"I was trying to keep it together but panicking! Then a friend recommended I talk with the Alabama SBDC. I talked to my advisor an hour and a half the first time I called her. She was also a small business owner and knew what a state of mind I was in. She has ended up advising me on every step and has even kept me ahead of the game giving me information as quickly as she learns it." Owner and Chef Yanni Tempelis worked with the SBDC to secure PPP funds to help save the business.

Shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Alaska SBDC created a COVID-19 resources page which served as a central clearinghouse for business resources and information. Our 120 daily briefings, which reached over 4,000 Alaskans, were particularly effective in getting businesses the information they needed. During the pandemic, Alaska SBDC advisors helped over 1,100 clients raise $41 million in new capital and provided thousands of hours of advising and workshop training.

American Samoa strives to keep itself COVID-free by imposing CODE BLUE restrictions which apply to all businesses. Although it requires reduced operation hours, the business community tries its best to stay afloat and retain jobs.

Flying Leap Vineyards turned a crisis into an opportunity by producing and selling more than 1,280 gallons of high-proof alcohol accompanied by a recipe to make hand sanitizer to consumer and business customers. The winery further pivoted with SBDC planning and marketing assistance to begin home delivery of their wines, enlarge the patios at their retail facilities and move their tasting rooms outside to increase capacity.

PPP and other COVID-assistance funding obtained by clients with ASBTDC help (736 separate projects)