Online Small Business Support During COVID-19
Online Small Business Support
We write hoping you and your families are healthy and well. Over the last few weeks, we have witnessed strength and courage within our communities as we band together to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While we continue to navigate these uncharted waters together, we wanted to share some positive notes.
While we all have been working to adapt to the sudden changes in daily life; media and internet platforms such as Facebook and Google have acted fast to implement emergency-response infrastructure. Today, we summarize a few of the key resources these platforms have presented, and how they may be beneficial to you.
Google My Business
COVID-19 Help Center Article
Google My Business has a live article, with instructions for common updates businesses are trying to enact such as:
- Updated hours of operation
- Extra services you are providing for the community
- If you need to mark your business “Temporary Closed” on Google
Make sure your customers can access the latest information for your business!
COVID-19 Update Posts
This is also featured in the article mentioned above. In the “Posts” Section of Google My Business, there is a new “COVID-19 Post.”
Google states: COVID-19 update posts appear prominently on your profile and are more noticeable to your customers.
A COVID-19 Post is useful for sharing key information to customers about updated business operations. It might be helpful for your business to share updates like reduced operating hours, safety and hygiene practices, or availability of gift cards and other products.
COVID-19 Information Center
Facebook implemented a new COVID-19 Information Center dashboard. It displays daily updates from trustworthy sources like the CDC, and your state’s Health Department. It includes global news, statistics, and helpful subtopics such as “Grocery Shopping Tips” or “Mask Making Tutorials.”
There is also a section on the top right side called “Community Help.” This section features posts from your local community. The top half shows people who are asking for help and are in need, while the bottom is volunteers and organizations who can offer help.
Facebook Small Business Grants Program
Facebook launched the Small Business Grants Program. They are offering up to a $100 million in cash grants and ad credits to assist businesses.
Up to 30,000 small businesses will be able to receive grants. These grants will be able to potentially help sustain your workforce, cover rent expenses and other operational costs, or connect with your customers.
Be sure to checkout the ways these large platforms are trying to support small businesses during this time. Additionally, be mindful of other resources out there, such as those with the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as ongoing relief efforts via the CARES Act.
