Resources & Info for Texas Music Businesses Affected by COVID-19: SBA Disaster Loan Info, Small Business FAQs, Emergency Assistance Grants, Unemployment Assistance
Texas Small Businesses (updated 3/26/20)
COVID-19 UPDATE: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) granted Texas’ Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance declaration, making loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Small businesses who believe they may be eligible for an SBA EIDL, should visit the SBA’s website where they can directly apply for assistance. The online application is the fastest method to receive a decision about loan eligibility.
All forms and further details are available on the SBA Disaster Loan website sba.gov/disaster. Click on the Coronavirus link at the top of the page.
Texas Workforce Commission
The Texas Workforce Commission has additional resources for employers regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on their website: twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-employers.
Texas Workers
If your employment has been affected by COVID-19, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) encourages you to apply for benefits by utilizing the online claim portal, or by calling the Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
TWC may be experiencing increased call volumes and hold times on Tele-Center phone lines. You are encouraged to use the online claim portal, Unemployment Benefits Services (UBS), to handle your claim needs quickly. UBS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may also sign up for electronic correspondence so you can receive TWC communications online as soon as possible.
TWC will investigate why you lost your job and mail a decision explaining whether you are eligible for unemployment benefits.
For additional information and resources for job seekers, visit TWC's webpage: twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-job-seekers.
All Texans
Governor Greg Abbott announced a series of Executive Orders relating to COVID-19 preparedness and mitigation. The four orders serve to limit public gatherings and help reduce exposure for people across the state. These orders are in accordance with federal guidelines issued by the President and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and will aid in the state's efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. Read more regarding the executive orders.
The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of any respiratory virus, including COVID‑19:
- Wash hands often for 20 seconds and encourage others to do the same.
- If no soap and water are available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs, and other places touched often.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Practice social distancing. This includes avoiding crowds and minimizing physical contact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Relating to COVID-19
for Texas Businesses and Community Economic Development Partners (updated 3/26/20)
Our parent agency, the Economic Development & Tourism Division, has created an FAQ for businesses affected by COVID-19 mitigation.
Assistance Information and Resources For Music Industry Professionals Affected by COVID-19
The Texas Music Office has compiled a list of emergency grants and loans for Texas music business professionals affected by COVID-19 mitigation.
View the complete list on the TMO website here. Two of the more than 10 emergency grants include:
Austin Creative Arts Alliance's Artists Emergency Relief Fund
As part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ACA has established The Artists Emergency Relief Fund to help artists in Greater Austin maintain their personal and financial stability in these uncertain times.
Artists may apply for up to $500 to replace verifiable lost income due to the cancellation of a specific, scheduled gig or opportunity (i.e. commissions, performances, contracts) due to COVID-19 precautionary measures. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and are subject to approval and available funds. Priority will be given to ACA members, and to applicants facing food or housing insecurity. ACA is reviewing applications daily, so that funds can be in artists’ hands as quickly as possible.
MusiCares Grants of Up To $1,000 For Music Industry Professionals
Music industry professionals may apply for basic living assistance (rent or mortgage). Initial grant requests can be made up to $1000 to compensate for cancelled work that was scheduled and lost. Should we receive additional funding, we will evaluate the grant amounts available. All items below must be included in your request:
- A completed MusiCares application
- Proof of cancellations and bookings
- Copy of your lease agreement or mortgage statement which includes account numbers, vendor address and your name on the lease or statement
Please note: Texas-based applicants may use the South or West application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and requests will be processed in the order in which received. It could take up to two weeks to process a completed application.