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COVID-19 Business Relief Programs

This page is intended to provide information on COVID-19 economic relief programs available to businesses at the State and Federal levels.

Alaska APRA Website

The State of Alaska has partnered with the Alaska Municipal League (AML) and many others on the Alaska ARPA website, which provides an extensive summary of resources relevant to Alaskans include grant opportunities. It’s a collaborative effort to serve as a clearinghouse of information that can be used by recipients and other potential beneficiaries. It currently includes information on grant funding, resources, business & nonprofit information/programs, ARPA tracking, lost revenue, and grant writing help. You can also subscribe to receive email alerts through the Alaska ARPA webpage.

The Alaska ARPA website has been made possible through a joint effort to help Alaskans respond to opportunities and to inform decision-making. Please note, it’s not a substitute for obtaining legal or financial advice.

To view the Alaska ARPA website, visit https://alaskaarpa.org

Highlighted Programs:

The AK-ARPA Business Relief Program is administered by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development in partnership with the Juneau Economic Development Council (JEDC). It is designed to support Alaskan businesses that experienced significant losses between 2019 and 2020. The AK-ARPA Business Relief Program Round Two is currently accepting applications through 5:00pm on April 15, 2022. Financial eligibility criteria has changed. Businesses determined ineligible under Round One may now be eligible under Round Two and are encouraged to re-apply. For more information, visit the AK-ARPA Business Relief Program Webpage.

The ARPA Nonprofit Recovery Fund is administered by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development in partnership with the Alaska Community Foundation (ACF). It is designed to support Alaska’s nonprofit sector in response to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts. The ARPA Nonprofit Recovery Fund will accept applications until 5:00pm on November 19, 2021. For more information, visit the ARPA Nonprofit Recovery Fund Webpage.

SBA COVID-19 Relief

Information on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s COVID-19 Relief Options (grants and loans) can be found at their COVID-19 Relief Options.

State of Alaska Business Loan Programs

The Alaska Division of Investments (INV) administers several loan programs available to businesses, including (but not limited to):

  • Commercial Charter Fisheries: Affordable loans to Alaskan commercial charter operators to promote Alaskan ownership of charter halibut permits.
  • Commercial Fishing: Long-term, low-interest loans to promote the development of predominantly resident fisheries, and continued maintenance of commercial fishing vessels and gear to improve the quality of Alaska seafood products.
  • Alaska Microloans: Loans to promote economic development in Alaska by helping small businesses access needed capital.
  • Rural Development Initiative Fund: Financing for the start-up and expansion of businesses that will create significant long-term employment in rural Alaska communities.
  • Small Business Economic Development: Financing for the start-up and expansion of businesses that will create significant long-term employment; not specific to rural areas.

For more information on the programs listed above, and to see other loan programs offered through INV, view our Loan Programs.

The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) is a public corporation of the State of Alaska with a mission to increase job opportunities and otherwise encourage economic growth of the state. AIDEA provides several different programs aimed at financing business, non-profit, and community projects that have meaningful economic development impacts, including (but not limited to):

  • Business & Export Assistance: Loan Guarantee Program designed to assist small to medium-sized Alaska businesses.
  • Loan Guarantee Program: Through this program, a business would apply for a loan through a financial institution and once approved, apply to AIDEA for a guarantee. If approved, AIDEA issues a guarantee certification to the originating financial institution.

For more information on the programs available through AIDEA, visit http://www.aidea.org.

The Alaska Division of Agriculture administers the Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund (ARLF) designed to promote the development of agriculture as an industry through the state by means of moderate interest rate loans. For more information, visit the Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund.

Business Assistance

The Business Response Directory was created by the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development to provide a list of various State, Federal, and Private business-focused organizations whose expertise and/or resources could assist Alaskans currently navigating the business climate both during and after the COVID-19 public health emergency. To access the directory, visit our Business Response Directory.

The Alaska Department of Health & Social Services (DHSS) provides COVID-Conscious Materials available to Alaska businesses, including a “resuming business toolkit”, FAQs, guidance on returning to work after a positive COVID-19 test, and signage that can be used by businesses as front door notices, special instructions, etc. Visit their COVID Conscious Business webpage.

The BuyAlaska Program was formed to connect consumers and businesses to help grow the Alaska economy. Its mission is to amplify Alaskan businesses through connection, awareness, and improved access to resources. For more information, visit https://buyalaska.com.