Taking Swift Action to Help Our Neighbors

URA COVID-19 Updates as of April 30, 2020

• The URA stepped in to help businesses stay afloat through its COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Loan Fund (ELF). Since March 18, when ELF was created, the URA has received 378 applications totaling $5.6 million in demand. It has lent nearly $2 million in loans to 122 businesses (87 MWBE).
  
  
• The COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program has helped 118 households with rent and utilities, for a total of $354,000 in assistance. Approximately another 200+ applications are being processed through the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh.
  
  
• The URA partnered with Circles Greater Pittsburgh and Paramount Pursuits to create Gallery on Penn Gone Virtual, an online retail page for the Gallery on Penn businesses.
  
  
• The URA worked with business district groups on the  PGH.Shops.Local campaign, which encourages people to support ​local businesses by purchasing gift cards and ordering takeout​.
  
  Business district groups interested in participating can contact Dylan Knapp-Scott at dknapp.scott@ura.org.
  
  

• The URA, in partnership with Neighborhood Allies, launched the Get Online Grow Online (GOGO) Small Business Program to aid businesses in implementing new, creative ways to reach their customers. Participants will learn how to market and sell their products and services online with up to 5 hours of free technical assistance while connecting with similar businesses.

  The ideal candidate for the GOGO Small Business Program:

  • Is already an existing business
  • Has less than 15 employees
  • Can be categorized as a retail (including personal services) or food/beverage business
  • Is located in: the City of Pittsburgh, Wilkinsburg, Sharpsburg, Millvale, Etna, Mckees Rocks, or Mt. Oliver.
    
    All you need to do to apply is fill out a short intake form telling us a little about your business in order to qualify for up to 5 hours of free technical assistance. Applications are due May 5 at 5 p.m. ET.  APPLY HERE
    
    
• The URA Board approved a $200,000 grant from Citizens Bank and a $250,000 grant from the Henry L. Hillman Foundation for COVID-19 ELF.
  
  
• The URA Board also authorized $100,000 from the Strip District Loan Fund to be used for Strip District businesses through the COVID-19 ELF.
  
  
• To stay up to date, please visit the URA’s COVID-19 page to learn more about resources, webinars, and programs available to help during this unprecedented time.