COVID-19 has made a dramatic impact on the success and prosperity of many businesses in the United States and across the world. Between stay-at-home orders, inclement weather, and talk of new virus strains, businesses haven’t had it easy the past several months. If you are a small business that has been struggling and in need of help, know that there are resources available to support you! Help can come in a multitude of different forms. In this blog, we will share a collection of resources that offer COVID relief for small businesses like yours.
The Hello Alice COVID-19 Business Resource Center offers a variety of support systems that can help reopen and refuel your small business. Whether you need guidance on proper re-opening procedures, access to funding, or advice from a mentor, Hello Alice is here to help. With over 150,000 small businesses using their platform as a resource to survive COVID, you won’t be the first establishment to ask for help. They have a number of distinct partners to make the platform possible such as Verizon, Salesforce, Mastercard, eBay, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
At Hello Alice, acquiring resources is not a one size fits all approach. Your COVID plan will be specifically tailored to your unique business needs depending on your industry. Some of the industries they specialize in are Food & Beverage, Beauty & Wellness, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Arts & Entertainment, and Restaurant services. Each industry has individual needs that Hello Alice can assist with. From mastering the art of takeout cuisine to learning how to make more sales, they’ve got your back when it comes to COVID relief.
With specific checklists and guides available for printout, you can invite your entire team on board to assist with your journey to safely re-opening and serving your community. The platform also offers specific guidelines depending on the state your business is located in. So, you’ll be up to code and ready to go!
The CARES Act provides assistance to small businesses from the U.S. Department of Treasury. Specifically, the Payroll Protection Program acts as a resource for small business owners who hope to continue paying employees and re-hire those who have been laid off in the past few months from their establishment. The program will support small businesses in need by providing up to 8 weeks of payroll and benefits costs. The money granted does not have to be spent on employee salary exclusively, however. Business owners can put the funds towards utilities, rent, and other expenses deemed necessary.
So, if you are in need of fast funds in order to continue keeping your employees on payroll and tending to other expenses, this might be an opportunity for you to collect supportive resources.
Visa is committed to helping your small business survive the negative effects of the COVID pandemic. They have compiled an extensive list of recourses available to small business owners seeking relief. From funding to online integration, Visa has organized various methods for establishments to get creative with their business practices. Applying for loans can be overwhelming and challenging. Visa has provided support for the following funding programs.
Small business administration loans:
Transitioning to an online platform:
Many businesses have had to transition to an online platform in order to continue making revenue and serving their customer base. Depending on the industry your small business is in and your comfort level with technology, this can be a challenge! Visa has established a support program to help. Resources include the following.
E-commerce is one way that many small business owners are continuing to make sales, keep employees on the payroll, and provide products to their customers. Establishing an online business is no easy task, which is why online selling giant eBay has made accommodations for small businesses making the transition. Owners will get their account fee waived for three months, while seller fees won’t be deducted until June 30th. This means that small business owners will be able to keep more profits in their pockets.
Google expressed their concern for small businesses struggling amidst the pandemic and wanted to extend their support as establishments rely heavily on advertising campaigns and keeping customers informed. Where does everyone turn to when they need immediate information? Google, of course!
Here are just a few of the resources Google has to offer:
GoFundMe has partnered with Yelp, Intuit, and GoDaddy to help provide financial relief to small businesses in need. This relief initiative program focuses on providing funds so that businesses can continue operating during and after the pandemic. Supporters can donate to the fund to help. This will result in $500 matching grants to qualifying small businesses that are able to raise $500 on GoFundMe. This is a great way to help contribute to cash flow and receive relief when your establishment needs it.
If you are not a small business owner but want to show your support, click this link to donate.
Honeycomb has created a crowdfunded small businesses relief loan for establishments impacted by the COVID pandemic. These are community-sourced loans for small businesses in need of financial resources. They offer three different options depending on your business’s needs.
Four-step process:
Our team sends all business owners and those who have been affected by the pandemic support, health, and hope during this time.
More to Read:
Why You Need an Emergency Fund
First Steps in Starting a Business
A Beginner’s Guide to Investing
Your First Day of Work Could Be Tomorrow!
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