Resources for Small Businesses During COVID-19

If you’ve been feeling concerned about what’s going on with COVID-19, you’re not alone.

LAST UPDATED MAY 29, 2020.

While we don’t know how events related to the pandemic will continue to unfold, what we do know is that this is a serious situation for everyone, including small business owners. Here is a list of helpful information and resources for managing your small business during COVID-19. If you know of a resource for small businesses (financial or otherwise) that is not mentioned here, please email [email protected] and we will update this list accordingly. Your health, safety, and well-being are our top priority.

If you’re looking for COVID-related updates to our product offerings and services, please visit this page.

Financial News and Resources for Small Businesses During COVID-19

LATEST NEWS:

Where All 50 States Stand on Reopening as of April 27

Driving Restrictions in Each State and Between States

GRANTS, LOANS, AND FUNDING: 

CARES Act Summary for Small Businesses

Declared SBA Economic Disaster Areas

State Mandated Business Closures and Stay-At-Home Orders

Bumble Grants for Small Businesses

Facebook Grants for Small Businesses

GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund

LISC and Sam’s Club Grants for Small Businesses

Verizon Grants for Small Businesses

Relief Funds for Small Businesses in Boston

Recovery Funds for Small Businesses in Massachusetts

Resources for Small Businesses in New Jersey

Relief Funds for Small Businesses in NYC

Relief Funds for Small Businesses in Texas

Assistance for Small Businesses in Washington State

Emergency Financial Assistance for Restaurant Owners and Workers

TAXES, RENT, UTILITY UPDATES AND FREE BUSINESS TOOLS:

NEW: Create a free Facebook Sho

Update your Google Ads with a New Curbside Pickup Indicator

Federal and State Tax Deadlines Extended to July 15

List Your Products on Google Shopping for Free

Alternatives to Laying Off Small Business Employees in California

Commercial Evictions Paused in New York State

Commercial Evictions Paused in San Francisco

Internet, Phone, and Utility Companies Pausing Fees and Service Shutoffs

Free Google Ads Credit Rolled Out to Small Businesses

Get Free Publicity from @newyorkcity for Small Businesses in NYC

For further announcements and resources in your local area, check out:

Your Local Chamber of Commerce

Your Local Small Business Resource Center

Your Local SCORE Office

CANADA: 

BDC Working Capital Loans for Small Businesses

Resources for Canadian Retailers

Resources for Canadian Restauranteurs

Health and Safety News and Resources for Small Businesses During COVID-19

NEW: CDC Guidelines for Safely Reopening Your Business

World Health Organization’s Official COVID-19 Updates

How to Donate and Volunteer Safely and Effectively in NYC

COVID-19 Prevention Social Media Graphics

How to Effectively Sanitize Your Phone and POS Tablet

How to Get Around Your City Safely During COVID-19

How to Keep Workers Safe and Reduce Exposure

Adjusting to Working From Home

Social Distancing FAQs Explained

1. Wipe All Surfaces Regularly

Keeping things extra clean never hurts. Clean all surfaces thoroughly (counters, floors, tables, bathrooms, POS systems, etc.) using Lysol, Clorox, or Purell products. Consider giving your cashiers latex or touch-screen gloves for handling cash and your POS system to reduce contact and potential exposure. If you have extra bottles of hand sanitizer on hand, make them accessible by placing them on tables, counters, and at your register. Stock up on cleaning supplies for the time being, if you can. 

SEE ALSO: The Pros and Cons of a Cashless Business

2. Take Your Business Online

If you’ve ever wanted to go digital, now’s the best time to do so. Set up an eCommerce store so that customers can buy online and have your products shipped to their doorstep. For cafes, bars, and restaurants, make sure you’re ready to handle takeout orders by phone or online.

3. Keep Your Community Informed

If you’re changing any aspect of your business during the outbreak, whether it’s your hours, products, or services, keep your community in the know. Use social media and emails to send updates as things change. 

4. Review Your PTO Policy

As many as 9 in 10 workers have admitted to coming to work when sick. Encourage any employees who are not feeling well to stay home and rest. Develop a process for calling out sick but at the same time, remain flexible. Brief your employees on taking the proper measures to get well and be sure to have regular check-ins with any staff that gets sick.

5. Check Your Financial Contingency Plans

While we don’t know what the exact financial impact COVID-19 will have on small businesses, retailers are expected to take a hit during this time. Unfortunately, that means you might need to reforecast any of your financial modeling, adjust your budgets, as well as calculate the financial preparedness of your business to face a decline.

SEE ALSO: The Difference Between a Merchant Cash Advance and a Loan

6. Limit Unnecessary Travel

We know it’s disappointing, but if you have any upcoming trips, canceling or postponing them is the safest move. Postpone any travel plans you have unless they are absolutely necessary, if possible.  

7. Be Realistic When it Comes to Sales Data

In the coming weeks, patterns in your inventory and sales data may shift. As foot traffic declines, your most profitable hours of business might completely change. Be as mindful and flexible as you can when scheduling your upcoming hours of business. Keep a watchful eye on your sales in store as well as online, if you have a website or online ordering set up. 

8. Stay Informed

New updates on COVID-19 are emerging every day, so it’s important to follow trustworthy sources closely for the next coming weeks. Stay up to date on all official announcements by following the CDC’s COVID-19 page.

Emily Polner

As the Content Writer at ShopKeep, Emily brings her passion, knowledge, and expertise to give you helpful tips on how to take your business to the next level. You can follow her on LinkedIn.