SCORE: The New Grant Program for Restaurants & Others, and an Update from the SBA on PP

The American Rescue Plan provides $29 billion nationwide for a new Small Business Administration (SBA) grant program specifically for restaurants and other food and drinking establishments impacted by the pandemic.

Also, the PPP program has been extended, and EIDL & other programs are still available.

Attendees will learn:
• Who qualifies for the Restaurant Grant Program
• How much, and how is it administered
• Finding the right guidance on PPP, EIDL & other available Programs

Presenter: Catherine Marx, District Director
Catherine Marx was appointed District Director of U.S. Small Business Administration’s Connecticut District Office on September 28, 2020. The Connecticut District Office is located in Hartford, Connecticut, with a satellite office in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

As District Director, Ms. Marx is responsible for leading the Connecticut SBA team in the effective delivery and management of SBA’s financial and business development programs throughout the state. Her office has a mission to advise, assist and advocate for the interests of small businesses statewide. Central to this mission is the close collaboration Ms. Marx fosters between small businesses and lending partners, SBA resource partners, economic development professionals and state and local entities. These relationships strengthen the economy by promoting entrepreneurship as well as small business creation and growth.

Ms. Marx and the Connecticut District Office staff help entrepreneurs start, grow and build their businesses through access to capital, government contracting and technical assistance. Ms. Marx is also responsible for SBA oversight of the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center, Women’s Business Development Council and the six Connecticut chapters of SCORE.

Ms. Marx has 25 years of public service at the federal, state, and local levels. Before joining the SBA, she served the U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, partnering with business associations, community organizations and state/local governments to develop and implement strategies to encourage participation in the 2020 Census.

Prior to her role with the U.S. Census Bureau, Catherine served in various public positions, including District Director in Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell’s administration and decades of service at the municipal level as an elected official and public servant. Additionally, Catherine has owned her own small business, providing corporate development and marketing expertise. Catherine started her career in the financial services industry, advancing to management responsibilities in corporate finance.

Presenter: Julio Casiano
Mr. Julio Casiano is the Deputy District Director at Connecticut Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration.  Mr. Casiano received degrees in Master of Science and Master of Business Administration at Albertus Magnus College and began his banking career as a credit analyst with Bankers Trust in NYC.  After moving to CT, Julio worked for various banks as a branch manager, commercial lender, and community development officer, dedicating his time and energy to the urban business development.

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