Plan B: Do You Have One or Think You Need One?
What do Twitter, Slack, Avon, YouTube, and Play-Doh have in common? They all started off as something totally different from the successful business than they are today. So, everybody had a Plan B and used it to make the best of a bad situation. Wrong! They were all caught by surprise and had to think very fast. Plan A wasn’t going to work. Sometimes unexpected adversity turns out to be rocket fuel rather than an anchor.
Dan Light
Fauquier County Emergency Micro Loans Available Now
The Fauquier Micro Loan Program has been revamped to serve as an emergency loan program for small businesses in the County in response to the COVID-19 crisis. This fund is now targeted to putting needed resources into the hands of our entrepreneurs swiftly and with a minimum of red tape. It can accommodate adaptive actions that help firms remain solvent and could also supplement the ongoing costs of doing business until other resources become available.
Miles Friedman
Alternative Funding: Beyond the SBA
Here are some alternative funding/assistance sources for small business owners, as shared by the Program Director of the Bank of America Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship at Cornell. Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may find it helpful.
Michelle Coe
The Power of Unscheduled Opportunities
Let's face it, many of us are struggling with a certain amount of fear right now and what may look like an impossible situation. We may be expressing our fear outwardly or it may be lurching around in our subconscious ready to pounce at any moment. But some people let themselves become crippled by fear...unable to think clearly, take action, move forward or find comfort. If you are going to lead your team through challenges, you must first lead yourself.
Cindy Legg
EIDL Loans, EIDL Grant, and other Options
We care about you during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 crisis. We are monitoring the legislative changes and analyzing them with respect to their impact on you and your organizations. The SBA is working on guidelines to administer these new programs. As soon as we have more information we will share.
Christine Kriz
Updated 3/31/2020: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
Amelia J. Stansell
Beyond the COVID-19 Crisis
The internet has an ample supply of “experts” who are writing articles, publishing books and handing out tips on what you should do to get your business through this unprecedented business climate. I make no claims on being an expert on what to do to get through this. I am only going to share with you what I am doing.
Gary Grenter
Necessity is the Mother of Invention
My work as the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce Membership Director is filled with wonderful relationships. I enjoy the opportunities to help people find ways to grow their business. When I am able to help a business reach their audience or clients successfully, it’s my job well done. This new remote, socially distant way to do business is a different way to communicate but it will bring people together.
Sylvia McDevitt
Spring, Rebirth & the New Business Paradigm
This time can be scary as the virus spreads, stock market tumbles and businesses are shuttered. However, you can also choose to see it as a powerful time of cathartic cleansing and a portal for insight and innovation. It's your choice.
Shari J. Goodwin
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Assistance - Can it Really Help Me?
Late Wednesday it was announced that the Virginia Governor had requested emergency disaster funding from the SBA. "Great," you say, "but what does this mean to me?" It means you may qualify for a low interest loan to help your business stay open. This will mean you can pay your employees, rent or mortgage, vendors and keep the lights on through this time. The funds may cover up to six months of expenses to help until things get back to “normal”.
Amelia J. Stansell
