As’salaam alaikum (peace be upon you):
MAPS is excited to announce the launch of a new program: the Small Business Resiliency Network (SBRN) at MAPS! MAPS-SBRN will provide assistance through resources, opportunities, training, technical help, and other services for small business owners and non-profits in our community. While MAPS has continuously provided social and humanitarian services to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not directly helped the many small business owners with the significant challenges they are facing during the pandemic. But that is now changing. The WA State Department of Commerce selected MAPS to join its network of 30 other trusted community partners throughout the state offering culturally and linguistically relevant assistance for business owners affected by COVID. Through this collaboration, MAPS also received a grant to help launch a program to assist small business owners, especially those from marginalized communities. MAPS-SBRN is our new program to do exactly that. We invite you to learn more, share this information, and help ensure that small business owners and non-profits in our community (especially Muslim, Middle Eastern/Arab, South Asian, Immigrant/Refugee, and People of Color) are able to get the support and resources they need to make it through the pandemic, and beyond, insha’Allah (God-willing).
What is MAPS-SBRN?
MAPS-SBRN (Small Business Resiliency Network) is the new program we are launching to assist small business owners and non-profits in our community during the pandemic and beyond. Through this program, small business owners can (i) learn from and mentor each other; (ii) sign on to a listserv to receive regular updates on local, state and federal resources and funding opportunities; (iii) obtain assistance in completing forms to apply for resources (like the Payroll Protection Program), whether the business is open or closed; (iv) benefit from virtual seminars and other training programs on relevant business topics; (v) access services to support a successful business in a digital age, including help with website design/improvement, social media, marketing, accounting/record-keeping, and more; and (vi) have their business listed on our MAPS website for free.
What services will MAPS-SBRN offer?
We expect to offer small business owners and non-profit organizations assistance with the following for free or at a reduced rate:
- PPP Loan Application/Forgiveness
- Website Development or Improvement
- Social Media and Marketing/Advertising
- Delivery Services Signup
- Accounting and Bookkeeping
- Printing Services
- Business Legal Help
- Translation Assistance
- Connection to Financial Resources
- Listing/Promotion on our MAPS website
What is the cost of joining MAPS-SBRN?
There is no cost to sign up and join MAPS-SBRN. Some specific services may have an external cost associated with them, but we will negotiate a discounted rate for the benefit of the many business owners in our community. In some cases, MAPS may even cover the cost if the small business owner cannot afford to pay.
Who can sign up for MAPS-SBRN?
MAPS-SBRN is intended to serve and benefit small business owners from marginalized communities in the Puget Sound area, including those who are Muslim, Immigrant/Refugee, Middle Eastern/Arab, South Asian, and/or from other BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities. But any small business owner or non-profit is welcome to sign up to join the MAPS-SBRN listserv, regardless of religious background, faith tradition, race/ethnicity, national origin, documentation status, gender, business location, etc. While we do not have limitations on the kind of business or service that may qualify as a “small business” or “non-profit” (i.e., business license, limit on number of employees, tax designation, etc.), specific funding opportunities may have certain restrictions. Sign up to learn about the opportunities available, and we will help you decide if you are eligible to apply.
How do I sign up for MAPS-SBRN?
It’s easy! Just fill out the form here: www.tinyurl.com/MAPS-SBRN
What if I have further questions?
You can send an email with your question to smallbiz@mapsredmond.org.
Are there any upcoming opportunities to learn more?
Yes! MAPS-SBRN is holding its first event on Monday, February 15 at 3:00pm. This will be a virtual seminar with accountant Abdirahman Mohamud, CPA, to learn about the Payroll Protection Program currently available to businesses, find out if your business qualifies, and get tips to apply for both the program and loan forgiveness. You also will learn more about MAPS-SBRN. More details to come tomorrow, but all those who sign up for MAPS-SBRN will receive an invitation to this seminar.
We hope and pray that this new program at MAPS will be one that is successful and a blessing to our community at large while specifically helping the many struggling businesses through this challenging time. Thank you in advance for helping us get the word out to the small business owners in the Puget Sound area. May you be rewarded many times over. Ameen!
Hyder Ali
MAPS President
