Odds are high that even if you contract Covid 19, you will survive. But, what about your business?

The coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic has surprised everyone, and most of us are facing one shock wave after another. Last week, we were told to keep in-person meetings to small numbers. This week, we’re practicing ‘social distancing’ and upending our daily routines.

Schools are closing. Universities are moving to online learning. Bars, restaurants, and theaters are being told to limit their service hours—or shut their doors entirely—to maintain community safety and security.

It’s not all doom and gloom, however. Underneath the understandable concern – and even panic, there is a feeling of community outreach. Together,  we are working to slow the impact of this virus and take back our towns, states, and country. Our individual efforts are making a collective difference, and our leaders are stepping up to promote change and curtail economic damage. 

We are all hearing about personal self-care: wash your hands, don’t touch your face, stay home if you are ill, stay out of large crowds, engage in social distancing. But what about business-care? 

Our Minnesota Governor announced relaxed rules for unemployment eligibility, following a nationwide trend that the federal government has also adopted. The Small Business Administration has launched a lending program. Other support programs are in the works. 

As a small business owner, what does this mean for you?  

You probably have a TON of other questions swirling around in your overwhelmed mind. You’re facing a boatload of financial and legal issues confronting your business during this uncharted and unsteady time. How should you handle your office lease? What about your vendor and supply contracts? How should you treat contractors versus employees? Can you claim unemployment benefits for yourself?

UPDATES + RESOURCES

Federal Resources

• SBA Coronavirus Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
• The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act (comprehensive resource; scroll to bottom for PDF)
• Requirements for Payroll Protection Program:
• Interim Guidance on Preparing Workplace for Covid-19 (includes how to reduce workplace exposure, advising employees on exposure, and how to handle employees who are infected)
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act (coronavirus paid leave and tax credits for small businesses)
• Workplace poster for Families First Coronavirus Response Act (in English)  (and in Spanish)

Federal Resources for Food Companies

•   Food Business – FDA
• Trouble with Food Transportation – FEMA

Minnesota State Resources

• State Department of Economic Development

Business Resources  (tell  them  I  sent  you)

• CPA: Chris Clausen – 952.758.1040
• Banking: Bremer Bank, Perla Kruse – Vice President, Business Development – email, 651.312.3524
• Make your website accessible with Accessly

General Information  

• Comprehensive guide from my alma mater, Faegre Drinker; addresses business and legal impacts by sector, i.e., Food and Agribusiness, Health Care, Franchise and Small Business, Litigation, Cross Border Supply Chains, etc.
• Article – WSJ: What Can my Boss Make Me Do?
• Restaurant Safety Guidelines

I’d be honored to help.

• Work with me – a one-hour business care clarity and strategy session special rate of $250 (normally $500+)