Local, state, and federal authorities across the United States are being put to the test amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Many businesses have been pushed to the brink as local and global society has all but shut down. It’s important for your city to be prepared to support struggling businesses that reach out for support. Even if your government doesn’t have funding to offer, pointing business owners in the right direction could be a major help.City governments are going to be on the front lines of both the health and economic crises unfolding. Leaders at every level will have to step in to provide direction, resources, information and more. So then, is your city ready to provide COVID-19 relief?Even if your city is not distributing funds or resources, you can still direct people and businesses to the appropriate authorities.
Cities should anticipate and prepare for a wide variety of questions and concerns
The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented. Yes, humanity has experienced epidemics and pandemics before. However, with the world now far more globalized than in the past, the spread and effects of the outbreak have forced massive, never-before-seen responses from governments. Many borders have been shut down, travel has been greatly limited, and supply chains are cratering.For many entrepreneurs, social distancing and the shutdown of non-essential businesses, have created an immensely difficult operating environment. Even if a business is shut down, the landlord may be demanding rent among other bills which can quickly add up. The unparalleled economic difficulty and uncertainty has resulted in the U.S. Federal government launching a $2 trillion dollar Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security or CARES Act stimulus plan. Funds are flowing in elsewhere, as well, and the U.S. Federal Reserve is injecting liquidity into the market. Meanwhile, countless state and local governments are setting up their own programs. Regardless of whether your city sponsors programs, you could field questions.
The Small Business Administration offers several programs
Make sure you share the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) with your community. Under the CARES Act, the SBA is supporting at least four programs:
