LOFT – Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow

Oxford Relief Fund

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Mission:

The mission of the Oxford Relief Fund is to help small local businesses within Lafayette County, MS recover from the extended shutdown and excessive financial burden’s caused by COVID-19.  The Oxford Relief Fund will provide grants to businesses who meet specific criteria and can demonstrate a business disruption caused by the pandemic.

The fund will grant up to $2,000 to qualifying applicants.

Key Dates

October 1, 2020 – Grant applications open for submission

October 15, 2020 – Last Day to submit Round 1 grant applications

November 15, 2020 – Grant recipients will be notified with fund dispersement details.

Donations:

If you wish to donate to the Oxford Relief Fund please do so here.

Donate Online Now

The CREATE Foundation is acting as the fund’s fiscal agent.  Donations cannot be refunded, instead they can only be directed to another charitable organization if the project is terminated.  Tax-deduction is allowed by law.

Mail in Donation Slip

To Donate by mail, please make checks payable to CREATE and include “Oxford Relief Fund” in the memo line.  Please include the Mail in Slip found in the link below.

If you have a background/expertise in business development, entrepreneurship, or economic development and would be willing to donate your time as a mentor to a local business in need please email oxfordrelieffund@oxfordms.com.

Grant Application Process:

The Oxford Relief Fund first round deadline will be October 15, 2020.

Application deadlines will occur on a rolling basis as funds are available.  Applicants will be notified of their status within 30 days of the application deadline.  Any applications not funded but meet the qualifications will be automatically rolled over to the next round.  Rounds will be held on a 60 day cycle pending fund availability.

To qualify for the Oxford Relief Fund, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

  1. Located within Lafayette County, MS.
  2. For-profit entity with employment of 49 people (full-time equivalent) or less.
  3. Locally and independently owned.
  4. Able to demonstrate a tangible hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  5. Have annual revenues of less than $2.5 million as of most recent business tax return.
  6. Has not filed for bankruptcy.
  7. Does not have any open tax liens.
  8. Does not have any current open judgements.
  9. Can provide proof of good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State.

All applicants must provide:

  1. A copy of valid/unexpired driver’s license or government-issued photo ID.
  2. Proof of good standing with the Mississippi Secretary of State. Screenshots acceptable.

Business Development Resources

Mississippi Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

http://www.mssbdc.org

Contact: 1-800-725-7232, msbdc@olemiss.edu

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the United States and its territories. SBDCs help entrepreneurs realize the dream of business ownership and help existing businesses remain competitive in a complex, ever-changing global marketplace.

Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation and Chamber of Commerce

https://oxfordms.com

Contact: (662) 234-4651, info@oxfordms.com

Our mission is to be a leader in creating opportunities for responsible economic investment, thereby raising the per capita income for all citizens of Lafayette County.  In support of this, we are committed to assisting entrepreneurs in every step of the business life cycle by facilitating connections to business development experts and implementing entrepreneurial development programs.  The Chamber is the voice of the business community in local, county, and state issues representing the business community in problem solving, promoting economic development, raising the per capita income and providing strong financial resources to create a better life for all citizens.  700 members strong, the Chamber can provide opportunities for business networking, resource connection, and business promotion.

Yoknapatawpha Arts Council – Artist Incubation Program

https://www.oxfordarts.com

Contact: (662) 236-6429, outreachyac@gmail.com

The Arts Incubator is a program that includes a variety of workshops, peer learning sessions, and networking events to help you grow local artists’ and entrepreneurs’ arts business.  Our BIG BAD BUSINESS SERIES is a free entrepreneurship and mentoring program that gives North Mississippi artists, business owners, inventors, and startup enthusiasts an opportunity to develop an idea into their own sustainable small business. Through monthly workshops and breakout sessions, participants will learn from some of the region’s most successful business executives, innovate with local artists, and receive business coaching from local development experts.

Mississippi Development Authority – Entrepreneur Center

https://www.mississippi.org

Contact: (601) 359-2399, jdonovan@mississippi.org

The Entrepreneur Center at MDA is for entrepreneurs seeking resources to start a new venture or for a seasoned business owner wishing to expand.  The Entrepreneur Center is the “one-stop shop” for the Mississippi entrepreneur.  We offer general business assistance, finances and accounting, marketing, retail assistance, and seminars.\

Renaissance Community Loan Fund

https://www.rclfms.com
Contact: (662) 269-8999 ext.125 or ext.126, businessloans@rclfms.com
Renaissance Community Loan Fund is a Mississippi nonprofit lender.  They offer unique, tailored lending services for mortgage, home improvement, and commercial loans for Mississippians.