State of Texas Announces COVID Relief FundThe Texas COVID Relief Fund will provide critical funding to nonprofits, school districts, and government organizations serving Texas communities. Funds raised will be distributed through grants focused on the areas of community and economic development, healthcare, and education. Funds will also be used to support local priorities and organizations serving the unmet needs of vulnerable populations and underserved communities.Guidance for Safely Reopening BusinessesThe Greater Houston Partnership launched the Houston Work Safe Program to aid companies planning to reopen or expand their operations. The Partnership is sharing a set of principles to help businesses develop plans to protect the health of their employees and customers, minimizing the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus.Greater Houston Partnership May Economy at a Glance In the May issue of Economy at a Glance, the Greater Houston Partnership examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the local economy and reviews the impact the collapse in oil prices is having on the energy industry. $1.5 Billion in EDA CARES Act Grants Available The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is now accepting applications for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) supplemental funds (EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance) intended to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. The funding is to help speed communities' economic recovery from the pandemic through implementing economic recovery activities, such as entrepreneurial support programs, infrastructure, and facilities construction to save or create jobs. Funds are available through the 2020 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity (FY20 PWEAA NOFO, see page 46). The Gulf Coast Economic Development District will be working to provide technical assistance for applicants.
E-mail Josh Owens with any questions. Federal Funding For Rural Communities The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide organizing funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. Current USDA Funding Opportunities:Upcoming Economic Recovery Webinars May 19 | The Long and Winding Road to Economic Recovery | National Association of Development Organizations EntreWorks Consulting will discuss how communities can recover from economic shocks over the long-term. Topics highlighted will include economic diversification, business assistance, talent development, improved infrastructure and amenities, and more.
May 19 | EDA CARES Act Funding Opportunity Webinar | National Association of Development Organizations Learn more about the $1.5 billion in supplemental funding that Economic Development Administration received in the CARES Act, which was enacted on March 27 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic Development Administration experts featured during this webinar will discuss the EDA Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) addendum that guides the administration of this supplemental EDA funding. May 20 | Virtual Lead Generation: Investment Feedback and Trends in Response to COVID-19 | Texas Economic Development Council Research Consultants International will discuss how economic developers may be able to react to meet and mitigate emerging challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. May 20 | Center for Houston's Future Leadership Webinar Series |Center for Houston's Future
Nationally recognized health care innovation expert Dr. Asaf Bitton and H-E-B President Scott McClelland will discuss lessons learned from the global pandemic and how we can make our communities more resilient to future crises.May 21 | A Multilayered Approach to Economic Development Finance| International Economic Development Council
Presenters will discuss the multi-layered approach to build sustainable financial plans with multiple funding steams.
Partner Resources
Visit our website for information and links to local, regional, and partner organizations that have additional resources and information on economic recovery. A select list is presented below.
The Greater Houston Partnership has established the Greater Houston Business Recovery Center, which will provide guidance on policy and financing related to recovery programs.
RestoreYourEconomy is your resource for up-to-date information related to COVID-19 and its economic impacts.
The Texas Economic Development Council COVID-19 webpage catalogs COVID-19 resources, updated, and links. It includes webinars, small business program examples, research white papers, resources for businesses, Texas Workforce Commission resources, and advice for retailers.
The National Association of Development Organizations COVID-19 resource center provides advocacy resources, upcoming virtual events and training, federal agency COVID-19 resources, member response resources, national partner organizations response resources, Office of Management and Budget guidance, state-by-state workforce guidelines, philanthropic resources for communities, and economic resilience resources.
The International Economic Development Council Corona Virus Response webpage provides information on the Council's COVID-19 webinar series, COVID-19 resources, and frequently updated situational reports.
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