These federal, state, county, local, chambers of commerce and general resources are available to support businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more about how these programs can assist your business as well as how to access the resources.
Included below are a portion of the economic relief package of programs and funding resources as part of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for small businesses, non-profits and individuals. This section will be updated as new information becomes available.
Update 4/28/21
Registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) will begin Friday, April 30 at 9 a.m. EDT and SBA will begin accepting applications via the application portal on Monday, May 3 at 12 p.m. EDT.
The application portal will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.
How to Prepare:
In preparation, qualifying applicants should familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application. Follow the steps below.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) will accept applications from all eligible applicants, but will process and fund priority groups in the first 21 days
Days 22 through fund exhaustion, the SBA will accept applications from all eligible applicants and process applications in the order in which they are approved
Watch this 1-hour webinar for a special briefing of the program including required documents, eligible entities, entities that do not qualify, calculation examples of funding amount, and eligible business expenses the funds can be used for.
The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.
The RRF will offer $28.6 billion in grants to hard-hit restaurants and bars, with restaurants able to apply for grants based on lost revenue. Additionally, $5 billion of that total will be set aside expressly for businesses with 2019 gross receipts of less than $500,000.The grants may be used for the following expenses:
Update 4-26-2021:
The SBA has completed rigorous testing and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant application portal has opened as of Monday, April 26 at noon. Applicants may continue to register for an application portal account.
The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program, administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on Dec. 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.
Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. For the first 59 days of opening the grants, the SBA will reserve no less than $2 billion of program funding for grants to entities that have no more than 50 employees.
Important: All potential SVOG applicants will need to be registered in the federal government’s System for Awards Management to apply.
To learn more about the program and who is eligible: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/shuttered-venue-operators-grant#section-header-5
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners and non-profit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are able to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). EIDL is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation to health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments.
This loan provides economic relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue.
The purpose is to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred.
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law, which provides additional relief for the nation’s small businesses and hard-hit industries for programs the SBA is currently administering and adds new efforts. Specifically, the new law includes:
The Main Street Lending Program is administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, which has established a special purpose vehicle to purchase loan participations from eligible lenders across the U.S.
Notice: Paycheck Protection Program resumes January 11, 2021 at 9am ET
SBA, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, will open the Paycheck Protection Program loan portal on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 9 am ET. When the PPP loan portal system opens, it will initially accept First Draw PPP loan applications from participating CFIs, which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries.
On Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 9 am ET, the SBA established a 14-day, exclusive PPP loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees. This gives lenders and community partners more time to work with the smallest businesses to submit their applications, while also ensuring that larger PPP-eligible businesses will still have plenty of time to apply for and receive support before the program expires on March 31, 2021.
SBA also announced four additional changes to open the PPP to more underserved small businesses than ever before.
For businesses applying for a first draw of the PPP program, use the link below for the form to apply.
Second draw of PPP funds is available to businesses with less than 300 employees; Less than 500 employees for non-profits
Second draw applicants must show 25% revenue reduction in one 2020 quarter Year over Year
The SBA, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application.
The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The SBA will soon also issue regulations and guidance to further assist borrowers as they complete their applications, and to provide lenders with guidance on their responsibilities.
USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.
Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
SBA will begin accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications on a limited basis only to provide relief to U.S. agricultural businesses.
The new eligibility is made possible as a result of the latest round of funds appropriated by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The SBA has a COVID-19 devoted page that includes guidance for businesses and employers, government contracting, other products and access to capital loan resources.
The SBA Debt Relief program will provide a reprieve to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis. Under this program the SBA will pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020. The SBA will also pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months.
The Office of Inspector General recognizes that we are facing unprecedented times and is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (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.
Get up-to-date information on COVID-19 tax and filing requirements and benefits.
The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) allows small and midsize employers, and certain governmental employers, to claim refundable tax credits that reimburse them for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave to their employees due to COVID-19, including leave taken by employees to receive or recover from COVID-19 vaccinations. The ARP tax credits are available to eligible employers that pay sick and family leave for leave from April 1 through September 30, 2021.
Visit the IRS website to review eligible employers, types of paid sick and family leave the credits can be claimed for, as well as calculation of and how to claim the credit.
The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service launched the Employee Retention Credit, which is designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in qualifying wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19. The credit is available to all employers, including tax-exempt organizations, regardless of size.
This site provides users demographic risk factor variables along with economic data on 20 key industries impacted by Coronavirus. Each data set can be displayed in different visualizations, maps, can be shared, and available for download. Periodically updated.
The Small Business Pulse Survey (SBPS) administered by the U.S. Census Bureau is a weekly survey that measures the effect of changing business conditions during the Coronavirus pandemic on our nation’s small businesses.
The survey provides data in 18 major industry sectors and includes information on small business operations and finances, requests and receipt of assistance, and measures of overall well-being and expectations for recovery.
Data collected from the three phases cover these periods: April to June 2020, August to October 2020, and November 2020 to January 2021.
This guidance is intended for all Americans, whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home. Reopening America requires all of us to move forward together by practicing social distancing and other daily habits to reduce our risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
Document Quick Access:
Below are available state resources for emergency loans, business damage surveys, unemployment, employer short-term compensation programs, updates from the Governor's office for affected small businesses, and information related to essential businesses and services. Contact the organization managing each resource for specific details. This section will be updated as new information becomes available.
View a complete list of executive orders and information from office of the Governor of Florida.
This website consists of links to various State of Florida sites for immediate information related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Florida Department of Health: COVID-19 Data and Surveillance
Dashboard
Veterans Florida is a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state. Veterans Florida provides powerful tools for veterans to take advantage of the benefits of living and working in the Sunshine State.
Program areas include Careers, Entrepreneurship, Employers and Veteran Resources
The Associated Industries of Florida, CareerSource Florida, Enterprise Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, and FloridaMakes have announced the dates for the 2021 MakeMore Manufacturing Summit kicking off virtually on April 27. The summit is a statewide initiative providing a platform to exchange ideas about how our state’s resources are addressing the impact of market dynamics, economic trends and policies, and new technologies in the manufacturing sector. The event will feature in-depth discussions that strengthen and advance Florida’s economy through innovation, talent development, and leveraging the state’s resources to accelerate the manufacturing sector’s productivity and technological performance. To allow for more engagement among the manufacturing sector and to accommodate diverse schedules, the summit will provide four virtual segments that will take place every two months as follows:
Governor Ron DeSantis, and the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) announced the launch of Get There Florida, a new workforce education initiative aimed at raising awareness of short-term but high-value career and technical education programs.
The initiative highlights the key benefits of rapid credentialing programs available to Floridians at the 28 Florida College System institutions and the 48 technical colleges and centers across Florida. Programs include advanced manufacturing, transportation and logistics, healthcare, and information technology.
Florida business owners are reminded that Florida’s minimum wage increased to $8.65 an hour on Jan. 1 (an increase of 1.04%). For tipped employees, the minimum wage is now $5.63 per hour. Florida law requires the Department of Economic Opportunity to calculate a minimum wage rate each year. The annual calculation is based on the percentage increase in the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers in the South Region for the 12-month period prior to Sept. 1, 2020. In 2004, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment that increases the minimum wage each year based on inflation.
State Reemployment Assistance Claims Dashboard
The State Reemployment Assistance Claims Dashboard is updated daily to reflect the following information:
The dashboard now includes claimant filings by county and industry sector.
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program provides unemployment benefits to those that may not otherwise be eligible under Florida’s state Reemployment Assistance program, including independent contractors and individuals who are self-employed. Individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19 and believe they may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, can visit www.FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim" to apply and be considered for PUA.
Applicants should utilize the following criteria when applying for PUA:
Individuals who applied for the state’s Reemployment Assistance benefits on or after April 5, 2020, and were deemed ineligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits will receive additional application information from the Department. They can also visit www.FloridaJobs.org/cares-act for more information regarding these programs.
Pursuant to the requirements of the CARES Act, 20 C.F.R. 625.4, and section 443.036, F.S., those who are self-employed, contract employees, gig workers, or others who applied for the state’s Reemployment Assistance benefits on or before April 4, 2020, should apply at www.FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim” to request PUA.
Unemployed Floridians who have not yet applied for any benefit should apply at www.FloridaJobs.org and will be considered for all existing programs, including PUA.
Extended unemployment benefits included in the latest federal stimulus package are starting to become available through the CARES Act for Floridians out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program provides an additional $300 per week for Floridians receiving state or federal unemployment benefits. The program offers up to $275 a week for self-employed persons, gig workers and those who have exhausted state unemployment assistance.
The State of Florida has opted to participate in a new unemployment benefits program for displaced workers who were self-employed. The program is part of the recently approved COVID-19 federal relief legislation. If wages were received through a 1099 rather than a W-2, self-employed persons most likely did not qualify for unemployment benefits. In response to this concern, the federal government initiated a new program, the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation. In addition to the $300 they receive through the extension of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), those who qualify will also receive $100 extra per week (not exceed the maximum benefit amount of $275). The program, similar to PUA, ends March 13, 2021. To qualify, you must be self-employed or a gig worker who made at least $5,000 in net income for the most recent tax year, receiving wages through both 1099 and W-2.
As part of the state’s Reemployment Assistance programs,the Short-Time Compensation program for employers pays partial benefits to groups of employees working reduced hours. Employers may elect to participate in this program to retain valued employees by reducing hours for an entire group of employees instead of resorting to temporary layoffs.
The DEO Reemployment Assistance Application Guide page includes links to apply for benefits, videos, and FAQs.
Updates:
Governor Ron DeSantis has directed DEO to continue waiving the work search and work registration requirements for claimants for an additional 90 days. These requirements will continue to be waived through December 5, 2020
Additionally, the waiting week requirement will continue to be waived through December 5, 2020
The Department is working diligently to implement the necessary technology changes to ensure eligible Floridians receive the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program benefits as quickly as possible. The LWA program will allow Florida to offer an additional $300 per week to eligible Reemployment Assistance claimants. To be eligible for this benefit, claimants must have a weekly benefit amount of at least $100 in an approved Reemployment Assistance program and must certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19. Payments will be retroactive to the week ending August 1, 2020.
The Florida DEO has created a mobile-friendly application site. Floridians who do not have a current open Reemployment Assistance claim should complete their application on the new website.
On Sept 8, Governor DeSantis announced the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has completed the necessary technology changes to begin paying the Federal Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program benefits to eligible Floridians. This program, authorized by President Trump’s memorandum, provides additional benefits for individuals who are eligible for Reemployment Assistance for weeks of unemployment ending on or after August 1, 2020.
To be eligible for this benefit, claimants must have a weekly benefit amount of at least $100 in an approved Reemployment Assistance program and certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 disruptions. Payments may be retroactive to the weeks ending August 1, 2020- August 22, 2020. No additional application is necessary.
What you need to know now about COVID-19 in Florida from the Department of Health
The Department of Revenue encourages all taxpayers to conduct their business through online services. In addition, DOR has issued emergency orders pertaining to property tax and sales tax due dates.
Florida’s Division of Emergency Management (DEM) is seeking the assistance of Florida manufacturers and suppliers to fill the needs of Florida’s hospitals and emergency care services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including N95 masks, face shields and gowns. N95 masks are a current priority.
Please complete this survey if your small business has been impacted. This is not an application for disaster assistance but helps state officials determine the impact and need for federal and state assistance.
Enterprise Florida Inc. will suspend initial fees for its Microfinance Guarantee Program to support Florida’s small business community impacted by COVID-19. EFI manages the Microfinance Guarantee Program designed to stimulate access to credit for entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing targeted loan guarantees to lenders made to such entrepreneurs and small businesses.
This is the State of Florida's eProcurement system designed to streamline interactions between vendors and state government entities that purchase goods and services, and provides a user-friendly Internet portal where vendors can register, receive information on upcoming bids, post information on products and services, and receive purchase orders electronically.
Floridians may submit feedback on any topic related to the re-opening of Florida's economy, including the impacts to small business, healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, retail, recreation and sports, and construction.
On Sept. 25, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-244, which announces the transition to Phase 3 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery.
Section 1. Phase 3
Section 2. Right to Work and Operate a Business
Section 3. Restaurants
A. Restaurants, including any establishment with a food service license, may not be limited by a COVID-19 emergency order by any local government to less than fifty percent (50%) of their indoor capacity. If a restaurant is limited to less than one hundred percent (100%) of its indoor capacity, such COVID-19 emergency order must on its face satisfy the following:
i. quantify the economic impact of each limitation or requirement on those restaurants; and
ii. explain why each limitation or requirement is necessary for public health.
B. Nothing in this order preempts or supersedes a non-COVID-19 municipal or county order.
Section 4. Suspension of COVID-19-related Individual Fines and Penalties
Section. 5 Effective Date
On June 3, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-139, which announces the transition to Phase 2 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery.
The order allows for:
Governor Ron DeSantis's Executive Order 2020-112 outlines Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery.
To view the FAQs document related to the Phase 1 reopening, click here:
https://www.flgov.com/2020-executive-orders
and search for: #2020-112 Executive Order re: Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery
Review these FAQs regarding the essential services executive order.
Below are updates from Volusia County government's public information network, job seeker services from CareerSource Flagler Volusia, and links to employment search sites.
Stay up to date with COVID-19 related news, vaccination locations and emergency information via Volusia County’s public information network.
Florida has many sites that are providing COVID-19 vaccines, but supplies are limited and appointments may not be available at many of these sites. Vaccines are free to eligible residents.
Click here to check eligibility.
Please be aware that some locations are only serving very specific populations, such as frontline health care workers.
Appointments may be required and vaccine availability will vary from day to day and week to week as we work to provide vaccines to the most vulnerable first.
Find virtual services such as career guidance, resume review, job placement assistance, and more. Utilize online resources such as job searching, creating or updating a resume, and accessing career information.
For job seekers and employers , discover great jobs in Florida by visiting EmployFlorida.com.
The Center for Business & Industry offers short-term training, workshops, seminars and courses to better prepare organizations and workers to compete and thrive in a global economy.
Upskilling is a definitive comment on a company’s belief in and commitment to a better future. Seeing an economic downturn for the opportunities it affords is difficult. But choosing to find those opportunities is a winning strategy for businesses and their workforces.
To learn more on how CBI can help, contact Frank Mercer at Frank.Mercer@DaytonaState.edu or call 386-506-4461.
Did you know?
All businesses with a physical location in Volusia County are required to have a current Volusia County business tax receipt (BTR) unless exempt per Section 114-1(b) Tax Schedule of the Volusia County Code of Ordinances (click here for the list of exempt classifications).
The tax year is from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30 of the following year. Bills for each year are mailed July 1. A new receipt is issued for each year the tax is paid.
Business Tax FAQs (click to read all). Below is just a sample.
Q. Who is required to apply for a Volusia County business tax receipt and pay a fee?
A. Any business with a physical base of operation within the County of Volusia that is not exempt per F.S. 205 is required to apply. Businesses that are physically located outside of Volusia County are required to obtain a local business tax receipt from the city and/or county in which they are based. The only exceptions are businesses located outside of Volusia County who place vending machines within Volusia County.
Note: A business operating within the limits of any of the cities in Volusia County may be required to register with those cities. Please see our External Links page for the contact information of the cities located in Volusia County.
Q. Do I need a Volusia County business tax receipt if my business is based out of my home?
A. Yes. Most businesses in Volusia County are required to have a current Volusia County business tax receipt regardless of whether they are home based or commercial.
Q. If governments use Fund payments as described in the Fund Guidance to establish a grant program to support businesses, would those funds be considered gross income taxable to a business receiving the grant under the Internal Revenue Code (Code)?
Q. If governments use Fund payments as described in the Fund Guidance to establish a loan program to support business, would those funds be considered gross income taxable to a business receiving the loan under the Code?
The grant program has closed and applications are no longer being accepted.
The grant program has closed and applications are no longer being accepted.
The grant program has closed and applications are no longer being accepted.
Volusia County Economic Development hosted a webinar at 10 a.m. Feb. 4 with guest speakers Tom Daly, director of the Small Business Development Center; and Mike Sibley, partner with James Moore & Company CPAs. The panelists provided information on updates and changes to the Paycheck Protection Program’s second round, which is available for hard-hit small businesses and nonprofits.
Volusia County hosts panel discussions to provide information to the community about financial assistance that’s available to businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Operating out of its vast manufacturing facility in DeLeon Springs, Sparton has been a good neighbor, a good corporate citizen and one of Volusia County’s largest private-industry employers for more than 50 years. For Sparton and the local community, being socially responsible takes on added significance given the company’s close proximity to a delicate watershed that includes the natural spring at DeLeon Springs State Park about a mile away. And that’s why Sparton’s recent overhaul of its onsite wastewater disposal system to a more environmentally-friendly treatment plant was cause for celebration. And it all happened with the help of a grant from the county – an investment in Sparton, the local economy and the protection of precious water resources.
Sign up to receive Volusia County Division of Economic Development's Economic Scene e-newsletter.
For the most up to date information from our city partners, click on the links to take you to each city's website.
For other business resources and information provided by your area's local Chamber, click on the links below.
This section includes business guidance and resources from OSHA and the CDC, supply chain disruption planning, potential grant opportunities, webinars, panel discussion and other relevant business information. This section will be updated as new information becomes available.
The Southern Opportunity And Resilience (SOAR) Fund provides flexible, affordable capital and free business support services to small businesses and nonprofits across the south and southeast to help them navigate and rebuild from the COVID-19 economic crisis.
To be eligible for a SOAR Fund loan, a small business must meet the requirements detailed on the SOAR website.
Please note that the pre-application should be completed and submitted by the owner of the business with the largest ownership interest, and that all owners with more than 20% ownership will be required to attest to the information provided.
The Florida Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) is soliciting employer enrollment in its premier advanced manufacturing technician (AMT) education and development program. This award-winning program helps students become the highly skilled, globally competitive and well-rounded talent that today’s advanced manufacturing leaders seek. The Advanced Manufacturing Technician program administered under the FAME model leverages a work/learn framework to weave technical knowledge, professional behaviors and distinct manufacturing core exercises into a focused co-op experience to build global-best, entry-level AMTs. The AMT program is a collaborative effort with CareerSource Flagler Volusia, Daytona State College and the Volusia Manufacturers Association (VMA). Manufacturing businesses interested in participating in the program should contact VMA Chair Artie Loeffler at 516-383-1045 or Jayne Fifer at 386-212-4003.
Florida Power & Light has launched and is accepting applications for its new Main Street Recovery Credit Program, offering credits to qualifying small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible small businesses include those starting service on or after December 1, 2020, businesses that were inactive for at least six months after March 2020, and businesses operating in communities designated as federal Opportunity Zones. Qualified businesses will receive a monthly 10% credit based on the prior month’s energy charge portion of the bill for the duration of the program through 2021.
The National Restaurant Association collaborates with safety experts from government organizations, academia, the public health sector, and corporations to bring operators the most up-to-date guidelines to ensure safe on- and off-premise dining. The updated COVID-19 Operating Guidance builds on the original document and incorporates the latest information and best practices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
Enterprise Florida offers grants for Virtual Business Matchmaking to help Florida companies expand overseas and keep their business growing. As market disruptions bring forth new ways of doing business, the Virtual Business Matchmaking program is one way Enterprise Florida is helping the state’s small and medium-sized companies.
Virtual Business Matchmaking includes virtual introductions via teleconference or videoconference with up to five interested agents, distributors, or partners in various given target markets who have been pre-screened and pre-qualified.
Protecting intellectual property (IP) is critical to a company’s ability to grow, compete, innovate and protect its brand reputation.
If you have a registered IP right in the U.S., these protections do not extend to foreign countries. Therefore, you’ll need to file for protection in the countries in which you currently do business, or are certain to do business in the future.
The U.S. Commercial Service has compiled several tools and resources to help you take the necessary steps to protect your valuable IP and guard against the damaging effects of counterfeiting and piracy.
Stopfakes.gov is a one-stop shop for U.S. government tools and resources on intellectual property rights (IPR). You will find business guides, country toolkits, upcoming training events, and more on the site.
Ascent is a first-of-its-kind digital online learning platform geared to help women-owned small businesses grow and scale their existing business.
With Ascent, female entrepreneurs will be able to utilize this platform that brings a modern, e-learning experience specifically targeted for women business owners.
Ascent is divided into major topics called Journeys, developed by experts in women's entrepreneurship. Choose any journey to start, skip the ones you already know.
Within each Journey, you'll find Excursions with the tools you need to master a topic. Each excursion includes a time estimate for completion. You're the boss of when and how to apply these tools to your business.
For small businesses across America, 2020 has been one of the most challenging years in history. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, small business owners have been resilient, pivoting, and adapting their business models to navigate continually changing conditions. With the new year on the horizon, there are potential new opportunities to take advantage of and ways to adapt to challenges you may face. Here are a few business trends that are likely to dominate in 2021, along with tips on how to position your business for growth:
For further insights on how you can incorporate these trends into your small business plans for 2021, connect with a local SBA resource partner for expert, tailored advice.
The Rules of Startup Success, According to Daymond JohnThe 'Shark Tank' investor and entrepreneur reflects on the wisdom he's gained from backing hundreds of startups--and learning to assess himself honestly.
Despite his success investing in hundreds of startups as an investor on Shark Tank, as well as his experience building FUBU into a clothing brand that has grossed more than $6 billion, Daymond John is very honest about his limitations. "I can't help every business. If that were the case, FUBU would be Nike," John told the virtual audience at the Inc. 5000 Vision Conference Wednesday.
Nolo.com, a legal guides website, has compiled a top eight coronavirus business survival tips list. While a lot is unknown about the future of the virus and the economy, there are steps you can take to adapt your business to the current reality. The key steps involve reducing unnecessary expenses and discovering new ways to increase your revenue while keeping your employees, customers, and community safe. The tips include staying informed on the latest updates, adapt your business, explore financial resources, review contracts and leases, review staffing needs, examine expenses, create a safe working environment and keep communication flowing with customers and your community.
SCORE Mentors (Volusia/Flagler) provides a variety of informative and timely webinars and workshops on relevant topics for businesses.
Search for upcoming or recorded webinars.
Access the FloridaMakes network online to review a checklist of current or suspected future supply chain disruptions considerations.
Local manufacturers provide some best practices that may be able to be implemented in other business environments.
Connex Florida is a supply chain database tool for the manufacturing industry in Florida made possible through a partnership between the Associated Industries of Florida, Space Florida and FloridaMakes.
This FEMA guidance summarizes how organizations should consider and manage their personal protective equipment (PPE) needs while ensuring the protection of workers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic response.
The CDC COVID Data Tracker is a new interactive website that displays a variety of essential domestic and international data on COVID-19. CDC COVID Data Tracker features regularly updated interactive maps, charts, and other visuals. Popular featured data includes COVID-19 cases in the United States and internationally, data on the social impacts of the virus, such as school closures and test results from public health labs and commercial companies.
Business owners now have online access to the CDC’s Resuming Business Toolkit. The toolkit is designed to assist employers in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and lowering the impact in their workplace when reintegrating employees into non-healthcare business settings.
The toolkit includes an Employer Sheet to introduce employers to the contents of the toolkit; a Restart Readiness Checklist to help make resuming business operations safe; a Worker Protection Tool to identify protective measures for workers; a Returning to Work Infographic to remind employees how to protect themselves; and a resources list of information using hyperlinks, URLs and QR codes.
The CDC has provided interim guidance for businesses on how to plan, prepare and respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 including preparing workplaces for the outbreak, reducing transmission among employees and how to maintain healthy business operations.
To ensure continuity of operations of essential functions, CDC advises that critical infrastructure workers may be permitted to continue work following potential exposure to COVID-19, provided they remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are implemented to protect them and the community.
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
What is the Safer at Home Order and how does it pertain to my business?
