Terps Unite

There has never been a more critical time to support the Terp community and small businesses. If you are a Terp business owner or know of a Terp-owned business, we want to hear from you!

Share the company name and website, the name and class year(s) of the Terp owner, and a one sentence description of the services that are provided or offered on your network Facebook page(s), listed below.

Make sure to follow the hashtag #TerpBusiness (and use it in any of your #TerpBusiness posts), and follow your regional or affinity alumni network groups to see how your community can participate. 

• Annapolis
• Asian Pacific American Alumni Network 
• Baltimore 
• Boston 
• Howard County
• Latinx Alumni Network
• Los Angeles
• Montgomery County
• New York
• Northern New Jersey  
• Northern Virginia
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco
• Seattle 
• University of Maryland Black Alumni Network
• Washington, DC

Don't see your network listed? Click here for the full listing of alumni networks.

Maryland SBDC

• COVID-19 Assistance for Small Business Owners
• COVID-19 Business Survival Guide
• Helpful Videos for Small Business Owners

Prince George's County

• College Park City-University Partnership COVID-19 Resources - This list of resources includes information specific to UMD, City of College Park, Prince George's County, Maryland State, Federal, Community, and Volunteer and Donation Resources.
• COVID-19 Business Relief Fund - Prince George's readies $15 million in grants, loans to help businesses survive coronavirus as reported by the Washington Business Journal

State of Maryland

• FAQs for Maryland Businesses Planning and Responding to the Coronavirus
• Maryland Business Relief Wizard - This tool helps connect businesses with the resources and programming for which they’re eligible; streamlining the process of finding support.
• Maryland Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Business
• Maryland Department of Labor - Information regarding Division of Unemployment
• Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP) - MD MEP is working closely with Federal and State partners on response efforts to ensure they are supportive of the Maryland Manufacturing community during this time.
• Maryland OneStop - Check the status of your application for your COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan/Grant Fund.
• Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) - In response to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, (MSAC) has created special grant opportunities that provide emergency funding to arts organizations and artists in Maryland as they adjust to losses sustained because of programming, operations, and events that have been modified or cancelled.
• Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery - Download this pdf to read how Maryland plans to reopen the economy.
• Maryland Unites - Governor Hogan's Administration COVID-19 A-Z Resource Guide

Virginia

• Virginia 30 Day Fund - The non-profit Virginia 30 Day Fund provides forgivable loans for Virginia-based small businesses. The forgivable loan is intended to provide immediate financial assistance (within maximum three days) to meet payroll, preserve healthcare coverage for employees and save jobs while they await recently approved federal funding. 
• Virginia Small Business Development Center

Washington, DC

• 1863 Ventures Build Back Better - This initiative will provide access to Technical Assistance that helps small businesses of all industries in the nation's capital reposition themselves to succeed in our new environment.
• Washington, DC Economic Partnership - Learn about and apply for the new DC Small Business Recovery Microgrants
• Washington, DC Small Business Development Center
• Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts - Since 1983, Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts has supported artistic expression and creative innovation by serving the legal needs in the DMV.
• Washington Women Entrepreneurs COVID-19 Recovery Fund - The Washington Women Entrepreneurs COVID-19 Recovery Fund was created to provide emergency relief for women-owned small businesses. Its mission is to help save as many women-owned businesses as possible by providing emergency grants of up to $5,000 to female founders who are in desperate need of funds. 

Please make sure to check out this Google Doc Presentation by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Washington Metropolitan Area District Office titled:

• "Coping with COVID-19 Financial Tools & Resources to Help Small Business."

America's Small Business Development Center

• America's SDBC Materials for Small Businesses
• COVID-19 Small Business Resources

Association of Women's Business Centers

• Coronavirus Impact Relief Directory for Small Businesses

Federal

• Main Street Lending Program - The Federal Reserve has announced that it has established this program to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in good financial standing before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will support up to $600 billion in bank lending to small and mid-sized businesses. It will include two lending options: new loans of $1 million to $25 million, or expansion of a business's existing loan with a bank to up to $150 million.
• U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Enterprises - Learn more about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Download the Guide to the CARES Act here.
• U.S. Department of Commerce Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Businesses
• U.S. Small Business Administration - Find information regarding multiple funding option for those seeking relief through the Corona Relief Options.

SCORE

• Coronavirus Small Business Resource Hub - SCORE is committed to helping businesses like yours through the unprecedented challenges from the coronavirus outbreak.
• Request a Mentor - Mentors are available to participate in remote mentoring sessions via phone, email, and video.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

• Coronavirus Live Blog
• Coronavirus Response Toolkit
• Coronavirus Small Business Guide

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

• Expanding Innovation Hub - An online platform available on the USPTO website that provides resources for inventors and practitioners to encourage greater participation in the patent system. The new platform is yet another step the USPTO has taken to broaden the innovation ecosphere, to inspire novel inventions, to accelerate growth, and to drive America’s global competitive edge.
• Patent Pro Bono Program - This is a nationwide network of independently operated regional programs that match volunteer patent professionals with financially under-resourced inventors and small businesses for the purpose of securing patent protection. Each regional program provides services for residents of one or more states. Please watch this short series of videos to learn more.
• Relief for USPTO Customers affected by COVID-19 - USPTO considers the effects of coronavirus to be an "extraordinary situation" within the meaning of 37 CFR 1.183 and 37 CFR 2.146 for affected patent and trademark applicants, patentees, reexamination parties, and trademark owners. Therefore, the USPTO is waiving petition fees in certain situations for customers impacted by the coronavirus. This notice does not grant waivers or extensions of dates or requirements set by statute. 

More Resources

• Forbes Small Business Relief Tracker - Funding, Grants and Resources for Business Owners Grappling with Coronavirus.
• IFundWomen (IFW) COVID-19 Relief Campaign Grants - The IFW COVID-19 Relief Fund provides microgrants to women-owned businesses that are being impacted by this crisis. One can donate to the Relief Fund now or start a campaign on IFW to be considered to receive a grant! Grants are distributed on a rolling basis. 
• Red Backpack Fund - Backed by billionaire Spanx founder Sara Blakely, whose “lucky” college book bag inspired its name, the $5 million fund is donating $5,000 grants to 1,000 female entrepreneurs. The fund is accepting applications in cycles starting on May 4, June 1, July 6, and August 3. Sign up to be notified of these dates.
• SHEAMOISTURE Community Commerce Fund - The beauty brand announced a $1 million campaign to support minority business owners. While the fund’s grant applications appear closed, women of color entrepreneurs can still enroll in an e-learning lab to “gain education, access to resources, mentorship, and advice on how to prepare for the economic downturn” from Sundial Brands, Unilever, and Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business.
• Tory Burch Foundation - Empowering Women Entrepreneurs with resources for small businesses during COVID-19.
• VISA Foundation - The Visa Foundation pledged $200 million over five years, to be distributed in $60 million grants to NGOs that support small and micro businesses worldwide, with a focus on women’s empowerment.
• Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) COVID-19 Resource Center - Resources and opportunities for women-owned businesses ranging from financial aid options to business support and much more.

Volunteer Your Time, Talent, Treasure, Energy & Provide Service

• AARP Community Connections - Get Help. Give Help. Find a mutual aid group to provide support to others.
• America's Blood Centers and American Red Cross - With thousands of blood drives across the country canceled because of the outbreak, the American Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers announced on Tuesday that the US is facing a “severe blood shortage”. The organizations encouraged anyone who is healthy and eligible to give blood or platelets, to make an appointment today.
• Baltimore Community ToolBank - Provides free tools for first responders and the organization is being proactive and inclusive by offering needed supplies to first responders.
• DMV Fighting COVID - Personal protective equipment (PPE) is in short supply to those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. This organization is providing PPE to these individuals so that they have the protective gear they need in order to stay safe. Consider volunteering or donating to this organization.
• Get Us PPE - This organization is working to mitigate the critical shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by helping to provide healthcare workers, who are front line fighters against COVID-19, with those who have PPE or can provide funding for PPE.
• Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps - Volunteer today for this force of dedicated medical volunteers. Now recruiting active and retired health care professionals, medical students, and other interested volunteers.
• Narrate a short story from your phone and help 40,000 learn to read.
• Read and share stories of hope and resilience to break up the news cycle.
• UMD Bioengineering Graduate Student Society - The BGSS is collecting donations for local hospitals including Face Masks, Testing Swabs, Medical Gloves, Disposable Lab Coats, Shoe Covers and Safety Glasses. Contact Christina Conrad to donate: cconrad8@terpmail.umd.edu.
• UMD Virtual Services 24/7 - This online directory contains a list of organizations that provide human services from after school programs to housing and foreclosure assistance to veteran services.

Provide financial support and make an impact on the areas that matter to you and your community.

University Community

• UMD Student Crisis Fund - In light of the recent changes due to COVID-19, applications to the UMD Student Crisis Fund have dramatically increased. The Fund helps any currently enrolled student who faces an unanticipated emergency that requires immediate financial need.
• Support UMD - Give back to a variety of funds that support UMD students, faculty, the campus, and the institution.

Local Community

• Ayuda - This organization provides food, emergency housing, medical care, and direct cash assistance to address the increased needs of low-income immigrant neighbors during this crisis. It has launched a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund.
• CASA de Maryland - Consider hiring reliable, honest people for daily, short-term, and long-term jobs while maintaining social distancing through this non-profit community agency that connects people looking for work with employers and homeowners.
• Catholic Charities of Prince George's County - Catholic Charities assists individuals and families in need, especially those who are most vulnerable, through a variety of programs.
• Employ Prince George's - Monetary donations could provide needed tools and equipment for job seekers currently in training, career ready clothing and shoes for confidence in acing the interview for participants without resources and the opportunity to participate in activities such as internships, or work experience.
• Mary's Center - Donate to this organization to ensure this organization can provide care for the elderly, the sick, and the thousands of struggling families in need of immediate care.
• Support College Park Businesses - The College Park City University Partnership organization has compiled a list on how each of us can help support College Park businesses.
• UMD4Masks - Support this GoFundMe fundraiser to raise $50,000 to produce much-needed surgical masks, which will be donated to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
• YMCA Acts of Kindness/COVID-19 Fund - Support this fund that was established so that the YMCA can continue paying part-time hourly staff.

Global Community

• WHO COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund - Donations support WHO’s work to track and understand the spread of the virus; to ensure patients get the care they need and frontline workers get essential supplies and information; and to accelerate efforts to develop vaccines, tests, and treatments.

Donate Food, Volunteer to Pack Boxes, Volunteer to Deliver Meals, and Provide Financial Support

• Bread for the City - Bread for the City is comprehensively responding to COVID-19 with expanded community partnerships, continual medical care, and responsible and creative programming so that we can meet our community’s needs.
• Capital Area Food Bank - This food bank is still serving D.C. area neighbors who are food insecure during these uncertain times
• College Park Community Food Bank - Support this local food bank, which serves the greater College Park community, by donating food or funds.
• Maryland Food Bank - As essential second responders, the Maryland Food Bank is working diligently to continue core operations amidst this public health crisis. For 40 years, we’ve served as the hub of the food assistance safety net, and we will continue to be here for our neighbors in need, especially during times of uncertainty.
• Meals on Wheels - This organization provides support and safety-net services to seniors—a population that needs extra support during this crisis.
• Moveable Feast - Moveable Feast cares for men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses by preparing and delivering nutritious meals and groceries and providing nutritional counseling and other services. The service area spans 14 counties and Baltimore City.
• No Kid Hungry - As schools close to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the State of Maryland is working to ensure that students have all the meals they need. No Kid Hungry is providing additional support nationwide.
• UMD Campus Pantry - It’s mission is to alleviate food insecurity among students, faculty and staff by providing emergency food. Donations Sought as Economic Fallout of COVID-19 Contributes to Food Insecurity.

Read how Terps across campus and the country are making a positive impact during this pandemic.

• Alum Leads Local Effort to Donate Smartphones, Laptops, Tablets to Facilities Treating Virus Patients - Varun Ram ’15, M.S. ’16 is leading a new team against a different kind of opponent. The former Maryland basketball guard is the D.C./Baltimore lead for Connect for COVID-19, an initiative that seeks to gather smart devices and chargers and donate them to health care facilities, allowing coronavirus patients to communicate with loved ones despite no-visitor policies.
• Lending an Ear to First Responders - Assistant Clinical Professor Brittany Williams Brings Relief by Producing Ear-saving Gadgets
• Treating" Frontline Hospital Workers - A UMD alumnus didn’t have gloves or masks to help his wife and her colleagues treating COVID-19 patients at a Philadelphia hospital, so what he could do. He offered them ice cream.
• Painting Pictures of Hope in the DMV - Terp Restaurateur, Andy Shallal, Brightens Windows, Helps Guide D.C. Reopening.
• A Helping Hand in Need of a Helping Hand - University seeks support for Student Crisis Fund after unprecedented hit from COVID-19.
• Digging Deep for Those in Need - Community Learning Garden Donating 100% of Harvest to Campus Pantry Amid Pandemic.
• Alums’ Site Helps Businesses Keep It ‘Together’ - Through TogetherCard, a gift card search engine plus fundraising site, a group of UMD friends is helping the public support small businesses or organizations while also giving back to those on the front lines of the pandemic. 
• A. James Clark School for Engineering COVID-19 Projects - Learn how researchers are engineering solutions during this crisis and explore the different projects they are working on from 3D-printed door latches to sterilization of N95 respirators for reuse.
• Engineers Create Solutions for a Crisis - UMD Lab pivots to produce, distribute hand sanitizers, and surgical masks.
• Covering Miles for COVID-19 Relief - Alumnus Organizes Virtual Run to Benefit Coronavirus Emergency Response Fund. Proceeds will go toward the CDC Foundation’s Coronavirus Emergency Response Fund.
• In Race With Virus, Researchers Speed Development of Medical Equipment - Read about how UMD Bioengineers and Terrapin Works are producing new respirator and ventilator designs.
• Jason Reynolds asked his Twitter followers if they needed groceries... - From the Washington Post, read how this UMD alumnus is giving back and helping families in need.
• Libraries Provide Open Access to COVID-19 Information, Digital Content to Student Virtual Learning - Check out this running list of free online resources, which is being updated on a near-daily basis.
• Protection Collections Abound for Health Care Workers - Campus units donate masks, gloves, other much-needed supplies.
• We need solidarity during the pandemic. That's what mutual aid networks are for. - Opinion piece by Caterina Ieronimo, a sophomore government and politics major at UMD who shares how she is making a difference.

Are you leading an effort to Do Good now? Do you know of one?

Connect and share with Do Good Institute on social media @DoGoodatUMD, where you can also read more stories of inspiration.

Terps all over the world are doing incredible things and some are generous enough to share what they have with fellow Terps.

Free Services Offered by Terps

• Chat Health - Utilize this service developed by UMD students who have launched a not-for-profit organization aimed at improving health literacy and are currently utilizing their solution to provide resources and technological tools for users to stay healthy during the pandemic.
• Evolving Minds - Participate in a free weekly mindfulness live stream offered every Thursday at 7pm @ourevolvingminds facebook page.
• Insperity - This full-service HR firm is offering several webinars filled with practical information to help people focus and find the best path for companies and their employees. Contact Matt Sternberger at Matt.sternberger@insperity.com with any questions.
• Ro - This healthcare technology start-up is offering a free on-line assessment for the novel coronavirus at https://covid.ro.co/. It has created a telehealth triage service for people seeking guidance and information about COVID-19. Contact UMD alumna MJ Abdul-Majid, Ro's Legal Director, for more information at Mujadala@ro.co.
• Toucan - This platform, which connects entrepreneurs with college students who are talented graphic designers, videographers, and photographers, is offering free Instagram consulting to fellow Terp business owners. Please contact Shyon Parsadoust at shy@toucanfamily.com for more information.

Discounted Services Offered by Terps

SBA Loan, Tax & Accounting Advisory Services

Work with tax, accounting, and advisory firms to navigate the SBA loan process and learn how to manage your financial situation. Additional discounted services may be available depending on the organization.

• PSA CPA - As a member of a multi-generational Terp family, President Parminder Ahuja,'84 is humbled to offer his service by providing a free 30 minute consultation to navigate the SBA PPP loan. He will also offer a 20% discount off  fees for consulting, tax preparation or accounting for the first year. Contact Parminder directly at sonny@psacpa.com.
• Silver & Dackman - Brian Silver, Partner '13 and his colleagues who are Small Business experts are working in working in tandem with many banks in the region. They are ready to help small businesses put together loan packages for SBA loans. Click here to sign up for a free one hour consultation, learn about discounted services and stay updated on the latest COVID-19 Small Business news!

Legal Services

Sign up for a free 1-hour consultation on how to navigate various legal issues including intellectual property, corporation/commercial and litigation. Additional discounted services may be available depending on the organization.

Corporate & Commercial

• Cornerstone Counsel, LLC - Principal Dan Connors '82 and his firm will provide access to a wide range of corporate, commercial and regulatory compliance advice to early stage startups and emerging growth companies. Cornerstone Counsel can assist you with resolving an immediate legal problem or cost-effectively act as your in-house lawyer managing all your in-house legal and regulatory compliance operations onsite or remotely. Contact Dan at danconnors1@gmail.com.

Intellectual Property

• Berenato & White, LLC - Corinne Pouliquen, '89, a partner at this firm, which provides legal services in the area of intellectual property (patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret). Also, assists with obtaining IP protection, issuing freedom-to-operate opinions, as well as enforcing and defending IP rights.  Negotiates transactions and drafts contracts involving IP rights. And they provide guidance on how to strategize IP protection and preserve IP rights worldwide during the Covid-19 and ensuing economic crisis. Contact Corinne at cpouliquen@bw-iplaw.com.

Litigation

• The Law Office of Richard H. Melnick '82 - Rich provides guidance navigating federal, state and local procurement laws and regulations; handling contracts, IT, IP, and other business transactions and matters; and, both representing clients, and serving as an arbitrator or mediator, in business litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Contact him at richard@richardmelnicklaw.com.

If you have a service or resource that you want to offer for free to fellow Terps, please submit your information here.

The following resources are available to alumni, though not all are free; some require a valid sign-in.

Office of Innovation & Economic Development Resources

• Business Fundamentals Workshops - Learn the skills necessary for launching a business venture.
• Entrepreneurs in Residence - Speak with successful entrepreneurs about your idea and receive advice and feedback.
• Maryland SBDC Online Training Events - Learn about the new financial resources available for businesses affected by COVID-19. Must register to participate in 3/31 and 4/2 sessions.

University of Maryland Alumni Association Professional Development Services

• Alumni Linkedin Group - Join more than 30,000 alumni to engage in discussions, post and view open jobs and connect with fellow Terps.
• Career Resources - Take advantage of online tools to boost your career.
• Professional Networking - Find a networking event or community in your industry.
• Terrapins Connect - Create one-on-one connections with fellow Terps.
• Virtual Book Club - Connect with fellow Terps and continue learning. Enjoy books on business, communications, leadership, productivity, fiction, leisure and more.
• Webinars & Online Learning - Cultivate your skills or explore a new field or subject.

Terrapin Entrepreneur Network (TEN)

• Coursera - Take non-credit, open enrollment UMD courses and certificates offered online.
• Subscribe to the TEN Newsletter - Learn about upcoming activities and stay connected

Do Good Institute

• COVID-19 Resource Hub - This hub includes curated resources for volunteering, giving back, feeling good, and financial relief.
• Apply for Do Good Support - If you are in need of additional support to enhance or launch a COVID-19 related project, then apply for funding.
• Educational Resources - Looking to raise funds or demonstrate the impact of your cause through storytelling, take a look at this content. 

Robert H. Smith School of Business

• Articles - Free business-related articles on dealing with the pandemic including tax advice, protecting your supply chain, and how to prepare for a Zoom job interview.
• Free Webinar Series - Listen to faculty experts on supply chain, financial risk management, and global economic share insights on who will set context, potential implications, and discuss solutions for you and your business during these uncertain times.

Department of Economics

• Articles - UMD faculty are contributing to the set of facts, economic analysis. and proposals related to COVID-19 including this one in the New York Times where Professor Katharine Abraham shares her expertise.

School of Public Health

• In partnership with Johns Hopkins and George Washington University has developed and maintained a collection of resources regarding COVID-19 through the Social Media for Public Health website.

Terrapin Innovation Network (TIN) - Connect with innovative students, alumni, faculty, staff, and investors

University of Maryland Linkedin Learning - Take online courses and gain skills through this platform, which is available to all UMD students, faculty, and staff for free. You will need to login using your umd.edu account.

Nothing is as important as your health and well-being, as well as the health and well-being of your loved ones. During this stressful time, please take the time to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. There are a variety of ways to stay in good spirits and just as many resources available to help you through those challenging moments. Please utilize these resources when necessary.

University Mental Health Resources (for UMD students, faculty, and staff)

• 5 Tips to Treat the Mental Health Impacts of a Crisis offered by Dr. Chetan Josi, Director of UMD's Counseling Center.
• 7 Science-Based Strategies to cope with coronavirus anxiety
• Campus Advocates Respond and Educate (C.A.R.E.) to Stop Violence 24-hour Hotline - Please call (301) 741-3442.
• Counseling Center - In times of crisis, the center is available by request. Please call (301) 314-7651
• Live Stream Meditations - Free group sessions happen every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
• WellTrack - Download this interactive self-help app to support your mental health.

National Counseling Support

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Do Good Institute

• Reach out to family and friends. Use this time at home to check in with a loved one and people you care about. Schedule a virtual coffee date or happy hour.
• Have grace. Recognize that this is a hard and stressful time for many people. Keep this in mind as you navigate throughout your day and offer people the benefit of the doubt, understanding that we are all doing the best we can. This includes yourself! Be patient with yourself and others and be kind to each other. We are all in this together.
• Support those around you. Whether this is ordering takeout from a local restaurant, or buying art from local artists or businesses you know aren’t operating as usual, make the effort to offer support, if you can.

Psychology Department

• Parenting Through a Pandemic - Clinical Psychology professor, Andrea Chronis-Tuscano, who specializes in parenting and parent mental health, offers tips for families to enjoy (mandatory) togetherness.

School of Public Health

• Resources for Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Advice from SPH's The Well Terp

• Walk for 5-10 Minutes: Tap into your physical and mental well-being by enjoying a nice walk around your neighborhood or you can even take a few minutes to walk in place.
• Breathe using the  4-7-8 Technique: Practice this breathing technique which takes less than a minute. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds.
• Enjoy a Healthy Recipe: Vegetable spring rolls are a healthy plant based meal. Make your own by this recipe by the American Heart Association.
• Touch Base Virtually: Use Google Chat or Zoom to stay connected with friends and colleagues. Have a virtual lunch or happy hour.

SPH Articles for Families and Children

• The Slammed Door: Advice for Parents of Teens During COVID-19
• Advice for Parents of Elementary School-Aged Children in a Time of Anxiety
• The Department of Family Science has compiled a set of resources for families and educators. Download this PDF which includes educational resources for parents to use at home with our children.

Virus Anxiety, a Project by Shine

• Care for your coronavirus anxiety by utilizing these resources for anxiety and your mental health in a global climate of uncertainty. Resources range from articles and asking a mental health expert to suggestions for taking a break and free meditation activities.

Free Workout Videos

• CorePower Yoga on Demand - Watch these select videos for practicing yoga.
• Fitness Blender - Watch these select videos to find exercises to stay physically active.
• Yoga with Adriene - Adriene hosts the YouTube channel, Yoga with Adriene, an online community of over 6 million subscribers. She publishes free Yoga Videos and has a library of over 500 free videos and growing.