What is the Small Business Relief Initiative?
The Small Business Relief Initiative is a program created by GoFundMe to leverage its powerful donation platform to help small businesses who are struggling during the COVID-19 financial crisis. They are joined by other businesses, including Yelp, Intuit QuickBooks, GoDaddy, and Bill.com. Each of those companies has made significant donations in order to fund the program and get it started.
Get the details at GoFundMe’s Small Business Relief Initiative page.
If you need help, start by signing up for a GoFundMe account. If you qualify and raise $500 on your GoFundMe campaign, the Initiative will match that with a $500 grant.
Read our whole COVID-19 Relief Series.
Is Your Business Eligible for Help?
The Small Business Relief Initiative is a one-time use for each business, and you must agree to GoFundMe’s terms of service. In order to qualify, your business must:
- Need the funds due to the COVID-19 financial crisis.
- Be an independent business, not part of a larger chain or a nationally dominant business.
- Use the funds to take care of employees or pay business expenses.
- Again, raise at least $500 on your own via GoFundMe.
How Can You Help?
If you’re in a place where you can donate and help other small businesses through this program, then please consider making a donation to the program. We’re all in this together, and the more we give, the more we’ll all benefit. Also, look out for small businesses in your area raising money as part of this program.
Should You Apply or Donate? What About Taxes?
We’re sure you have many questions outside of the information provided here or at GoFundMe’s site. The Small Business Relief Initiative is a great way to support other businesses and get the help you need. And we’re here to help you navigate this, ensure that you’re able to use the funds to survive and to make sure you don’t pay unnecessary taxes on those funds. Give ASCEND a call right now at 888-297-3321, and we’ll help you navigate this and any other programs your business uses to survive.