We know that many businesses may be experiencing disruptions resulting from COVID-19. With that in mind, we’ve gathered small business resources and inspiring news articles to help during this challenging time.
1. “Facebook small business grants program” by Facebook
Summary: Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for small businesses. They plan to offer the grants to up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in 30 countries. They’ll start taking applications in the upcoming weeks, so sign up here to be notified when the application opens. They’re hoping these cash grants can help keep your workforce going, aid with rent, connect you with more customers, and cover operational costs.
2. “Small business resource hub” by Facebook
Summary: Facebook’s working to keep people safe and informed about COVID-19, and that includes small businesses like yours. Through Facebook’s small business resource hub, Facebook gives its best advice on steps you can take right now, local groups you can connect with, and more.
3. “Seattle small-business owners rally to support one another through coronavirus crisis” by Geoff Baker, The Seattle Times
Summary: Learn how small businesses in Seattle are facing off with the coronavirus, you can potentially try these ideas in your own city. Seattle business owners are setting up Facebook groups to help support one another. These groups are trying to help other businesses survive by offering free services and ideas to each other.
4. “How to survive the coronavirus pandemic as a small business” by Julia Shem, Medium
Summary: Julia Shem lays out several steps entrepreneurs can take to survive this period and adapt to these changing times. She recommends shifting your focus, changing your messaging for marketing, understanding your finances, adapting to change, and using the time to work on your business.
5. “Here are best practices for remote-managing your small business” by Steve Strauss, USA Today
Summary: If you’re working from home, USA Today provides their best tips for working remotely: invest in smart tools, provide positive communication with your team members, and make sure everyone on your team is accountable for their work.
6. “7 ways to support the small businesses in your community during the coronavirus crisis” by Jason Aten, Inc
Summary: If you want to support fellow small businesses in your community, here is what Inc recommends: order takeout or delivery, buy gift cards, shop online, use credit/debit cards to limit the risk of germs, stay home if you’re sick, be patient with other businesses, and say thank you to employees who are still working.
7. “What the Coronavirus (COVID-19) means for marketers” by Neil Patel
Summary: Marketing guru Neil Patel shares his recommendations & predictions for marketing for the next few weeks or months. His suggestions include doubling down on your marketing strategy, while not exploiting the situation for your own gain.
Summary: Faire, a wholesale market and store, surveyed 20,000 retailers and makers to hear how they’re responding to the crisis. They lay out their findings, as well as provide a large list of resources for retailers who are struggling during this time.
Summary: To help understand the potential impact of the coronavirus on your business’s overall financial picture, Faire has launched a COVID-19 impact calculator for retailers. You just need to add your financial details and any changes to your revenue/costs since the COVID-19 disruption. The Faire calculator will generate a financial status for your business, as well as give you recommended actions to help your business through this crisis.
