The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a splash page for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal today in anticipation of opening applications for the much-anticipated critical economic relief program on Thursday, April 8, 2021. “Help is here for venue operators hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBA has worked diligently to build the … [More]

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ranks Arizona among the best states in the nation for getting the COVID-19 vaccine to vulnerable communities. The CDC report out today found that Arizona had the third-highest vaccination coverage for high-vulnerability counties as determined by the Social Vulnerability Index, a nationally accepted framework. The … [More]

A refundable, advanceable tax credit of up to $15,000 for first time homebuyers, similar to the one suggested by President Joe Biden, could catapult millions of renter households into first-time homeownership, a new Zillow® analysis suggests.  While Congress has already passed billions in aid over the past year to provide homeowner and renter relief, housing will remain … [More]

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced extended deferment periods for all disaster loans, including the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, until 2022. All SBA disaster loans made in calendar year 2020, including COVID-19 EIDL, will have a first payment due date extended from 12-months to 24-months from the date of the note. All SBA disaster … [More]

More than 1 million Arizonans—approximately one in seven residents—are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Health Services announced today. Arizona is making plans to continue the momentum as temperatures heat up and in anticipation of increased vaccine supply and opening vaccination to everyone 16 and older by May … [More]

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) announced today the USDA Food and Nutrition Service(FNS) authorized DES to reintroduce Arizona P-EBT Benefits program and provide assistance to households with eligible children. It is estimated over $636 million will be distributed to approximately 765,000 children across the state. … [More]

Two weeks ago, the Biden-Harris Administration made several reforms to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to further ensure small businesses get the help they need, especially Mom-and-Pop businesses in underserved communities. Putting equity at the center of its policies and programs, the Biden-Harris Administration launched a comprehensive plan to engage small … [More]

Governor Doug Ducey today announced the next phase of COVID-19 mitigation. With cases dropping in Arizona, and vaccine distribution underway, it’s still important to keep our guard up, and these protocols reflect that approach. The announcement follows 7 weeks of declining cases in Arizona, and the distribution of more than 2 million vaccines. The following changes are … [More]

Following discussions with public school leaders, and in accordance with new guidance from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Governor Doug Ducey today issued a new Executive Order returning schools to in-person, teacher-led instruction. According to metrics developed by the CDC, 12 of Arizona’s 15 counties are in phases where all schools are safe to open, … [More]

In just four months last year, more than 5 million U.S. businesses received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. That helped them pay their workers, their mortgage or rent, and their utility bills. Unfortunately, many small businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans didn’t get PPP loans last year. We want to make sure you know how to apply for the funding your … [More]