Instead of searching dozens of different websites for the best information for your small business, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 websites small business owners should bookmark during COVID-19.
As a small business owner, you’ve got a lot of information to keep track of, but during these unprecedented times with COVID-19 regulations being updated constantly and restrictions being mandated as well as lifted at different speeds, there’s even more information you need to stay up-to-date with.
These sites stay up to date as the situation develops and will have the most trustworthy — and relevant information available.
Be sure to bookmark these helpful sites. All of them also have helpful email newsletters, so you may also want to sign up for those while you’re there!
FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
1. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The Small Business Administration website will help you with small business guidance and loan support information as well as general funding programs for entrepreneurs and small business owners. From the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) updates or the Paycheck Protection Program to free business counseling, this site is worth bookmarking during this time. In addition to the primary page, you can also find local SBA chapters in your area here.
2. INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS)
Get information on coronavirus (COVID-19) tax relief for businesses as well as updated filing deadlines and resources for your small business. (They also have a page dedicated to those who are self-employed.)
Get help with news, IRS guidance, employee retention credit information, Tax Relief in Disaster Situations and more.
3. COVID-19 CAPITAL RELIEF RESOURCE (for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners)
The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University has developed a site with a comprehensive, searchable database which includes grants, loans and other cash equivalents that can help entrepreneurs and small businesses anywhere.
BUSINESS ADVICE AND TOOLS FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
4. SCORE
If you’re one of the many small business owners who are having to pivot their business during this unprecedented time, SCORE can help in more ways than one. SCORE works in partnership with the Small Business Administration to provide mentor programs, free workshops, and a library of resources for small business owners. Virtual mentoring is available in all areas of small business during this time with local contacts across the entire country. They also provide free courses that cover topics such as finance, marketing, loans, strategy, accounting, retail and more.
Social media and your virtual business tactics are more important than ever in this time and Facebook for Business is a helpful library of resources with COVID-19-specific content including a grant program to help you reach your customers online. Head to this site for information about programs and products designed to help your business navigate the unique challenges of this time as well as learn about tools that can help you reach your target clients.
6. WED SOCIETY
This site is a resource by the wedding industry for the wedding industry — and it’s one-of-a-kind with a mission to help you successfully navigate your small business through this season forward. With a COVID-19 business resource page and a learning center that will keep you updated with helpful tips and business information, it’s one you’ll want on our bookmark list.
Another great idea is to sign-up for our email newsletter with a roundup of that week’s most timely and helpful resources — including insights from what’s happening in your industry.
SMALL BUSINESS NEWS AND REGULATIONS UPDATES
7. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC) Guidance to plan, prepare and respond to COVID-19
Their page for Businesses and Workplaces is a library of up-to-date resources for business owners, like yourself, regarding preventative steps for you and your employees as well as general guidance for the private sector. It also keeps business owners up to date on what the CDC knows as this point and what they are doing in response.
8. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION
This webpage provides information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus pandemic. The information includes links to interim guidance and other resources for preventing exposures to, and infection with, the novel coronavirus. Topics include news and updates, hazard recognition, standards for COVID-19, medical information as well as control and prevention.
Their website is geared towards the small business sector and has the latest resources, guidance and insights to protect your business, your workers and your clients. This website also gives business owners access to shareable graphics and tools as well as small business advice and resources.
10. WHITE HOUSE — OPENING UP AMERICA AGAIN
President Trump has unveiled Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. While each state is making their specific plan, this webpage has a comprehensive overview of the president’s guidelines for Opening Up America Again.
ADDITIONAL NEWS RESOURCE
USA.GOV (Coronavirus Response Details)
Find out what the most updated government response plan is for the fight against coronavirus. And find out how that affects your small business in this coronavirus-specific government news page. Here you’ll find constantly updating links to related news stories and more.
LOCAL COVID-19 RESOURCES
Don’t forget to make sure you know what local sites you need to bookmark including your Governor’s and Mayor’s office because that is where the first announcements will be coming out and the reopening as well as funding plan options.
- Governor’s Office
- Mayor’s Office
- Your state’s Department of Labor Office
Bookmarking these websites will help you be able to quickly reference the most up-to-date information that can affect your small business during COVID-19. These are trustworthy sites with the most accurate details. Essentially, this will save you time and headaches!
We’ve shared our top 10 recommendations for websites small business owners should bookmark during COVID-19. Do you have any other websites that have been helpful during this time?
Share your favorite quick-reference websites small business owners should bookmark in the comments below.
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Written by Corrie McGee
