The impact of Coronavirus on small businesses has been devastating. While the Small Business Administration gave out loans to help small business owners make it through, many are still struggling or were unable to secure the loan before the money ran out. 

There’s no doubting that small businesses are truly a cornerstone of the American economy. Businesses with less than five-hundred employees account for nearly half of the American workforce and over 43% of the U.S. GDP (Gross Domestic Product). 

One of the main reasons for the struggle is the uncertainly. How long will this last? Will there be a second wave? A second CARES Act? There are a few things to note if you’re a small business looking to keep moving forward. As things open up, keep the following in mind: 

Contingency Plans 

If you haven’t already, make detailed contingency plans in the event of a second wave. Making plans helps people achieve goals, and writing those concrete plans down increases your chance of success. When creating a contingency plan, make sure that you look ahead—what will you do if things are worse in twenty days? Better? This forward-thinking will help in the long run. You won’t feel blindsided. 

Apply for CARES Act Loans if You Haven’t Already 

Currently, this is the link for more information for businesses and lenders: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/cares/assistance-for-small-businesses. There is an application that you must fill out, and you will likely have to wait in line. The SBA is swamped, and lending $349 billion is as difficult as it sounds. The money goes through the banks, which then lend the loans directly to local businesses. 

Be Prepared to Wait

Be prepared to wait in line. This means including, in your contingency plans, things that you should do to preserve what you can while you’re waiting for your loan. Help your employees contact the government about their loans (unemployment has been increased), and continuously check in with them. Though the idea of waiting might seem daunting, it is important that you don’t let that discourage you from getting in line for the CARES loans.

Your Customers’ Needs Have Changed 

People are soon going to be able to leave the house. Your business needs to change with customers’ changing needs. Comply with the current regulations, whether that means increasing your drive-through or takeout or taking other, similar measures. Do what you can, and reach out to your customers to see how you can keep your connection to them going. 

Consider Other Sources of Relief

Organizations and companies like Verizon, Amazon, Facebook, and the James Beard Foundation are all examples of the private sector stepping up. These relief programs all have their own specifics, but some of them may be able to help you. Above all, keep abreast of the latest developments in the news regarding relief programs, whether privately- or publicly-funded. You don’t want to be the last to know. 

Business Succession Plan 

Lastly, one thing to think about is making sure you have an iron-clad business succession plan in place if something happens to you. We’re not out of the woods yet. Make sure you have a written estate plan that details what you want to happen to your business if you die. Contact an estate planning attorney to make sure it is done correctly.

Everyone is struggling during the Coronavirus, so you are not alone. The constant uncertainty about the virus and the disagreements on how to handle it can be overwhelming. Set out to accomplish one small thing per day. Overloading yourself will only make the feeling of being overwhelmed worse. Hopefully, things will get back to normal soon.