COVID's Continued Small Business Impact

When Coronavirus first started to appear in America, I don't think many people expected it to last nearly this long. But now as we go into nearly a month of lockdown orders, we are facing a new normal. So as things begin to change, it makes sense to look at the impact of COVID on the small business landscape.

Programs for Small Businesses

We've outlined many of the different programs and grants that small businesses can find to help themselves stay afloat. We condensed them into an article on LinkedIn, but there are many different small business relief groups that could heal some of COVID-19's impact. Make sure that you are looking at every level of business for the different forms of aid you can seek. There are international, national, federal, statewide, and city-specific programs to know. Check with local chambers of commerce and programs to learn more. Also check out private groups that are doing their own programs. Grants, payroll aide, loans, and more are easier to access than ever.

The SBA, webinars, and more

The Small Business Administration is providing its own form of assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. If this applies to you, there will likely be change in the future. The SBA and the Small Business Development Center have worked together to build programming for COVID-affected businesses. Browse their website, because you might find some economic relief and advise through them as well. Lots of sites are offering free resources. Check with places that you can trust in order to make sure you are getting the most reliable information.

Prepare for the Long-Term Impact on Your Small Business from Coronavirus

If what was above is the good news, then I'm sorry to say it's time for the bad news. It's not looking like anything is going to change for small businesses any time soon; this isn't the end of Coronavirus, and the impact on all forms of life are going to be felt for years .

A recession and a change in business practices both have happened. From flexible schedules to changes in staffing and more, you are looking at a new world. lot of businesses are going to have to shut down either temporarily or permanently as a result of the Coronavirus. Make sure that you know what your status is.

A month ago, we were talking about leadership in businesses and about small business expansion. Today it would be silly to think in those terms. That's how fast the world has turned upside down. As a New York business owner myself, I know that things are looking bleak for a number of reasons. But I am not letting fear get the best of me.

The world is changing, but that doesn't mean giving up.