Practical Biz Tools & Tips to Navigate COVID-19 Crisis (Updated 1/25/2021)

COVID-19
Practical Biz Tools & Tips to Navigate COVID-19 Crisis (Updated 1/25/2021)

s we navigate through the COVID-19 health crisis, here are some essential resources you'll need for your business (this post is being continually updated so check back again soon):

FREE BUSINESS COUNSELING


VACCINE AVAILABILITY
Notice From LA County:  LA County understands there are a lot of people interested in getting vaccinated. However, we must proceed with administering vaccinations within the priority groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with additional guidance provided by the State of California.  We understand that some people may feel they should be or are in these priority groups. However, there are clear definitions that we have posted on our website – these are very specific groups according to the priority tiers.  Visit VaccinateLACounty.com for the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines and to find out if you are currently eligible to receive one.


RESOURCES FOR REOPENING BUSINESSES

JANUARY 25 UPDATE:  While we wait for an updated health order from the LA County Public Health Department, the state's purple tier guidelines can be helpful as of January 25, 2021 with the exception of Restaurants which must wait until the new health order is released before opening outdoor dining (the new order is expected on Friday, January 29, 2021).  For guidelines on all other businesses, CLICK HERE and enter "Los Angeles" in the County field.
Still closed are: Lounges/Nightclubs; Bars; Public entertainment venues: movie theaters, live performance theaters, concert venues, theme parks,and festivals;Family entertainment centers such as bowling alleys,arcades; Indoor in-person dining at restaurants; indoor and outdoor playgrounds for children (except in schools or childcare centers); hot tubs, steam rooms or saunas not located on a residential property; all events or gatherings except as allowed by the public health order (see above).
According to the New Public Health Order, essential businesses will need to provide hand sanitizer/disinfectant/soap & water for public as well cloth face masks for to employees who will interact less than 6 feet away for 10 minutes or more with other employees or the public.  We are continually monitoring and finding sources for face masks and hand sanitizer.  If your business needs a supplier for any of these required items, please reach out to us by emailing info@montebellochamber.org

FINANCIAL RESOURCES
EMPLOYER RESOURCES
 
REORGANIZING FOR VIRTUAL OPERATIONS
Square:
  • On March 18, Square Online Store released the option for curbside pickup, and later this week a local delivery feature will be available for all businesses so that you can quickly adapt to this changing environment. They are also waiving curbside pickup and delivery fees for the next three months. Square Online Store already offers online orders for in-store pickup with no monthly fee.
  • For businesses that have accounts with them, Square is refunding all software subscription fees for the month of March, which includes Square Appointments, Retail, Restaurants, Loyalty, Team Management, Payroll, Marketing, and Square Online Store. Square will manage the process for you—there’s no need to do anything.
  • Square is also offering a resource hub with information and advice for businesses to navigate this new environment, which covers how to offer local delivery, set up and promote electronic gift cards, utilize free marketing campaigns, turn off signature requirements for in-person purchases, and more.
  • E-Gift Cards:  Restaurants are adapting quickly by offering carryout, curbside and delivery orders to customers, but what if you're not a restaurant or providing an essential service?  You may not be able to serve the same number of customers or none at all until this crisis subsides, however, you can selle-gift cards which can be used later when things normalize.  Offer these at a discount to create an incentive for people who are currently focused solely on health and survival (for instance, $50 gift card for $40); this way you can get some cash flow into your business and also keep customers invested to come back to you when the crisis ends.  We're told you don't have to use Square in your business to process credit cards to use this features.  Here's a tutorial video to show you how it works:  Square E-Gift Cards Tutorial Video
Stamps.com: Recommended by one of our local businesses as a very affordable way to ship products to your customers.  Now offering 4-week free trail plus $5 free postage to use during your trial.  After trial period, it costs $17.99 per month for service.  Even with monthly fee, depending on volume, can be cheaper than post office or other shippers, and comes with tracking ability.

Patreon:  If you have a business that can provide services via video or audio recording or in written or graphic form such as classes, coaching or advice, this app can allow you to monetize by signing up monthly subscribers at varying levels of commitment while giving them access to video, audio or written content.  You set the levels and what you will provide at each level and that can include a physical product if you like. 

Zoom:  This app that works on computers and mobile devices to host a virtual meeting.  The free version will hold a 40 minute meeting with up to 100 people, and if you need more time or larger groups, the paid plans start at $14.99 per month.

RingCentral: This service can provide voice over IP phone service, virtual receptionist, voicemail and Fax, as well as virtual meetings.  During the current crisis, educators (K-12 schools), health-care providers, and non-profit organizations can use this software free for 3 months with no obligation.

BUSINESSES TO HELP YOU

Here are Chamber members who are ready to help local businesses with some of the challenges they're facing right now:
  • ACRO Printing, Inc - for all your printing needs including signage
  • Aion Web and Graphic Designs  - Now offering a $499 website package normally valued at $999 to help businesses with their online presence.
  • Columbia Business Forms - Now providing floor stickers, branded face masks and other signage to help with physical distancing after reopening. Also all your printing needs.
  • DigiCal, Inc. - Whether you need help with website design, mobile apps, or accessibility and SEO services for your website,  DigiCal can help.  Also providing video and drone services.
  • Express Employment - While some businesses are shutting down, others are amping up.  If your business needs help, there is a new pool of people looking for work and owner Frank Valencia and his team can help you with this.
  • G&C Protective Services - With over 30 years combined experience, the owners offer security assessments and security guards and patrols for both residential and commercial properties.
  • K-9 Protective Services - Offering free security analysis and walk-through to provide proposal. They can perform hourly sweeps to observe any property damage or malicious acts (loitering, tagging, vandalism/theft, keeping vagrants off your property).
  • ​Orbit Event Rentals - If you need more space to provide physical distancing of employees during breaks, Orbit can create an outdoor break room with tents, tables, chairs and floor coverings.
  • RG Pacfic LLC - With social distancing becoming the new norm, businesses are adapting by doing more business online.  If you need help doing this quickly, Ray Galan and his team can get up and running fast!  Now offering discounted services for local companies: immediate online ordering, social media advertising, Google advertising.
  • Roquemore, Pringle, & Moore, Inc. -  This Law Office advises businesses, both corporations and individuals, in various aspects of business law, including bankruptcy.  They also do estate planning and assist clients in probate and trust disputes.  They are available to meet with potential clients for no charge for the initial consultation.
  • Universo Cleaning, Inc. - Sanitation has never been more critical, and Universo can help protect your employees and clients by cleaning and sanitizing your workplace.

PUBLIC HEALTH & GOVERNMENT ORDERS
GENERAL RESOURCES