392 – Access to COVID Relief Funds for Dog Professionals
Access to COVID Relief Funds for Dog Professionals
D’Arcy Downs-Vollbracht, corporate attorney and Border Terrier fancier.
D’Arcy Downs-Vollbracht, Concierge Legal Group, joins me to provide critical and timely information for members of our tribe impacted by the shutdown of events and travel and businesses due to the COVID global pandemic response. As a corporate attorney, she is in regular contact with businesses dealing with the situation on a large scale.
“I realized at some point … I wonder if my friends in the dog show world are having the same issues,” said Downs-Vollbracht, a Border Terrier fancier. “But maybe they don’t have a lawyer or they don’t have an aggressive financial planner to help get them through it. And maybe they don’t even know or think they’re eligible for it because some of them are not set up in some of the more traditional business entity structures. That’s how I got into (assisting dog folks in her free time) and I got very passionate about it pretty quickly.”
The unique niche comprised of professional handlers, superintendents, photographers, judges, groomers, trainers, boarding kennel operators, even veterinarians, has been drastically impacted by the nationwide shutdowns.
Downs-Vollbracht has already helped dozens of our Tribe with her advice and agreed to share her knowledge and experience with us.
“When dog shows come back, we need people to come back with them,” Downs-Vollbracht said. In order to help ensure that happens, she strongly encourages folks to make use of the resources that are available.
Her top recommendations, links and advice:
IRS Stimulus Funds
IRS Non Filer – to ensure $1200 stimulus payment. If you have less than $12,200 in reportable income you are not required to file. If you haven’t filed for last year and don’t plan on filing this year, use this to let the IRS know where to send your check. You can also link your bank account for a direct deposit if you need the money right away.
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here
IRS – Get My Payment Tool for people who filed taxes last year or this year and are trying to obtain their stimulus payment. Note- if you are currently on a payment plan with the IRS or owe back taxes you will still receive the stimulus payment. The stimulus will not be used to offset money owed to the IRS or to student loans. The exception to this are certain child support commitments, if you are a dependent, don’t have a valid social security number or other limited circumstances. If your income exceeds a certain threshold amount, you will receive a reduced payment or if your adjusted gross income is over a certain threshold. However, most Americans will receive the payment.
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
SBA Links to Disaster Relief / PPP
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options
Links to Lenders – Self Employed, Independent Contractor, Gig Workers, LLC, PLLC, Corporation/ S-Corp, etc..
*Remember, using a small local bank or a non-traditional lender like those listed below will often result in a quicker decision and faster funding.
Kabbage
https://www.kabbage.com/paycheck-protection-program-loans/
Bluevine
Lendio
Fundera
PayPal PPP
https://www.loanbuilder.com/ppp-loan-support
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
Department of Labor State Office Lookup
https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus/unemployment-insurance#fact-sheets
Interactive Map to Find State PUA Resources
https://www.nar.realtor/political-advocacy/pandemic-unemployment-assistance-pua-by-state
Also, people should check for private funding. Most counties and states have local funds available. The chamber of commerce in many smaller communities is a good resource for smaller grants.