by Billy Kepner | Jun 8, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
Providence City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) today, in partnership with the Providence Revolving Fund, announced the creation of the Providence Commercial Corridor Micro-Business Loan fund. The commercial corridors in the pilot phase of this program are Broad Street, Cranston Street, Elmwood Avenue, Broadway (West of I-95), and Westminster Street (West of I-95) in the City of Providence.
The Providence Commercial Corridor Micro-Business Loan Fund was created to provide financing to micro-businesses to help address safety measures needed for reopening due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, funded in collaboration with the City Council, will be managed and administered by the Providence Revolving Fund, who capitalized the micro-loan fund pilot program to provide small loans to micro-businesses with an initial $100,000.00, and the City Council has matched this amount.
Council President Sabina Matos stated, “The City is facing extraordinary circumstances. Our small business community has been especially susceptible to the economic harm this pandemic has caused. Many micro-businesses, especially Minority-Owned Businesses, could not obtain or did not qualify for the PPP loan program or the SBA Emergency Loan Fund due to federal restrictions. These micro-loans will help these businesses reopen and give them access to much-needed capital to address their unique business needs. On behalf of my colleagues Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilor Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), and Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), we extend our gratitude to the Providence Revolving Fund, the Center for Women in Enterprise, Customer’s Bank, and the Center for Southeast Asians for their support of this important pilot program.”
Eligible businesses include service, retail, and manufacturing companies that employ fewer than ten full-time employees, earn less than $250,000.00 annually, and are located on or near the pilot commercial corridors. Additionally, 30-percent of the Fund will be set aside for Women/Minority-owned businesses.
Businesses in these corridors can apply for loans ranging from $500-$5,000.00. Loans are available for any physical alterations needed to be compliant with the Rhode Island Department of Health and Commerce RI guidelines for reopening. Additionally, up to 25% of loan funds can be used for PPE for staff. Credit history will not affect the ability to obtain a loan, and collateral will not be required.
“Providence Revolving Fund and the Providence City Council have capitalized a revolving loan fund to provide small loans to micro-businesses located on or near commercial corridors in Providence,” stated Carrie Zaslow, Executive Director of the Providence Revolving Fund. “We believe that this program is essential for the preservation of the small businesses that make up our communities. The Providence Revolving Fund is committed to providing equitable access to financing and services to promote economic opportunity. We are pleased to be able to roll out this program at a time when so many small businesses are struggling.”
The loan term is for 2-years, and there will be two repayment options. The first is a 0% interest rate if the borrower begins repayment as soon as the loan is issued, and the second comes with a 6-month grace period with a 2% interest rate. In addition to these terms, the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) will provide required technical assistance in small business management to borrowers.
Director Veronica Martinez from the CWE stated, “The Center for Women and Enterprise is honored to collaborate with The Providence Revolving Fund. This new loan initiative will provide much-needed relief to our small business community. We look forward to providing our services to program applicants. We are committed to providing all necessary supports to uphold client success.”
Since it opened in 2000, the Center for Women & Enterprise-Rhode Island office (located in Providence, RI) has helped thousands of women and men gain the tools they need to thrive in business and entrepreneurship. The mission of CWE is to provide opportunities for women entrepreneurs and women in industry to increase professional success, personal growth, and financial independence. They achieve this mission by providing education, training, technical assistance, and access to markets to entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. Recipients of The Commercial Corridor Micro-Business Loan Fund will be required to participate in financial coaching and training.
Customer’s Bank has provided the Micro-Loan Fund with a donation of $5,000.00, and Steve Issa, EVP-Chief Lending Officer & President New England, Customer’s Bank shared, “Customer’s Bank is committed to helping in the communities we serve. Being able to support our micro-business community is especially important during these trying times. As businesses around the State begin to reopen, ensuring that our smaller size businesses have access to capital to purchase the PPE and other items they need to work safely is paramount. We are very happy to make this donation to the Providence Revolving Fund so that they may continue the wonderful work they do for the city of Providence.”
In addition to the technical support being provided by the Center for Women & Enterprise, the Center for Southeast Asians has graciously offered to help potential Khmer speaking business owners with the loan application and other translations services.
“During this very challenging time in our economy, our state of the nation and the COVID-19 pandemic, our small business which are the backbone of our economy faces grave danger of closing its door. Through the Providence City Council President Sabina Matos and the Providence Revolving Fund’s micro-loan pilot program, this effort will save our small businesses from current suffocation and breathe air into the life of these needed entities. I am proud to be part of this effort,” stated Channavy Chhay, Executive Director at the Center for Southeast Asians.
The Providence Revolving Fund Project Management team is made up of general contractors with a specialty in historic preservation. All borrowers will have the opportunity to request a consultation with the team regarding their projects, budgets, reviewing contractor bids, and other needs they may have. Applications to the Micro-Loan Fund will go before a review committee set up by the Providence Revolving Fund which will be comprised of community members and industry professionals, including Carmen Díaz-Jusino, Vice President and Community Development Officer at BankNewport.
Ms. Díaz-Jusino stated, “As Community Development Officer for BankNewport, volunteering in the community is essential to the bank’s mission, and being able to share my expertise is an important way for me to give back to our community. The smaller businesses that this loan fund will service don’t always have easy access to capital, so this program will give them an opportunity to reopen and grow their business at a time when it’s needed most.”
It’s the goal of the Providence Revolving Fund and the City Council that other financial and philanthropic institutions will help recapitalize the Fund so the program can be expanded to other corridors throughout the City of Providence. Materials will be available in English, Spanish, and Khmer (please not the loan application will only be available in English and Spanish) on the
City Council Website and on the
Providence Revolving Fund Website. For businesses needing help with Khmer, they can contact the
Center for Southeast Asians to facilitate the application process.
by Billy Kepner | Jun 7, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15, Ward-6
Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) and Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6) partnered with ONE Neighborhood Builders and their Central Providence Health Equity Zone on Friday, June 5, 2020, to pick up masks to be distributed in the community to neighbors, nursing homes, and other public service organizations.
“ONE Neighborhood Builders has time after time stepped up to the plate to help our neighbors during times of need,” stated Council President Sabina Matos. “Their leadership in acquiring and donating these 50,000 masks speaks volumes to their commitment to public service. I want to thank their team for their generosity and for their dedication to the residents of Providence.”
Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia and City Council staff were on hand Friday to pick up 50,000 masks on behalf of the City Council. These masks will be distributed to constituents, local businesses, organizations, and nursing homes to help meet the high demand for face coverings.
“The City of Providence is beginning to re-open again, and now more than ever, it is crucial that masks are made available to businesses and organizations to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus. I’m thankful to our partners at ONE Neighborhood Builders who continually work to ensure that our community’s needs are met,” added Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia.
ONE Neighborhood Builders convenes the Central Providence Health Equity Zone (HEZ). HEZs are collaboratives of residents, community organizations, health professionals, and others who come together to address the root causes of health disparities. This work requires eliminating racism and discrimination and removing barriers to good jobs with fair pay, quality education, affordable housing, and safe environments.
HEZs works to improve health outcomes in targeted areas of Rhode Island. The 02909 Zip Code, where ONE Neighborhood Builders is located and the area represented by the Central Providence HEZ, has been one of the hardest hit by the COVID-19 virus.
Allegra Scharff, Health Equity Project Manager, shared, “The 02909 area has been disproportionally impacted by COVID-19; our HEZ works to end these health disparities. Being able to distribute free masks may be a small contribution, but it is vital to help our neighbors stay safe. We are so grateful to the City Council and all of the other amazing organizations who partnered with us to get these masks out into the community.”
Several community organizations took part, picking up large amounts of masks to distribute throughout the community. Other participants in this mask drive included SVDP Rhode Island, Family Services of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Nearly 100,000 masks were picked up in total to be distributed to constituents and business owners.
Council President Matos continued, “On behalf of the residents of Providence, we owe a debt of gratitude to ONENeighborhood Builders, Central Providence HEZ, the Rhode Island Department of Health, and our City Council staff that helped facilitate Friday’s distribution program.”
For more information on the Central Providence Health Equity Zone, visit them online here:
HEZ
From Right to Left: City Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia, Marylee Dixon, City Council Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Doris De Los Santos, City Council Liaison loading up 50,000 face masks to be distributed throughout the greater Providence community.
by Abigail Appel | Jun 5, 2020 | Council News, COVID-19, Press Release, Ward-10
Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) introduced a resolution at tonight’s City Council meeting urging the State of Rhode Island to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to any individual who tests positive for COVID-19. Additionally the resolution urges the State to provide individuals with information regarding PPE, self-isolation and best practices to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus translated into the individual’s native language.
“As we have all seen, the COVID-19 virus has disproportionately affected minority communities and communities of color,” stated Councilman Pedro Espinal, “Many of the Rhode Islanders in these communities may not speak English and are unable to self-isolate properly due to a lack of information, resources, PPE or space in their homes,”.
Self-isolation is key to keeping individuals who have tested positive with COVID-19 from spreading the virus. However, self-isolation can be very difficult when an individual lives with other people in their home, especially in close quarters. Further complicating this issue is the lack of translated information on health and safety for non-English speakers.
“Facts, data and PPE have been some of the most important factors in our fight with COVID-19. Personal Protective Equipment and reliable information on how to keep yourself and those around you safe must be made available to anyone who has tested positive with COVID-19; especially our neighbors who may not speak english,” continued Councilman Espinal.
Upon passage, copies of this resolution will be sent to Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo and Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott.
by Abigail Appel | Jun 5, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-2
Councilors Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Rachel Miller (Ward 13) and Helen Anthony (Ward 2) proposed a resolution at tonight’s City Council Meeting urging Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo to enact a complete eviction moratorium. Additionally, this resolution encourages cancellation of rent and mortgage payments and forgiveness of prior payments and obligations for the duration of the State of Emergency and for 120 days after the order has been lifted.
“Rhode Island courts have been closed since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. There is a backlog of eviction cases coinciding with a jump in the state’s unemployment rate from 5% to 17%. It is clear that many Rhode Islanders are facing financial turmoil, and this is not the time to throw them out of their homes,” stated Councilwoman Kat Kerwin. “As legislators it is incumbent upon us to protect the residents of Providence from further financial hardships and displacement. This pandemic has touched the lives of everyone, but it is having the greatest effects on our low-wage and gig earners who have not been able to work due to closures of bars, limited reopening of restaurants and other parts of the service industry.”
“The COVID-19 crisis is far from over,” stated Councilor Rachel Miller “Moving forward with evictions would not only be unethical but it would increase homelessness and cause a heightened threat to public health and safety; possibly creating further spread of the COVID-19 virus. The majority of residents in Rhode Island are struggling, and we should be creating safety nets, and doing whatever we can to ensure that no resident faces eviction or foreclosure due to this global pandemic that was out of their control.”
The Councilors are also urging the Rhode Island General Assembly to take up a bill which replicates the language proposed in HR 6515- “Emergency Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act of 2020”, proposed by Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. This resolution would prohibit evictions for nonpayment of rent or mortgages, prohibit fines, fees and debt accrual for nonpayment, enact rent forgiveness and establish a relief fund to assist landlords.
“Our State government must work to support all Rhode Islanders during this difficult time; from renters and homeowners, to landlords. We cannot turn our backs on our neighbors who are struggling now, simply because the courts have reopened or executive orders have expired. The economic effects of COVID-19 remain and our government must continue to work to ensure all Rhode Islanders are able to get back on their feet without the fear of losing their homes or becoming homeless,” stated Councilwoman Helen Anthony.
Upon passage of the resolution, a copy shall be sent to Governor Gina Raimondo, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, and Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello.
by Abigail Appel | Jun 5, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-2
Councilors Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Rachel Miller (Ward 13) and Helen Anthony (Ward 2) will introduce a resolution at tonight’s City Council Meeting condemning the cancelation of health insurance benefits for employees by the Omni Hotel in Providence.This is particularly egregious because of the ongoing global COVID-19 public health crisis.
“The Omni Hotel, an integral part of our downtown economy, has benefitted from the hard work provided it’s employees. Additionally, these workers have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Several Omni Hotel employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Taking away their right to healthcare would not only endanger the employees but also add to the ongoing public health threat throughout the City of Providence,” stated Councilwoman Helen Anthony.
This cut to insurance benefits is in direct violation of the contract between the Omni Hotel and UNITE HERE Local 26, the bargaining representative for nearly 200 of the hotel’s employees. Many Omni Hotel employees live in Providence, are low-wage earners, and cannot afford to pay the COBRA premiums being offered by the hotel. Creating further financial strains and barriers to receiving adequate healthcare.
“As our City and State are working so hard to safely re-open the economy, the unethical actions of the Omni Hotel would lead to an increased health threat,” stated Councilwoman Kat Kerwin. “This action by the owners of the Omni could potentially lead to an increase in positive cases of COVID-19, financial hardship due to medical bills, and severe illness for which employees will not be able to receive treatment. This will greatly slow the re-opening of the hotel and endanger not only Omni Hotel employees and guests, but residents throughout the City.”
“In this time of crisis, local employers, especially those like the Omni whose property has received a substantial investment of public money over the years, should be doing everything they can to protect the health and safety of their workers. The actions of the Omni Hotel are unethical and pose a public health threat to the City as a whole. I stand with UNITE HERE Local 26 in solidarity and will continue to advocate for our hard working men and women of the Union to ensure that they get the benefits they need and deserve,” added Councilor Rachel Miller.
The resolution condemns the actions of the Omni Hotel and calls on the hotel leadership to reinstate health insurance benefits to employees immediately. Upon passage a copy of this resolution will be transmitted to the owners of the hotel in the hopes that they will change their current course of action.
by Billy Kepner | Jun 5, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-14
Today, I am calling on the City of Providence to help our businesses that suffered private property damage under Rhode Island General Law 45-15-13.
Per the state statute, affected businesses are entitled to receive three-fourths of the value of damage resulting from unlawful acts that occurred with six or more people in the municipality where the event took place.
I ask that the City of Providence and the City Council’s Committee on Claims and Pending Suits to expedite and streamline the process while following the guidelines set forth by Rhode Island General Law.
Businesses wishing to take advantage of this state law are required to comply by attesting to the amount of damages they incurred from the incident under oath.
If this is the route that any of our businesses that were affected by Monday’s rioting wish to take, the City needs to ensure that they can expedite the process to help our business community get back on their feet.
David A. Salvatore
Providence City Council
Councilman – Ward 14
