Small Business Resource Guide for COVID-19

Updated September 01, 2023
Travis Crabtree
Written byTravis Crabtree
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At Swyft Filings, we’re working to help businesses navigate through this challenging and unusual time. Amid COVID-19, many small businesses are facing obstacles, and maybe even a few opportunities, for which there was no way to fully prepare for. We’ve created this resource guide to provide you with answers and guidance, from tips for remote workers to new business ideas requiring little to no startup costs, regardless of whether your typical operations are returning back to normal or if you’re in quarantine for the foreseeable future.

Understanding the new lay of the land

The novel coronavirus has meant very different things for different industries. Understanding how COVID-19 is impacting your industries specifically will help give you the tools to make informed decisions moving forward.

COVID-19 Industry Trends Report

  • Industry trends throughout Q1 2020

  • Notable industries affected in March

Small business relief programs

In the past couple of months, businesses have been looking to new and modified relief programs to help those who’ve had to temporarily cease operations, as well as those who’ve taken financial hits even if remaining partially open.

Small business relief programs during COVID-19

  • Federal small business loans and relief programs

  • Economic injury disaster loan

  • EIDL emergency advance

  • State and local small business resources

What you need to know about the SBA paycheck protection program

  • What the SBA paycheck protection program offers small businesses

  • How your business can utilize it

  • How to apply

Tips for reopening

As states begin to reopen their economies, businesses are having to decide if they’re ready to open their doors again or if they’ll continue to stay closed or offer limited services. When you do reopen, there are certain safety standards and protocols that will help ensure the safety of your employees and customers.

Tips for reopening your business safely

  • Cleaning and sanitation guidelines

  • How to maintain social distancing

  • Supporting the safety of employees

  • Employee infection preparedness

Adjusting to remote work

With large swaths of the country now working remotely for the first time, businesses have to be cognizant of maintaining productivity and engaging employees.

What we can learn from remote workers who were remote well before COVID-19

  • Advice for productivity

  • Maintaining relationships with coworkers

  • Creating a new routine

  • Ramping up communication

How to keep employees engaged when working from home

  • Communication tools

  • Modifying typical engagement activities

Sustaining your small business when profits are low

Since late February and mid-March, many businesses have experienced drastic reductions in profits, requiring owners to pivot and reduce costs where possible. The following resources contain advice from experts to manage through this season.

Tips for sustaining your small business during the COVID-19 pandemic

  • Continuing to serve your customers

  • Pivoting business operations

  • How to maintain transparency with employees and customers

Learning from small businesses coping strategies used during the 2008 recession

  • Reducing costs

  • Obtaining new business

  • Marketing strategies

  • Tactics for flexibility

How to take an in-person business online

  • Building and optimizing a website

  • Engaging customers through creative content

Productivity tips for slower months

  • Revamping your website

  • Creating a business plan

  • Acquiring new skills

Starting a business during COVID-19

It may seem counterintuitive to start a business when so many are closing. Yet, depending on the business, this may be an ideal time to get started. Learn more here:

Why you might consider starting a business in a down economy

  • Reduced startup costs for products, marketing, and more

  • Access to low-interest loans

  • Helping to stimulate economic recovery

How to start a home-based business

  • Crystalizing your idea

  • Choosing a business structure

  • Funding options

How to start a business with little to no startup money

Originally published on October 25, 2022, and last edited on September 01, 2023.

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How much does it cost to form a corporation or LLC?

You can form a corporation or LLC with our help for as little as $0, plus state filing fees for incorporation. Filing fees vary depending on the state you incorporate in. For more information on specific states, check out our state guides on the Swyft Resource Center. You can also email us with specific questions or contact us at 877-777-0450.

What payment methods do you accept?

Swyft Filings accepts payment through Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, checks, and money orders. You can send any questions about payment to our email address or contact us at 877-777-0450.

Will I have to pay additional fees to Swyft Filings after completing my order?

It depends on what you ordered. If all you did was file your corporation or LLC, the price you paid when ordering is all you pay. You will have no further fees after that.

However, if you signed up for the Swyft Filings Registered Agent Service, you will be charged its initial fee three days after you place your order. From then on, you will be charged according to the terms of your subscription until you change your registered agent with the state or dissolve your company. If you change your agent or dissolve your company on your own, let us know so we can discontinue billing.

Other potential subscription-based options include SnapMailbox, 360 Legal Forms, and ComplianceGuard. If you opt for SnapMailbox or 360 Legal Forms, you will be charged a monthly fee after their respective 30-day free trials end. ComplianceGuard has an annual fee after a 14-day free trial. All three of these services are completely optional.

When will my order be processed?

Our team processes all Standard orders on a first come, first served basis. If you opt for Express or Same-Day Processing, we prioritize your order and send it to the front of the line. However, no matter how fast we get it out the door, you’ll still have to wait for your state to address your filing.

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