HAS CORONAVIRUS IMPACTED YOUR BUSINESS?

The Women’s Small Business Accelerator is here to help you navigate this challenging time.

As we all know, this is an evolving situation but we will do our best to keep this page updated with the latest information. Below you will find Breaking News, Business Support Links, links to evolving Information, helpful business survival tips, and articles to help you make your business stronger when we come out on the other side of this.

ANNOUNCEMENT:
Executive Director, Mary McCarthy:
PRESS RELEASE
Are you a women business owner in CRISIS? Scared? Alone? Need someone to talk to? GET HELP from one of our volunteers on the Business Crisis Team. CLICK HERE

BREAKING NEWS: (last updated 03.08.22)

Small Business Recovery Fund - 3/7/22 - City of Columbus announce that $8 Million will be given out in grants to businesses in Columbus and Franklin County that meet the grant guidelines and complete the application process successfully. The grants are intended to support in the City of Columbus and Franklin County negatively impacted by Covid-19. Grants can range from $5,000 to $20,000 and come through the Columbus-Franklin County COVID-19 Small Business Response and Recovery Program. Here is the link for more information https://sbdccolumbus.com/columbus-franklin-county-recovery-grant/

City of Columbus Small Business Assistance and Workshop Announcements - November 10, 2021 - Reach Customers Online with Google: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2907974477985824527

November 17, 2021 - Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6769023908130908175

 December 9, 2021 - Make Your Website Work For You:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2560904836585736463The New Small Business

Grant provides grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses that were established between Jan. 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2020. Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Legislature have designated $10 million for this program to help ensure the survival and stability of these businesses. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development. www.businesshelp.ohio.gov

New Loan Programs Available. The Ohio Department of Development Minority Business Development Division (MBDD) supports the growth and sustainability of small, minority and disadvantaged businesses in Ohio. APPLY FOR THE Ohio Micro-Enterprise Loan Program and/or Women’s Business Enterprise Loan Program. development.ohio.gov/minorityservices.htm

SBA Administrator Guzman Enhances COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program to Aid Small Businesses Facing Challenges from Delta Variant. Increased Loan Cap to $2 Million, Expanded Use of Funds to Pay and Prepay Business Debt, Streamlined Review Processes, and Deferred Payments; First Approval and Disbursement of Loans of $500,000 or Less Also Introduced. How to apply. Eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and agricultural businesses in all U.S. states and territories can apply. Visit www.sba.gov/eidl to learn more about eligibility and application requirements. The last day that applications may be received is December 31, 2021. All applicants should file their applications as soon as possible.

The State of Ohio will begin accepting applications Tuesday, June 29, for four grant programs that target businesses that have suffered significant losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ohio Development Services Agency will administer grants in the amounts of $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000 to these types of businesses: Food and Beverage, Entertainment Venue, Lodging, and New Small Business Grant which will provide grants of $10,000 to small businesses that were established between Jan. 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2020. Each program will require applicants to have an OH|ID. Businesses that plan to apply can get an OH|ID now, if they don’t already have one. Register at OH|ID (ohid.ohio.gov) by creating an account with a username/password. For help with the process, click here.

ChamberofCommerce.org - Coronavirus Small Business Issues and Solutions Guide (Source: https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/coronavirus-small-business-guide)

WASHINGTON – As President Joe Biden signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021 into law today, extending the Paycheck Protection Program an additional two months to May 31, 2021, and then providing an additional 30-day period for the SBA to process applications that are still pending.
https://www.sba.gov/article/2021/mar/30/sba-administrator-isabella-casillas-guzmans-statement-president-biden-signing-ppp-extension-act-2021?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The GoFundMe.org Small Business Relief Fund will provide micro-grants to qualifying small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.gofundme.com/f/smallbusinessrelieffund?qid=d610424e2ae5db119406f5d80020598a

GRANT OPPORTUNITY - $10,000 grant opportunity from KKR Small Business Builders. https://kkr.helloalice.com/

GRANT OPPORTUNITY - Minority Small Business Fund being offered by First Financial Bancorp, the Columbus Urban League, and the Minority Small Business Resiliency Initiative.  This program is also accepting applications through March 19. https://share.hsforms.com/1KZE8VLQ6TEWNSTv-FrZebA4nxxw. 

GRANT OPPORTUNITY - The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Small Business Growth & Recovery Fund, being offered through Equivico.  This program is accepting applications through March 19.  The link: https://www.equivico.com/ncrc-business-grants.

SBA provides more information on the changes to PPP for our smallest businesses with less than 10 employees, businesses in rural communities and the businesses that received a share of funding distributed through Community Development Financial Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions. CHECK THIS OUT! https://www.sba.gov/article/2021/feb/22/sba-prioritizes-smallest-small-businesses-paycheck-protection-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Biden administration changes PPP rules to help reach the smallest businesses - Check out this article to learn more. https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/22/politics/ppp-loans-biden-administration-small-businesses/index.html

The Paycheck Protection Program remains open for First and Second Draw PPP loans until March 31, 2021, as set forth in the Economic Aid Act, or until Congressionally-appropriated funding is exhausted.
www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) Guidance on Accessing Capital for Minority, Underserved, Veteran and Women-Owned Business Concerns https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Guidance-on-Accessing-Capital-for-Minority-Underserved-Veteran-and-Women-Owned-Business-Concerns%20.pdf

SBA and Treasury Announce PPP Re-Opening; Issue New Guidance - Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. www.sba.gov/article/2021/jan/08/sba-treasury-announce-ppp-re-opening-issue-new-guidance?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The State Controlling Board approved a CARES Act package of more than $419.5 million. A portion of those funds has been set aside for small business funding through the Ohio Development Services Agency. https://businesshelp.ohio.gov/small-business-relief-grant.html

Cuyahoga County accepting third round of small business grant applications
https://cuyahogacounty.us/development/businesses/small-business-stabilization-fund

How to Apply for Loan Forgiveness - Paycheck Protection Program If you have taken the SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis and your business is still struggling, learn if you qualify for Loan Forgiveness at this link. www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program#section-header-5

The Delaware County Commissioners have approved launching a Small Business Protection Program that will offer grants up to $15,000 to eligible, for-profit small businesses in Delaware County whose revenues in 2020 have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A pool of $2 million has been allocated for the program. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 4 via an online portal at https://economicdevelopment.co.delaware.oh.us/2020/11/03/small-business-protection-program/. 

Information COMING SOON - $25 million CARES Act funding will be designated for nonprofits, and $20 million to support Ohio’s world-class arts organizations. These funds will be used for costs incurred throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. (We will provide a link when one is available)

The State of Ohio’s Small Business Relief Grant is designed to provide relief to Ohio businesses that have been negatively affected by COVID-19. Governor Mike DeWine has designated up to $125 million of funding received by the State of Ohio from the federal CARES Act to provide $10,000 grants to small businesses to help them through the current crisis. The program, which will begin accepting applications November 2, 2020, will be administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency. Click here for more information.

The Bar and Restaurant Assistance Fund is designed to assist Ohio’s on-premise liquor permit holders. Governor Mike DeWine has designated $37.5 million of funding received by the State of Ohio from the federal CARES Act to provide $2,500 assistance payments to on-premise liquor permit holders to help them through the financial difficulties experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. These permit holders have not been able to fully use their liquor permit and it’s had an impact on their business. The program, which will begin accepting applications November 2, 2020, will be administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency. Click here for more information

Brady Ware shares information about the SBA and Treasury issue FAQ for PPP Loan Forgiveness - The Small Business Administration and Treasury released a new set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. https://www.bradyware.com/ppp-loan-forgiveness-faq/

Round Two of the Columbus-Franklin County COVID-19 Small Business Response and Recovery Fund has opened. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until August 29, 2020, at 5 p.m. EST. Start the process HERE.

SBA The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employee retention criteria are met, and the funds are used for eligible expenses. The deadline to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan is August 8, 2020.  https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The Columbus-Franklin County COVID-19 Small Business Response and Recovery Fund is open as of 6/10/2020. The Columbus-Franklin County COVID-19 Small Business Response and Recovery Fund offers grants, technical assistance, and low-interest loans for small business impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. www.rev1ventures.com/columbus-covid-19-small-business-response-and-recovery-fund/

SBA and Treasury Release Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-newsroom/press-releases-media-advisories/sba-and-treasury-release-paycheck-protection-program-loan-forgiveness-application Download Application: www.sba.gov/document/sba-form--paycheck-protection-program-loan-forgiveness-application

The New Albany Facebook Data Center Community COVID Relief Fund was created to provide immediate grants to qualifying small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The goal of these grants is to provide stop-gap relief quickly for eligible small businesses working to keep employees on board. newalbanychamber.com/fb-grant

 OHIO Sole Proprietor and 1099 Unemployment Application is live: https://unemploymenthelp.ohio.gov/expandedeligibility/

Responsible Restart Ohio from the Ohio Department of Healths Responsible Reopening Protocols- coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/responsible-restart-ohio/responsible-protocols/responsible-protocols

Governor DeWine Announces Details of Ohio's Responsible RestartOhio Plan. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton, MD, MPH, today made several major announcements regarding Ohio's plan to responsibly restart Ohio's economy during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/resources/news-releases-news-you-can-use/governor-dewine-announces-details-ohios-responsible-restartohio-plan

Attention Self-Employed Workers, 1099 tax filers, and part- time workers: You are eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)! To pre-register for PUA benefits, Ohioans should visit www.unemployment.ohio.gov and click on “Get Started Now.” The benefit amount will be similar to traditional unemployment benefits, plus an additional $600 per week through July 25. The pre-registration tool will allow individuals to get in line early and pre-register their account, so that as soon as the agency has the technical ability to process their claims in May, they can log in and complete their paperwork. For those eligible, PUA benefits will be retroactive to the date they qualified, as early as February 2. The program will provide up to 39 weeks of benefits to many who historically have not qualified for unemployment benefits, such as self-employed workers, 1099 tax filers, part- time workers, and those who lack sufficient work history. Individuals who have exhausted all regular unemployment and any weekly extensions also may be eligible for the program. Anyone with questions should call (833) 604-0774.

Small Business Relief Tracker: Funding, Grants And Resources For Business Owners Grappling With Coronavirus on Forbes Magazine. www.forbes.com/sites/briannegarrett/2020/03/20/small-business-relief-tracker-funding-grants-and-resources-for-business-owners-grappling-with-coronavirus/#3ff39d67dd4c

U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS​ FOUNDATION - Helping small employers who are struggling during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Save Small Business Fund is a grantmaking initiative offering short-term relief for small employers in the United States and its territories. TO QUALIFY FOR A GRANT YOU MUST - Employ between 3 and 20 people - Be located in an economically vulnerable community - Have been harmed financially by the  COVID-19 pandemic. Check out if your business qualifies here: www.savesmallbusiness.com/

FACEBOOK Small Business Grants Program We know that your business may be experiencing disruptions resulting from the global outbreak of COVID-19. We’ve heard that a little financial support can go a long way, so we are offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits to help during this challenging time. www.facebook.com/business/boost/grants

Still looking for a PPP loan? Here’s some advice from business owners who’ve successfully navigated the process. Additional advice is available from lenders. Here’s what bankers who’ve approved millions in PPP loans suggest for how best to proceed.

CARE ACT Passes - March 27, 2020 - The U.S. House of Representative has just passed the historic $2.2 trillion dollar COVID-19 emergency relief bill, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to speed recovery across the U.S. economy.  These funds will be distributed to individuals, businesses and states in response to the coronavirus pandemic under H.R. 748. www.npr.org/2020/03/26/821457551/whats-inside-the-senate-s-2-trillion-coronavirus-aid-package

SBA’s Small Buisness owners guide to the CARES ACT https://www.sbc.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/9/7/97ac840c-28b7-4e49-b872-d30a995d8dae/F2CF1DD78E6D6C8C8C3BF58C6D1DDB2B.small-business-owner-s-guide-to-the-cares-act-final-.pdf

COLUMBUS (WCMH) — The Children’s Hunger Alliance (CHA) and the Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) system are set to keep children fed during the COVID-19 coronavirus closure of central Ohio schools. www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/childrens-hunger-alliance-set-to-serve-meals-to-children-during-covid-19-closures/

The SBA Disaster Loan Assistance application process is now available online. Please visit disasterloan.sba.gov to create your account and complete your application. For COVID-19 related declarations, please select “Economic Injury” when asked about your business losses during the application process. Once your application is submitted, you will also be able to check the application status by logging into your account. Please visit the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) page for details, including guidance for eligibility.

Stay-At-Home order for the State of Ohio goes into effect at 11:59 pm on Monday, March 23rd. Only “essential businesses” can remain open. Read the order here: www.documentcloud.org/documents/6816967-20200322143820416.html

Business Support

The City of Columbus is launching 3 programs. 3 Types of Relief: Financial, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Procurement Assistance, and Training and Technical Assistance.
https://www.rev1ventures.com/columbus-covid-19-small-business-response-and-recovery-fund/

Coronavirus: 3 programs created to help small, mid-sized Ohio businesses financially. 1) Ohio PPE Retooling and Reshoring Grant Program 2) Ohio Minority Micro-Enterprise Grant Program, and 3) Appalachian Region Loan Program www.whio.com/home/coronavirus-3-programs-created-help-small-mid-sized-ohio-businesses-financially/D5Z4AFWRZVBZFKN5GPKFWZL3IM/

A Guide to COVID-19 and Your Finances: What You Need to Know - www.annuity.org/financial-literacy/covid-19-financial-guide/

Why You Should Watch Andrew Cuomo's Daily Press Conference. Every Day. It's not about politics; it's about communications. www.entrepreneur.com/article/348929?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email

Resources for getting your workers back to work safely. The Columbus Chamber has members that have the things you need to operate a safe work environment and have a clean workplace. columbus.org/combatting-covid-19/combatting-covid-19-rtw/

Information Guide from LendEDU - Here is the full guide: https://lendedu.com/blog/managing-finances-during-coronavirus-outbreak/

Sharon DeLay, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CPCC - GO-HR (a dba of BoldlyGO Career and HR Management, LLC) Human Resources Management, Get all your employment question answered and let a professional manage it for you….COVID-19 RESOURCES www.go-hr.biz/covid-19

Columbus Chamber of Commerce - Coronavirus Guide for Small Businesses  https://www.chamberofcommerce.org/coronavirus-small-business-guide

Columbus Chamber of Commerce -Holly Gross, Vice President of Government Relations, has provided an overview of the third federal stimulus bill, the CARES Act, focusing on sections that are specifically aimed to help small businesses, including information about forgivable loans, grants, and other important updates.

Columbus Chamber | Combatting COVID-19 Business Resources
www.columbus.org/combatting-covid-19/

USBANK is offering unsecured loans with very low interest rates, credit merchant services at extremely low rates and text to apply business credit cards - www.usbank.com

How low-income credit unions benefit underserved communities - Members of low-income communities often deal with high levels of financial stress. Many find themselves living paycheck to paycheck while having to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. As a result, there is insufficient time and resources to put a sound financial health plan in place for the future. Under these circumstances, it’s understandable why a credit card would seem to be out of reach. Luckily, credit unions with low-income designations can offer financial tools and services to underserved communities. www.bestcreditcards.com/guides/low-income-credit-unions-benefit-underserved/

Facebook has developed a Small Business Grant Program Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where they operate. Check their site here for more details as they become available and to sign up for updates via email. https://www.facebook.com/business/grants

OhioHealth Hospital System’s COVID-19 Toolkit

Ohio Small Businesses Now Eligible For SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Low-interest loans of up to $2 million are available for small businesses and private non-profits. Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills and have repayment options of up to 30 years. Interest rates are 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for private non-profits. Need help filling out the application? Access these step-by-step instructions Click HERE to apply now.

Support for Small Businesses & Non-Profit Organizations:

The Ohio Development Services Agency is working this week to qualify Ohio for the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. This program provides low-interest loans up to $2 million in order to help businesses overcome the temporary loss of revenue during the state of emergency.

Non-profit organizations in Ohio will also be eligible for low-interest loans through the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

Businesses impacted by the current public health crisis can contact BusinessHelp@Development.Ohio.gov for more information. Additional details about the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program is available at SBA.gov/Disaster.

Enhanced Unemployment Aid for Ohioans:
The Governor has issued an executive order, which will grant the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) with the authority to accept and grant requests for unemployment compensation suspending the normal 1-week waiting period. This order will also give relief to applicants who are not offered paid leave through their job, as well as those who have been quarantined by a medical professional, their employer, or whose employers must temporarily close. Those who apply for unemployment under these circumstances will be exempt from the requirement that they be actively seeking work. For more information, please go to Unemployment.Ohio.gov or JFS.Ohio.gov/Coronavirus.

Mass Layoffs due to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
All Ohio employers planning a mass layoff or shutdown due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic should provide the following mass-layoff number – 2000180 – and the second link below to an instructional sheet to their employees to speed the processing of unemployment benefits. COVID-19-affected claimants with otherwise valid applications for unemployment will be awarded benefits. While claimants must still meet the weekly requirements that they be able and available for work, the requirement that they actively search for work while receiving benefits has been waived. COVID-19-affected contributory employers will receive regular monthly charge statements, but these charges will be charged to the mutual account and not the employer’s account. Reimbursing employers will follow existing charging requirements under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4141.For more information, please see the press release at the following link:
Press Release: http://jfs.ohio.gov/RELEASES/pdf/031620-ODJFS-Provides-COVID-Number.stm
Instructional Sheet: https://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/num/JFS00671

SharedWork Ohio:

SharedWork Ohio is an alternative to layoffs for employers. It allows workers to remain employed and employers to retain their staff during times of reduced business activity. Under a SharedWork Ohio plan, employers reduce hours to avert a layoff. The participating employee works the reduced hours, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides an unemployment insurance benefit proportionate to their reduced hours.

Interested employers should provide the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services with a list of participating employees and specify their normal weekly hours of work, not to exceed 40 hours and not including overtime. Part-time employees may be eligible, but all employees in an affected unit must have their hours reduced by the same reduction percentage. For more information, please visit JFS.Ohio.gov/SharedWorkOhio.

TechCred:

We encourage Ohio employers to take advantage of the State of Ohio’s TechCred program and upskill their employees while they may be unable to perform their typical day-to-day duties. Many of these trainings can be completed online.

TechCred offers employers up to $2,000 in reimbursement for every technology-focused credential earned by an employee, up to $30,000 per employer per round. These technology-focused credentials take a year or less to complete and prepare current and future employees for the technology jobs Ohio employers need.

The current application period is open through March 31st on TechCred.Ohio.Gov. If a business has questions about the program they should email Workforce@OWT.Ohio.gov.  

One-time Liquor Buyback:

The Ohio Department of Commerce will immediately begin offering a one-time liquor buyback option to support bars and restaurants. This will especially aid those establishments that have stocked up on high-proof liquor ahead of the St. Patrick's Day holiday for which they now have no use, due to their closure to in-house patrons.

Bars and restaurants wishing to take advantage of this opportunity should return their unopened, high-proof liquor products (obtained within the past 30 days) to the agency where they purchased the product. This opportunity is also extended to those with temporary (F2) permits for events scheduled between March 12 and April 6, 2020. If a business has questions about this program, they should reach out directly to the Liquor Enterprise Service Center (LESC) at 1(877)812-0013 or by emailing OhioLiquorInfo@Com.Ohio.gov.

EVOLVING INFORMATION:

ONLINE: Please visit www.Coronavirus.Ohio.gov for the most up-to-date information from the Ohio Department of Health. 

The Small Business Administration SBA - Continue to get updated information and resources at sba.gov/coronavirus

Check List and Latest Statistics: www.coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/

PHONE: For any questions you have about COVID-19, please call, 1 (833) 4-ASK-ODH from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m (7 days/week).

SOCIAL MEDIA:
@GovMikeDeWine
@LtGovHusted
@OHDeptofHealth

STATE OF OHIO UPDATES: Governor DeWine is holding periodic press briefings to deliver the most recent updates as well as give updated guidance for the state’s response. These press events are carried live at www.OhioChannel.org

Do you qualify for the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19)? The SBA has confirmed it will be able to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million per small business to assist with economic recovery. Below you will find some useful links:

The SBA will continue to support small businesses through this difficult time, and we urge you to visit www.sba.gov/coronavirus, follow @SBA_Columbus on Twitter, or sign up for their newsletter https://www.sba.gov/updates for more updates.

Helpful Business Survival Websites, Tips, and Articles:

Minuteman Press Dublin is giving back by offering free COVID-19 awareness posters and a program providing free business listings.  Learn more about this special offer. 

Dancor and Dupler Office have created the “Path 2 New Normal” where businesses can go to get communication materials and services, products, space readiness, and support for all return to work needs. All levels of support are available from quick generic needs to custom strategic rollouts. 

From Silver Lining, LTD. - In order to make an impact and help as many small businesses get through this crisis, we have made our 13th-month small business growth program which is 100% technology-enabled, data-driven, and based on years of behavior change science study as Pay-what-you-CAN. You can get more information by visiting this page: https://smallbizsilverlining.com/covid-19/ or reading or latest press release on the matter here: https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/472116/silver-lining-is-making-an-unlimited-investment-into-small-businesses

Silver Lining, LTD - Small Business COVID Response workbook that you can easily access here: https://bit.ly/COVID19SMBWORKBOOK

Sage experts are on hand to offer guidance on everything from financial help and support to free training and eLearning packages.  https://www.sage.com/en-us/coronavirus/

How Real Leaders Step Up to the Plate During a Crisis - The greatest leaders are forged in times of crisis and uncertainty. Here are five ways to be that kind of leader. www.inc.com/thomas-koulopoulos/how-real-leaders-step-up-to-plate-during-a-crisis.html

How to go Digital during the COVID-19 outbreak. If you run a business that requires social gatherings in order to turn a profit, you’ll likely see your customer levels drop off due to enforced closures surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. This can cause an abrupt halt to your revenue streams, which in turn can cause some serious damage to your financial security. However, there are some simple transitions you can consider making as the United States faces down social distancing in order to keep your business afloat until daily routines return to normal. www.manta.com/resources/business/how-to-go-digital-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/?utm_source=manta&dest=%2Fresources%2Fbusiness%2Fhow-to-go-digital-during-the-covid-19-outbreak%2F%3Futm_source%3Dmanta&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter

65 Free Tools to Help You Through the Coronavirus Pandemic - These free tools can help your organization, team and family during this confusing and dangerous time. www.entrepreneur.com/article/347840?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email

GO DADDY COVID-19 SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT - To help you keep your venture going, we've pulled together free products, resources and tools from trusted sources. You'll find videos and articles specific to your challenges — and a community of small business owners to support you with creative solutions that are working.
www.godaddy.com/open-we-stand

How Business Owners Are Working to Maintain Sales and Avoid Layoffs as the Economy Grinds to a Halt - Stress tests, cash reserves, and strategic budget-cutting can help you better predict and absorb the financial impact on your business. www.inc.com/cameron-albert-deitch/coronavirus-small-business-budget-cuts-layoffs.html

Mark Cuban Just Shared His Best Advice for Small Businesses Fearing a Recession. The billionaire 'Shark Tank' star fielded questions on LinkedIn to help entrepreneurs brainstorm ways to keep their companies afloat and avoid layoffs. https://www.inc.com/betsy-mikel/mark-cuban-coronavirus-business-advice-linkedin.html

Research-backed insights into the importance of leadership in times of uncertainty https://hbr.org/2017/08/why-we-prefer-dominant-leaders-in-uncertain-times

7 Resources Businesses Need During the Coronavirus Pandemic https://wellslawllc.com/7-resources-businesses-need-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/

National Small Business Association, Resources for Small Business on COVID-19 https://nsba.biz/resources-for-small-business-on-covid-19/

Coronavirus and Small Business: Keeping You and Your Employees Safe https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/tools-resources/covid-19-coronavirus-business

Marketing and Sales Tips - might as well work on this while you are at home

Sales Resources from Braveheart Sales Performance - View videos of COVID-19 Selling Survival Snippets www.braveheartsales.com/resources/

When A Recession Comes, Don't Stop Advertising - Numerous case studies point out the best strategy marketers can have during a recession is to... www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2019/09/05/when-a-recession-comes-dont-stop-advertising/#67dfb8394608

Pick a Marketing Model That Lets You Pay for Results, Not Potential - How affiliate marketing can help you find consistent return on investment. www.entrepreneur.com/article/347871

5 Surefire Growth Strategies for E-Commerce Entrepreneurs - From Facebook updates to email marketing, supercharge your business with these proven tactics. www.entrepreneur.com/article/346151?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email