Coronavirus Business Resources

• Recursos en español

  ¿Qué debes saber sobre el coronavirus (COVID-19)?
  (La mención: University of Missouri Extension)

  Asistencia de Desastre de la SBA en Respuesta al Coronavirus
  (La mención: SBA)

  La Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) les ofrece a ciertos estados y territorios designados préstamos federales de desastre de bajos intereses para usar como capital de trabajo a los pequeños negocios que sufren daños económicos sustanciales como resultado del Coronavirus (también llamado COVID-19). 

  #ActivoKC
  (Source: Hispanic Chamber)

  Un espacio en español donde podrás enterarte sobre lo que sucede con el COVID-19 en nuestra comunidad. Únete a la conversación.

   

• Business, Entrepreneurship and Industry Impact

  Impact of Coronavirus on Small Business
  (Source: America’s SBDC, Thryv, Inc.)
  Small business advocates Thryv, Inc. and America's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) conducted a survey to gauge COVID-19 impact among small businesses. The study was conducted on March 20 through March 23 among more than 850 small businesses, with a margin of error +/- 3.3 percent.
  

  Coronavirus Regional and Economic Impacts and Policy Responses
  (Source: Heartland Forward)
  Heartland Forward has published some new research on how the heartland is likely to be affected by the immediate and lasting effects from the coronavirus. TL/DR: Our region will, on the whole, likely be less affected than the coasts.That said, there are many pockets within the region that will suffer quite a bit, due to the importance of sectors like parts manufacturing, tourism, financial trading and logistics to local economies.

  Impact of Coronavirus Outbreak on Supply Chain
  (Source: Institute for Supply Management)
  This page is a centralized resource to gather news, resources and upcoming events centered on information you should know and education and research you can access on mitigating the risks impacting the supply chain today.
  

  COVID-19’s Influence on the U.S. Private Equity Market
  (Source: Pitchbook)
  As the coronavirus epidemic reshapes the global economy, it's also shifting the focus in certain areas of the market. For private equity—in many ways a bet on future economic growth—that means first looking to secure current investments before sourcing new deals.

  How VCs & Founders Are Reacting to the Downturn
  The VC & Founder Sentiment Survey is an ongoing initiative to track how early-stage Investors and Founders are reacting to the COVID-19 crisis. The goal is to provide a reference point to the community in the midst of one of the most unpredictable climates we’ve seen.

  KC Chamber COVID19 Presentation (PowerPoint)
  (Source: Dr. Archer, KCMO Health Department) Dr. Archer’s presentation provides context, data, local resources and community strategy suggestions around the coronavirus outbreak. 

  COVID-19 Implications for Business
  (Source: McKinsey & Company, March 25, 2020)
  These briefing notes from March 25, 2020, provides business leaders with a perspective on the evolving situation and implications for their companies. The outbreak is moving quickly, and some of the perspectives in this article may fall rapidly out of date. This article reflects McKinsey’s perspective as of March 9, 2020 and they plan tol update it regularly as the outbreak evolves. McKinsey and Company is a global management consulting firm.

  Coronavirus Impact on Industries & Sectors around the World
  (Source: IBISWorld) This link from IBISWorld provides a collection of fast facts about how the spread of COVID-19 is affecting sectors in Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the UK and the US. 

   

   

• >> For Artists

  Arts Integration Grants
  (Source: Kansas Department of Commerce)
  The Arts Integration Program grants support the role the arts play in all levels of education, community service and workforce development. This program provides funding for educational institutions, arts organizations and community service nonprofits to use the arts to increase student success, foster creative thinking, develop critical job skills and enhance community development.

   

• >> For Main Street Businesses

  • Missouri Department of Health

  National Restaurant Association – Coronavirus Information and Resources
  The National Restaurant Association updates this page regularly with resources specific to restaurants. Have a restaurant? Start there.

  COVID-19 Crisis Main Street Checklist
  (Source: Main Street America)
  As the COVID-19 crisis continues to develop, Main Street America has gathered some quick tips, ideas and inspiration that your Main Street program can implement to keep your community supporting local while social-distancing or isolating.

  KCMO Assistance for Bars/Restaurants
  (City of Kansas City, Missouri)
  Pursuant to City Code 10-340, businesses that have a retail sale by drink license can deliver alcoholic beverages. Pursuant to City Code 10-102, certain licensees can also sell alcoholic beverage in the original package on the licensed premises. For additional information contact Regulated Industries (816) 513-4560.

  Kansas HIRE Fund
  (Kansas Department of Commerce)
  UPDATE: Due to the overwhelming initial response, all initial funds through the HIRE Fund have been allocateD. However, the department is keeping its form open and will continue to collect information from Kansas hospitality businesses on the losses they are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  
  
  

• >> For Manufacturers

  NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers provide services to small- and medium-sized manufacturers such as connecting businesses that are pivoting their production in response to the coronavirus to new supply chains, connecting firms with state resources, advising companies on new operational issues, and providing workforce support.Connect wtih your MEP center:

  • Kansas Manufacturing Solutions
  • Missouri Enterprise

  
  

  WHAT’S NEEDED

  • Missouri Manufacturers Needed: Masks and Gowns

  • St. Louis Manufacturers Needed: Healthcare and Critical Infrastructure

  • Donate to the Face Shield Initiative STL 

  Manufacturing Critical Supplies for COVID-19
  (Source: BioKansas and Kansas Manufacturing Solutions)
  As part of the Life Science Emergency Supply Hub, BioKansas and Kansas Manufacturing Solutions are partnering to assess the capabilities of area manufacturers to produce critical supplies related to the Kansas COVID-19 response. Participate by visiting https://www.biokansas.org/page/covid19manufacturing and clicking on the “share manufacturing capabilities” image.  

  Supply Chain Recovery
  (Source: McKinsey & Company)
  Actions taken now to mitigate impacts on supply chains from coronavirus can also build resilience against future shocks.

   

• >> For Nonprofits

  Coronavirus: Resources for Kansas City Nonprofits
  (Source: Nonprofit Connect)
  Nonprofit Connect has provided a list of considerations and resources for local nonprofits to be prepared.

   

• Business Survival and Disruption Strategies

  Coronavirus: How Big Brands Are Responding
  (Source: Brandchannel)
  Brandchannel has pulled together up-to-date snapshots of how brands are responding to the coronavirus crisis. 

  5 Steps to Increase the Odds Your Business Will Make It Through
  (Source: Dr. Jana, University of South Australia)
  The bad news, not every business will make it through this, but here are steps you can talk to increase the odds that yours will.

  Guide to Conquering a Business Disruption
  (Source: Missouri SBDC)
  Cash management, pricing and cost containment, supply chain management, marketing--dig into this checklist to help your business stay on track.

   

• Crisis Leadership

  4 Behaviors That Help Leaders Manage a Crisis
  (Source: Harvard Business Review)
  Decide with speed over precision, adapt boldly, reliably deliver, engage for impact: these are the four behaviors to lead through a crisis.
  

  Lead Your Business through the Coronavirus Crisis
  (Source: Harvard Business Review)
  There’s preparing for coronavirus and preparing to do business during the coronavirus. This article is a great and fast read on how to prepare your team and think through your communication and processes. We especially like no. 7 and no. 10. As a leader, communicating through this uncertainty with clarity and confidence is key. 

  5 (Practical) Cs for Leading in a Crisis/Downturn
  (Source: Verne Harnish of Scaling Up)
  Panic is contagious, but so is leadership. This one-pager from Verne Harnish details the 5 Cs of leadership in a crisis/downturn. Tip one: communicate daily, maybe even twice per day. 

   

• Customer Communications

  Step one: make sure you are. Communicate your office hours and have those may have changed, and let folks know the precautions you’re taking--and that you expect them to take--to protect themselves and your employees. 

  Update Your “Google My Business”
  (Source: Google)
  Update: In light of the current COVID situation, Google says that it is sending support staff home. As a result, there will be some limitations and delays in support for Google My Business.

  Let your customers/clients know your business hours, make sure your phone number is correct and post a bit about your business and how you’re helping folks navigate the outbreak. And if you aren’t fully repped online, now is the definitely the time. 

  • If your hours of operation have changed, edit your Business Profile on Google.

  • Use Posts to communicate information directly on your Business Profile on Google, like special offers or inventory updates.

  • Consider setting an email auto-reply with answers to frequently asked questions.

  More Resources from Google
  (Source: Google)
  Here are more tips and recommendations from Google to help you navigate this for your employees and customers.

  Coronavirus Response Toolkit
  (Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
  Find sharable graphics based on the CDC’s latest guidance for businesses and employees. We encourage you to share these assets on social media, websites, and other channels, and send them to your colleagues and employees. 

  Communicating through the Coronavirus Crisis
  (Harvard Business Review)
  HBR has created a step-by-step guide through crisis communications. 

  Responding To Coronavirus: A Playbook For Marketing And Communications
  (Source: Forrester)
  What role should marketing and communications leaders play in the development of a response? What are the most critical actions to take now? Here’s the playbook.

   

   

• >> Templates and Shareables

  “What We’re Doing to Keep You Safe” Poster
  (Source: CDC and Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce)
  Created by Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, this poster is an example of how you can communicate with your customers. Feel free to adapt it and use it forward. 

  Customizable Workplace Flyer
  (Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
  Open this file in the latest version of Chrome or Edge browser, or Adobe software, to customize.

  Coronavirus Response Toolkit
  (Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
  Find shareable graphics based on the CDC’s latest guidance for businesses and employees. We encourage you to share these assets on social media, websites, and other channels, and send them to your colleagues and employees. 

  Facebook for Business Tips and Resources
  (Source: Facebook)
  Facebook is taking its own preventative measures to safeguard information around the coronavirus and provides tips on  how your business can best stay in touch with your customers, keep them connected and prepare a customer service plan..  
  

• Emergency, Disaster and Continuity Plans

  Getting ahead of the Next Stage of the Coronavirus Crisis
  (Source: McKinsey & Company)
  First the virus, now the economic fallout—you need to launch your plan-ahead team. Direct that team to work across multiple time horizons, using five frames.

  Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Financial Forms
  (Source: Federal Bank of Kansas City)
  Take the first steps in preparing for a disaster by completing your personal or small business financial form. 

  Ready Rating
  (Source: American Red Cross)
  Use the American Red Cross’s Read Rating to see where you can improve your safety and disaster readiness.

  Emergency Planning Exercises
  (Source: FEMA)
  Make your plan. As a business, bring your staff together and prepare a plan for what you will do if the incident worsens or improves. It’s also helpful to conduct a tabletop exercise to simulate potential scenarios and how your business management and staff might respond to the hypothetical scenario. 

  Planning for a Coronavirus Pandemic - City of KCMO
  (Source: Public Health, City of Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department)
  Though global by definition, pandemics have local impacts. Pandemics can cause absenteeism, alter patterns of business and travel, interrupt supply chains, and affect the daily operations of your business. You can  minimize the impact to your organization by creating a plan that clearly outlines roles, responsibilities, and policies

  Business Continuity Plan
  (Source: Ready.gov)
  When business is disrupted, it can cost money. Lost revenues plus extra expenses means reduced profits. Insurance does not cover all costs and cannot replace customers that defect to the competition. A business continuity plan to continue business is essential. 

  How to Develop a Business Continuity Plan
  (Source: KCBJ and Sean Wright of Affinity Technology Partners)
  For businesses that want to respond appropriately to protect both employees and customers from risk of infection, a large component of that planning should involve a business continuity plan that empowers workers to utilize technology in a secure manner to remain productive when working away from the office. This article provides a few key items to consider as you establish your business continuity plan.

   

• Employee Communications

  Use Google to Communicate with Your Employees
  (Source: Google)
  These Google links can help you manage your employee communications:

  • Store contact information for your employees, vendors and clients online so it’s accessible from any device.
  • Make a business continuity plan, and share it with employees via an email address they can access outside of the office.

   

• Employee Paid Leave

  The Families First Coronavirus Response Act 
  The new law contains two main provisions, the emergency paid sick leave act and the emergency family medical leave act. Each apply to any employer with fewer than 500 employees. 

  • Fact Sheet for Employers

  • Fact Sheet for Employees

  • Questions and Answers Document

  Generally, the law provides:

  • Up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave, paid at two-thirds their regular rate, if the employee has to take care of a child whose school or daycare is closed.

  • If the employee contracts COVID-19 or is experiencing symptoms associated with the disease, she or he will qualify for 80 hours of emergency sick leave paid at 100% of their normal rate. 

  • After the two weeks, they qualify for another 10 weeks of paid leave at two-thirds their normal rate.

  Exemptions from FFCRA Paid Leave Law
  (Source: HR Dive)

  HR Dive outlines exemptions to the FFCRA Paid Leave Law for employers and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees as well as criteria around DOL’s temporary non-enforcement of the FFCRA (until April 17) for employers who act "reasonably" and "in good faith."

  COVID-19 and Family and Medical Leave Act: Q&A
  (Source: U.S. Department of Labor)

  If you or your employees are out with the flu or are caring for ill family members, check with the Department of Labor (DOL) for information on whether such leave is covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under the FMLA, covered employers must provide employees job-protected, unpaid leave for specified family and medical reasons, which may include the flu where complications arise.  Employees on FMLA leave are entitled to the continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms as existed before they took FMLA leave.

  Paid Leave for Workers and Tax Credits for Small Business
  (Source: IRS)

  Small and midsize employers can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave to their employees.

   

• Employee Policies and Workforce Concerns

  Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
  (Source: CDC)
  Plan, prepare and respond to coronavirus (COVID-19) with this guide on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and includes recommended strategies for sick employees, environmental cleaning, travel and general communications. The CDC has indicated that it will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. 

  Fair Labor Standards Act FAQs
  (Source: U.S. Department of Labor)
  Have questions around volunteers, wages, employees under government-imposed quarantine, telework (and if you can require it)? Here are Q&As around fair labor standards during a pandemic.

  Options for Employers When Employees Cannot Work from Home
  (Source: Polsinelli)
  Despite many politicians and employers discussing the option for employees to work at home, there are millions of employees who simply cannot do that. This is where a work furlough comes into play. 

   

• Employment, Unemployment and Alternatives (for Employers)

  Looking for Employees?

  If you’re an industry that needs to ramp up your workforce, consider listing your opportunities with these local hiring sites. 

  • TeamKC

  • Missouri One Start

  Employee Transition Team
  (Source: Missouri Office of Workforce Development)

  Managing staffing reductions and layoffs can be a grueling experience. The Employment Transition Team (ETT) is available at no cost to businesses and affected workers to help:

  • Conduct employee assistance meetings

  • Provide Trade Act and other training program information

  • Present Unemployment Insurance information

  • Connect employees with current job openings

  • Assist with employer layoff obligations

  
  

  COVID-19 FAQs for Businesses and Workers
  (Source: Missouri Department of Labor)

  Unemployment, workers compensation and discrimination—here’s the go-to for workforce issues and concerns during the coronavirus outbreak. 

  Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification
  (Source: Missouri Office of Workforce Development)

  This resource provides protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide a 60-calendar day notice in advance of covered plant closings and mass layoffs

  Shared Work Programs
  Shared Work programs allow employers to divide the available work among a specified group of affected employees instead of laying off workers. These employees receive a portion of their unemployment benefits while working reduced hours. 

  • Shared Work in Kansas 

  • Shared Work in Missouri

  Unemployment Mass Claim
  (Source: Missouri Department of Labor)

  • If your company will be forced to lay off employees, the Kansas and Missouri Departments of Labor has a link to information on how companies can file applications for unemployment benefits on behalf of employees whose jobs are affected by COVID-19.Kansas Unemployment Mass Claim

  • Missouri Unemployment Mass Claim

  Missouri also has instructions on how to file paperwork for the mass layoff of employees and a and spreadsheet template for information about affected employees. If the employer reports a recall date for temporary layoffs, employees can receive a waiver from the requirement to search for work.

• How to Help: Entrepreneur and Corporate Give Aid

  WHAT’S NEEDED

  • Manufacturers Missouri Manufacturers Needed: Masks and Gowns

  • St. Louis Manufacturers Needed: Healthcare and Critical Infrastructure

  INTAKE FORM: Manufacturing and Supplying PPE for Missouri's Health Care Providers
  (Source: Missouri Department of Economic Development)
  The state is reviewing offers from more than 200 PPE suppliers and manufacturers, and is still accepting new offers for assistance. Face shields, surgical gowns, and gloves are the highest need areas. 

  Manufacturing Critical Supplies for COVID-19
  As part of the Life Science Emergency Supply Hub, BioKansas and Kansas Manufacturing Solutions are partnering to assess the capabilities of area manufacturers to produce critical supplies related to the Kansas COVID-19 response. Participate by visiting https://www.biokansas.org/page/covid19manufacturing and clicking on the “share manufacturing capabilities” image.  

  KC COVID-19 Help Site: Get Help, Give Help
  There are many people especially in the disadvantage area who don't have some of the basic necessities. Shekhar Gupta developed a website to anonymously match seekers with donors.

  How to Help: FEMA Offers Ways for Private Sector to Help Fight COVID-19
  (Source: FEMA)
  The outpouring of support from the private sector to provide medical supplies and equipment has been tremendous. To help match the many offers of assistance to the right place, at the right time, and in the right quantity, FEMA offers ways to sell, donate and volunteer.

   

  WHAT’S HAPPENING

  Corporate Aid Tracker
  (Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
  The business community is mobilizing its expertise, capabilities, and community resources to assist with the relief and containment efforts. View (or submit your information to) the U.S. Chamber’s corporate aid tracker for details on how businesses of all sizes and sectors are stepping up to combat the coronavirus. Corporate donations, both cash and in-kind, to support medical professionals and nonprofits currently exceed $418 million.
  
  

  HOW COMMUNITIES CAN HELP COMMUNITY FUND

  Set Up a Community Fund
  Here’s how the Community Foundation of the Ozarks set up its COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

  How Local Leaders Can Help
  (Source: Brookings)
  This brief guides community leaders through the economic and policy uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 small business crisis by offering insights in three areas:

  • What is the scale of the problem, by estimating the number of businesses that are at risk of closure in the immediate and near term, both nationwide and in counties, metro areas, and states.

  • What is the scale of the federal relief, by reviewing the small business provisions embedded in the CARES Act.

  • What local policymakers should do now, by outlining how small business support providers can provide awareness, technical assistance, and immediate liquidity for small businesses.

   

• Health and Environmental Safety

  The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to it. The CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask: CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

  • It is still flu season; get a flu shot if you haven't already.

  Guidance for Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  (Source: U.S. Chamber)
  This document shares CDC tips for preventing the spread of the coronavirus at work as well as insights into policies that should be implemented if employees get sick.

  Steps to Reduce Workers Risk of Exposure
  (Source: OSHA)
  This webpage provides information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus outbreak. The information includes links to interim guidance and other resources for preventing exposures to, and infection with, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including medical information, standards, control and prevention and hazard recognition.

  Some quick jumps:

  • Most U.S. workers remain at low risk of exposure

  • How does COVID-19 spread?

  • Workers who may have exposure risk

  • Identifying potential sources of exposure

  
  

  How to Conduct a Risk Assessment of Potential Exposure
  (Source: CDC)
  Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.

  Workplace Tips for Employers
  (Source: U.S. Chamber)
  At the link, you’ll find general workplace health and safety information from CDC in an easy-to-distribute handout. 

  Environmental Cleaning and Disinfecting Recommendations
  (Source: CDC)
  Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in community settings.

  List of Disinfectants for Use against Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  (Source: EPA)
  This list includes products that meet EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes the disease COVID-19.

   

   

• >> Kansas City Regional Resources

  Here are few quick links to the response to COVID-19 in the Kansas City metro area. 

  • City of Kansas City, Missouri

  • Clay County, Missouri

  • Jackson County, Missouri

  • Johnson County, Kansas 

  • Wyandotte County, Kansas

  Kansas City COVID-10 Community Resources

  The Beacon hosts a page that provides community resources beyond business. 

   

• Legal Issues

  Polsinelli COVID-19 Blog
  Bookmark this one. The Kansas City legal firm Polsinelli has launched its COVID Response Team and the new COVID-19: What Your Business Needs to Know blog. Polsinelli’s cross-disciplinary COVID-19 attorney team draws on the expertise of more than 15 practice groups and provides practical guidance and counsel on the full array of industries and legal complexities. 

  Current topics include:

  • CMS Waivers 

  • Commercial Contracts

  • IRS Guidance for HDHP

  • as well as supply chain logistics, FDA-regulated industry, employer guidance and more

  Kutak Rock Legal Portal
  Kutak Rock developed three different legal resource portals, each focused on providing news, analysis and guidance on a wide variety of legal topics. Check back frequently as publications evolve with the release of information.

  • COVID-19 Legal Resource Portal: General legal guidance for businesses

  • CARES Act: Specialized legal guidance for businesses

  • COVID-19 “Ticker” Blog: Pandemic news in a legal context
    

  
  Force Majeure and the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  (Source: Stinson)
  Generally speaking, entities that enter into contracts are bound to perform them. However, as matters evolve, the impacts of natural and man-made problems arising from the coronavirus (COVID-19) are being felt by customers, their contractors and suppliers. Who bears the costs of such impacts and are there possible defenses or routes to recovery of costs? Force majeure provisions may prove to be a sword and a shield for addressing such impacts.

   

  Coronavirus: Preparing Your Business for Impact 
  (Source: Lockton)
  The experts at Lockton address property or business interruptions, employee rights and benefits and employee health and welfare.

  Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
  (Source: OSHA)
  This guide walks through how COVI-19 could affect workplaces, how to classify worker exposure and how to protect workers.OSHA wants you to know that these recommendations are advisory in nature, informational in content and are intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. 

  Workplace Issues and COVID-19
  (Source: Husch and Blackwell)
  Let’s dig deeper. Husch and Blackwell offers answers you won’t find in OSHA’s guide (above). There are some tough balancing acts between limiting spread of the virus on the one hand and protecting worker privacy and respecting various employment laws on the other. 

  Coronavirus and the Workplace: Compliance Issues for Employers
  (Source: Maria Dennison, SHRM-SCP and Regional Director of Seward County Community College’s Kansas SBDC)
  First things first: as an employer you have to provide a safe and healthy work environment and that comes with some legal requirements—and some key questions around wages, leave requirements, ADA and OSHA. 

   

   

• Online Business / Ecommerce

  MARKETING
  
  Update Your “Google My Business”
  (Source: Google)
  UPDATE: In light of the current COVID situation, Google says that it is sending support staff home. As a result, there will be some limitations and delays in support for Google My Business.

  Let your customers/clients know your business hours, make sure your phone number is correct and post a bit about your business and how you’re helping folks navigate the outbreak. And if you aren’t fully repped online, now is definitely the time. 

  COVID-19: Ad credits for Google Ads Small and Medium-sized Businesses
  (Source: Google)
  Google is giving SMBs worldwide $340 million in ad credits, which can be used at any point until the end of 2020 across Google Ads platforms. SMBs who have been active advertisers since the beginning of 2019 will see a credit notification appear in their Google Ads account in the coming months. Here’s more on how Google is supporting small business during the COVID-19 crisis. 
  

  Marketing to Quarantined Crowds
  (Source: America’s SBDC Alabama)
  How do we market to our customers when we are also trying to adhere to social distancing restrictions? Before you begin marketing to your customers - it is imperative to let them know what you’re doing to support their health, safety, and well-being.

  BROADBAND

  Helpful Tips to Improve Your Internet
  (Source: Connected Nation)
  These tips provide quick explanations about how things work, why they sometimes don’t and how to fix them. They will hopefully get you back onto the information superhighway in a flash.

  Broadband: Missouri Providers
  (Source: Department of Health and Senior Services)
  Broadband access is more important than ever as Missourians have been instructed to stay home from work and school as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the quarantine, several broadband providers are temporarily offering free internet service, waiving disconnect and late fees, providing access to wi-fi hot spots and other measures to help people at home access the services they need. Click that link to find examples of how Missouri providers are ensuring continuity of service to our communities during this time of need.

  FCC’s Keep Americans Connected
  FCC Chairman Ajit Pai launched the Keep Americans Connected Initiative, in order to ensure that Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity as a result of these exceptional circumstances. The pledge entails for the next 60 days:

  1. Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic;

  2. Waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic; and

  3. Open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

  FCC Lifeline Rules Waived 
  The FCC announced changes to waive Lifeline program rules to assist program participants potentially affected by the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic and aid community efforts to slow its spread. The Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualifying customers.

  Free & Low-Cost Internet Plans 
  The National Digital Inclusion Association (NDIA) list of current offers from major ISPs that will help low-income household to acquire service at no cost, or at very affordable prices. Most have eligibility limitations linked to income or program enrollment. The list also included established, nationally available low-cost plans offered by nonprofit organizations.

   

• Remote Work and Workplace Policies

  Google’s Remote Work Resources 
  (Source: Google)
  

  • Prepare to effectively work from home with these tools and resources from Grow with Google.
  • Collaborate using a shared document, a quick conference call, or by creating an email list or a chat room.
  • Access important documents from anywhere by uploading them to the Cloud through a product like Google Drive or downloading to your mobile phone or computer for offline access.

  3 Tips to Avoid WFH Burnout
  (Source: Harvard Business Review)
  Millions around the globe have made a sudden transition to remote work amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Not surprisingly, this has some employers concerned about maintaining employee productivity. But what they really should be concerned about in this unprecedented situation is a longer-term risk: employee burnout.

  Security Tips for Remote Workers
  (Source: National Cyber Security Alliance)
  As more employees work from home, basic security measures need to be taken to protect the individual and enterprise from cyber criminals who are taking advantage of lax telework security practices. Check out NCSA’s tips for staying safe online when working remotely.

  The Remote Company Checklist: Strategies for Effective Remote Team Management
  (Source: bitovi and our network’s own Jennifer Wadella!)
  Workers can only be as successful as their environment allows. Use this checklist to set up your business and your processes for remote work.

  Remote Work Policy Template 
  (Source: Overland Park Chamber of Commerce)
  Even better than tips? A template. Your employees are likely headed home to work. Use this template to help inform your plan. 

  The Necessities of Policies, SOPs and Job Descriptions
  (Source: Employment Law Handbook)
  Operating a business without policies, SOPs, and job descriptions is like attempting to play a new board game without reading the rule book first, leading to confusion, conflict, and blame. 

  KCBJ Series: Working from Home
  (Source: Kansas City Business Journal)
  KCBJ has published several articles on how overcome the challenges of working from home for both employers and employees:

  • More companies are encouraging (or even requiring) people to work from home. That could cause unexpected problems. Read more here.
  • Be mindful of technology, legal and cybersecurity issues when it comes to having your staff work from home. Read more here.
  • Both employers and employees have a difficult balancing act ahead: working remotely while also caring for children who are home from school. Read more here.
  • Staff engagement and performance measurement can become more challenging at times of increased remote work. Read more here.
  • Here's how industries that can't telework are confronting coronavirus. Read more here.

  Cheat Sheet for Remote Work
  (Source: Sujan Patel)
  To help you navigate this new transition, Patel  pulled together a few of favorite resources and best tips as part of a “cheat sheet” for remote work.

  Best Tips for Working from Home Effectively
  (Source: Tech.co)
  The coronavirus outbreak has many businesses urgently considering their work-from-home policies. If you're soon likely to be logging on from your living room, there are some best practices for working from home that will keep your tasks efficient and your business secure.

• Risk Management + Business Insurance

  Aon offers a wealth of info around risk management on itsCOVID-19 response site around business continuity and supply chain; employee health, benefits and duty care; communications and insurance and alternative risk; reinsurance; and industry-specific impacts. All are super informative. Here’s a sampling of risk management strategies, especially for business owners.

  • Managing and Mitigating Business Risk, COVID-19 

  • Property and Coronavirus (COVID-19):  Is My Business Covered?

  • Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in U.S. Casualty Claim 

  • The Coronavirus – D&O, EPL, and Wage & Hour Insurance

  • Is Disinfection Coverage Available for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Under  Environmental Insurance Policies?

  The Coronavirus Economic Impact: Will Business Interruption Insurance Help (& What Are My Other Options)?
  (Source: SCORE)
  An add-on insurance called business interruption may help—but this is the exception, not the rule.

  Stay Safe Online
  (Source: National Cyber Security Alliance)
  To help individuals and organizations find resources they can use and share, NCSA has launched the COVID-19 Security Resource Library. This library features free and updated information on current scams, cyber threats, remote working, disaster relief, and more.

  Scams and Fraud Alerts
  (Source: SBA)
  The CARES Act, the largest financial assistance bill to date, includes provisions to help small businesses. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times. Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing.

   

  
  

   

• Self-Care and Stress Management

  How Can Entrepreneurs Take Care of Their Mental Health During the Coronavirus?
  (Source: SCORE)
  COVID-19 is dramatically shifting the routines of small business owners. What’s happens to our health, physical and mental, during this unprecedented crisis? Read more

  Stress and Coping
  (Source: CDC)
  Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

   

• Shop Local Safely

  Shop Local Pages

  • Curbside KC
  • North Kansas City
  • Strawberry Swing’s online Maker’s Marketplace

  Shop local online. Support local ecommerce by buying local online. Get a gift certificate from your favorite restaurants, entertainment, shops, etc.,to use later and help local businesses’ cash flow now. And hey, nobody said you can shop for the holidays right now: get a jump start on your holiday gifts. Check out our KC-based ecommerce businesses. 

  Join a Kansas CIty- Area CSA. The Kansas City area has a large network of CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) networks, which typically offer seasonal subscriptions from a farm, food provider or partnerships composed of several small providers. Here’s a guide to CSAs that operate within a 125-mile radius of Kansas City.
  

  Gift Card Challenge!
  (South KC Chamber)
  While we can't get out right now and support our businesses in person, we can buy a gift card to provide restaurants or shops with some immediate cash flow to weather crisis. Buy a gift card and then challenge your friends to do the same. 

  Offer Gift Certificates
  (Source: Kabbage)
  Kabbage launched an online hub to help boost sales for U.S small businesses impacted by COVID-19, including a system through which businesses can sell gift cards to consumers for use at a later date.

  List Your Gift Certificates
  (Offered by PopBookings)
  PopBookings is putting together a program of COVID-19 gift card assistance for local small businesses. To make the biggest impact, it needs more businesses to be listed! It is 100% free for businesses to list a gift card on the marketplace. Local Businesses can submit their listing info for free here: https://www.popbookings.com/gift-card-listing/

  How to support our local food and drink industry through COVID-19
  (Source: The PItch KC)

  Social Graphics
  (Source: Main Street America)
  Main Street America has created a set of social graphics highlighting ways your local community can continue to engage and support your Main Street businesses. Please download Instagram - single image or slide show, Facebook, and Twitter graphics and share widely on your social accounts to spread the word on how to continue supporting local! Please use #SupportLocalSafely when posting.

   

• Tax Relief

  Two new refundable payroll tax credits help reimburse small and midsize businesses, dollar for dollar, for the cost of providing coronavirus-related leave. 

  • Deferral of Employer-side FICA Payroll Taxes - can defer the employer portion of FICA taxes through the end of 2020, with all 2020 deferred amounts due in two equal installments, one at the end of 2021, the other at the end of 2022. 

  • Employee Retention Tax Credit - adds a tax credit for employers to encourage businesses to keep workers on payroll during the crisis. 

  • Filing and Payment Deadlines: Q&A 

  STATE

  Tracking State Legislate Responses to COVID-19
  (Source: Tax Foundation)
  The Tax Foundation provides information on state legislatures’ schedules, adjustments and status of the state’s budget, and the state’s rainy day fund (RDF) balance as a percentage of the prior year’s general fund budget.
  

  Kansas Tax Relief
  The filing and payment date for state income taxes and privilege tax is extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. This does not apply to estimated tax payments due April 15, 2020. See Executive Order No. 20-13.

  Missouri Extends Tax Filing Deadline to July 15, 2020
  (Source: Missouri Department of Revenue)
  The filing deadline for tax returns has been extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. Mirroring the federal guidance issued by the IRS, the Missouri Department of Revenue announced that it will provide special tax filing and payment relief to individuals and corporations in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

  FEDERAL
  

  Tax Credits through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
  (Source: BKD CPAs and Advisors)
  BKD walks you through the details, but here’s the high level information: 

  • Payroll Credits for Required Paid Sick & Family Leave: The paid sick time payroll tax credit can be claimed on a quarterly basis, equal to 100% of the amount of sick leave wages paid. The credit is refundable if it exceeds the amount the employer owes in payroll tax.

  • Credits for Sick & Family Leave for Certain Self-Employed Individuals: Self-employed workers, including independent contractors and gig economy workers, also can claim a credit against their regular income taxes related to sick or family leave.

  Forgivable Paycheck Loan or Tax Credit: You Can’t Claim Both, Which Is Better?
  (Source: Forbes)
  You cannot get both a small business loan under the PPP and also claim a tax credit, so some comparison is needed.SBA lenders have details, though there has been controversy and hiccups in rolling out the program.

  IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief Center
  (Source: IRS)
  The filing deadline for tax returns has been extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service are providing special tax filing and payment relief to individuals and businesses in response to the COVID-19 Outbreak.

  Filing and Payment Deadline Questions and Answers
  (Source: IRS) 
  These Q&As address the federal filing and payment extension to July 15 due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. These Q&As currently include information on the additional extension to Oct. 15, first quarter estimated tax payments, IRAs and HSAs.

   

• General FAQ

  Because the situation is rapidly evolving and recommendations from the CDC and the U.S. Department of State change daily, members of the University community are encouraged to monitor the CDC and U.S. Department of State websites for the most up to date information.

  • Kansas Department of Health

  • Missouri Department of Health

  • World Health Organization: Rolling Updates on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

  • World Health Organization: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Travel Advice

  • United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel

  • United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs - Current Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019

  • United States Travel Association: Emergency Preparedness and Response - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• Business Consulting

  Missouri SBDC is offering one-on-one confidential consulting for businesses.They're available to assist you by email, phone, or videoconferencing. Their consulting services include but are not limited to the following:

  • Up-to-date COVID-19 SBA disaster information for small businesses

  • Cash flow analysis

  • Local, state, and federal resource information

  • Long-term strategic planning

  • Executive coaching from certified coaches to help during these stressful times

  
  

  To request services, please see the information below:

  1. Go to the Missouri Business Development Network sign up page.    

  2. Enter your first and last name as well as an email address.

  3. Complete the questions and check the boxes as best you can.

  4. Put your full name in the signature box at the bottom.

  5. Hit “Submit” to send your request to the database registry.