MEDIA ALERT: ESSENCE & The U.S. Black Chambers Join to Provide Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses With Information on COVID-19 Relief Under the New Cares Act

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WHAT: While the measures being taken to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, such as social distancing and business closures, are necessary, they will likely have a more significant impact on the already fragile economic ecosystems of Black communities and Black-owned small businesses. More than ever, access to accurate information and opportunity is power as the economic health and stability of Black communities depend on it.

Thus, as part of its ESSENCE of the Matter: COVID-19’s Impact on Black America virtual platform, ESSENCE is hosting its first “Digital Dose: Everything Black-Owned Businesses Should Know about Leveraging the CARES Act to Financially Survive COVID-19” – a 90-minute information and Q&A session focused on providing urgent information on the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) under the newly-passed stimulus package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The PPP authorizes up to $350 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses and other organizations to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis, as well as other allowed operational expenses. Applications open on Friday, April 3. Session participants will better understand what is included in the PPP, eligibility and how it impacts them, as well as the role of Black-owned businesses in community.

WHO:	Ron Busby, President & CEO – U.S. Black Chambers
	Melanie Campbell, President & CEO – National Coalition on Black Civic Participation / Convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable
	Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder & President – National Action Network
	Marc Morial, President & CEO – National Urban League
	Gwen Hess, President – Black Women’s Agenda
	Derrick Johnson, President & CEO – NAACP
	John Stanford – Managing Partner – Prism Group
	Michelle Ebanks – Immediate Past CEO, ESSENCE Communications, Inc.
WHEN:	Monday, April 6, 2020
	1:00pm ET
WHERE:	For more information or to register, visit www.essence.com/cares-act and follow #EssenceCaresAct and #EssenceoftheMatter.

The “ESSENCE of the Matter: COVID-19’s Impact on Black America” digital platform focuses on providing Black women and communities with the tools and information needed to address issues arising from the COVID-19 global pandemic. Whether via summits, experiences, short-form videos or other content, ESSENCE is committed to providing the solutions our community needs when they need it as we continue to navigate this unprecedented time together.