How to Keep Your Small Business Afloat During a Global Pandemic

By Elena Stewart

It’s been several weeks since the COVID-19 crisis took Americans by surprise, and no one has been struggling more to adapt and cope than small business owners. With in-person shopping, dining and communicating a thing of the past, figuring out how to keep your doors open can be a real challenge. There are some financial and business resources out there but knowing where to go for information can also be extremely confusing. We’re hoping you gain some peace of mind for your small business by reading through this advice and checking out these COVID-19 resources for keeping your business going amidst lockdowns and restrictions:

Online Tools for Hiring & Communication With Staff

If you are one of the lucky non-essential businesses that can survive via remote work, your top concern may be managing your staff and keeping everyone connected. These tips can help:

• You can use collaboration guides to manage remote teams.
• You can track team progress with task management apps.
• You can use free video conferencing tools for team meetings.
• You can even look to freelancers to help out with sales.

Financial Tools & Resources for Small Business Owners

Balancing the books can be a serious issue for business owners right now but there are some plenty of resources you can access to help protect your business’s cash flow:

• You can check your eligibility for small business stimulus benefits.
• You can use a grant to shore up your small business’s finances.
• You can ask for support from the community via a crowdfunding site.
• You can look for free online tools for businesses affected by COVID-19.

Online Ordering & Ecommerce Tools for Small Businesses

Whether you run a restaurant or a retail shop, there are quite a few ways you can leverage ecommerce and online tools to help your small business survive during lockdown:

• You can research online ordering options for your restaurant.
• You can make sure your restaurant is not listed by third-party sites.
• You can add online shopping options for your retail small business.
• You can protect yourself and customers with safe shipping practices.
• You can even boost your web traffic through SEM

Post-COVID-19 Tips & Resources for Small Business Owners:

While we may be weeks or months away from seeing COVID-19 restrictions lifted for the small business community, keeping these tips in mind can help you adapt:

• You can install new carpet to keep your business looking fresh.
• You can protect your staff and customers by following federal guidelines.
• You can provide face masks for customers and staff when needed.
• You can keep your business protected with regular cleaning & sanitizing.

Even if your business is not deemed essential, you can still find ways to keep things afloat during the current pandemic. Just make sure that safety is a top priority for your customers, your staff and yourself, and always follow all state and federal regulations regarding COVID-19.

Photo Credit: EvantoElements