by SEAN GROSSNICKLE
There has never been a better time to stay informed. Months ago, the COVID-19 pandemic seemed leagues away from making landfall in the United States. Most of America, small businesses included, could not have anticipated the rapid spread and devastating impact COVID-19 would have on societal health and the American economy. The full scope of COVID-19’s damage and the outcome of our nation’s recovery remain to be seen. In the face of uncertainty, finding the proper resources and support channels can help in navigating the pandemic landscape.
As Congress, government agencies, and the private sector move to address the impacts of COVID-19, it is critical to understand the resources available that are readily available for small businesses. Staying informed with accurate and up-to-date information can help lessen the impact of the pandemic. Without the ability to meet in person or attend industry events, finding and following credible avenues of information is vital.
AAHOA’s entire team is working around the clock to keep our fingers on the pulse of the latest, most relevant updates coming from Congress and numerous government agencies. Since mid-March, AAHOA has produced daily COVID-19 updates for our members. These updates are a valuable tool to keeping AAHOA Members informed on the latest government releases, AAHOA’s advocacy initiatives, expert webcasts, and much more. AAHOA’s COVID-19 resource center can be found on the front page of aahoa.com. This comprehensive resource guide is a great place to start when searching for a curated collection of relevant news, toolkits, COVID-19 relief guides, and industry updates. All of these resources are open to everyone, whether they’re an AAHOA Member or not.
WHERE TO LOOK FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION
Posts across social media, from Facebook to WhatsApp, present viewers with a slew of home remedies, misleading information, and sensational clips. Online scammers are also looking to prey upon small businesses through phishing schemes and fake websites. The latest COVID-19 projections, sanitary advice, and public updates should only be taken from official government channels. The Center for Disease Control, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the U.S. government’s Coronavirus.gov webpage are great sources for medical information, COVID-19 fact checks, and FAQs. State and local governments are also doing their part to keep citizens informed on state specific measures, quarantine guidelines, and small business resources, which can all be found online.
WHERE TO FIND RESOURCES FOR YOUR BUSINESS
The Small Business Administration (SBA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Department of the Treasury, and Coronavirus.gov provide a roadmap for leading your business through the COVID-19 pandemic. Guides to disaster relief programs, like the Payroll Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan, are available and constantly updated to reflect the most current regulatory guidelines. For local assistance, the SBA funds regional development centers that offer extensive assistance to small businesses throughout the country. Government websites are home to a wealth of the most credible, up to date COVID-19 toolkits, guides, and news releases.
AAHOA remains dedicated to curating the most accurate and current COVID-19 resources. As our country continues to navigate the disruptions and difficulties of COVID-19, receiving the proper information will remain critical to pulling through this pandemic.
