BBB is working hard to ensure that our local business community is up-to-date with all possible resources needed during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery period. We will continue to provide information as it becomes available in this ever-changing landscape!

Financial Resources

• The SBA is still offering Disaster Relief Loans to businesses impacted by the pandemic. Loans approved prior to April 7, 2021 for less than $500,000 are likely eligible for an increase based on new loan maximum amounts. 

• The Paycheck Protection Program ended May 31st, 2021. PPP recipients may be eligible for loan forgiveness. The SBA offers free counseling and training events to help you with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Additionally, the SBA has created an online portal to streamline the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness process. 

• Emergency assistance is available to eligible shuttered venues through the Shuttered Venues Operators Grant. 

• The Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides emergency assistance for eligible restaurants, bars, and other qualifying businesses impacted by COVID-19.

• For those that don't qualify for EIDL or PPP, the SOAR fund could be an option. 

• ALERT: Did you get a bill for a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, but you didn’t apply for one? It’s likely that an identity thief applied for the loan using your personal or business information. The SBA has new guidance about reporting fraud, and the FTC has tips to help you clear up any credit problems it may cause.

• Tax credits are available to employers who allow time off for employees and/or their families to be vaccinated.   

Free assistance is available with reconstructing financial records, preparing financial statements, and submitting loan applications from any of SBA’s partners: Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE, Women’s Business Centers (WBC), Regional Innovation Clusters, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. 

SBA Arkansas is holding regular webinars about EIDL and PPP forgiveness. This is a great resource for business owners!

Vaccinations

Two of the most frequently asked questions by businesses now that vaccines are available are "Can I ask my employees to get vaccinated?" and "How can I help with vaccination efforts?"

The Society for Human Resource Management has advice and resources for when employers can require vaccinations. There is a lot of conflicting advice out there on whether requiring vaccines is legal or moral. In addition to expert advice online, you may want to contact an attorney and HR professional. If you don't have them on staff, consult with local firms. 

Locally, Arkansas government officials have said yes, employers can require vaccines. For now, the government will not require its' employees to be vaccinated. 

Vaccinate the Natural State is a statewide initiative to encourage as many Arkansans to get the COVID-19 vaccine as possible. They have business-specific resources and tools available to owners and management!

You can find a list of vaccination sites from the Arkansas Department of Health.= or call the vaccine hotline at 1-800-985-6030.

Surviving and Thriving

When COVID-19 hit, small businesses across North America were forced to close their doors and reinvent the way they do business. For many, the toughest leadership test is now looming...how to bring a business back and survive new waves, including the Delta variant that is flourishing in the state.

To rapidly recover revenue, adopt a "start-up" mindset, digitize everything possible, and identify and prioritize revenue opportunities. Some will need to rebuild operations and possibly reimagine the office!

Here are some thoughts to consider:

• Marketing in the new normal will be critical! Make sure customers know you are open and adjust your messaging so you stand out. 
• Remote work is here to stay! Gaining ground pre-pandemic, study's now show that over half of employees that shifted to remote work, want to stay remote.
  • Don't fret - remote work has many benefits! Employees tend to be happier and more productive. Costs are generally less.
  • There are concerns to address like cybersecurity and management logistics. Learning to manage a remote workforce will be key to thriving in the post-pandemic era! (More on this topic below.)
• For those that can't work remotely, outbreaks will happen! Be prepared for outbreaks within your business and on a larger scale. As we've all learned this year, nothing is certain!

Stop the Spread: General Safety Tips

The mask mandate has officially ended for the state of Arkansas, but officials are still recommending mask use in most cases because of the rate of spread of the Delta variant. Individual businesses and venues can still require mask usage in their facilities!

Most of us will need to continue to revisit and adapt plans to eliminate unnecessary contact between employees and patrons. No matter your type of business, you'll want to enact certain policies to keep yourself, your family, your clients, and your employees safe. 

• When possible, interact with others from a safe distance of six feet. 
• Reduce general occupancy and gatherings to allow for room to spread out.
• Ask people to wait outside in the event of long lines or tight spaces. 
• Continue to offer as many services as you can virtually or via pick-up/drive-through/delivery.
• Allow employees that can work from home to do so. 
• Maintain touchless and virtual options so that customers that have to quarantine or would like to remain sheltered in place, can still use your services safely. 
• Monitor the use of "self-service" tools so you can sanitize properly - think salt and pepper shakers, napkin dispensers, pens, community devices, etc. 
• Have sanitizing wipes, sprays, gels, etc. readily available.
• Start a regular regimen of sanitizing door entrances, handles, light switches, etc.
• Check out OSHA's website and sign up for their newsletter! They are sharing daily tips to protect your workplace. 

Visit Arkansasready.com for industry-specific Guidelines concerning your type of business.

Building and maintaining trust: Customers and Employees

Some customers will be hesitant to return to establishments and utilize services, while others will not. There are several ways that you can build and maintain trust in your community during and post-pandemic. Examples include:

• Publicize your self-service, virtual, or pick-up options prominently on your website and frequently on social media.
• Publicize the measures you're taking to sanitize your facility and keep others safe.
• Stay strong digitally - emails, social media, conference calls, and digital messages are critical to monitor and advertise now and in the future.
• Post photos of customers in the store, of your new safe practices, and of you and your staff operating the business to remind people you are open.
• Make posts showing your staff conducting phone or video conferences.
• Use digital and physical tools and advertising mediums to let the public know you're open and ready for business! 

It's also important to remember that employees may have a hard time returning to work because of their "new normal". Some may have health conditions that will make them fear the return to work. Frequent quarantine periods will be likely now that school has resumed. Here's how you can help:

• If remote work is an option for some, keep it as an option for safety and peace of mind.
• Keep an open mind towards scheduling and accommodations. Daily schedules have radically changed. While some may have more time to devote to work, some may have less. Some may have to adapt their schedule to meet the needs of virtual schooling, sick family members, etc.
• Make sure your employees are comfortable enough to wear a mask all day. Some with chronic headaches, asthma, and COPD, and other disorders have reported negative side effects from mask protection. 
• Tell sick employees to STAY HOME.
• Provide employees with safeguards if they request - PPE, sanitizing stations, social distancing, etc. 
• Even now, it may be a good idea to keep community workspaces closed or limited in capacity.
• Follow new FMLA guidelines for those who may contract COVID-19. 
• Offer support and an open ear for your employee's concerns! 

Working Virtually

While most have returned to full operations out of necessity, some are still offering many services remotely. In fact, it appears remote work is here to stay post-pandemic! Forbes estimates that a whopping 70% of the workforce will be fully remote by 2025. The Society for Human Resource Management says that half of all workers who went remote wish to remain remote permanently. 

No one can know for sure what the future holds, but it's safe to say that employers and employees are enjoying the cost and time savings benefits of remote work. Also, many areas are experiencing a second wave and may need to continue remote work for some time. 

Much of the workforce these days are mobile and or/home-based, so there is no need to feel guilty if you do not feel you can make a full return to the office now or in the future! There are MANY resources available so that you can work - and stay connected - comfortably, efficiently, and safely from your home office. 

Communication and Collaboration Tools:

• Zoom (Free with paid options)
• Go-to-Meeting & Webinar
• Slack (Free with paid options)
• Workplace by Facebook (Free with paid options)
• Constant Contact
• Google Meet 

Word Processing, Presentations, Spreadsheets:

• G-Suite by Google (Free with paid options)
• If you haven't already, consider moving your Microsoft subscription to a cloud-based subscription. This will make Office, Excel, Powerpoint, and more available on more of your devices. 

Cybersecurity:

• Cybersecurity will be a top concern while working from home. Check out BBB's tips here.
• Implement cybersecurity protocols and policies for your remote employees and yourself. 
• Install anti-virus software (remember, a free version is better than no version!)
• Watch part 1 of BBB's Virtual Cybersecurity Summit - Edafio Technology Partners review staying cyber secure while working from home. 

Employee Monitoring: 

Some types of businesses, and employees, require more oversight than others. Here is a list of ten employee monitoring tools employers can use to gauge the productivity of their workforce. 

Also, certain phone systems and your CRM may have tools to monitor the work being done.

Here are additional resources:

• What to look for in remote employees.
• How virtual career fairs can help!

Employment

Due to the waning nature of reopening and closing phases, hiring has become a real sport! Here a few resources to help you regain, maintain, or build your workforce during this time:

• BBB has partnered with Indeed to offer a $2000 sponsored job ad credit to those who create a new account. Learn more at our partner website and please feel free to reach out to our office with questions.
•  Reach out to the Department of Workforce Services in your area! They may be able to provide your information to the job seekers.
• Utilize employment agencies and labor finders. They can be a great resource, especially during times like these! Ask BBB to find agencies in your area. 
• Finally, there’s the Central Arkansas Workforce Development Area. They help to connect job seekers with employers! If not in the Central area, reach out to similar non-profits and "Labor Finder" organizations in your area for assistance!

Additional Resources

BBB Coronavirus Resources for your Business by Location

General Coronavirus Advice from BBB

AR Dept. of Health: COVID-19 Resources

AR Re-Opening Guidelines (Industry Specific)

Flatten your Business Curve: 5 Ways to Cut Costs and Maintain Presence

BBB Tip: Dealing with Debt During the COVID-19 Pandemic

U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division – FLSA and FLMA Guidance



Please contact our office for additional information, questions, or concerns at 501-664-4888 or info@bbbarkansas.org.