Resources & Tools
COVID-19 is without a doubt taking a toll on most organizations. In an effort to relieve some of the stress caused by economic uncertainty, we’ve put together a list of tools and resources that your business can take advantage of to help remain productive and financially stable.
Free Tools
Want easy ways to stay engaged with your team and maintain relationships with your clients? Start off by using these free tools to make it happen!
Microsoft Office 365
If you haven’t moved to Office 365, this is the time to do it. You can give your entire team access to the Microsoft productivity suite from their web browser with their free six-month Office 365 E1 Trial, including Microsoft Teams.
Comcast Wifi
Having trouble getting connected? Free Xfinity WiFi for everyone, with hotspots available to all, including non-Xfinity subscribers. To access the service, look for the “xfinitywifi” network name in a list of hotspots.
Loom
Not sure how to train your team or explain how to do something? You need a video tutorial! Loom has made it super easy to make your own video tutorials. They have also removed the recording limit on free plans and have cut the price for Loom Pro in half.
Dialpad
If you don’t have access remotely to your business phone system remotely, Dialpad might be able to solve your problems with free two months of its cloud-based phone system, Dialpad Talk Pro. It even includes video conferences and UberConference Business.
Hootsuite
Hootsuite makes posting to social media a breeze and it’s a great way to keep your clients and prospects in the loop about changes in your business. They are offering free access to Hootsuite Professional for small businesses and nonprofits until July 1st, 2020.
1Password
A password manager as team members work remotely can help facilitate and secure access to important accounts. 1Password is waiving its trial limits and offering free business accounts for the first 6 months. Manage your workforce from anywhere, and safely share logins and other important resources with remote workers.
If you’re new to working remotely, LinkedIn is offering 16 free learning courses that provide tips on how to stay productive, build relationships when you’re not face-to-face, use virtual meeting tools and balance family and work dynamics in a healthy way.
Grants & Loans
On the state and federal level, organizations are making sure that businesses of various sizes are getting the assistance they need to stay afloat. Learn more about these grant and loan programs that are tailored to your company and how to apply for them.
STATE
Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program
Application Available: 4/3 – 4/10
$5 million in funding that is aimed at businesses with 1-10 full-time employees, with $3M for businesses with 5 or fewer full-time employees. Grant size is $1K to $5K.
$5 million in funding that is aimed at businesses with 1-10 full-time employees, with $3M for businesses with 5 or fewer full-time employees. Grant size is $1K to $5K.
Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program
Application Available: 4/6
$10 million in funding for businesses with $5 million or less in revenue. It provides up to $100K working capital loans with a 0% interest rate for the first 5 years and 1-3% interest rate for the remaining 5 years.
$10 million in funding for businesses with $5 million or less in revenue. It provides up to $100K working capital loans with a 0% interest rate for the first 5 years and 1-3% interest rate for the remaining 5 years.
CDFI First Loss Reserve Fund
Application Pending
$10M capital reserve fund to guarantee low/no-interest loans for micro and small businesses through federally-certified, NJ-based CDFI.
$10M capital reserve fund to guarantee low/no-interest loans for micro and small businesses through federally-certified, NJ-based CDFI.
Emergency Assistance Guarantee
Application Pending
$10 million in funding to guarantee loans for businesses of $5M or less in revenue that show a negative impact to business, provided through Premier Lender bank or Premier CDFI.
$10 million in funding to guarantee loans for businesses of $5M or less in revenue that show a negative impact to business, provided through Premier Lender bank or Premier CDFI.
NJ Entrepreneur Support Program
Application Pending
$5M in funding to guarantee loans for working capital for start-up entrepreneurs.
$5M in funding to guarantee loans for working capital for start-up entrepreneurs.
FEDERAL
COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Application Pending
All small business owners in US are eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10K, providing you with working capital loans of up to $2M to overcome the temporary loss of revenue. https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/
All small business owners in US are eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10K, providing you with working capital loans of up to $2M to overcome the temporary loss of revenue. https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Retention Credit
Application Pending
Fully refundable tax credit for employers equal to 50% of qualified wages paid after March 12 and before January 21, 2021 for businesses that have to fully or partially suspend operation during 2020 due to COVID-19. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-employee-retention-credit-under-the-cares-act
Fully refundable tax credit for employers equal to 50% of qualified wages paid after March 12 and before January 21, 2021 for businesses that have to fully or partially suspend operation during 2020 due to COVID-19. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-employee-retention-credit-under-the-cares-act
Do you have everything you need to work remotely???
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here are the tools and applications you will need for a smooth transition.