The City of Austin Small Business Division offers a comprehensive directory of small business resources offered by local, state, and federal governments and non-profit agencies. Our goal for the City of Austin Small Business Resources Directory is to increase awareness and use of the programs that provide aid in the development of your business. Call 512-974-7800, email SmallBiz@austintexas.gov or visit our website for information about all our services and resources.

Organization Phone Number Description
Bluegrass Trust Fund 888.438.4262

If you are or have been a professional in the business of bluegrass and are in a time of emergency need, apply to the Bluegrass Trust Fund.

Blues Foundation - Hart Fund 901.527.2583

The Blues Foundation established the HART Fund (Handy Artists Relief Trust) for Blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a broad range of health concerns.

Broadcasters Foundation of America Emergency & Disaster Grants

The Broadcasters Foundation of America provides Emergency & Disaster Grants to radio and television broadcasters find themselves in acute financial need and do not have insurance to cover their losses after a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, tornado, or wildfire, extreme flooding, house fire, or other serious misfortune. 
 

CDC - Natural Disasters and Severe Weather

The Centers for Disease Control provides information for the public and emergency responders on how to stay safe during public health emergencies. 

City of Austin COVID-19 Business Grants

The City of Austin is providing grants to local small businesses and nonprofits. 

Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF)

The COVID-19 resource page for artists with information regarding education programs, advocacy, network building, and emergency relief.

Creative Capital 212.598.9900

COVID-19 Resource for Arts Organizations and Artists.

Crew Nation Fund: Music Forward Foundation

In partnership with Live Nation, Music Forward Foundation, a charitable 501c3 organization, has established Crew Nation— a global relief fund for live music crews. Live Nation has committed $10 million to Crew Nation – contributing an initial $5 million to the fund, then matching the next $5 million given by artists, fans, and employees dollar for dollar. Music Forward Foundation will be administering the fund, and managing the application, review, and award process.
 

Disaster Assistance.gov

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated area can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).  

Disaster Ready Austin

Disaster Ready Austin is collaborative initiative to educate and empower residents to be prepared for emergencies and disaster. 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance - Texas Workforce Commission 800.939.6631

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) provides unemployment benefits for individuals who lost their jobs or self-employment or who are no longer working as a direct result of a major disaster for which a disaster assistance period is declared, and who applied but are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits. 

Dramatists Guild Foundation

COVID-19 resource for American theater by supporting the writers who create it (Emergency grants available).

East Austin Conservancy

Our mission is to strengthen the fabric of East Austin neighborhoods by promoting housing affordability & economic diversity; preserving and enhancing its history, culture, and nature; and investing in its small businesses and public spaces that are unique to East Austin.

Entertainment Industry Foundation

The EIF COVID-19 Response Fund supports individuals and communities impacted by this pandemic
 

Equal Sound Corona Relief Fund

The Equal Sound Corona Relief Fund was set up on short notice to provide direct financial assistance to musicians who have lost work as a result of Corona-related event cancellations.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA is the government agency charged with supporting U.S. citizens and first responders "to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards."

Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grants

COVID-19 emergency grants to meet the needs of experimental artists who have been impacted by the economic fallout from postponed or canceled performances and exhibitions.

Gospel Music Trust Fund

The Purpose of the Gospel Music Trust Fund is to give financial assistance in the nature of gifts in time of need, in the event of an emergency or major catastrophe, terminal or severe illness without efficient insurance, to individuals who derive or have derived a substantial portion of their income from the field of gospel music.
 

Hello Alice

Hello Alice In partnership with Verizon, the digital fundraising and advocacy platform Hello Alice is offering emergency grants of up to $10,000 for companies impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
 

Hero Initiative for Comic Creators

For applicants who have been a working comic book writer, penciler, inker, colorist, or letterer on a work-for-hire basis for no less than 10 years since January 1, 1934.
 

Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Entertainers (HOME)

HOME  was formed by a group of concerned women in Austin, Texas, for the purpose of providing financial housing assistance for aging musicians in need. 

International Bluegrass Music Association - Bluegrass Trust Fund

Real support for bluegrass professionals in times of emergency need. 
 

IRS - Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses

Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers and businesses recover financially from the impact of a disaster, especially when the federal government declares their location to be a major disaster area. 

James Beard Foundation

James Beard Foundation, a non-profit advocate for the food industry, is fundraising for food and beverage businesses right now and has a sign-up to be notified when the application is live.