Since 1959, the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) has helped individuals and their families across the Aftermarket industry who’ve experienced financial hardship due to death, catastrophic illness, or accident. Today, our industry and society in general are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this difficult time and beyond, AACF remains steadfast in our commitment to provide support to members of the Aftermarket family when they face these severe challenges — including the Coronavirus that's currently sweeping our nation. If you or your loved one have contracted the Coronavirus (COVID-19), are facing financing hardship and have exhausted all resources available, you may qualify for assistance from AACF. Please contact us for information on how to submit an application for review.
Please understand however, that AACF is not positioned to assist those faced with financial hardships as a result of the economic downturn this pandemic has caused. Unlike a natural disaster that strikes a small area/region and lasts but a few days, this pandemic has affected the entire country and may cause irreparable economic hardship to hundreds of thousands of businesses, and millions of individuals. In these instances, other avenues of support do exist, and we have compiled a list of government and other resources that may be able useful.
In closing, we’d like to express our sincere thanks to our many donors – most of whom are fellow industry participants – who have sustained their level of support to AACF even as they too are affected by these challenging and uncertain events. This vital support allows us to continue our good work exclusively for the Aftermarket family, during these turbulent times and in the years to come. Stay well, stay safe, and we will get through this – together!
Small Business Owner Resources
A good resource for small business owners is the Small Business Association (SBA). They offer resources for low interest loans and guidance and support regarding employees:
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources#section-header-12
The SBA’s Paycheck Protection Form:
https://www.sba.gov/document/sba-form--paycheck-protection-program-ppp-sample-application-form
Get help from your local Small Business Development Center. This is a good locator:
https://americassbdc.org/small-business-consulting-and-training/find-your-sbdc/
US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Loans:
https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/023595_comm_corona_virus_smallbiz_loan_final.pdf
US Chamber of Commerce directory by state:
https://www.uschamber.com/co/chambers
Employee Resources
Although we understand this does not replace 100% of earnings, individual employees can file for unemployment. This is a good benefits finder:
https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/UnemploymentBenefits/find-unemployment-benefits.aspx
We would also like to share the US Governments resource page for updated info on the situation:
https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus
The CDC’s Guide and Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
US State and Local Covid-19 Response Information (taken from Auto Care Association’s website):
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRlJWZJ7OkGUW57_rdA2n3xBJ3qjW6u4Z9N6K9Y5L4bM_6H7-S308qdKmJfpVstYWf300nyujvZPFSy/pubhtml?urp=gmail_link
US State Resources (taken from SEMA’s website)
https://pages.message.sema.org/corona-virus-updates-state-list/
Current Canadian benefits and additional resource information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/maintaingrowimprovebusiness/resources-for-canadian-businesses.html