In collaboration with the Coalition of Black Chambers, the River Valley Black Chamber of Commerce (RVBCC) proudly presents the American Rescue Plan Small Business Relief Grant. This initiative is designed to uplift and empower small businesses that continue to feel the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to an $80,000 award through the American Rescue Plan, RVBCC will distribute grants to eligible small businesses in our region. This funding opportunity is part of our ongoing commitment to economic recovery, resilience, and equity among Black-owned and minority-owned businesses. This grant is not just financial support, but an investment in our community's long-term success.

Apply Now: SBR Grant Application

Small Business Grant Eligibility & Application Checklist

Eligibility Requirements

☐ My business is in Georgia

☐ My business is in Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Harris, Macon, Marion,

Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Webster

☐ My business is for-profit

☐ I have fewer than 500 employees

☐ My business began operating on or before March 3, 2020

☐ My business experienced a negative economic impact from COVID-19

Thank you for taking the time to invest in your business and financial future. This self-paced online course is designed to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make smart financial decisions for your small business.

To be eligible to apply for the Small Business Relief (SBR) Grant, you must complete all thirteen (13) modules of this course.

Each module includes:

• Course material presented in an easy-to-follow format
• A quiz at the end to check your understanding
• A Participant Guide to help you engage more deeply with the content

We encourage you to complete the case studies and questions in the Participant Guide for your own learning and business planning. You do not need to submit assignments from the Participant Guide.

However, you are required to submit the quiz at the end of each module to receive credit for completion.

✅ How to Navigate the Course

• Click each module below to begin.
• You may return and continue where you left off at any time.
• To move through the slides, hover your cursor on the bottom left of your screen to reveal the navigation buttons that let you move forward or go back.

If you need assistance at any point, please email River Valley Black Chamber of Commerce at [email protected]

Module 1: Banking Services for Small Business

Module 2: Financial Management for a Small Business

Module 3: Insurance for a Small Business

Module 4: Is Owning a Business Right for You?

Module 5: Managing Cash Flow for a Small Business

Module 6: Organizational Types – Pros and Cons of Business Structure

Module 7: Planning for a Healthy Business – Start-up: from Plan to Reality

Module 8: Recordkeeping – as a Managerial Tool

Module 9: Risk Management – Planning for What You Can and Cannot Control

Module 10: Selling Your Business and Succession Planning – Developing an Exit Strategy for Your Business

Module 11: Strong Business Credit – Demystified 

Module 12: Tax Planning and Reporting – Understanding Taxes and your Business

Module 13: Time Management – Tips to Make you More Efficient