7 Tips for Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19

If you’re a small business owner, you’re likely feeling especially overwhelmed by the COVID-19 crisis and the impact it may have on your business and its employees. Here are a few steps you can take and some resources you can consider to help keep your team and your business safe in the coming weeks.

Communicate with Your Employees

Even if you’re still in the midst of developing a plan of action or don’t have all the answers yet, keep your employees in the loop. They’re looking to you to be transparent and open with them about what this could mean for their pay and their job security. Keep an open line of communication and be willing to hear out their concerns and their ideas, and encourage them to reach out to you now more than ever. Be patient and understanding, and update them frequently.

Communicate with Your Customers

Make sure you clearly communicate with your customers about any changes to your business hours and delivery schedules, and the preventative measures you’re taking in terms of keeping your workplace sanitary. Customers also care about your team and want to know how employees will be affected (especially if they’re used to working with them and seeing them on a regular basis) – so you may want to address this once it’s determined, too.

Consider all of the ways you can get this information in front of customers – email, social media, printed signage, and phone calls.

Take Preventative Measures

Increase the frequency and thoroughness of cleaning your workspaces (don’t forget door handles, light switches, phones, keyboards, etc.), instruct employees to wash their hands more regularly (ensure there’s plenty of hand soap, paper towels, and sanitizer available), and, if possible, encourage employees to work from home to help prevent the spread of germs.

Reach Out to Your Financial Institution

Get in touch with your credit union or bank before you run into any cash issues and let them know where you’re at currently and what you’re anticipating – then discuss what options they may be able to offer you should you need assistance.

If you work with 3Rivers, you can contact our Business Services Team at 260.399.8268.

Consider the Ways in Which You Can Still Do Business

If your business traffic slows down or you have to shut your doors for the time being, consider the ways in which you can still get your products and/or services to customers – or what untapped opportunities you may be able to try.

This may be a great time to try offering a certain aspect of your business online, give delivery services a go, or promote underplayed options like gift cards and merchandise.

In addition, this downtime may allow you to focus on aspects of your business that have been neglected our put off for lack of time. Does your website need attention? Could you revamp your social media? Does the building need some deep cleaning and organization? Could you work on getting your paperwork or files in order (or digitized)?

Apply for Assistance

There are several options for small businesses (and their employees) to try for financial assistance as a result of COVID-19. Here are some to consider:

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans: The Small Business Administration (SBA) has been allocated $50B for Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
• Facebook Grants: Facebook has launched a $100M program for small businesses. They’ll grant up to 30,000 eligible small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 with an average of $3,333. They’ll begin accepting applications in the coming weeks.
• Industry-Specific Support: Continue to investigate options specific to your industry to help your employees during this time. Both new and existing industry-specific assistance programs are being promoted and funded by the day,  especially for bar and restaurant employees.
• Crowdsourcing: Welcome the support of your community and most loyal customers. Several GoFundMe pages have begun circulating, often started by the patrons of small businesses, who are concerned about the wellbeing of those who serve them, and want to help. Accept this support, especially if your employees rely heavily on foot-traffic and tips!

Check Out These Resources

Continue to educate yourself on the latest updates regarding COVID-19 and small businesses. Here are a few articles full of tips and resources to get you started:

• Supporting Your Small Business During COVID-19
• Six Resources of Crucial COVID-19 Support for Small Businesses
• How Do We Help Small Business During COVID-19 Crisis?
• How to Avoid Layoffs & Other Advice for Small Business Owners During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Navigating the Cash-Flow Crunch (Webinar)
• Human Resource Management During COVID-19 (Webinar)
• eCommerce During COVID-19 (Webinar)

Have you come across additional resources for small businesses and/or small business employees who are affected by COVID-19? Please share in the comments!