How to Help Your Small Business Navigate a Pandemic

It’s safe to say that the coronavirus pandemic took a lot of small business owners off guard. Ever since states and local governments issued shelter-in-place orders, small businesses across the U.S. have been struggling to keep things moving forward. Now that many states are beginning to reopen, businesses finally have a chance to get back on their feet! Here are some resources to help you rebuild your business and come back stronger than ever. 

Take Care of Your Finances

Managing your finances properly during this crisis could save your business from bankruptcy.  

• Keep yourself informed about local grant programs for small businesses.
• Contact the Small Business Administration (SBA) if you need a loan.
• Look for industry-specific funding programs.
• Create an emergency budget and temporarily cut costs until you can reopen.
• If you’re making store improvements, save money by purchasing inexpensive carpeting.

Adjust Your Business Operations

Think of ways you can adjust your business to the new normal where most of your customers are shopping from home. 

• Expand your business model to offer online shopping to customers.
• Consider hiring a freelance Adobe Illustrator designer to update your digital marketing content.
• Take a look at your industry and try to find an unmet need that your business can fill.
• Give your employees the option to work from home.

Create a Reopening Plan

Reopening your business without a plan is a recipe for disaster. Create a list of everything you need to do to ensure a smooth start when the lockdown lifts.

• Make sure you understand the legalities of rehiring employees.
• Create a coronavirus cleaning policy to keep your staff and customers safe.
• Consider rearranging your workplace to allow for social distancing.
• Offer curbside pickup so your customers can still shop even if they don’t feel safe entering your store.

In the span of a couple months, the coronavirus pandemic has completely changed how businesses operate. And no one knows when things will go back to normal. Take advantage of the resources available to help keep your business going as you learn to navigate these changes. When you get through this, you’ll be ready for anything!