Continue Combatting COVID-19
1. Protect yourself and your employees
- Follow CDC Guidelines closely. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol. Sanitize your business and your home regularly.
- If possible, work from home and allow employees to do the same. Alpha Technologies, Inc. has initiated a public/private partnership with the State of West Virginia and the business community to provide secure server and connectivity to any business that needs it at no cost for 90 days. Click here for more information on the Work Remote Connection Initiative.
2. Protect your business
- Talk to your banker as soon as possible to plan short-term financing options if you are worried about your business finances during a potential downturn.
- Look into delivery or pickup opportunities for your customers, especially if you have a restaurant. If your dining space is shut down, consider using wait staff to make deliveries and attend to curbside pick-up orders.
- Develop a plan for employees to continue working on other projects and business-related duties in the event that your business is closed due to the pandemic. This will reduce the risk of losing employees to other businesses as they look for work. Refer to the previously mentioned Work Remote Connection Initiative for assistance with remote work opportunities.
3. Communicate with your customers
- Reassure your customers that you are taking necessary steps to protect their health. Post on your social media pages regularly and/or send out emails to customers in order to stay in contact with them. Include relevant updates and ways they can continue supporting your business through this time.
- Use phone conversations and video conferencing to meet with customers when possible.
COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused uncertainty for all West Virginians, especially business owners. The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) is prepared to strategize with entrepreneurs and develop individualized plans to help your business through this difficult time.
COVID-19's Effect on WV's Small Businesses
To combat the spread of the virus, WV Governor Jim Justice issued a Stay at Home order on Monday, March 23, directing all WV residents to stay at home and limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs. This includes the closure of all non-essential businesses and workplaces. Please review the list of essential businesses in order to determine whether or not you should close your business. The complete Stay at Home Order can be found here.
Despite these concerns and uncertainties, there are ways your business can remain proactive.
Help is Available
The WV SBDC network is located throughout the state and can speak with you through phone or web conferencing. Our business coaches are available to assist with your questions and guide you in the best possible direction.
We offer confidential, no-cost technical assistance to help create a strategy specific for your business needs. Click here to find the Small Business Development Center and business coach nearest you.
Additional COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses
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West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Coronavirus Disease Webpage
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the most up-to-date information on COVID-19. This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). For updates from CDC, please see the following:
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U.S. Small Business Administration Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
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Americas SBDC Coronavirus Information and Resources for Small Business
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The President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America - 30 Days to Slow the Spread
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SBA Small Business Resource Publication Guide for West Virginia
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United Way's WV211.org. A resource for health, human and disaster related services.
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Additional COVID19 business resources from the West Virginia Development Office.
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Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application and Instructions
Continue Combatting COVID-19
1. Protect yourself and your employees
- Follow CDC Guidelines closely. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol. Sanitize your business and your home regularly.
- If possible, work from home and allow employees to do the same. Alpha Technologies, Inc. has initiated a public/private partnership with the State of West Virginia and the business community to provide secure server and connectivity to any business that needs it at no cost for 90 days. Click here for more information on the Work Remote Connection Initiative.
2. Protect your business
- Talk to your banker as soon as possible to plan short-term financing options if you are worried about your business finances during a potential downturn.
- Look into delivery or pickup opportunities for your customers, especially if you have a restaurant. If your dining space is shut down, consider using wait staff to make deliveries and attend to curbside pick-up orders.
- Develop a plan for employees to continue working on other projects and business-related duties in the event that your business is closed due to the pandemic. This will reduce the risk of losing employees to other businesses as they look for work. Refer to the previously mentioned Work Remote Connection Initiative for assistance with remote work opportunities.
3. Communicate with your customers
- Reassure your customers that you are taking necessary steps to protect their health. Post on your social media pages regularly and/or send out emails to customers in order to stay in contact with them. Include relevant updates and ways they can continue supporting your business through this time.
- Use phone conversations and video conferencing to meet with customers when possible.
