Small Businesses, Churches, & Non-Profits Can Apply for Help

As a small business owner, I am impacted by the coronavirus – like many of you – and I am grateful for the help that is being offered by the federal government to assist me.

Yesterday, Congressman David Scott hosted a coronavirus teleconference. I joined the call and received some invaluable information that I wanted to share with you. Please act quickly and take advantage of this opportunity - if it applies to you.

If you are a small business owner, church, or non-profit organization, you can receive benefits from the federal government. You can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. This advance will provide economic relief to small businesses, Churches, and non-profit organizations that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Following the submission of a successful application, funds will be made available within days and your loan advance will not have to be repaid.

Churches and faith-based organizations can get information to frequently asked questions at:

https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/SBA%20Faith-Based%20FAQ%20Final.pdf

Congressman Scott also talked about the "worst in people" coming out during a disaster and stressed that we should avoid scammers. These are the people whose job it is to separate you from your money or your personal information. Here are some takeaways from what he shared as well as my own suggestions:

• Reject anyone who will tell you that they can help you get a stimulus check from the government - because they cannot. The government will mail or use direct deposit based on information from your last tax return.
• Do not give anyone your personal information over the telephone. The IRS does not call anyone to ask for your personal information because they already have it. Never provide this information to anyone calling you – just hang up the phone.
• Avoid those who claim to be doing charitable work and are asking you to make donations personally to them. If they cannot verify their 501 (c) (3) non-profit status, they should not be receiving your funds.
• Say no to the scammers and those who will use this distressing moment to line their own pockets.
• Look out for senior family members and your neighbors as they are major targets for fraud.

There are legitimate charitable groups operating within our community such as H.O.P.E Family Resource Center, MUST Ministries, and Sweetwater Mission who are 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organizations that track your financial donations and can show you how funds collected are spent.

Unfortunately, we will come across people claiming to be “experts” on issues arising from the pandemic. Congressman Scott encourages you to reject these self-appointed experts and call his office for help - call his District Director, Chandra Harris, at 770-432-5405. You can also send an email via https://davidscott.house.gov/contact/contactform.htm .

So, in closing, take full advantage of the opportunities that are coming from Washington. Also, don’t allow yourself to become a victim. If you feel like you have been scammed out of money or personal information, report this to the proper authorities.

As always, if you know of anyone that can benefit from this information, please share with your family, friends, neighbors, and especially your places of worship.

#Shelia4Cobb