As federal stimulus checks make their way to bank accounts across the country, a grassroots movement is encouraging those who can to donate all or part of their checks to nonprofits and small businesses.
The #StimulusChallenge launched over the weekend with a simple website and hashtag. Anyone can sign up on the site to pledge all or part of their stimulus funds to nonprofits and small businesses. No money is processed through the site; it’s an honor-system method designed to help show commitments for nonprofit and small business support.
The #StimulusChallenge began as an idea of husband-wife duo Marshall Weil and Gisselle Pereira. The pair wanted to use their checks to give back to organizations struggling in the wake of COVID-19. They reached out to friends and the entrepreneur community in Dayton, and several designers, writers and developers got to work on creating a campaign.
“We know there are a lot of ways we could personally spend the stimulus money,” said Weil, director of development at YWCA Dayton. “But we also haven’t personally experienced financial hardship in this time. Making a really intentional effort to invest in nonprofits and small businesses was important to us, and we wanted to make an easy way to encourage others to support them, too.”
“The focus of the campaign is US – this impacts all of us, and we’re all in it together,” said Pereira. “Our communities are largely driven by all of the wonderful small businesses and organizations who are changing lives every day. It is on all of us to make sure they make it through this.”
Anyone from any location is invited to make a pledge and share the campaign with others.
The Entrepreneurs Center’s new COVIDPIVOT campaign highlights, explores, aids, and drives entrepreneurial resilience in the unprecedented market circumstances brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The definition: COVIDPIVOT [ koh-vid piv-uht ], v. to make a change in strategy due to the global COVID-19 pandemic without a change in vision.
“The Entrepreneurs Center is currently observing extraordinary pivots on a massive scale,” the org announced across social media. “Entrepreneurs across our region are reimagining the way they operate in the new COVID-19 world while still maintaining the vision they set forth for their companies.”
“Our staff and resources are available to help entrepreneurs pivot into today’s new normal.”
Stories of Dayton entrepreneurs’ COVIDPIVOTS so far include:
• Battle Sight Technologies remains steadfast in its vision to provide solutions for military and first responders as they COVIDPIVOT to providing hand sanitizer for these customers.
• Belle of Dayton Distillery has also produced a batch of hand sanitizer.
• Ace Healthy has pivoted from producing its pest repellent to producing sanitizer.
• Tempagenix, producing Dayton-made no-contact disposable paper thermometers, has grown 10x practically overnight to become a $3M business.
• Dayton Sportcial remains steadfast in its vision to connect people through fun as they COVIDPIVOT to online, distanced games, and socializing.
• MRL remains steadfast in its vision to implement artificial intelligence in metallic 3D printing as they COVIDPIVOT to producing face shields. ⠀
• Local co Epluno, a software, e-commerce and fulfillment company, is retrofitting defective N95 masks sitting in storage to make them usable again, producing between 500 to 600 masks in an hour while keeping their team employed.
• Speakeasy Yoga, Space Three, Femme Fatale Fitness and others have transitioned to offer fitness classes their customers can do at home.
• Savorista has increased sales as folks make more coffee at home.
• Restaurants & bars are offering contact-less food delivery & cocktails to go.
How has your company pivoted during this time? Email [email protected] to share your story.
The City of Springboro & Springboro Chamber of Commerce have launched an emergency stimulus program to provide up to $5K to small family-owned businesses within the Springboro city limits.
Springboro leaders recognize that small businesses are a critical part of our community, and that many are facing significant challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, stated a news release.
Interested business owners can email Chamber President & CEO Carol Hughes at [email protected] to request an application or more information. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 17 at 5pm.
“While this program will likely not meet all of the needs of small businesses, it will provide some relief,” the release stated. “We urge everyone to support local businesses during these challenging times.”
Program Overview: The Small Business Emergency Stimulus Program is a business assistance program offered by the City of Springboro and Springboro Chamber of Commerce to offset the economic impact to small businesses as a result of the of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides direct working capital funding of up to $5,000 to assist small businesses in retaining their staffing levels.
Program Eligibility Requirements
• The business shall be a current Springboro business with a physical location in the City of Springboro.
• The business shall be family-owned and operated.
• The business shall be in current compliance with all City ordinances.
• The business shall operate a commercial or retail storefront receiving consumer traffic.
• Businesses that have fifteen (15) full-time equivalent (FTE) employees or less.
• The business has experienced adverse economic impact since March 1, 2020 as result of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in 50% or more loss of income or 50% or more in employee layoffs.
• The business shall be able to substantiate their adverse economic impact with financial statements and tax returns upon request.
• The business is required to honor gift certificates or e-commerce gift cards produced and sold by the Chamber to the general public, to be created at a later date and utilized by the public when the business re-opens.
Questions? Call the chamber at 937-748-0074.
A new business accelerator is coming to Dayton — and it’s designed specifically for women.
Aviatra Accelerators (formerly Bad Girl Ventures, Inc.) launched in Cincinnati in 2010 to empower female entrepreneurs. Over the last decade, they have helped 2K women launch companies, create 6,500 jobs and raise $10M+ follow-on funding.
This summer, Aviatra is looking to launch its first Dayton cohort, generously funded by Robin Gentry-McGee, founder of Functional Formularies and a 2011 alum of the program.
Robin’s journey with Functional Formularies began in 2005 when her father suffered a traumatic brain injury. A former chef versed in eating whole foods and using food as medicine, she was appalled to discover that the formula in father’s feeding tube was almost all sugar, which made the secondary symptoms of his coma worse.
She set out to find a healthier formula for his feeding tube — and when she discovered there was nothing on the market, she invented her own.
Her father’s health turned around within 6 weeks of taking the new, healthier formula.
“His doctor said it was a miracle, I said, no, it was nutrition,” Robin recalled. “People who are dying need the best nutrition, but they’re given the absolute worst.”
Robin opened a health coaching practice to teach others, but as she continued to receive waves of requests for the formula recipe, she realized there was a huge need to provide it ready-made, so she decided to commercialize it.
In 2013, eight years after its creation, Functional Formularies’ “Liquid Hope” debuted on the market. In 2018, Robin sold the company for an undisclosed sum.
Her experience with Aviatra Accelerators was key to her success, Robin said.
“It gave me the confidence to feel like I actually had the tools I needed to go in front of investors to raise funding, win pitch competitions,” she said.
Aviatra paired her with a mentor who was available 24/7 and is still part of her life, Robin said. And Aviatra’s powerful network gave her the contacts she needed to take her company to the next level.
When she saw the opportunity to bring the program home to Dayton, she jumped.
“I do believe that women are underserved, and everybody needs a champion. I’ve been given opportunities, been at the right place at the right time, that have enabled me,” she said. “I’m honored to be able to give that opportunity to others.”
Aviatra Accelerators offers three programs in order to meet female founders in each stage of their journeys: Explore, Launch & Grow. Each class is taught by successful business owners and professionals from the local community with deep experience in fields from business planning to marketing to finance. The programs also incorporate one-on-one coaching with industry experts. Aviatra also offers an online learning platform called Aviatra365.
Aviatra will launch these cohorts in Dayton this fall. In the meantime, Aviatra – Dayton will offer free virtual support to help female entrepreneurs navigate the uncharted waters of COVID-19 shutdowns, slowdowns, and pivots. Aviatra has also launched a weekly Aviatra Survival Kit e-newsletter to provide subscribers with resources and tips from local, regional, and national organizations.
Long-time Dayton resident Pamela Cone will lead as Market Director for Aviatra – Dayton. Pamela brings extensive marketing and communications experience and formerly held a leadership role at Functional Formularies.
For more information, visit aviatraaccelerators.org.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress last week allocated $350B+ to help keep small business afloat through the pandemic.
There are three main avenues for small business owners & entrepreneurs to pursue. Companies can apply for multiple programs so long as the funds aren’t used for the same expenses.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):
• 8 weeks of operating costs are forgivable if the company maintains its payroll & keeps workers employed
• applications open April 3 for small businesses & sole proprietors
• applications open April 10 for self-employed individuals & independent contractors
• retroactive to Feb. 15, 2020
• available to small businesses emplopying less than 500 people per location, 501(c)(3) nonprofit orgs, 501(c)(19) veterans orgs, sole proprietors, independent contractors
• can also cover expenses such as rent, utilities
• up to 10 years to repay
• interest rates will be 1%
• up to $10M per business or 250% of monthly payroll expenses (whichever is less).
• PPP loans will be available through financial institutions like local banks & credit unions.
• Lenders will not consider whether the borrower was denied credit elsewhere, require a personal guarantee, or require collateral.
• The Springfield Small Business Development Center (SBDC) breaks down PPP loans in this video.
• Download the US Chamber’s guide to the PPP loans here.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) & Economic Injury Disaster Grants:
• Get up to $10K in emergency grant funds within 3 days of applying for an EIDL loan. This advance doe not need to be repaid, period.
• low-interest loans of up to $2M
• available to small businesses with fewer than 500 employees, sole proprietors, independent contractors, co-ops & employee-owned businesses, nonprofits.
• Already applied for an SBA loan? The grants are backdated to Jan. 31, 2020, so you can still get a grant.
• The SBA has streamlined the application process for the loans & grants, apply here.
• The Miami Valley SBDC breaks down the EIDL application process in this video.
Small Business Debt Relief Program:
• Already have a 7(a) loan, 504 loan, or microloan through the Small Business Administration (SBA)? Or planning to take out one of these loans in the next six months? The Small Business Debt Relief Program will cover all loan payments on these SBA loans (including principal, interest, and fees) for six months.
Download the SBA’s full CARES Act guide here.
Check out this breakdown of which loans best fit which businesses.
A Dayton startup is pivoting from production of its eco-friendly pest control spray to produce surface disinfectant solution in response to COVID-19.
Minority- and Veteran-owned Ace Healthy Products strives to produce and manufacture products that will help keep the world environmentally safe. Since 2015, Ace Healthy has been selling a unique eco-friendly pest control spray formulation and has a national contract with a global, integrated healthcare services and products company for its bed bug application, Eagle Watch Bed Bug Barrier & Eliminator.
Ace Healthy is in a unique position to quickly offer a surface disinfectant solution to aid in the fight against COVID-19. Its new Ace Disinfectant utilizes similar ingredients as its Eagle Watch Bed Bug Barrier & Eliminator — Isopropyl alcohol, a component of both formulations, is recommended by the CDC as a key disinfectant ingredient to use in the fight against COVID-19.
According to the CDC, current evidence suggests that the unconventional coronavirus may remain viable for hours, and even days, on surfaces made from a variety of materials. The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting areas where the COVID-19 may reside. In order to disinfect surfaces, the CDC recommends utilizing soap and water as well as agents that contain a minimum of 70% alcohol.
Isopropyl alcohol also meets the EPA’s criteria for use against the SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19.
Ace Disinfectant is a one-step ready-to-use spray that can be used on all surfaces as an eco-friendly disinfectant, available in 16-oz bottles. Surfaces that should be cleaned and disinfected include any hard surfaces that are touched often or by more than one person. Ace Disinfectant can be used at healthcare facilities, office, home, school, grocery , grocery store locations or anywhere else you need to quickly and safely disinfect.
The company is working to secure orders from businesses and healthcare organizations that are in need of disinfectant to protect their workers and patients.
Call Paul Rhyne, CEO, at 803-862-7636 or email [email protected] for additional product information, pricing & availability.
A Southwest Ohio small business announced today that it is remaining open during the COVID-19 pandemic to help in the production of ventilators. Bullen Ultrasonics, a globally-recognized leader in ultrasonic machining, manufactures key parts for various life-saving devices in high demand as the coronavirus spreads across the United States.
“We understand that COVID-19 is quickly creating a dramatic shortage of ventilators in our nation,” Bullen President Tim Beatty said in a press release. “That is why Bullen is committed to following the governor’s employee safety mandates while continuing to do our part for the greater good.”
Bullen’s ultrasonic machining capabilities allow the company to make extremely small and precise cuts in advanced materials that other manufacturers need to develop equipment, including ventilators. Bullen provides a key component for the pressure sensors found in ventilators, which are necessary for measuring the air and oxygen pressure to and from a patient.
According to Beatty, in addition to supporting the production of medical devices, Bullen also supplies parts to other businesses considered essential during the pandemic, including U.S. Department of Defense contractors. The company also manufactures aircraft engine components and semiconductor components that are critical to national security.
“While we are committed to serving our nation on a large-scale, we are not taking the threat of COVID-19 on our employees lightly,” Beatty said. “The nature of our work has always driven us to have a healthy and clean facility, and we are enforcing extra measures in light of the pandemic to further prioritize their health and well being.”
Bullen’s leadership team has taken a number of measures to keep employees safe, including setting up temperature checks for each employee as they report to work. In addition, the company has invested in new touchless clock-in systems and is thoroughly sanitizing all spaces twice per shift.
Bullen has a total of 139 employees, many of who are working from home if their role allows. Office staff reporting to the workplace are being split into small teams on a weekly rotation in an effort to minimize the number of people in a general area.
“It’s a scary time for our nation and state, but I’m confident we are going to get through this together,” Beatty said. “All of us can do our part in serving our country, whether it’s continuing essential services or working from home to keep people healthy. We all are a part of this fight.”
Founded in 1971, Bullen is a privately-held small business offering precision machining services for glass, ceramics and advanced materials to high technology markets. The company was recently named the 2019 Manufacturing Business of the Year by the Dayton Business Journal. Bullen’s production facility is located in Eaton, Ohio, about 25 miles west of Dayton.
By Amelia Robinson, Dayton Daily News
Brenda Rex took a call Monday morning from a nearly sobbing woman who works with a local nursing home.
The woman was screaming, but Rex says her emotions were out of frustration and not anger.
“It was more of a plea,” Rex said. “It was more like, ‘Do something.’”
Since Friday, Rex and about three dozen Dayton Sewing Collaborative volunteers in homes around the community have been pumping out reusable face masks for local organizations that need them, as worries mount that there is not enough to sustain the nation during the coronavirus crisis.
The collaborative seeks additional volunteers, as well as monetary donations and materials: 100 percent woven cotton material and 1/8” flat elastic.
Donations are being requested through the collaborative’s PayPal.com accounts. For more details, send an email to [email protected].
Read the full story from the Dayton Daily News here.
By Elizabeth Kyle – Data Reporter, Dayton Business Journal
While the region’s industries have shifted business models following coronavirus (COVID-19) orders, local startups have done the same, and then some.
Picnk, a Dayton meal prep startup, has become a key community player and donated more than 1,700 meals locally. Founder William Foster said the initiative started simply, then grew within hours.
“I had a friend ask if she could donate money to pay for some meals,” Foster explained. “I put this news on Facebook and it just blew up.”
Read the full story in the Dayton Business Journal or at Tech Ohio.
Ohio small businesses & nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak are now eligible for up to $2M in low-interest, emergency relief loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used by Ohio small business owners and non-profits to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills and have repayment options of up to 30 years.
The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
Need help filling out the application? Download these step-by-step instructions.
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