The Central Arkansas Workforce Development Board is seeking a One-Stop Operator for the period January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024. Please view the proposals below: Request for Proposals If you have questions, please send your request before 5 p.m. central time on November 13, 2020 to malaw528@aol.com. We will respond to your questions by close of business on November 16, 2020. The Questions and Answers will be posted on November 17, 2020. Proposals are due electronically to malaw528@aol.com before 5:00 p.m. central time on December 4, 2020. A Board Committee will be reviewing and evaluating the proposals and will report their award decision to the full Board and Elected Officials on December 7, 2020.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR - The U.S. Economic Development Administration has awarded a $2.5 million grant to the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College (UA-PTC) to the launch the first phase of its STEM Park Project on the college’s main campus in North Little Rock. UA-PTC will provide $653,230 in matching funds to remodel its existing Science building, labs, and classrooms. Mr. Kevin Preskenis, chief of staff for the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary for Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce, made the announcement at a news conference at the college Oct. 23. “This is an incredible gift and opportunity for our college and for the State. It’s a huge win for students who receive training for STEM careers and a win for businesses with access to a deeper pool of trained employees.” said UA-PTC Chancellor Margaret Ellibee. “UA-PTC’s existing laboratory spaces can no longer serve student demand for our STEM classes, and we are turning away 200-300 students per semester due to inadequate and outdated facilities.” The goal of the UA-PTC STEM Park Project is to ensure that UA-PTC will continue to be an integral partner in providing the highly skilled employees needed to maintain and grow the STEM-related professions and industries in Arkansas, and to build the future workforce and increase economic development in the state. UA-PTC’s STEM programs, which include allied health-related careers, advanced manufacturing, business/IT, and cybersecurity tracks, are vital to creating a robust, competitive, and modern central Arkansas workforce that is prepared for the technological requirements of 21st century jobs. According to a December 2019 report from the Arkansas Economic Development Institute using data from the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, there is a current demand for nearly 3,300 skilled workers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the state, yet the existing workforce is less than 2,800 workers – a shortage of over 500 employees. This workforce gap is projected to grow to over 2,000 STEM employees by 2023 and will only continue to expand over the next decade. UA-PTC’s STEM Park Project will help meet the challenge of filling this demand by adding 400-600 employees to Arkansas’s workforce annually over the next nine years. This increased number of highly trained employees joining Arkansas’s workforce will have a tremendous positive impact on the economic development of our region and state. The proposed $10 million STEM Park Project will include a three-phased scope of work – Phase One, being funded by the EDA grant, will be a complete remodel of the current science building. Phase Two will add the construction of a new two-story addition adjoined to the current science building structure. In Phase Three, a skybridge will join the existing Science building with the current Business/IT building, allowing for quicker and easier access to classes for students. All labs and classrooms will be equipped with up-to-date equipment and technology, resulting in a robust, innovative, and all-encompassing learning environment for UA-PTC’s students.

The Central Arkansas Planning & Development district has made a commitment to help our local government and organizations of central Arkansas to recover from the adverse economic effects of COVID-19. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in partnership with the Region 6 Economic Workgroup, has released a MEGA list of OVER 200 funding opportunities for Local Governments & Authorities, States, Public/Private Institutions of Education K-12, Public/Private Institutions of Higher Education, For-Profit Organizations, Nonprofit Organizations, and Territories and Tribes. This list includes funding opportunities from federal agencies and philanthropic organizations for COVID-19 and non COVID-19 related projects. The following resources are identified for general information purposes only and are compiled with publicly available information or with information provided by sources that are publicly obtainable. Please view these documents as only a starting point for individual research. Each list includes the program title/website, a brief description of the program, eligibility information, and contact information. Federal Funding Opportunities Nonprofits and Local Government Funding Opportunities COVID-19 Funding Opportunities. Additionally, this MEGA list of funding opportunities has added to our COVID-19 Resource page. If you have any questions about the funding opportunities, please email Trevor Villines, trevor.villines@capdd.org

The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, today released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less. This action streamlines the PPP forgiveness process to provide financial and administrative relief to America’s smallest businesses while also ensuring sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars. “The PPP has provided 5.2 million loans worth $525 billion to American small businesses, providing critical economic relief and supporting more than 51 million jobs,” said Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. “Today’s action streamlines the forgiveness process for PPP borrowers with loans of $50,000 or less and thousands of PPP lenders who worked around the clock to process loans quickly,” he continued. “We are committed to making the PPP forgiveness process as simple as possible while also protecting against fraud and misuse of funds. We continue to favor additional legislation to further simplify the forgiveness process.” “Nothing will stop the Trump Administration from supporting great American businesses and our great American workers. The Paycheck Protection Program has been an overwhelming success and served as a historic lifeline to America’s hurting small businesses and tens of millions of workers. The new form introduced today demonstrates our relentless commitment to using every tool in our toolbelt to help small businesses and the banks that have participated in this program,” said Administrator Jovita Carranza. “We are continuing to ensure that small businesses are supported as they recover.” SBA and Treasury have also eased the burden on PPP lenders, allowing lenders to process forgiveness applications more swiftly. SBA began approving PPP forgiveness applications and remitting forgiveness payments to PPP lenders for PPP borrowers on October 2, 2020. SBA will continue to process all PPP forgiveness applications in an expeditious manner. Click here to view the simpler loan forgiveness application. Click here to view the instructions for completing the simpler loan forgiveness application. Click here to view the Interim Final Rule on the simpler forgiveness process for loans of $50,000 or less. For questions about PPP or other SBA programs, please contact Arkansas_DO@sba.gov or 501-324-7379.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2020 – USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep their customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. Visit www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus for information on Rural Development loan payment assistance, application deadline extensions and more. COVID-19 RESOURCES On April 13, 2020, USDA unveiled a one-stop-shop of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide (PDF, 349 KB) is a first-of-its-kind resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic. On May, 4, 2020, USDA released a summary of key service changes to increase the use of telehealth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes will help ensure that more rural residents can access care when and where they need it during this pandemic. This summary is intended to help interested parties understand the telehealth changes that have been made and explore new ways to support health care providers as they increase or transition to virtual care services. OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF Rural Housing Service Community Facilities Rural Utilities Service Rural Business-Cooperative Service

"The Arkansas Department of Commerce awarded the city of Hazen $1,900,000 from its Arkansas Rural Connect (ARC) broadband grant program. The city will work in partnership with Aristotle Unified Communications and the project will deploy fixed wireless to homes in Hazen. The department received $19.3 million in CARES Act funds for ARC grants after an approval from the CARES Act Steering Committee and the Arkansas legislature. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was approved by Congress earlier this year to provide aid to individuals, businesses and state and local governments in response to the pandemic. “The ARC program ensures rural Arkansas communities receive broadband connectivity,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson said in a statement. “With the additional CARES Act funds that the legislature made available this week, we will continue to expand the broadband footprint in the state and connect more Arkansans.” Grant recipients must expend the COVID-19 federal funds by Dec. 30 of this year. Additionally, $4.7 million is available in state funds for projects that would extend beyond Dec. 30. The goal of the program is to provide high-speed broadband to rural communities." Source: https://talkbusiness.net/2020/08/hazen-to-receive-1-9-million-grant-for-fixed-wireless-system/

The Arkansas General Assembly appropriated $5 million in federal funds to support Arkansas meat processors, available under section 601(a) of the Social Security Act, as added by 5001 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”).  The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (“Department”) will administer the Meat and Poultry Processing Grant Program. The Meat and Poultry Processing Grant was created to support Arkansas meat and poultry processing facilities, with fewer than 200 employees, to address supply chain disruptions and mitigate health and environmental impacts as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.  Projects should aim to improve food supply resilience through increasing livestock or poultry slaughter, expanding meat or poultry processing capacity, or promoting worker safety.  Grants may reimburse workforce assistance, equipment, capital improvements and other eligible costs incurred from March 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020. Funding will be available for federally inspected and custom exempt slaughter and processing facilities.  Both existing facilities and new facilities that will soon be in operation are eligible to apply.  All facilities must provide proof of their current or anticipated inspection status no later than November 30, 2020. Timeline The Arkansas Department of Agriculture will accept applications beginning on August 21, 2020 and will receive applications through September 30, 2020. August 21, 2020:  Applications and guidelines made available September 30, 2020:  Last day to submit an application October 5, 2020:  Applicants notified of acceptance or denial November 30, 2020:  Last day that eligible expenses may be incurred for reimbursement December 15, 2020:  Deadline for all expenditure and reimbursement documentation to be submitted to the Department Applicants should review the Program Guidelines prior to completing the application. The Program Guidelines are available here. Click here to view and submit the application. Source: https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-meat-and-poultry-processing-grant-program/

"LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (August 18, 2020) – The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has awarded $7,162,966 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to 23 Arkansas counties and communities. The grants were awarded under the General Assistance set-aside, which is designed to provide communities the opportunity to apply for a variety of non-housing public facility and public infrastructure projects. These funds originate from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) State Program for Small Cities. The 23 projects include the following cities and counties: Alicia: $95,000—Drainage improvements Augusta: $200,000—Public library construction Beedeville: $200,000—Water rehab Birdsong: $200,000—Wastewater rehab Bodcaw: $558,162—New water construction Bonanza: $200,000—Wastewater rehab Briarcliff: $1,000,000—New water construction Carroll County: $198,265—Health unit improvements Dell: $200,000—Drainage improvements Dierks: $199,825—Wastewater rehab Emerson: $133,574—Wastewater rehab England: $200,000—Wastewater rehab Eudora: $199,950—Emergency shelter improvements Flippin: $1,000,000—New wastewater construction Hermitage: $358,640—New wastewater construction Howard County: $199,200—Water rehab Hughes: $823,200—Wastewater rehab Izard County: $200,000—Senior center improvement Kensett: $200,000—Wastewater rehab Mammoth Spring: $200,000—Senior center construction Mountain Home: $200,000—Children’s Advocacy Center renovations Peach Orchard: $197,150—Street improvement Tuckerman: $200,000—Food pantry expansion To be eligible for CDBG funds through this program, communities must have a population of less than 50,000, and at least 51 percent of the persons benefitting from the project must be of low- to moderate-income. All Arkansas cities and counties are eligible for the grant program with the exception of 13 entitlement cities that receive CDBG funds directly from HUD. For more information on the CDBG program, contact the Grants Management Division at (501) 682-7682 or visit https://www.arkansasedc.com/grants." Source: https://www.arkansasedc.com/news-events/newsroom/detail/2020/08/18/aedc-awards-23-community-grants-totaling-more-than-$7-million

Thirty grants of up to $75,000 each are available to help rural Arkansas communities apply for federal grants and loans to make broadband accessible to their residents. The “Rural Broadband I.D. Expenses Trust Fund Grant” is funded by the state’s Restricted Reserve Fund and federal coronavirus aid allocated by the Arkansas Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Steering Committee created by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. The $2 million broadband program is managed by the Institute for Digital Health & Innovation at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Visit this link to apply and for more information about the program. “As COVID-19 changes the ways in which we work and learn remotely, high-quality data infrastructure is increasingly vital to our economy, access to health care, and overall quality of life,” said Joseph Sanford, M.D., interim director of the UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation. The grants are available to help cities, incorporated towns, counties and unincorporated communities conduct broadband due-diligence business studies. The studies are required in federal grant and loan applications for broadband infrastructure. Communities can use their broadband due-diligence business studies to apply for funding from: The Federal Communications Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Program The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect) The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Bill; and Other federal grants or loans for broadband development programs. Source: https://talkbusiness.net/2020/08/grants-available-for-broadband-expansion-in-rural-communities/

"The Arkansas Department of Commerce announced Tuesday that it has awarded the city of Lonoke a $2 million grant to deploy fiber internet there. It's the third Arkansas Rural Connect grant the state has awarded. The city is getting the money in partnership with CableSouth Media 3. "This grant will provide significant improvement to the infrastructure in the city of Lonoke as well as better facilitating the educational system," said Republican State Rep. Roger Lynch, whose district is made of parts of Lonoke, Pulaski, Arkansas, Jefferson and Prairie counties. "It will also provide support to those whose jobs and businesses require a more reliable and faster service. I'm pleased to see our community move forward with this grant.” The state previously awarded the cities of Ozark and Fairfield Bay $1.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The goal of the program is to provide high speed broadband to rural communities. The Commerce Department received $19.3 million in federal CARES Act money for the grants; the spending was approved by Arkansas' CARES Act Steering Committee and the state Legislature. Grant recipients must spend the money by Dec. 30. The initiative comes as the coronavirus pandemic pushes much of daily living online, highlighting Arkansas' status as a laggard in broadband deployment and illustrating the digital divide between broadband haves and have-nots. "The legislature has made broadband a top priority," State Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Beebe, said. "I will continue to champion these efforts as we continue to expand the broadband footprint across District 28." The department is continuing to evaluate applications for more grants, focusing on projects that can deploy broadband to qualified areas before Dec. 30. For more information or to apply, visit www.broadband.arkansas.gov." Source: https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/132355/state-gives-city-of-lonoke-2m-for-high-speed-internet?utm_source=enews_080420&utm_medium=email&utm_content=daily-report&utm_campaign=newsletter&enews_zone=3816

Central Arkansas Planning and Development District (CAPDD) is proud to announce and welcome Trevor Villines as the new Regional Economic Recovery Coordinator. Villines is a lifelong resident of Benton, AR, 2015 graduate of Benton High School and 2019 graduate of the Sam Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Villines will be responsible for working with communities & local governments to develop and implement an economic recovery & resiliency plan in response to the COVID-19 generated crisis. The overall goal of the effort will be to rebuild resilient and sustainable local economies throughout the communities of CAPDD’s six county district. The economic recovery & resiliency plan will be aligned and incorporated with CAPDD’s 2019 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). As part of his new position, Villines will serve as liaison between local, state and federal partners in an effort to speed up the response process for the most impacted communities of the district, and will work to facilitate the implementation of locally generated disaster recovery economic development projects. Input from cities, counties and business in CAPDD’s district will be quintessential in identifying and developing projects and plans to positively respond to COVID-19 as well as preparing for future pandemics. These plans will be developed with financial support from the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Cares Act Supplemental noncompetitive grant program. Additionally, small business will have the opportunity to receive financial assistance from CAPDD in the form of a low interest loan that will alleviate the sudden and severe economic dislocation caused by COVID-19. These funds will be made available with supplemental Revolving Loan Funds provided by the EDA’s CARES Act Recovery Assistance. Trevor Villines can be reached at trevor.villines@capdd.org

The U.S. Economic Development Administration is aware of recent incidents of fraudulent emails, letters, or other communications sent to individuals offering to provide EDA grants in exchange for money or personal information. The scammers behind these fraudulent communications often pose as EDA employees or agents in an attempt to extract payment. Please note that EDA does not provide grants to individuals and does not ask individuals to disclose personal information. In addition, EDA does not require applicants to submit a processing or other fee. EDA grants can only be obtained by following the procedures described in the Notices of Funding Opportunities provided for the programs listed on our Funding Opportunities page. If you believe you have been the victim of one of these scams or are aware of such incidents with your members, please contact the Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General and submit a report. You may also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission online at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt&panel1-1 or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Please note that complaints involving the internet may also be referred to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which accepts complaints here. For more information on grant fraud and grant-related scams, please see: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grant-fraud.html.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Talk Business & Politics) — The Little Rock Port Authority announced Monday (July 6) $11 million in investments to support transportation infrastructure improvements in the port’s footprint. As many as 1,500 new jobs may be added, according to a release from the port. The Little Rock Port is the largest industrial hub in central Arkansas with over 40 businesses employing more than 4,000 people. It features rail, river and interstate highway access. A $5 million project made possible through funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the City of Little Rock and Pulaski County will lead to new construction to widen and improve Zeuber Road. The road handles heavy industrial materials and will be upgraded in anticipation of two new companies – CZ USA and HMS Manufacturing – set to locate at the port. In addition to the Zeuber Road improvements, the Port of Little Rock also announced an additional $6 million in public infrastructure funds for additional road widening, intersection improvements and new road construction to accommodate increased transportation capacity needs associated with the new companies. Funding for these improvements was provided through the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Delta Regional Authority, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the City of Little Rock, and Pulaski County. “Now more than ever, it’s critical that our infrastructure keep pace with the growing demands of industry in Arkansas,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “The Port of Little Rock is a prime area for business. Once completed, the Zeuber Road project will be an important asset for businesses that require easily navigable infrastructure to support workforce and trade.” Read more at Talk Business & Politics. Source: https://katv.com/news/local/little-rock-port-authority-announces-11-million-in-upgrades?fbclid=IwAR3CT-j8lkKQGS7E5wj39_IcROhbn8mp8JM87M9DVFBS2R15fxSE9kkbhm4

County Fairs located in counties with a population of less than 55,000 are eligible for up to $4,000 per fiscal year for construction, renovation or general improvements of County Fair buildings or purchase of items shown to directly improve the building or the services that the County Fair Association may provide. For Questions Contact: Director of Rural Services, Becca Caldwell: (501)-682-3292 Fiscal Year 2021 Deadlines are: Cycle I - August 6, 2020 Cycle II - March 11th, 2021 County Fair Building Grant Program Application Click on the following link to download the documents necessary to close out your grant: County Fair Closeout Documents Source: https://www.arkansasedc.com/Rural-Services/division/grants

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Arkansas businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and straight-line winds that occurred April 12, 2020, announced Administrator Jovita Carranza of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Asa Hutchinson on June 11, 2020. The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Arkansas, Cleveland, Grant, Jefferson, Lincoln, Lonoke and Pulaski counties. “SBA is strongly committed to providing Arkansas with the most effective and customer-focused response possible, and we will be there to provide access to federal disaster loans to help finance recovery for businesses and residents affected by the disaster,” said Carranza. “Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.” “Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters whose property was damaged or destroyed by this disaster,” said SBA’s Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, for this disaster SBA will establish a virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their electronic loan application. Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center Mondays – Fridays 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. FOCWAssistance@sba.gov (916) 735-1500 These services are only available for the Arkansas disaster declaration as a result of the severe storms and straight-line winds that occurred April 12, 2020, and not for COVID-19 related assistance. Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future. For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Interest rates can be as low as 3.75 percent for businesses, 2.75 percent for private nonprofit organizations and 1.563 percent for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. Applicants may also apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. The deadline to apply for property damage is Aug. 17, 2020. The deadline to apply for economic injury is March 17, 2021. About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

WASHINGTON – To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 today. “The SBA is strongly committed to working around the clock, providing dedicated emergency assistance to the small businesses and non-profits that are facing economic disruption due to the COVID-19 impact. With the reopening of the EIDL assistance and EIDL Advance application portal to all new applicants, additional small businesses and non-profits will be able to receive these long-term, low interest loans and emergency grants – reducing the economic impacts for their businesses, employees and communities they support,” said SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza. “Since EIDL assistance due to the pandemic first became available to small businesses located in every state and territory, SBA has worked to provide the greatest amount of emergency economic relief possible. To meet the unprecedented need, the SBA has made numerous improvements to the application and loan closing process, including deploying new technology and automated tools.” SBA’s EIDL program offers long-term, low interest assistance for a small business or non-profit. These loans can provide vital economic support to help alleviate temporary loss of revenue. EIDL assistance can be used to cover payroll and inventory, pay debt or fund other expenses. Additionally, the EIDL Advance will provide up to $10,000 ($1,000 per employee) of emergency economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties, and these emergency grants do not have to be repaid. SBA’s COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance The SBA is offering low interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses and non-profit organizations that are suffering substantial economic injury as a result of COVID-19 in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories. These loans may be used to pay debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact, and that are not already covered by a Paycheck Protection Program loan. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%. To keep payments affordable for small businesses, SBA offers loans with long repayment terms, up to a maximum of 30 years. Plus, the first payment is deferred for one year. In addition, small businesses and non-profits may request, as part of their loan application, an EIDL Advance of up to $10,000. The EIDL Advance is designed to provide emergency economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This advance will not have to be repaid, and small businesses may receive an advance even if they are not approved for a loan. SBA’s EIDL and EIDL Advance are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response. The SBA is also assisting small businesses and non-profits with access to the federal forgivable loan program, the Paycheck Protection Program, which is currently accepting applications until June 30, 2020. For additional information, please visit the SBA disaster assistance website at SBA.gov/Disaster.

The County of Lonoke invites its citizens and other interested persons to provide public comments to identify potential outdoor park and recreation needs and priorities. Following the identification process, county officials will select those priorities to be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism for an Outdoor Recreation FUN Park Grant application. Ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and special interest groups are encouraged to participate. You may send written comments to Lonoke County Courthouse, Attn: Public Comment, 301 North Center St., Ste. 201, Lonoke, AR 72086 or call the county at 501-676-6403. The deadline for receiving comments will be Monday, June 8, 2020.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON THE FIVE-YEAR CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR THE STATE OF ARKANSAS, ADMINISTRATION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM, THE HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM, THE NATIONAL HOUSING TRUST FUND, THE EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT PROGRAM AND THE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS PROGRAM. The State of Arkansas anticipates receiving approximately $32.8 million in grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during the 2020 program year. The amount includes funding for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), to be administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC); the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF), to be administered by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA); the Emergency Solutions Grants Program (ESG), to be administered by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS); and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA), to be administered by the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). The State has completed a draft of the Consolidated Plan for the 2020-2024 Program Years and 2020 Action Plan and hereby presents the draft for public review and comment. The comment period will extend for 30 days beginning on May 24 and will end at 4:30 p.m. on June 23, 2020. Public comments will be considered in the final draft of the Consolidated Plan, which will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on June 30, 2020. To be considered in the final plan, written comments must be received during the 30-day public comment period. Written comments may be addressed to: Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Attn: Grants Division, 1 Commerce Way, Ste. 601, Little Rock, AR 72202, or by email to Jean Noble, Plan Coordinator, at JNoble@ArkansasEDC.com. The deadline to submit comments at the above address is 4:30 p.m. on June 23, 2020. A draft of the Consolidated Plan and Action Plan may be viewed online at here. The Arkansas Consolidated Plan Committee will have one public hearing on the Consolidated Plan in the form of a webinar. RSVP (include your name and organization) to Dottie Boyles at DBoyles@ArkansasEDC.com for the meeting telephone number and dial in access code is required. Date: June 10, 2020 Location: Virtual Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. If you are unable to attend the meeting, written comments may be mailed to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Attn.: Grants Division, 1 Commerce Way, Ste. 601, Little Rock, AR 72202, or by email to Jean Noble, Plan Coordinator, at JNoble@ArkansasEDC.com. The public hearing will also include an opportunity for citizen comments on the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. All meeting locations are wheelchair accessible. Persons needing interpreters or other accommodations are requested to telephone the Arkansas Economic Development Commission at 501-682-7682 so arrangements may be made in advance.

The purpose of this request for proposal (RFP) is to invite you to submit a proposal to audit the financial statements of the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District, Inc. (CAPDD) for its fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, with an optional annual renewal, not to exceed five years, based upon satisfaction of both parties. Proposal Packages may be requested by writing Donna Darby at Central Arkansas Planning and Development District, PO Box 300, Lonoke, AR 72086 or by calling (501) 676-2721 or 1-800-285-1131 (TDD) or 1-800-285-1121 (Voice), Monday through Friday 8:00 am through 4:30 pm. Sealed proposal packages must be clearly marked “Confidential: Donna Darby-RFP Audit Services” and returned to CAPDD, PO Box 300, Lonoke, AR 72086, no later than 4:00 pm on Monday, June 8, 2020. Late Proposals and proposals not sealed and properly marked will be rejected as not meeting requirements. Proposals will be opened on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the office of Central Arkansas Planning and Development District, located at 902 North Center Street, Lonoke, Arkansas. Central Arkansas Planning and Development District is an “Equal opportunity Employer/Program” and “Auxiliary aides and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.”

The City of Lonoke has initiated a Parks & Recreations Grant application in partnership with Central Arkansas Planning and Development District. Under normal circumstances this process entails a public hearing. However, in lieu of COVID-19 precautions, we are soliciting public comments online. Residents are encouraged to post any recommendations they feel may help identify potential outdoor park and recreational needs for our community. Following this identification process, city officials will provide a list of submissions to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism for review. Ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and special interest groups are especially encouraged to participate. For those who wish to respond outside of Facebook, you may email lonokevista@gmail.com. You may also mail or hand deliver written comments to City Hall at 107 W. Second Street, Lonoke, AR 72086 or call the city at 501-676-6123.

A virtual Public Hearing via the Zoom App will be held on June 2, 2020 at 10am, for the purpose of identifying and prioritizing the community needs of Pulaski County, determining whether an application for Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program (ACEDP) funds should be developed and if so, for what community need. Also, comments on proposed project activities will be discussed, especially those with possible impacts on the community, should the project receive funding. ACEDP funds are federal assistance received by the State of Arkansas and administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. These funds will be made available to cities and counties according to need and can be used for community facilities, public infrastructure, or economic development, but must address one of the following objectives: 1. Provide benefit to low- and moderate-income families, 2. Aid in the prevention of slum and blight, or 3. Meet other community needs, which pose a serious, immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community where no other funding is available to meet such needs. All residents of Pulaski County are encouraged to attend the virtual hearing and participate in the community development process. Pulaski County will provide technical assistance in developing proposals by groups representing low- and moderate-income persons. Individuals requiring physical or sensory accommodations including interpreter service, Braille, large print, or recorded materials, please contact Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde at (501) 340-8305 no later than May 27, 2020. Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and non-English speaking individuals provided that a 3-day notice is received by the Pulaski County. To join the Zoom public hearing use the following information: Meeting ID: 867-023-8728 Access Code: 2GcZ7N

If you have concerns about the risk of a natural hazard or ideas about how to minimize damage caused by one, the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District wants to hear from you. The plan is the foundation of a long-term strategy to reduce disaster losses and break the cycle of damage, reconstruction and repeated damage. Information you provide will help identify projects and strategies that lower the risk of injury, property damage and other impacts of future disasters. We are looking for your perceptions, thoughts and ideas about these hazards: dam failure, drought, earthquake, flood, landslide, wildfire and severe weather such as ice, wind or a tornado. Complete an online survey about how the risk of an event, or an earlier event, affected your lives and families, as well as thoughts on potential mitigation methods. Complete Survey Now!

U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza announced Monday (May 4) that agricultural businesses are now eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs. SBA’s EIDL portal will reopen Monday as a result of funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act. The legislation provides additional funding for farmers and ranchers and certain other agricultural businesses affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “For more than 30 years, SBA has been prohibited by law from providing disaster assistance to agricultural businesses; however, as a result of the unprecedented legislation enacted by President Trump, American farmers, ranchers and other agricultural businesses will now have access to emergency working capital,” Carranza said. “These low-interest, long-term loans will help keep agricultural businesses viable while bringing stability to the nation’s vitally important food supply chains,” she added. Agricultural businesses include businesses engaged in the legal production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries (as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)). Eligible agricultural businesses must have 500 or fewer employees. Source: https://talkbusiness.net/2020/05/agri-businesses-now-eligible-for-small-business-administration-loans/

The Delta Regional Authority (DRA), in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the U.S Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), has announced the availability of approximately $29.2 million in a second round of grant funding for the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative. “Within the DRA footprint live some of the most resilient and hard-working people in our great nation, and this is seen in the innovative, industry-driven investments brought to life through the WORC grant initiative,” said DRA Federal Co-Chairman Chris Caldwell. “DRA is providing an opportunity for rural communities to strengthen their workforce pipelines and continue upward economic mobility by giving access to these critical resources, and we are excited to see the growth of our region through more impactful projects from this next round of investments.” Under this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), the ETA will award these grants to applicants that demonstrate innovative and sustainable strategies to provide needed career, training, and support services to eligible individuals to assist in meeting workforce challenges and industry needs currently underserved by other resources in the Delta and Appalachian regions. Authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, WORC Initiative grants take a long-term view toward assisting eligible communities in diversifying their economies and expanding and diversifying partnerships by investing in local strategies developed by regional partners. ETA will award those applicants that align and integrate workforce development activities with existing state, regional, or community development strategies. Ranging from $150,000 to $1.5 million, the grants can also help serve those receiving employment and training services from organizations in regions affected by the opioid crisis. Those eligible for WORC grants include state, county, city, township, or special district governments; State or local workforce development boards; Regional organizations; independent school districts; Public, state-controlled, or private institutions of higher education; Indian/Native American tribal governments (federally and other than federally recognized); Indian/Native American tribally designated organizations; Public or Indian housing organizations; Non-profit organizations; Hispanic-serving institutions; Tribally-controlled colleges and universities; and Historically black colleges and universities. To complement the federal partnership, DRA will host pre-award technical assistance webinars, offer post-award technical assistance to grantees, and make an additional $1.5 million in grants available in July 2020 through the Delta Workforce Program. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit www.dra.gov/workforce for more information and resources.' Source: https://talkbusiness.net/2020/05/delta-regional-authority-makes-29-million-available-for-rural-workforce-needs/

Self-employed workers and independent contractors in Arkansas who are out of work because of the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), state officials announced late Monday. Individuals can apply online for the PUA benefits from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. seven days a week. Applicants can also call 1-844-908-2178 from 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Those eligible for PUA benefits are: Nonprofit employees; Gig economy workers; Individuals who work for employers exempt from participating in the regular unemployment insurance program; Part-time workers without enough work history to qualify for regular unemployment benefits; and Individuals impacted by COVID-19 but who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits due to a prior disqualification. The program provides up to 39 weeks of benefits with weekly payments ranging from $133 to $451, based on income from the previous tax year (2019). The assistance period begins with the week ending Feb. 8 and ends with the week ending Dec. 26. For those who qualify, the program will apply retroactively to the date they became unemployed for a qualifying coronavirus-related reason. Source: https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/131201/self-employed-independent-contractors-can-apply-now-for-unemployment-benefits?utm_source=enews_050520&utm_medium=email&utm_content=daily-report&utm_campaign=newsletter&enews_zone=3816