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.
On Nov. 4, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced the emergency temporary standard (ETS) that will require private sector employers with 100 or more workers to ensure that employees are vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4, 2022. Under this standard, covered employers must develop, implement and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, unless they adopt a policy requiring employees to choose to either be vaccinated or undergo regular COVID-19 testing and wear a face covering at work.
The emergency temporary standard covers employers with 100 or more employees – firm or company-wide – and provides options for compliance. The ETS also requires employers to provide paid time to workers to get vaccinated and to allow for paid leave to recover from any side effects.
The ETS also requires employers to do the following:
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.
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.
Update 11/29/2021:
The SBA recently announced updated guidance for COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program applicants to better serve small business owners in need while funding remains available:
The COVID EIDL and EIDL Advance programs still have billions of dollars available to help small businesses hard hit by the pandemic. Learn more about the programs and to apply.
As of September 8, 2021, new COVID EIDL policy changes have taken effect that entail the below updates to the program:
See more details on the COVID-19 September 8, 2021 Policy Changes.
Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
Update: 8/13/2021
On August 11, 2021, the SBA announced updates to the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, including:
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.
Update 7/29/21
The SBA announced the opening of the Paycheck Protection Program Direct Forgiveness Portal. The new portal will streamline applications for loans $150K or less.
The new platform will begin accepting applications from borrowers on Aug 4, 2021. In addition to the technology platform, the SBA will provide a PPP customer service team to answer questions and directly assist borrowers with their forgiveness applications. Borrowers that need assistance or have questions should call (877) 552-2692, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST.
For PPP loans above $150K:
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 COVID-19 Targeted EIDL Advance was signed into law on December 27, 2020, as part of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act. The Targeted EIDL Advance provides businesses in low-income communities with additional funds to ensure small business continuity, adaptation, and resiliency.
Advance funds of up to $10,000 will be available to applicants in low-income communities who previously received an EIDL Advance for less than $10,000, or those who applied but received no funds due to lack of available program funding.
Applicants do not need to take any action.
SBA is reaching out to those who qualify.
Applicants may qualify if they:
The Supplemental Targeted Advance provides the smallest and hardest hit eligible businesses with a supplemental payment of $5,000 that does not have to be repaid. Even if you have previously received the original EIDL Advance in the full amount of $10,000, you may be eligible for the Supplemental Targeted Advance if you meet eligibility criteria. The combined amount of the Supplemental Targeted Advance ($5,000) with any previously received EIDL Advance or Targeted EIDL Advance ($10,000) will not exceed $15,000.
Completing the Targeted EIDL Advance application is a requirement to be considered for the Supplemental Targeted Advance. The SBA is reaching out directly to those who may qualify.
Before applying, make sure your small business meets all the following eligibility criteria:
To help provide a level playing field for female business owners, the federal government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses that participate in the Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) Contracting Program. Joining the WOSB Federal Contracting Program makes a business eligible to compete for federal contracts set aside for the program. Firms can still compete for contract awards under other socioeconomic programs they qualify for.
Learn about federal programs that help veteran-owned small businesses access federal contract awards and surplus personal property.
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.
Update: 6/1/2021
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has closed the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) as of May 31, 2021. PPP provided nearly $800 billion to small businesses and nonprofits across the nation, keeping employees employed and helping businesses come back stronger than ever.
Updated 7/2/21
U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabel Guzman announced the closure of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) program, signed into law by President Joe Biden as part of the American Rescue Plan.
As of June 30, 2021, the RRF program received more than 278,000 submitted eligible applications representing over $72.2 billion in requested funds, and approximately 101,000 applicants have been approved to restaurants, bars and other restaurant-type businesses. Underserved populations received approximately $18 billion in grant awards including :
The remainder of the $28.6 billion was awarded to eligible applicants not identified as part of an underserved group.
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.
With the increasing frequency of cybersecurity attacks, it’s more important than ever to stay knowledgeable about ways to protect your small business. The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Small Business Cybersecurity Corner is a go-to source for learning how to keep your data safe. You’ll find information on cybersecurity basics, training for you and your employees, a NIST Cybersecurity Framework quick start guide and more, all specifically geared toward small businesses. It also has up-to-date guidance for teleworking security as it becomes a more common practice in small businesses everywhere.
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 Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain targeted groups who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment. WOTC joins other workforce programs that incentivize workplace diversity and facilitate access to good jobs for American workers. Employers can hire eligible employees from the following target groups: qualified IV-A recipient, qualified veteran, ex-felon, designated community resident, vocation rehabilitation referral, summer youth employee, supplemental nutrition assistance program recipient, supplemental security income recipient, long-term family assistance recipient or a qualified long-term unemployment recipient.
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 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 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.
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.
After a 60% voter approved constitutional amendment, the state's minimum wage will increase from $8.65 an hour to $10 on Sept. 30 ($6.98 for tipped workers). Under the constitutional amendment, the rate will increase incrementally each year until reaching $15 an hour ($11.98 for tipped workers) on Sept. 30, 2026.
The Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD), a specialized team within the Division of State Purchasing, is available to help improve business opportunities for Florida-based woman-, veteran- and minority-owned small businesses. The agency works with eligible business owners to process and grant their certification as well as to ensure they are informed of the benefits of certification. OSD advocates for continued growth and success of these enterprises and provides educational and other resources to state government procurement professionals to help increase the use of these businesses in state and local government procurement contracts.
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.
Landlords and utility providers can now apply for money to recoup lost rent or payments due to the pandemic.
Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) has launched a new website, OURFlorida.com, created specifically for distribution of $850 million in federal recovery funds.
DCF is accepting applications from landlords and tenants, as well as utility providers, for past-due payments. In addition to the application, DCF designed the website as a central hub for information, frequently asked questions (FAQs), auxiliary help and tools that can help spread the word about the program. The site encourages landlords to apply, but tenants may also submit an application and if a tenant does qualify, funds would go directly to the landlord.
The program requires proof of identity and financial information, and landlords are advised to work with tenants to secure the information needed.
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.
Update 6/26/2021: Florida has ended its participation in the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program effective June 26, 2021, as part of DEO’s ‘Return to Work’ initiative.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Review these FAQs regarding the essential services executive order.
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
Below are updates from Volusia County government's public information network, job seeker services from CareerSource Flagler Volusia, and links to employment search sites.
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.
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 9th Annual Statewide Paychecks for Patriots is a special hiring fair in November dedicated to employing veterans. As part of the month’s celebration of veterans, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Florida National Guard, the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, and participating Florida businesses partner with CareerSource Florida regions to connect veterans with career opportunities.
CareerSource Flagler Volusia’s Paychecks for Patriots hiring event will occur from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 17 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3282, 5810 S Williamson Blvd in Port Orange.
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.
Sign up to receive Volusia County Division of Economic Development's Economic Scene e-newsletter.
Typical topics include business news, industry updates, webinars and speaker series, workforce updates, and award programs, housing and real estate, economic reports, supply chain, disaster preparedness.
Check out the latest Economic Scene newsletter here.
Hurricane season officially starts June 1 and planning ahead for a disaster can save business owners thousands of dollars in lost revenue due to structural damage, content damage, interruption of operations and employee displacement.
Did you know that 40% of businesses never re-open their doors post-disaster?
We encourage all business owners to prepare their business for the season with the Volusia Prepares Business program checklist.
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.
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.
Stay up to date with COVID-19 related news, vaccination locations and emergency information via Volusia County’s public information network.
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?
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.
Update: The County of Volusia's Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program has received the maximum number of applications at this time. We hope to reopen at a later date and will issue notices to the public in advance when another round of applications will be accepted.
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.
For the most up to date information from our city partners, click on the links to take you to each city's website.
The City of DeLand, through the MainStreet Deland Association, is accepting applications for the Downtown DeLand Grant Program. The grants are designed to encourage building improvements within the downtown redevelopment area. Matching grants are available for the following improvements: lighting, new residential unit development, retail, upper floor, façade and under-utilized buildings. In addition to these grants, the Gateway grant program is available to property owners who renovate commercial properties in DeLand’s Gateway districts. Complete details for grants and eligible projects, as well as applications for each, can be found on the City of DeLand’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.
Are you looking to apply for a small business loan, and the bank requires a business plan? Join the Volusia County Business Incubator Powered by UCF for a hands-on business plan development workshop. During the two-day workshop, you will learn how to write a business plan, develop a five-year financial projection and understand what the banks are looking for in a loan application. The in-person event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on two consecutive Thursdays, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9. The workshop is free and open to the public.
The Better Life Business Expo is a business trade show and networking event being presented by the City of Daytona Beach Shores and the Port Orange South Daytona Chamber of Commerce. Businesses located in Daytona Beach Shores are invited to sign up for a table to meet and network with the public and other businesses. Local businesses, restaurants, products and services may reserve booth space to participate by registering for this event. Participating vendors are encouraged to provide demonstrations, samples and handouts. The public is invited to come browse this FREE event to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 8, 2022 at the Shores Community Center, 3000 Bellemead Drive, Daytona Beach Shores. For more information, call 386-281-3000.
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.
In 1998, the Amber Grant Foundation was founded by WomensNet to honor the memory of a young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who passed away at a young age before realizing her business dreams. To that end, WomensNet is giving away at least $10,000 every month. The application process is easy, short and could potentially inject funds into a women-owned business. The grant winner is announced the following month. In addition to the monthly grant, WomensNet awards $5,000 business specific grants monthly for under-represented business categories.
Deadline to submit for the Amber Grant is Sept. 30.
Kiva is a non-profit that expands access to capital for entrepreneurs around the world. More than 2.5 million people have raised over $1 billion on Kiva. Loans are up to $15,000 and are 0% interest with no fees.
Earlier this year, NerdWallet reported that nearly 4.5 million new business were started in 2020, a 23.4% increase over the previous year. When combined with the fact that the gig economy is now seeing explosive growth, it becomes evident that many owners and entrepreneurs will be facing multi-business/multi-income tax demands for the first time. If you’ve added a new “gig” or business in recent months, you may want to develop a multi-business strategy to reduce 2021’s tax burden. Get started by reading tips from author Sara Gelsheimer in her Entrepreneur Magazine article, “The 3 Best Ways to Save on Taxes When You Have Multiple Business Ventures.”
Small Business Saturday is the “shopping holiday” between Black Friday and Cyber Monday when consumers are encouraged to #ShopSmall. Sponsored by American Express and backed by legislation, it’s a chance for small businesses across the country to get increased exposure at the start of the holiday shopping season.
This year, Small Business Saturday will be observed on Saturday, Nov. 27. To build on existing community support and continue to grow, small businesses can boost consumer awareness and reach more holiday shoppers by participating in Small Business Saturday. From generating awareness for your business to potentially boosting sales, adding your small business to the Small Business Saturday map can offer many benefits at no cost to you.
#ShopLocal #ShopSmall #SmallBusinessSaturday
The holiday season is approaching, marking a vital time for small businesses. To help businesses make the most of a period where many retailers expect to make more than half their annual revenue, Facebook has launched a new set of tools. The social media giant’s new and updated suite of tools is designed to help small businesses connect with customers and extend their business digitally. Some of the tools include the ability to make video and audio calls on Facebook Messenger, live audio rooms to host conversations on topics relevant to their customers, and appointment bookings feature for clients, to name a few.
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.
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.
Data from a recent Zapier survey of 1,000 remote knowledge workers from small businesses across the United States showed that much of their time is spent on tasks that aren’t core to their job function, drastically reducing their ability to do impactful work. In fact, 18% of remote workers surveyed spend just one hour a day working on core job tasks. Eighty-three percent of people working from home spend one to three hours a day fixing errors, while 81% spend less than three hours a day on creative work. Though there are tangible benefits to providing a remote work option, employers should consider the growing data on remote work effectiveness like the Zapier study.
If you’re trying to launch a business, you may have discovered that accessing funds often requires a lot of time and effort. A popular but sometimes underutilized avenue to funding comes in grants, which are not tied to collateral and do not have to be paid back. Competition can be plentiful and opportunities may be limited depending upon your background, industry and company type. It’s best to understand the process and know what grants are available to increase your odds for success. Important items to focus on will be identifying the right grants for your company and crafting an application that will stand up to scrutiny. To accomplish this, you need to learn how to successfully apply for grants, where to find them, understand your business differentiator and connect with your community.
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.
There’s a common misconception that growth is the main metric of success, but in reality, scalability is just as crucial for any company. “Scaling” refers to the systems and procedures you put in place to prepare for your long-lasting, ambitious trajectory. Tools to scale your business automate some of the time-consuming and resource-intensive processes that can hold your business back from growth. From your internal communications to your presence online and customer experience, these tools provide the scalability necessary for sustainable success. Explore tools in this U.S. Chamber of Commerce article covering topics such as workforce onboarding, communications, customer relations, marketing and building a scalable web presence.
One of the lessons of the global pandemic is that you can never predict how external events are going to impact your business. No one saw worldwide lockdowns coming. Nothing like it had ever happened in the modern business age. So how do you prepare for a crisis like that? When the next crisis hits, will your company find a way to survive and thrive?]
Learn what you can do now to make sure your business is crisis-proof from this Inc. article.
Managing your business finances is a critical part of running your company. Fortunately there are many smart apps available that make a variety of these tasks easier, from accounting and accepting payments to creating expense reports and handling payroll tax filings.
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.
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.
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?
