Tip + Tools for Small Businesses and Their Customers During COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, we want to share resources with small business owners as they navigate these everchanging times. Refer to our general resource page for upcoming events/webinars. Please consult The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for updates on coronavirus disease 2019.
1
SBDC Guide to Conquering a business crisis
Practical steps for any business to conserve cash, lower costs, manage supply chain, and effectively market
2
find your local sbdc
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides tools, training and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed. Contact your local office for individual consulting services, view past webinars, and access a wide range of resources on their website.
4
Department of labor Unemployment benefits
Steps to apply for Georgia State and Federal supplemental unemployment benefits, expanded to include self-employed, gig workers, 1099 independent contractors, and others.
Note: there may be a backlog of several weeks - once certified, claimants are eligible for backpay
6
eight steps for small businesses to take from u.s. chamber of commerce
High priority actions for your small businesses to enact from new hygiene protocols, remote work, insurance, to online sales and more.
7
free virtual collaboration tools
Leverage tools to help you collaborate with business partners, suppliers, staff, and others.
Microsoft Zoom - free basic account available
Google Hangout - free account requires GMAIL address
FreeConferenceCall.com - free conference call lines
Slack - free online collaboration and project management platform
8
Score's Disaster preparedness planning tools
Leverage toolkits and guidance from SCORE to help your business plan for and operate during disasters
9
disaster financial assistance with food, housing, + bills
Determine if you qualify for additional assistance with food + bills.
10
free linkedin courses
LinkedIn learning courses to help small businesses pause, reassess personal and business needs, and start to build.
11
fACEBOOK'S BUSINESS RESOURCE HUB
Tools, recommended steps, and links to other resources including small business grants.
13
KABBAGE launching gift card sales
Kabbage will help small businesses sign up and sell gift cards online, so customers can buy now and frequent your business later
14
kilpatrick townsend legal taskforce
Providing information about known legal issues during COVID-19.
Ways for Customers to Support Small Businesses During COVID-19
1
BUY GIFT CARDS
Put immediate cash into the local businesses that you frequent today and use it later
2
avoid refunds
Ask for credit to apply to future purchases. When small businesses provide a full refund, they give back their cost of goods sold along with their profit.
3
buy local
Many local businesses are offering no contact pick-up, delivery, and/or virtual services (such as fitness or art classes).
View Start:ME active ventures here.
4
order in
If still recommended by the CDC, support local eateries by calling in an order and paying over the phone.
5
contribute to crowdfunding campaigns
Support local businesses and local employees you love by making donations to campaigns supporting them, particularly those in hospitality, entertainment, and the arts.
Contribute to Start:ME's Small Business Resiliency Campaign here.