SBA's Guide to Federal Contracting:  https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting Getting Back on Track: Help is Here Virtual Webinar Series: To join one of the regional webinars in this series, register at Getting Back on Track: Help is Here! SBA’s National Small Business Week Virtual Summit, September 13-15, 2021:  National Small Business Week Virtual Summit (sba.gov) or www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week Subscribe to the SBA's e-newsletter:  www.sba.gov/updates​ Follow the SBA on Twitter: @SBAgov​ Visit vaccines.gov and healthcare.gov for healthcare and vaccination resources.   Disclaimer: Cosponsorship Authorization # 21-0501-14: The SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products, or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.

The NGA Workforce Innovation Network will continue to support Governors in building capacity for innovation as they work in tandem with partners to re-engage citizens in the workforce, improve economic mobility, and advance equity in their states and territories. by Madelyn Rahn and Rachael Stephens Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, June 2021 Early in the pandemic, as millions of Americans filed for unemployment each week, states were focused on responding to a tsunami of unemployment claims and placing unprecedented numbers of unemployed job seekers into immediately available jobs as quickly as possible. As of May 2021, 9.3 million Americans were unemployed – far fewer than the pandemic high of 23.1 million in April 2020, but still far more than the 5.7 million unemployed in February 2020. Meanwhile, as more businesses fully reopen, many employers, especially small businesses, are struggling to fill positions with qualified workers. As Governors support job seekers’ return to work and help businesses fill open rolls, they’re also working to shape the longer-term post-pandemic future in their states. By aligning short-term re-employment strategies with longer-term objectives to advance equity and economic mobility, state leaders can help people get good jobs and achieve self-sufficiency. Recognizing the enormity of this task before Governors, in January 2021 the National Governors Association published the State Roadmap for Workforce Recovery, a framework for organizing state workforce response and recovery activities to align short-term and long-term goals and accomplish four critical objectives necessary for a stronger, more resilient, and more equitable post-pandemic economy: Expand access to essential support services; Rapidly connect job seekers to work; Advance digital access and skill development; and Enhance job quality for all workers.  Governors recognize that these objectives cannot be reached through siloed activities across disparate agencies or initiatives. Since launching work with its first cohort of states in March, the NGA Workforce Innovation Network (NGA WIN) has been focused on helping Governors drive meaningful action toward achieving these bold objectives using a more comprehensive approach. NGA WIN empowers Governors to convene a range of stakeholders to develop common goals, align activities, and solidify plans to move the needle on realizing the Governors’ vision for workforce innovation and resilience. NGA WIN is currently working with a cohort of 10 states to help them rapidly connect unemployed job seekers to essential support services, work or training by improving their coordinated service delivery. For many states, prioritizing the quality of jobs they connect people to or train them for is central to this work – beginning with defining what makes a job “good” in the first place. To help states answer this question, NGA WIN has partnered with recognized thought leaders and practitioners to develop a state action planning template for defining job quality for reemployment and recovery.  Source: To Build Back Better, Job Quality is the Key, April 2021 In an effort to better understand and measure job quality, thought leaders at The Aspen Institute, Corporation for a Skilled Workforce, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and the National Fund for Workforce Solutions have identified five key elements of job quality: pay, schedule, benefits, working conditions, and agency and respect. As a first step in using job quality to inform their efforts, states may use this framework to determine which elements to prioritize, how they will measure them and how those metrics should be applied to inform how they serve job seekers. The NGA WIN action planning template builds on this framework, guiding states through a process of assembling a stakeholder team to collaboratively define key elements of job quality in their state and identify steps they can take to further prioritize job quality in their employment services and training investments.   By the measure above, millions of workers across the country may be working in jobs they feel fall short on one or more key elements of job quality. There are also indications that many workers may be earning less than a living wage. Roughly 1 in 5 American workers qualified for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) before thepandemic – a program designed to assist taxpayers with low earnings that may not cover their basic needs, and the IRS estimates only 80 percent of those eligible actually apply for and receive it. In addition to low pay, workers face other conditions of employment that can contribute to financial stress. For example, before the pandemic 28 percent of civilian workers did not have access to medical care benefits through their employer. Similarly, 29 percent lacked access to retirement benefits and 22 percent lacked access to paid sick leave. Many also experience other types of stress and instability related to conditions of work. For instance, nearly 1 in 5 American workers are given less than one week of notice of their work schedule, which may make it difficult to manage other responsibilities, like child care or educational pursuits. State leaders understand placing job seekers in high-quality jobs is not as simple as directing them toward the highest-paying job for which they are qualified. Job quality can encompass many elements that contribute to worker satisfaction, retention and overall success. Workers have different definitions of “high quality” depending on their priorities.  Some job seekers may require additional training to gain skills to enter a job that meets their needs. Furthermore, state leaders recognize some jobs deemed lower-quality may serve as important entry points to higher-quality jobs – particularly if they can work with employers, educators and training providers to make sure these jobs are stepping-stones more often than dead ends. States across the country are already taking steps to define and measure elements of job quality in ways that help them better serve job seekers. Among them are three NGA WIN grantee states which have taken particularly innovative approaches that complement their broader efforts to improve service delivery and job placement strategies: In Washington, the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County collaborated with the University of Washington in 2020 to create a statewide self-sufficiency standard. This standard is based on regional cost of living across the state and will enable the state to analyze workforce program outcomes through interactive dashboards and identify gaps and shortfalls in service delivery. The state will use this information to facilitate collaboration among key partners to implement solutions that improve job training and placement program outcomes.The Colorado NGAWIN state team has been collaborating with their state workforce board to create a job quality definition to be field tested throughout the state workforce system. Once this definition is finalized, the state plans to use American Rescue Plan Act funds to embed this new standard definition into its local workforce area funding formulas.Alabama worked with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta to launch a career planning tool that includes a benefits cliff calculator. The Dashboard for Alabamians to Visualize Income Determinations (DAVID) can help individuals understand which career pathways will help them achieve self-sufficiency and overcome potential loss of public assistance based on income, region, occupation and family dynamics. This empowers workers to progress through a career path while maintaining financial security. These initiatives demonstrate how states can begin to define and measure elements of job quality to improve service delivery strategies. States can build on these types of initiatives by incorporating additional job quality elements into their definition or by applying their definitions to additional programs that serve people looking for work and building their careers.   These examples also underscore that enhancing job quality will require collaborative partnerships among the Governor and state workforce system leaders and other state agencies, institutions and employers, as well as federal and local governments. The NGA Workforce Innovation Network will continue to support Governors in building capacity for innovation as they work in tandem with these partners to re-engage citizens in the workforce, improve economic mobility, and advance equity in their states and territories. The NGA Workforce Innovation Network is generously supported by the Cognizant U.S. Foundation.

WASHINGTON: On Wednesday, June 30, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO) hosted a Women in Business Roundtable featuring SBA Administrator Isabella Guzman. Through this roundtable, the SBA strengthened existing and built new relationships with these organizations, committed to women’s economic empowerment. This virtual event, facilitated by Natalie Madeira Cofield, SBA’s OWBO Assistant Administrator, convened leadership from national organizations committed to supporting women in business, to share updates on SBA’s programs and initiatives in support of women entrepreneurs. “Women were disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  As we enter our nation’s recovery, it is critical, now more than ever, that we have a better understanding of the challenges and needs of this important entrepreneurial segment and ensure women business owners have equitable opportunities for growth,” stated Cofield. “This women’s roundtable is the beginning of several opportunities to convene listening sessions and to share information on SBA resources with organizations that represent the interests of more than 12 million women-owned firms across the nation.” Participating leaders included CEOs, presidents, and executive directors from organizations and other federal agencies including the Minority Business Development Agency, the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Women’s Business Centers, Times Up, Digital Undivided, the Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce,  the Association for Enterprise Opportunity, Women Impacting Public Policy, the American Business Women’s Association, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, National Association of Business Women, Walker’s Legacy and Ladies Who Launch, among other national women’s business groups. The mission of the Office of Women’s Business Ownership is to enable and empower women entrepreneurs through advocacy, outreach, education, and support.  Since it was established in response to an Executive Order in 1979, OWBO has provided training, counseling, technical assistance, access to credit and capital, as well as marketing opportunities to women.  To learn more about SBA’s programs and services for women entrepreneurs, visit online at www.sba.gov/women, and to find other WBC locations and SBA resources, visit www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance.

Más de 100,000 restaurantes recibieron $28,600 millones; la adjudicación promedio fue de $283,000 WASHINGTON– Hoy, la administradora de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) de los EE. UU. , Isabel Guzmán, anuncia el cierre del programa del Fondo de revitalización de restaurantes (RRF, por sus siglas en inglés), convertido en ley por el Presidente Joe Biden como parte del Plan de Rescate Estadounidense. El programa proporcionó una ayuda económica muy necesaria a los restaurantes y otros establecimientos que luchaban por llegar a fin de mes como consecuencia de la pandemia. "El Fondo de revitalización de restaurantes de $28,600 millones proporcionó alivio a más de 100,000 restaurantes y otros negocios de alimentos y bebidas que lo necesitaban desesperadamente en todo el país, con una financiación significativa destinada a nuestros negocios más afectados y desatendidos", dijo la administradora de la SBA, Isabel Guzmán. Los restaurantes son el núcleo de nuestros vecindarios e impulsan la actividad económica en las calles principales. Debido a que se encontraron entre los primeros en cerrar en esta pandemia y, probablemente, los últimos en reabrir, muchos siguen luchando por sobrevivir. La SBA seguirá trabajando duro para garantizar que reciban los recursos que necesitan para recuperarse, reconstruirse y ser resilientes". Hasta el 30 de junio de 2021, el programa del RRF recibió más de 278,000 solicitudes elegibles presentadas, que representan más de $72,200 millones en fondos solicitados y alrededor de 101,000 solicitudes fueron aprobadas para restaurantes, bares y otros negocios tipo restaurante. Las poblaciones desatendidas recibieron aproximadamente $18,000 millones en subvenciones e incluyen: Empresas propiedad de mujeres ~ $7,500 millones Empresas de propiedad de veteranos ~ $1,000 millones Empresas social y económicamente desfavorecidas ~ $6,700 millones Empresas propiedad de representantes de múltiples poblaciones desatendidas ~ $2,800 millones El resto de los $28,600 millones se concedió a solicitantes elegibles no identificados como parte de un grupo desatendido. El tamaño promedio de las subvenciones concedidas a los solicitantes fue de $283,000: el 2.2 por ciento de los dólares aprobados para $50,000 y menos el 4.9 por ciento de los dólares aprobados para $50,000 – $100,000 el 5.6 por ciento de los dólares aprobados para $100,000 – $150,000 el 21.2 por ciento de los dólares aprobados para $150,000 – $350,000 el 27.2 por ciento de los dólares aprobados para $350,000 - $1 millón el 16.4 por ciento de los dólares aprobados para $1 millón - $2 millones el 18 por ciento de los dólares aprobados para $2 millones - $5 millones el 4.6 por ciento de los dólares aprobados para $5 millones - $10 millones Según lo detallado por el Congreso, los restaurantes y bares eran elegibles para recibir ayuda económica equivalente a la pérdida de ingresos relacionada con la pandemia, con un límite de $10 millones por negocio y $5 millones por ubicación. Los fondos estaban disponibles para ciertos usos elegibles, como nómina y alquiler. La plataforma de solicitud del Fondo de revitalización de restaurantes permanecerá abierta durante las próximas dos semanas para que los solicitantes puedan comprobar su estado, realizar correcciones de pago o formular preguntas.  La SBA desactivará el acceso a la plataforma el 14 de julio de 2021. Con el cierre del RRF, la SBA continuará brindando ayuda económica para que las pequeñas empresas puedan recuperarse con un alivio crítico a través de programas como los Préstamos de desastre por daños económicos (EIDL, por sus siglas en inglés), el Anticipo de EIDL reservado y el Anticipo reservado suplementario y el Programa de navegadores comunitarios. Para obtener más información sobre los programas de ayuda económica de la SBA, visite las Opciones de asistencia por COVID-19 (sba.gov) Acerca de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios La Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios hace realidad el sueño americano de ser propietario de una empresa. Como único recurso y voz para las pequeñas empresas y con el respaldo de la fortaleza del gobierno federal, la SBA permite a los empresarios y propietarios de pequeñas empresas contar con los recursos y el apoyo que necesitan para crear y desarrollar sus negocios. Ofrece servicios a través de su amplia red de oficinas de campo y asociaciones con organizaciones públicas y privadas. Para obtener más información, visite www.sba.gov o www.sba.gov/espanol.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the supplemental award of $798,246 to the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation to support workforce development to respond to the impacts of the pandemic on the state. Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the award will fund the continuation of disaster-relief employment to respond to the effects of the pandemic on South Dakota. The state will also use funding to deliver employment and training services, and provide humanitarian support to eligible individuals. The award is one of 64 National Dislocated Worker Grants made by the department to help address the workforce-related impacts of the coronavirus public health emergency. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act provided $345 million for Dislocated Worker Grants to prevent, and prepare for and respond to coronavirus. In 2020, emergency declarations issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency enabled South Dakota to request this funding.  Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, DWGs temporarily expand the service capacity of dislocated worker programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large and unexpected economic events that cause significant job losses.

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabel Guzman announces the closure of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) program, signed into law by President Joe Biden as part of the American Rescue Plan. The program provided much needed economic aid to restaurants and other establishments struggling to make ends meet as a result of the pandemic. “The $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund provided desperately needed relief to more than 100,000 restaurants and other food and beverage businesses across the nation with significant funding going to our hardest-hit, underserved businesses,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Guzman. “Restaurants are at the center of our neighborhoods and propel economic activity on Main Streets. As among the first to close in this pandemic and likely the last to reopen, many are still struggling to survive. The SBA will continue to work hard to ensure they get the resources they need to recover, rebuild and be resilient.” As of June 30, 2021, the RRF program received more than 278,000 submitted eligible applications representing over $72.2 billion in requested funds, and approximately 101,000 applicants have been approved to restaurants, bars and other restaurant-type businesses. Underserved populations received approximately $18 billion in grant awards including : Women-Owned businesses ~ $7.5 billion Veteran-Owned businesses ~ $1 billion Social and economically disadvantaged-Owned businesses ~ $6.7 billion Businesses Owned by Representatives of Multiple Underserved Populations ~ $2.8 billion The remainder of the $28.6 billion was awarded to eligible applicants not identified as part of an underserved group. The average size of grant awards to applicants was $283K: 2.2 percent of approved dollars for $50K and Under 4.9 percent of approved dollars for $50K - $100K 5.6 percent of approved dollars for $100K - $150K 21.2 percent of approved dollars for $150K - $350K 27.2 percent of approved dollars for $350K - $1M 16.4 percent of approved dollars for $1M - $2M 18.0 percent of approved dollars for $2M - $5M 4.6 percent of approved dollars for $5M - $10M As outlined by Congress, restaurants and bars were eligible for economic aid equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss, with a cap of $10 million per business and $5 million per location. The funds were available for certain eligible uses, like payroll and rent. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund application platform will remain open for the next two weeks to allow applicants to check their status, address payment corrections, or ask questions.  The SBA will disable access to the platform on July 14, 2021. With the closure of the RRF, the SBA will continue deliver economic aid to help small businesses recover with critical relief through programs such as the Economic Injury Disaster Loans [EIDL], Targeted EIDL Advance and Supplemental Targeted Advance and the Community Navigator Program. For additional information on SBA’s Economic Relief programs, visit COVID-19 relief options (sba.gov) ###  About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

WASHINGTON– Hoy, la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios ha anunciado la ampliación de la fecha de solicitud de su nuevo Programa piloto de navegadores comunitarios. La SBA aceptará ahora la presentación de propuestas hasta el 23 de julio de 2021, y prevé tomar decisiones de adjudicación en septiembre de 2021. Esta nueva iniciativa, establecida por la Ley del plan de rescate estadounidense de 2021, aprovechará un enfoque de navegador comunitario para llegar a las empresas más pequeñas de nuestra nación, con un enfoque prioritario en las que pertenecen a personas social y económicamente desfavorecidas, así como a mujeres y veteranos. La Administración Biden-Harris ha hecho de la entrega de ayuda equitativa a las pequeñas empresas más afectadas una prioridad y continuará tomando medidas para garantizar una distribución equitativa de la ayuda. "Como destaca la administradora de la SBA, Isabella Casillas Guzmán, tenemos que encontrarnos con las pequeñas empresas allí donde están.  Este programa está diseñado para potenciar un enfoque hiper local a través de una red nacional de navegadores comunitarios que están sobre el terreno conectando, empatizando y adaptando verdaderamente soluciones para nuestras pequeñas empresas durante la recuperación crítica", dijo el Administrador Asociado de la SBA para la Oficina de desarrollo empresarial, Mark Madrid. "Este esfuerzo audaz hace hincapié en el compromiso de nuestra agencia para avanzar en la equidad y reforzar un ecosistema en el que las pequeñas empresas sigan solicitando el diverso conjunto de recursos, servicios y/o programas de la SBA a lo largo de diferentes etapas de recuperación, crecimiento, escala y/o madurez de la empresa". El Programa de navegadores comunitarios tendrá un impacto significativo en la revitalización de las pequeñas empresas a través de un "Navegador" de centro y radio, que cuenta con un "centro" principal, en el centro de una red de organizaciones "de radio" que despliegan defensores comunitarios de confianza para trabajar con las pequeñas empresas durante la recuperación. Estas redes aprovechan la experiencia en desarrollo empresarial de la organización central y la credibilidad de la comunidad de las organizaciones de radio para conectar mejor los recursos críticos con las pequeñas empresas, centrándose prioritariamente en las que son propiedad de mujeres, veteranos y personas social y económicamente desfavorecidas. "La inclusión y el acceso siguen estando entre las prioridades más importantes para ayudar a las pequeñas empresas en su recuperación. Nuestras empresas subrepresentadas, de mujeres y de indígenas norteamericanos necesitan nuestro apoyo ahora para crecer y fortalecer nuestra economía. Los navegadores comunitarios apuntan a conectar y reconstruir la comunidad para garantizar que sobrevivan y prosperen más pequeñas empresas estadounidenses", dijo la administradora adjunta de la SBA para la Oficina de Propiedad de Empresas de Mujeres, Natalie Madeira Cofield. Las concesiones de subvenciones competitivas oscilarán entre $1 millón y $5 millones por un período de desempeño de dos años. Los solicitantes tienen hasta el 23 de julio de 2021 para presentar sus solicitudes en grants.gov, Número de oportunidad de financiamiento CNP-2021-01. Se estima que los períodos de desempeño comiencen en septiembre de 2021. Aquellos elegibles para postularse deben cumplir y demostrar habilidades para cumplir con los requisitos de esta oportunidad de financiamiento. Para obtener más información sobre la Iniciativa de Navegadores comunitarios, visite www.sba.gov/navigators.     Acerca de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios  La Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios hace realidad el sueño americano de ser propietario de una empresa. Como único recurso y voz para las pequeñas empresas y con el respaldo de la fortaleza del gobierno federal, la SBA permite a los empresarios y propietarios de pequeñas empresas contar con los recursos y el apoyo que necesitan para crear, desarrollar o ampliar sus negocios o recuperarse de un desastre declarado. Ofrece servicios a través de su amplia red de oficinas de campo y asociaciones con organizaciones públicas y privadas. Para obtener más información, visite www.sba.gov. 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration awarded over $258,000 in funding to Humboldt State University to provide training and counseling as a Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) serving veteran small business owners in Northern California (to include all counties north of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties). The funding opportunity, offered by SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development, has an initial project period of 10 months with up to four additional one-year option periods, subject to the availability of funds. The initial project period is effective on July 1, 2021 and ends on April 30, 2022. “Veterans Business Outreach Centers create a vital support system for military and veteran entrepreneurs nationwide, which is a key part of the SBA’s mission. It is an honor to welcome Humboldt State University into the VBOC network,” said Larry Stubblefield, Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development. “We look forward to working together to empower veteran-owned small businesses in Northern California and provide much-needed resources for our nation’s heroes to succeed after their military career.” VBOCs are the SBA’s one-stop shop for providing training to service members, veterans and military spouses. The centers play a critical role in planning and executing the Boots to Business entrepreneurship training program, which is part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program. VBOCs also provide counseling, technical and financial skill development, comprehensive business assessments, and mentoring services to veterans, transitioning and active-duty service members, Reserve, National Guard, and military spouses interested in small business ownership. Located in Arcata, California, Humboldt State University is part of the 23-campus California State University System and was recently ranked as a military -friendly school by G.I. Jobs Magazine. The University is home to the HSU Veterans Enrollment and Transition Services, which provides academic and career support to the school’s military and veteran community. As a VBOC, the University will provide training, counseling, and resource partner referrals to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and spouses on campus and across the region.  To learn more about the VBOC program and to find your local center visit www.sba.gov/vboc. For more information on the SBA’s programs for veterans, visit www.sba.gov/veterans.   About Veteran Business Outreach Centers The Veterans Business Outreach Center Program is an Office of Veterans Business Development initiative that oversees Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC) across the country. This small business program features a number of success stories and offers business plan workshops, concept assessments, mentorship, and training for eligible veterans. Find your nearest center.   About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration  announced the extended application date for its new Community Navigator Pilot Program. SBA will now accept proposal submissions through July 23, 2021, and anticipates making award decisions by September 2021. This new initiative, established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, will leverage a community navigator approach to reach our nation’s smallest businesses, with a priority focus on those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, as well as women and veterans. The Biden-Harris Administration has made delivering equitable relief to hard-hit small businesses a top priority and will continue to take steps to ensure equitable distribution of relief. “As SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman reinforces, we have to meet small businesses where they are.  This program is designed to empower a hyperlocal approach through a national network of community navigators who are on the ground truly connecting, empathizing, and tailoring solutions for our small businesses during critical recovery,” said SBA Associate Administrator for the Office for Entrepreneurial Development Mark Madrid. “This bold effort underscores our agency’s commitment to advance equity and bolster an ecosystem in which small businesses continue to apply for the diverse suite of SBA resources, services, and/or programs throughout various stages of business recovery, growth, scale, and/or maturity.” The Community Navigator Program will have a significant impact in revitalizing small businesses through a Hub and Spoke “Navigator” featuring a lead “Hub” – at the center of a network of “Spoke” organizations that deploy trusted community advocates to work with small businesses during recovery. These networks leverage the business development expertise of the central hub organization and the community credibility of spoke organizations to better connect critical resources with small businesses, with the priority focus on those owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. “Inclusion and access continue to be among the most important priorities for aiding small business through recovery. Our underrepresented, women and Native American businesses need our support now to grow and strengthen our economy. Community Navigators is about connecting and rebuilding community to ensure more American small businesses survive and thrive,” said SBA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women’s Business Ownership Natalie Madeira Cofield. Competitive grant awards will range from $1 million to $5 million for a two-year performance period. Applicants have until July 23, 2021 to submit their applications at grants.gov, Funding Opportunity Number CNP-2021-01. Performance periods are projected to commence in September 2021. Those eligible to apply must meet and demonstrate abilities to support requirements of this funding opportunity. For more information on the Community Navigators Initiative, please visit www.sba.gov/navigators. ###  About the U.S. Small Business Administration  The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.