The past year has been a roller coaster ride full of ups and downs. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us in one way or another and business as usual will never look the same as before...for at least the near future. That said, there are many things small business owners can do to effectively and efficiently reopen their doors and welcome employees, colleagues, and customers back in with open arms, safely.
Helpful Resources
First, know you are not out there all alone. There is a multitude of resources available to businesses whose mission is to provide up-to-date and timely information on everything from safety protocols to financial assistance. Please note that we are providing these resources, so you are aware there are federal, state, and local organizations that are constantly working for you. We are available to consult you and direct you to an organization that can help you with exactly what you need.
- The Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA is a federal organization whose job is to help Americans start, build and grow businesses. Even before the pandemic hit, the SBA was in place, “to bolster and promote the economy by providing assistance to small businesses. They have representatives available 24/7 to help you and provide the resources necessary to get back to business.
- SCORE: The SBA also sponsors another organization that offers free mentoring provided by retired and semi-retired professionals. SCORE provides confidential one-on-one general business advice and is committed to helping small businesses rebuild and adjust to difficult times.
- United States Chamber of Commerce: The United States Chamber of Commerce is a wealth of information for small business owners. This is a membership-driven organization. They keep up to date on all COVID-19 related issues and since they differ from state to state, they provide national information and can direct you to your local chamber organization. They also offer helpful marketing advice, tips on reaching customers, and more.
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC offers a wealth of information for keeping your business up to date on the latest COVID 19 information, keeping your workplace safe and sanitized to information to trace and help reduce the spread of the virus.
- Local Government Agencies: Helpful advice, resources and funding opportunities that are specific to your community are available through your courthouse and local government agencies.
Research Available Government Funding
Here's some good news for small businesses that are financially struggling to keep their employees working and recover from lengthy shutdowns. Government funding is available through the Biden Administration's American Rescue Plan Act. Small businesses may qualify for Payroll Protection Program (PPP), SBA-backed loans that help businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 crisis. Some small businesses may qualify for loan forgiveness.
Phase Back to Business as Usual
It is going to take some time to get your business back to normal. Until then, there are many things business owners and their teams to do to keep everyone healthy and safe when returning to work. Here are some tips:
- Establish Cleaning and Social Distancing Policies: Everyone working in the building should practice cleaning and disinfecting workplaces regularly. This includes disinfecting doorknobs, light switches, flat surfaces phones, keyboards, file drawers, and bathrooms. Desks, conference room chairs should be kept six feet apart.
- Limit the Number of People in The Office: Stagger employees who are working at home and working at the office to reduce the number of face-to-face interactions. Large meetings should be limited and virtual technology should be used whenever possible. Wearing masks indoors is also recommended.
- Communicate Changes Regularly: If one thing has remained constant during the pandemic it's things constantly change. These changes and uncertainty cause stress throughout our organization. Changes should be constantly communicated to your employees, colleagues, and customers, so everyone is aware of the latest news regarding your business. Assign a leader in your organization as the charge person who is responsible for communicating changes.
- Embrace Online Opportunities: Businesses who used online resources available to them before the pandemic or who immediately adapted and shifted their businesses to online were able to keep their businesses moving along. Paying attention to the multitude of online opportunities that were available to your business during the pandemic will certainly continue long afterward. Continue to embrace them to help strengthen your business as you move into the future.
As the world begins opening back up, keeping informed will be crucial for heading into the future successfully.
Contact Infix
We are here to help you plan, adapt, and proceed into the new normal. Contact us today and let's get back to rebuilding your business together. Ask us about this in your free 30-minute virtual coaching session. Just contact us at 949-484-6349 or fill out our online form.