Washington Prime Group Launches Small Business Support Initiative to Help Businesses Affected by COVID-19

COLUMBUS, OHIO — Washington Prime Group, in partnership with the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship and members of the University of Chicago faculty, has launched the Open for Small Business initiative to address the unprecedented business closures resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. In order to address the issues small businesses face concerning near-term cash flow, Open for Small Business has provided a lease modification as well as other relevant templates that enable the deferral of payments until these local entrepreneurs get back on their feet. Open for Small Business is also hosting educational webinars about how to access U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed loans as well as public and nonprofit agency programs. Columbus-based retail REIT Washington Prime Group hosted its first webinar this past week and more than 300 small business owners participated. The IJ Clinic on Entrepreneurship provides free legal assistance, support and advocacy for low-income entrepreneurs in Chicago.