Business Resources for COVID-19
Before we jump into business resources for COVID-19, let’s start with how we got here. The coronavirus pandemic – or COVID-19 – is affecting our daily lives in many ways. We’re experiencing unprecedented “social distancing” mandates issued by governments, businesses, and religious organizations around the world.
Things are changing fast – by the day and by the hour – during the COVID-19 outbreak. Many businesses have shifted to remote work and a few areas around the US are mandating people to “shelter in place”, which means many of us are at home.
Our goal at Mobile Tech RX has always been to help auto recon businesses grow and thrive. We know that the coronavirus pandemic can pose new and specific challenges to your business if it hasn’t already. We want to provide you with the best resources and information about adapting, surviving, and thriving during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Check out our roundup of business resources for COVID-19 below. We’ll do our best to keep it updated over the following weeks. If we are missing an important resource, please contact us and we will be happy to add it.
Staying Informed during COVID-19
The Center for Disease Control has lots of helpful information including common symptoms of the coronavirus, what you should do if you feel sick, how to prevent the coronavirus, and maps that show the outbreak by state.
The WHO has been issuing daily situation reports on the global scale about the pandemic, offering data on confirmed cases broken down by country, showing a sense of the spread.
U.S. Department of Labor Coronavirus Resources
The DOL has guidelines for workplace safety and information about what protections workers and employers have under the Family and Medical Leave Act and Fair Labor Standards Act.
Staying Updated on Your Local COVID-19 Situation
Following local news is the best way to stay informed about your local COVID-19 situation during this time. At this point, most quarantine and shelter in place orders and public gathering limits are being made at the city and state level.
Monitor your local news or find your state and local health department websites to stay updated on the COVID-19 situation in your area.
In some areas, local officials are calling businesses to close unless they are providing essential services. Many counties and states have included auto repair services in their list of essential services that can remain open, including Nevada and the Bay Area. Some states are only allowing companies to remain open if they are “life sustaining”, like in Pennsylvania. These can change by the day, so it’s important to stay up-to-date as a business owner.
Small Business Resources for COVID-19
The US Chamber of Commerce and the US Small Business Administration both have great COVID-19 resources and guidance specifically for small business owners during the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization that represents the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes and sectors. They’ve put together a hub to help small businesses survive the Coronavirus.
Find COVID-19 resources, guidance, and tips for small businesses here.
During the coronavirus pandemic, your state or local chamber could be a helpful resource as your business navigates uncertainty.
Find your local chamber of commerce in their online directory here.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise. If your business experiences downtime due to coronavirus and needs financial assistance, the SBA is a great place to start.
Check out the SBA’s Coronavirus Guidance for Small Business & Loan Resources here.
Articles to Help You Run a Business through Coronavirus
We did some digging to find the best resources out there to help you find answers to your questions about COVID-19 and how your business should prepare and respond. Below are some tips on how to navigate challenges you’ll face during the coronavirus pandemic and how to use technology to limit the disruption to your daily life.
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Auto Recon Tips for COVID-19
10 tips for Collision Centers and Insurers to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on their business – Ryan Hampton
The Coronavirus and Your Auto Repair Shop – Ratchet and Wrench
Leaders Offer Words Of Wisdom During Challenging Times – Aftermarket News
Small Business Response and Readiness
5 Resources to Help Your Small Business Survive – U.S. Chamber of Commerce
COVID-19 Loan and Relief Resources for Small Businesses – Gusto
The Impact Of Coronavirus: Advice For Funded Small Businesses And Those Seeking Funding – Forbes
Everything Small Businesses Need to Know About the Families First Coronavirus Response Act – Gusto
COVID-19 Business Impact and Survival
COVID-19: Nine tips for business survival – Smart Company
4 Ways to Minimize The Impact of Coronavirus on Your Business – Forbes
8 Questions Employers Should Ask About Coronavirus – Harvard Business Review
COVID-19 Coronavirus Resources – KPA
Other Articles
10 Technology Tips To Help You Cope With COVID-19 – Forbes
15 Examples of How Companies Are Communicating with Customers About Coronavirus – US Chamber
Free Learning Tools During Downtime
If your business does experience downtime due to COVID-19, this could be a good time to learn a new skill. Many companies are offering online courses for free during this time. Here are some online tools that can help you develop skills in leadership, business, and marketing:
LinkedIn Learning
Managing Stress for Positive Change
Hubspot
How to Attract Customers With Facebook
Tracking Your Traffic Analytics
Understanding Social Media Promotion
Moz
Forbes8
Entrepreneurial Inspiration to Drive Business (7-day free trial)
Personal Well-Being
Life during the coronavirus pandemic is a new experience and challenging time to all of us. While it’s important to stay on top of policies and decisions as a business, it’s just as important to take care of yourself. Please take the time to check in on your family, friends, and, most importantly, your own well-being. Below, we’ve compiled a list of free resources that you can utilize in times of stress and/or social distancing:
Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health
Calm – Free meditation resources
Coronavirus Anti-Anxiety Workshop – Free video workshop
10 Ways to Ease Your Coronavirus Anxiety – New York Times Smarter Living
Physical Well-Being
Obé Fitness – Free 14-day trial for 4,000+ online workout classes
Body By Simone – Free 14-day trial & 40% off for the next 6 months for cardio-based workout classes
Barry’s Bootcamp – Free 20-minute Instagram Live bodyweight workouts
FitOn App – Free online workout classes from HIIT to Pilates
Core Power Yoga – Free online yoga and guided meditation
Peloton – Extended trial to 90 days for yoga, meditation, strength, cycling, and more