In California, businesses of all sizes are being impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent orders from the state government.
While every business and organization is feeling the effects of the virus pandemic, smaller businesses are often hardest hit by the consequences. But there is help.
In the face of what is an unprecedented response to a virus outbreak and pandemic, scores of agencies and private organizations have come forward with assistance, resources and information for business owners struggling with the changes.
For many businesses, closing or minimizing operations is feasible to a point. For many others, however, in particular the thousands of "brick-and-mortar" businesses that rely on face-to-face transactions to serve customers, the restrictions are crippling.
And this is particularly true in California in the days after the Governor issued a state-wide "stay at home" executive order on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
Resources for Business Owners
Here are a variety of resources compiled to help business owners to be informed and equipped for dealing with the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic.
America’s SBDC - COVID-19 Small Business Resources
On this page, America's SBDC has gathered information and resources to help small businesses plan for and respond to the pandemic.
America’s SBDC is a comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States and its territories. It represents the nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs).
U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Coronavirus Small Business Guide
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has put together a number of resources including this guide with resources and information to help you navigate this challenging time.
In addition to the Guide, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a Corona Virus Response Toolkit that has compiled CDC’s coronavirus recommendations for businesses and workers across the country.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) - Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Along with access to a variety of resources and relevant information, small business owners in California, as well as other designated states, are currently eligible to apply for a low-interest loan due to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Financial Assistance May Be Available
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced that individuals and many small businesses will have until July 15 to pay the income tax they owe up to $1 million.
In addition, some lenders and companies are offering discounted businesses loans and grants. Finder.com has been keeping track of offers from U.S. Bank, Amazon, Facebook and others.
Kabbage also has an online hub to help businesses; the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation set up a relief fund to help workers and owners.
Many business’s banks are offering options including Citi, for example, that announced that it will waive monthly service fees and remote deposit capture, as well as penalties for early CD withdrawal.
Be Informed and Be Safe
Maintaining updated and compliant workforce management and paid sick leave policies will help your company meet its obligations, as well as provide accuracy and timeliness. Understanding the law, automating sick leave tracking and calculations, and prioritizing accurate record keeping will make compliance a sure thing.
Another key step in maintaining HR compliance and increasing your company's cost-effectiveness is to consider outsourcing. A professional agency such as Accuchex can provide much-needed help with Human Resources needs and questions.
Accuchex is a full spectrum Payroll Management Services provider offering expertise in Time Management, Insurance and Retirement issues, as well.
If you are looking for reliable resource for your HR issues, we can help. And you can get your Free Download: California Paid Sick Leave Law to help you make an informed decision, or call Accuchex Payroll Management Services at 877-422-2824.
