WHAT: The Delaware Legislative Black Caucus will host a virtual information session next week aimed at helping minority-owned businesses access the $100 million DE Relief Grants program being offered through the Delaware Division of Small Business.
These grants of up to $100,000 can be used to buy equipment that protects customers and workers, refinance debt incurred during the pandemic, enhancements undertaken to adapt your business model and fixed expenses accrued during the pandemic, such as rent, utility and insurance.
“Minority-owned businesses and workers of color have been hit particularly hard during this pandemic,” said Senator Darius Brown, chair of the DLBC. “That’s why we are committed to taking proactive steps to engage these businesses now to make sure they are aware of this program and have the same opportunity to benefit from the assistance it provides.”
Some reports indicate more than 40 percent of Black-owned businesses have been shuttered by COVID-19, compared to just 17 percent of white-owned business. Meanwhile, only 12 percent of black and Hispanic business owners polled this spring said they had received the federal stimulus program funding they requested.
At the same time, the gap between the unemployment rates among white workers and workers of color has widened in recent months, according to data from the U.S. Labor Department. As of July, the national jobless rate for white workers was 9.2 percent compared to 14.6 percent for Black workers, 12.9 percent for Latino workers and 12 percent for Asian workers.
WHEN: 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 17
WHERE: Participants must register for the DE Relief Grants Program Information Session by visiting http://bit.ly/DEReliefGrants.
WHO: Members of the Delaware Legislative Black Caucus
Damian DeStefano, Director of the Delaware Division of Small Business
###