How To Boost Your Startup During The COVID-19 Pandemic
According to the most recent news reports, South America has taken the “biggest” hit by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. On December 11, 2020, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC) released a report, showing South America as COVID-19’ “hardest hit.”
The report showed the regions – economic and public health – to take the hardest hit. The virus has been deemed the “coronavirus crisis” by financial analysts and government officials.
Caribbean and Latin American COVID-19 Deaths
Latin America reported over 185,000 deaths related to the coronavirus. 118,000 of those deaths were reported by Mexico officials, according to WHO. Another 40,000 COVID-19 were reported in Argentina. Officials deny the large number of coronavirus deaths were related to a slow reaction by the government.
Government officials claim they took immediate action to minimize COVID-19 exposure. A lockdown was issued on March 20, 2020, calling for public confinement. The lockdown was finally lifted nearly eight months later on November 18, 2020.
Some South Americans believe the government did not do enough to stop the spread of COVID-19. Even though officials called for a lockdown that warranted border closings and public isolation, it was not enough to protect the people.
In October 2020, Buenos Aires pediatrician Carlos Kambourian told Reuters there was insufficient COVID-19 testing kits available. Aires blamed the high number of COVID-19 deaths on insufficient implementation of the 6-foot social distancing rule.
Economic Damage Worldwide
Businesses across the globe have shuttered their doors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Some have recently reopened while others are still working on strategic reopening plans.
In the United States, approximately 885,000 are receiving unemployment benefits. And, this is not to mention the approximately 40 million unemployment benefit claims waiting to be processed.
Saving Your Business From COVID-19
If your business was lucky enough to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic, you can count yourself lucky. While it may have nothing to do with luck, essential businesses have been spared to some degree. Big retailers like Walmart and Tesco PLC, as well as the Amazon Marketplace are among some of the virus’ biggest beneficiaries.
Here are a few tips to ensure your business remains afloat even after the COVID-19 pandemic is long passed.
Do Not Push The Panic Button
If you want to ensure your business survives the coronavirus, you must keep a cool head. If you push the panic button, you will be no good for your business. Remaining calm will allow your brain to process what is going on around you. At least your business is permitted to remain open, even if the hours are decreased.
When you feel the anxiety and stress coming on, you should immediately take a breather. Playing Agen Bola online is a great way to decrease stress. It is also a great way to rake in some extra money for bills. Even if you only play for 15 minutes, it will give your mind and body time to wind down.
Apply For A Business Grant
Most governments have set money aside for small businesses. These grants are available to all qualified small businesses. The American government has teamed with the Small Business Association to make COVID-19 funding available to small businesses.
COVID-19 funding is also available to all small businesses operating in the United Kingdom. Government officials established what is known as The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) specifically to help small business owners stay afloat during the pandemic.
Small businesses can borrow up to £5 million. To qualify, your business must not have an annual revenue of more than £45 million, be viable if not for the pandemic, and has negatively been impacted by the virus.
All companies operating in the following sectors – financial, insurance, property development, retail, automotive, and educational – are eligible to apply for coronavirus small business grants.
Visit your federal government official website to learn more about the available coronavirus small business loan programs.
Afterword
Other recommendations include starting employee remote working programs, opening new communication outlets, and updating existing emergency preparedness policies. There is no doubt, every small business has been impacted by the COVID-19 virus. While large corporations like Walmart, Amazon, and Aldi are experiencing sufficient if not higher sales, small mom-and-pop businesses are struggling to stay relevant.