The Best Resources to Help Your Business Survive COVID-19

If you’re like most small business owners, the coronavirus pandemic has been hard on you. Both essential and nonessential businesses are losing revenue as communities adhere to stay-at-home orders and foot traffic slows to a trickle. But while it might seem like there’s no way out, there are a few things small businesses can do to sustain themselves until the pandemic ends.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your business moving forward through this crisis, start with this guide from Wisconsin Buys Local.

Small Business Relief Programs

A number of financial relief programs have emerged in response to the coronavirus pandemic, including these resources from the Small Business Administration, IRS, and others.

1. The SBA is offering advances through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program as well as Express Bridge loans and debt relief for current SBA borrowers. Additionally, businesses can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program if they keep workers on payroll.
2. Employers can receive funds for paid sick leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
3. A number of private organizations are offering coronavirus relief grants as well. Facebook and Verizon are just two companies offering assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Alternatives to Brick-and-Mortar Business Operations

Without revenue from in-store sales, businesses have to find other ways to keep cash flowing during coronavirus shutdowns. These are some options to consider for your small business.

1. Curbside pickup has surged in popularity during the coronavirus pandemic. Curbside pickup requires fewer resources than delivery while allowing customers to get their items quickly and safely. However, curbside pickup isn’t without its challenges. Make sure your business is prepared for them before adopting this model.
2. Businesses that do opt for delivery can do so without expanding their own labor pool by tapping the gig economy. Delivery apps like Grubhub and DoorDash let businesses get delivery up and running ASAP.
3. Businesses can also do traditional online sales, selling online and shipping products to customers. But whether shipping or delivering to customers’ doors, selling in the age of coronavirus requires an online platform where shoppers can browse and buy.

Resources for Building a Better Online Presence

The online store is easily the most important piece of a small business’s COVID-19 survival strategy. Whether it’s selling products or selling access to Zoom yoga classes, an e-commerce platform offers a simple and secure way to accept payments. Setting one up, however, can be complicated.

1. The cost of a professionally designed website is well worth the expense for small business owners, especially when you need to get an online store up and running quickly. A professional web team can create a site that doesn’t just tell customers what you offer, but sells it.
2. Before your website can convert customers, they need to be able to find it. For that, you’ll do well to enlist local seo services to ensure you gain a greater online presence.
3. Advertising is another crucial aspect for your business. Wisconsin Buys Local offers a free online listing service for Wisconsin businesses to help attract more customers.
4. Businesses should also increase engagement with their audience on social media. However, it’s important to pay attention to tone. Salesforce offers advice for communicating with customers during the pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic has been bad for business, but it doesn’t need to be the end of yours. While you may not be able to meet your usual sales targets, these resources can help your business generate income and stay afloat until this crisis ends.

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