The Small Business Resource Association Blog

Transition Your Business from Surviving to Thriving

Tue, 02 May 2023 13:09:07 GMT

Here's what you'll learn in this Tune Up Tuesday video:

Learn key drivers to increase the stability, profitability, and value of your business
Discover practical solutions to help your business achieve immediate and long-term goals
Learn how to evaluate the value of your business

If you are interested in learning more about how Larry Bonino can help you buy, sell, or grow a thriving business, you can find him on LInkedIn by clicking here .

Which Social Media Platform is Right for You?

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 13:49:59 GMT

Here's what you'll learn in this Tune Up Tuesday video:

Uncover why being on social media matters today and how it can enhance and accelerate business growth and sales
Cut through the confusion by providing best practices and fundamental techniques that work on any platform for any audience
Explore 6 top social media platforms and explain how each of them supports specific B2B and B2C goals

If you are interested in engaging Bell Media Group to improve your social media outreach, you can find them at https://www.bellmediagrp.com .

The Art of Negotiating by John Whitehall

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 14:15:57 GMT

Here's what you'll learn from this Tune Up Tuesday video:

Why we’re uncomfortable negotiating
Mindset and outcome, how we keep score
What do our emotions have to do with successful outcomes?

To learn more about the art of negotiating you may reach John Whitehall on LinkedIn by clicking here .

Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy Provides High School Students With the Opportunity to Explore a Career as an Entrepreneur

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 15:33:26 GMT

The Small Business Resource Association (SBRA), in collaboration with Career Ready Berks, is launching the Emerging Entrepreneur’s Academy (EEA), a unique educational program for high school students who aspire to someday own their own business. The EEA is designed to provide 11 ^th and 12 ^th grade students with both classroom instruction and in-the-field training through internships, allowing them to benefit from the knowledge and experience of local business owners. The six-week summer program for 2022 is being offered to 2 students selected from each Berks County school district that have expressed a desire to be an entrepreneur. Students of the EEA will learn the fundamentals of being an entrepreneur - how to analyze the market and competition, create a business plan, develop and execute a marketing plan, hire staff, manage a sales team, create a culture and more.

Students who have an interest in someday owning a business will gain valuable insight and knowledge in recognizing opportunities and understanding the challenges of owning a business… directly from local entrepreneurs. This interactive curriculum delivers a unique combination of educational workshops along with an internship-like experience for greater guidance to career decision making - beyond the choices of college, trade school or entering the workforce after graduation. The SBRA aims to reverse statistics that show Berks County has the lowest business birth rate compared to neighboring counties, the State of PA and the entire nation. Launching this program makes perfect sense for the SBRA to help build a stronger Berks by fostering the growth of business.

The Emerging Entrepreneurs Academy Needs the Support of local Business Owners who Want to Make a Difference!

Local business owners are encouraged to support this program as a presenter, an instructor, participating on a panel, offering an internship or sponsoring students. The SBRA’s goal is to offset the entire cost of tuition though sponsorships. Sponsorship packages for those interested in supporting the EEA are available.

Storytelling is the Marketing Shake-Up You Need – Here’s Why.

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 21:46:10 GMT

In 2014, I took a job as a corporate restaurant manager. Part of the gig was learning every station in the restaurant – including prep, line work, and dish. Dressed in an old pair of jeans, non-slip shoes, and a company baseball hat, I showed up at 6:30 AM on the dot for my first day of training. I couldn’t wait to get into the kitchen and show all the back-of-house guys that I could hack it anywhere.

Except I couldn’t.

I had traditionally been a high achiever in professional and academic settings, and I assumed that success would come naturally. But there aren’t any textbooks that teach you how to roll dough. No manuals that explain the cadence of working on a line. And no flow charts outlining the technical communication required to get 25 tickets on their tables, hot and on time.

Twelve hours later, I was blinking back tears as I continued to pound away at my station. The kitchen manager caught my eye and said, with a half-smirk, “Go home, Kyra, you’re done for the day.”

Covered in grease and flour and frustrated with myself for my lack of ability to finish the shift, I tore off my dirty apron and exited the back of the restaurant without a word.

But I continued to show up. And by the end of the grueling two weeks, things were looking up. I had built friendly relationships, developed an enhanced enjoyment of food, and, most importantly, gained a new appreciation for a craft that fell outside of my natural ability. I’ll never be a great back-of-house employee – but I’ll also never look at one the same way again.

Why would I tell you this story?

It’s not the most flattering story, to be honest. It is, however, relatable. It indirectly reveals deeper truths about my personality and provides context for my work ethic. And most importantly – it’s real, and hopefully, it’s memorable.

Storytelling has become one of the hottest crazes in marketing for a couple of key reasons:

People are wired to understand and remember stories.

Telling stories dates to the dawn of humankind - people are wired to understand and respond to them. For centuries, people have used the art of storytelling to document history, convey complex lessons, and inspire action – far longer than they’ve been presenting PowerPoints or creating social media posts.

Stories influence the customer journey.

Establishing trust is a big part of the customer journey – stories can help you get there faster. Storytelling in marketing leverages the power of your company’s unique culture to showcase the values you share with your customers and demonstrate why it makes perfect sense for them to buy from you.

Stories help you show, not tell.

Simon Sinek reminds us that people don’t care about what you do; they care about why you do

it. But your “why” can be complex. Your organization’s “why” might be focused on your founder’s experience, or it might be built on the collective experiences of an entire population. Either way, stories show the heart of your organization to your customers, driving brand preference and loyalty.

Storytelling is a powerful method that can both enhance your marketing efforts and create meaningful connections. But beyond the ROI and the technical stuff, stories are good for the soul. It’s a wonderfully freeing practice to tell them and share them with others. If you’re looking for creative ways to make an impact with your marketing, telling your story just might be the secret weapon you’ve been looking for.

Who’s in your Network?

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 23:48:01 GMT

When doing research, we discovered that there is one thing that all 7.5 Billion people that inhabit the earth have in common, they all have a natural instinct for developing relationships with other people. One might say we were created to “network”. Therefore, if developing a relationship with other people is a natural instinct, and another word for that is networking, and no business can survive without customers (other people), it would make sense that all successful businesses must network.

Why Networking Matters

Three years ago, when my partners and I were sitting around a table at Panera Bread developing the vision for the Small Business Resource Association, we asked each other the question “what are the most important services we could provide to best help small businesses be more successful?”. The old saying “it takes money to make money” led us to realize that what most small businesses needed most was more “business”. To get more business they needed more customers and to get more customers they either had to advertise more or get out in the marketplace and talk to people about their products or services. They needed money to advertise, which many of them had very little of, so we concluded that one of the best ways we could best serve our members was to provide as many opportunities as possible for our members to meet people, talk about what they do, develop relationships and then, hopefully, make a sale. Remember the old saying “people like to do business with people they like”.

What Networking is Not

Let me first tell you what networking isn’t. It is NOT going to an event and socializing with coworkers, friends and people you know. Networking is meeting new people and developing a relationship with them as well as reinforcing old acquaintances. If people know who you are and what you do, they have your contact information and they “like you”, there is a good chance that some day they will either do business with you or refer you to someone else. Today’s cover story is a great example of SBRA members that have built their businesses on this networking principle.

Here are a few helpful hints to make your networking experience a super success.

1. Meet people with a smile and a Positive Attitude. Nobody likes a Debbie Downer.

2. Be a much better Listener than talker. Make the other person feel like what they have to say is important to you.

3. Be a Reverse networker by focusing on helping others make connections. What you do to help others will come back to you in spades.

4. Be yourself, whatever that may be. People appreciate authenticity.

5. Don’t make promises you cannot keep. Prove you are worthy of Trust.

6. Be Approachable and make people feel comfortable talking to you.

7. Hand out your business card and get theirs.

8. Follow up with a personal call explaining how much you enjoyed meeting them and possibly providing them with a lead that they could reach out to. (reinforcing #3)

Over my career, I have given out literally thousands of referrals to help people connect with the people that could use their products and services. I can honestly say, 50 years later, that it was the people that I networked with and helped that gave me the support I needed to grow my successful businesses. They were my network. Now it’s your turn, take an assessment and find out “Who is in your Network”.

The SBRA provides numerous ways you can meet people and exercise the 8 principles above. To learn more about networking opportunities visit https://www.sbrassociation.com/#JOIN

What are Your Questions, Concerns and Needs?

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:42:49 GMT

We want to hear from you!

The SBRA is so proud of its members and all the incredible things you have all done over this past year to keep your business alive and moving forward. Even more incredible was your outreach into our community to help one another and share your time, talent and experience. Your generosity and thoughtfulness is truly a testimony to what UNITY is all about - helping one another during difficult times and keeping our community strong.

We now begin a new year with, unfortunately, some continued uncertainty. What do we need to do to survive, what changes do we need to make to adapt, what new technologies do we need to implement to do business in this “new normal” and how do we stay engaged with our customers and vendors?

These and many other questions are what every small business owner is thinking and asking one another.

The SBRA’S MISSION IS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS.

So we are asking YOU— HOW CAN WE HELP?

What are your questions, concerns and needs? YOUR replies will direct the SBRA team in providing the answers and information you want and need to help your business grow through upcoming workshops, seminars, mingles and huddles.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR SBRA MEMBERSHIP, TELL US WHAT YOU NEED TODAY by entering your information in the form below.

Take a minute right now to reply so that we can start to provide the “Information You Asked For” to you and all our members as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Thank you!

The SBRA Team – Gary, Mark, Al, Chris, Mitch and Laura

Small Business Economic Forecast

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 16:00:56 GMT

Economic Projection by Dianne Manges, CFA With BB&T Now Truist

This forecast presented January 15th 2021 by Dianne Manges is optimistic as we progress toward stabilazation following a world pandemic. Dianne explains the factors that have produced a higher savings mind set for most americans along with market trends pointing to a better climate for growth.

SBA Announces Simpler PPP Forgiveness for Loans of $50,000 or Less

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 17:42:16 GMT

This is the announcement many were hoping for!

According to Globe Newswire, today "the U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, today released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less. This action streamlines the PPP forgiveness process to provide financial and administrative relief to America’s smallest businesses while also ensuring sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars."

Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin stated, "Today’s action streamlines the forgiveness process for PPP borrowers with loans of $50,000 or less and thousands of PPP lenders who worked around the clock to process loans quickly,” he continued. “We are committed to making the PPP forgiveness process as simple as possible while also protecting against fraud and misuse of funds. We continue to favor additional legislation to further simplify the forgiveness process.”

Click here to read the full story, which includes links to the new loan forgiveness application and more!

Resources Available for Self-employed individuals, Sole-proprietors, and Independent Contractors in the CARES Act

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:49:39 GMT

If Other Programs Have Not Worked For You This One Might

Self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, independent contractors, and other small businesses are eligible to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The funds are intended to support temporary loss of revenue businesses and self-employed individuals are experiencing due to COVID-19. The EIDL loan program caps out at $2 million, and although it is not forgivable, it may provide more flexibility than PPP in the types of expenses it covers, including a range of operating costs. The EIDL loan amount that can be requested is based on the amount of “economic injury” the applicant has sustained as a result of COVID-19. One can determine that “injury” (or loss) by comparing this year’s economic results to those in 2019. The interest rate on these loans is 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for nonprofits. You can take up to 30 years to repay your loan, with the first payment deferred for one year.

Similar to PPP, the applicant will need to submit the necessary documentation to establish eligibility, such as payroll processor records, payroll tax filings, Form 1099-MISC, or income and expenses from a sole proprietorship. Bank records will suffice if the borrower does not have other forms of documentation.

• Eligible small businesses, self-employed individuals, private-nonprofits, and agricultural businesses may apply for the EIDL here.

The Greater Area Reading Grant Apply Now

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:47:06 GMT

Eligibility & Criteria Requirements To Apply

Program Eligibility

Grants of $10,000 to $50,000 are available for small businesses that have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and related statewide business closure.
Grants are available for businesses annual revenues (prior to March 1, 2020) of $3 million or less and have 50 or fewer full-time employees (FTEs). Revenues are based on the IRS tax form definition: Gross Sales (less any returns and allowances) as reported on Line 1.c. on both the 1120 (corporate return, 1120S (SCorp return), on IRS Schedule C for single member LLC's and sole proprietorships, Line 3 and on IRS form 1065 line 1c for partnerships.
Eligible businesses must have a primary physical operation in Berks County and have at least 51% of gross annual revenues generated in Pennsylvania. Applicants must file a Pennsylvania tax return. Applicants will self-certify that 51% or more of revenues are generated in PA.
Eligible businesses may be structured as C-corporations, S-corporations, limited liability corporations, partnerships, sole proprietors, independent contractors or self-employed individuals.
Businesses must have must have been in operation as of February 15, 2020.
Businesses must certify that their business is currently operating or has a clear plan to fully re-open once all Commonwealth COVID-19 related operating restrictions are lifted.
Applicants must certify that they will use the funds only for COVID-19 related expenses incurred no earlier than March 1, 2020 and no later than December 31, 2020. Applicants also will certify that they have not received “duplication of benefits” from any other CARES Act funding.

Click to view all the Eligibility & Criteria requirements

View Checklist of information you will be asked for during the application process.

Click To Apply

Grant Money Available for Small Business in the Greater Reading Area

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 14:35:44 GMT

County of Berks / COVID-19 Leadership Team Press Release

The Berks County Board of Commissioners will be launching a new grant program next week to assist local small business owners who have been struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Berks County Small Business New Start Grant program is the latest component of the Rebuild Berks initiative from the Berks County Commissioners and Greater Reading Chamber Alliance. The program will be administered by Community First Fund, a non-profit, federally qualified community development financial institution (CDFI).

$6 Million From County's CARES Act

The Board of Commissioners allocated $6 million from the county’s CARES Act funds to support this program on August 11. The program will award grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 to Berks County small business owners based on revenue level. To be eligible,

businesses must primarily operate in Berks, have 50 or less full-time employees and have pre-COVID annual gross revenues of $3 million or less. Eligible business must have been in operation as of February 15, 2020 and certify their business is operating or has a clear plan to

fully reopen. The grants can only be used for costs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We understand the crucial role small businesses have in our community and have seen first-hand how much they have been struggling during this pandemic,” Commissioner Michael S. Rivera. “We want to help these local business owners get the financial assistance they need to give their restaurants and stores the boost they need for a fresh start from this setback.”

For Low And Moderate Income Businesses

The program will give priority to low-and-moderate income business owners and to businesses operating in disadvantaged areas, including communities experiencing higher than average poverty rates and unemployment rates. The program will focus on businesses in the hospitality, tourism, retail, restaurant and personal care industry sectors and with preference given to businesses owned by people of color, veterans, women and disabled individuals. Finally, the program will prioritize businesses that have incurred the highest revenue loss due to COVID-19 and businesses that have received limited to no prior local or state relief funding.

“We’ve seen our business communities taking the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis,” said Daniel Betancourt, President & CEO of Community First Fund. “These small business grants are vital in keeping these businesses afloat and we applaud the efforts of the Berks County Commissioners in their efforts to get these resources into the hands of those most impacted by the crisis.”

Available To Apply 9/10 - 9/23

The online application portal is expected to open on Thursday, September 10 and close on Wednesday, September 23. A list of eligibility requirements, a checklist to help business owners prepare for the application and a list of frequently asked questions are currently

available at www.rebuildberks.com/funding . The online application portal can be accessed through the website after the portal opens.

All resources and documents are available in English and Spanish. Community First Fund representatives will also be available throughout the process to offer technical assistance to applicants. Recipients will not be determined on a first-come, first-serve basis, so applicants

are asked to take their time to properly prepare and have complete and correct information at hand when submitting their applications. The necessary information to apply includes the most recent tax return, a form of acceptable government-issued photo ID for the primary business owner and the dollar amounts of total gross revenues from March 1, 2019 to May 31, 2019 and total gross revenues from March 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020.

www.DoYourPartBerks.com

www.CountyofBerks.com

Small Business Grants Available

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 13:56:55 GMT

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES!

Grant funds are still available for small businesses. Review the important grant criteria listed below to determine if your business is eligible to receive funding. We will have more details about the Small Business"New Start Grant'' in the next few days. Take some time to review the criteria, then apply where appropriate.

Community Business Grant – Small Business Restart Grant

Application Dates: Open until funds run out

Criteria:

• Apply for grant through NHS of Greater Reading

• Available to businesses in Berks County, outside of the City

• 1 Owner and 8 or less full time employees

• Annual revenue of $1 million or less

• For Profit Businesses Only

Use:

• Rent/mortgage payments for business location (July 1st forward)

• Payroll costs (July 1st forward)

• Inventory or supply costs (July 1st forward)

• Utilities costs (July 1st forward)

• $5,000 to $50,000 grants depending on annual revenue pre-COVID

Click on the link to apply:

Community Business Grant – Small Business Restart Grant Application

Community First Fund

COVID-19 Relief PA Statewide Small Business Assistance

Application Dates: August 10th – 28th

Criteria:

• Annual revenue of $1 million or less prior to COVID

• 25 or less employees prior to February 15, 2020

• For Profit Businesses Only

• Based in PA

• Higher priority low-moderate income employees

• $5,000 to $50,000 grants depending on annual revenue pre-COVID

Uses:

• Payroll costs, costs related to the continuation of group health care benefits during periods of paid sick, medical, or family leave, and insurance premiums. .

• Working capital for the purpose of paying mortgage principal and interest payments (but not mortgage prepayments); and principal and interest payments on any other debt obligations that were incurred before February 15, 2020.

• Rent payments, utility payments.

• Working capital for the purpose of covering the costs of re-opening business operations after being fully or partially closed due to the state-mandated business closure period commencing March 2020, as long as the expense was incurred do to COVID-19.

• Any expenses (costs) incurred related to the expense of implementing COVID-19, including but not limited to specialized equipment, barriers, PDE’s, and employee training expense to ensure compliance with state and federal CDC guidelines for reopening.

• Any Covid-19 related expenses not already paid for with other relief measures such as state grants or loans, US SBA Paycheck Protection Loans, local or regional grant and/or loan programs.

Click on the link to apply:

Community First Fund | COVID-19 Relief PA Statewide Small Business Assistance Application

Berks County CARES Fund – Small Business "New Start Fund"

(not launched - soon)

More Details Coming Soon

• Less Restrictive Criteria for Applicants

• Includes Restaurants, Retail, Hotels, Attractions (festivals, museums, etc)

• Available for $1 million plus in revenue

What to do to get PPP Forgiveness

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 23:02:57 GMT

How to apply for PPP loan forgiveness

Congratulations, you received the PPP loan, now how do you get it forgiven?

Maybe when you saw the long form or even the easy form you felt a cringe come over your whole body with a screaming thought racing across your brain saying, "What did I get myself into!" Then this video is for you!

Normally these workshops and training's are reserved for our members, but we felt that we need to make it available to everyone.

Support Restaurants

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 22:10:13 GMT

Stand With Restaurants

Imagine what our world would be like without restaurants from a personal and business perspective. After all, they accommodate visitors to our area when traveling here for a day or longer. They round out a destination’s experience. They create a gathering space/place for businesses, families, and friends to meet and enjoy each other. They help build a quality of life that encourage people to stay longer and even live here. Hospitality has been the most under-served industry in all the pandemic. Help us work to help them!

Please take a few moments (less than 2 minutes) TODAY and complete this petition to support restaurants. The petition was started by the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Assoc (PRLA).

Please share this with your employees, your friends and family, your kids sports team, etc. We want everyone to participate. As an industry, we are working to garner 100,000 signatures. We are strong together!

Stand with Restaurants! Petition

https://www.votervoice.net/PRLA/Petitions/2321/Respond

Your support is greatly appreciated and thank you,

Crystal A Seitz

President

Pennsylvania’s Americana Region

4641 Pottsville Pike

Reading, PA 19605

610-375-4085

VisitPaAmericana.com

COVID Cases are Up While Deaths are Way, Way Down

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 19:41:43 GMT

Why is it that we frequently hear about cases, but rarely about deaths?

Are the media trying to panic us, or are they truly so inept as to be uninformed about the most important factor regarding the COVID-19 threat, namely the threat to our very lives?

The CDC website contains a list of the US death count by week . The figures are in plain view. The only thing lacking is a graph to drive the trend line home, so we typed them into a spreadsheet and created our own graph. The CDC statistics are based on "death certificate data received and coded by the National Center for Health Statistics as of July 13, 2020."

The graph above reveals the trend from the weekly figures shown to the left, and the trend is unmistakable: the weekly death count is dropping at a very, very sharp rate . The number of deaths last week (July 11, 2020) were the lowest they've been since the week ending March 21. Deaths reported for July 11 were 137 nationwide, an average of less than 3 per state, which is 99.2% lower than the 16,895 deaths reported the week of April 18th .

If you'd like to view the CDC page containing these figures, simply click the button below. Please note that the CDC states that the figures may be adjusted as more information becomes available, but the overall trend is unmistakable.

Your Thoughts?
What do you think about this? Is this the first you are hearing about the precipitous decline in the COVID death rate? Does this in any way impact your business plans in the short or long term? We'd love to hear from you!

Loan Forgiveness Application Revised

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 15:36:37 GMT

Revised Loan Forgiveness Application

Dear Friend,

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has released a new forgiveness application and instructions to reflect changes to the Paycheck Protection Program that went into effect June 5. I want to share these new materials with you and remind you that my office remains a resource to your business through this challenging time.

Loan Forgiveness Application (revised 6/16/20)

Instructions for Loan Forgiveness Application

EZ Loan Forgiveness Application (new)

Instructions for EZ Loan Forgiveness Application

The revised forgiveness application reflects the changes made earlier this month in the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act that modifies the program to better suit businesses’ evolving needs:

• Borrowers now have 24 weeks to meet forgiveness requirements, but if your business’ loan was made before June 5, you may choose to maintain the original 8-week covered period.

• Borrowers are now required to spend 60% of their loan amount on payroll to qualify for forgiveness.

• Loans made after June 5 will mature after 5 years if they are not forgiven after the covered period. Loans made before June 5 will still mature at 2 years if they are not forgiven after the covered period.

• Exceptions to forgiveness requirements for certain reductions in employees, hours, or wages, and for businesses that were unable to operate before the end of their covered period to comply with OSHA, CDC, or HHS requirements.

The new EZ Loan Forgiveness Application

The new EZ Loan Forgiveness Application is designed to reduce the number of calculations and documents for certain borrowers. You may use the EZ Application if:

• You are self-employed and have no employees; or

• Your business did not reduce wages more than 25% and did not reduce the number of employees or their hours; or

• Your business experienced reductions in business activity due to COVID-19 health directives and did not reduce employees’ wages or salaries more than 25%.

These modifications are designed to make the Paycheck Protection Program a more effective relief tool for small business like yours. All loans remain forgivable if conditions are met within the covered period. For specific questions about your PPP loan, contact your lender. My office is also a resource for you and if we can be of assistance to you, please call my office in Pottsville at (570) 871-6370.

Sincerely,

Dan Meuser

Member of Congress

Important Changes - H.R. 7010 PPP Flexibility Act

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 15:17:07 GMT

Must know Changes to the PPP Act

Berks County Small Business Restart Loan Program

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 16:03:49 GMT

Last month, the Berks County Commissioners announced the creation of the Berks County Small Business Restart Loan (SBRL) Program aimed at supporting small business owners to “hit the ground running” when the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Berks County leaders lift stay at home orders.

An information page was published on the Do Your Part Berks website outlining program guidelines and needed materials for the application process. Small businesses within Berks County and outside the City of Reading may apply for loans ranging from $2,500-$10,000 if they meet specific eligibility requirements. Approved applicants may receive up to 50% loan forgiveness if they meet certain criteria.

The application period opens Monday, June 15 and will close on Friday, June 19.

Business owners are encouraged to review the information posted on the Do Your Part Berks website prior to the application acceptance period.

Please note: the application will be made available through the Neighborhood Housing Service of Greater Berks website and NOT Do Your Part Berks.

To best reach businesses struggling during this time, we ask that you share this information with your membership. Any questions may be directed to SBRLBerkscty@nhsgb.org

Commissioner Michael Rivera

633 Court Street

13th Floor – Services Center

Reading, PA 19601

Ph: 610-478-6136 Ext 6130

Fax: 610-478-6293

Website: www.co.berks.pa.us

Business Reopen Survey Results

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 17:39:46 GMT

The Results Are In...

PPP Loan Forgiveness Application & Instructions

Fri, 29 May 2020 19:35:06 GMT

Get a Jump on the PPP Loan Forgiveness Process!

Some of our members have expressed concerns regarding a lack of clarity surrounding the PPP loan forgiveness process. You can review and download both the application and instructions for completing it here.

Just for Small Business

Thu, 21 May 2020 17:26:37 GMT

Update From Berks County - More Help On The Way

Updates from:

Joshua Fidler, M.P.P.

Field Representative

Office of U.S. Congressman Dan Meuser | PA-09

1. The IRS has hired 3,500 people to start answering questions over the phone about their Economic Impact Payments. The number is 1-800-919-9835. As of now, we are still not able to ask the IRS where an individuals EIP is so if there are specific questions please refer to the number listed above, or the link listed below.

a. https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions

2. The IRS has also started mailing out 4 million EIP prepaid debit cards instead of paper checks. They can check their card balance online and use a mobile app with no incurring fees. The card can also be used online and at the ATM or anywhere that VISA cards are accepted.

a. https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm1012 New Paragraph

3. Berks County is launching an interest free loan program for small businesses (flyer is attached). Berks County small businesses can apply for a 0% interest-free loan with no payments for 24 months through the Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Berks website beginning on June 15, 2020.

a. Funding for these loans are from federal and local sources with about $2.3 million for these loans.

b. Additional information on these loans are also attached along with the press release from the Berks County Commissioners. New Paragraph

GET READY, GET SET, OPEN!!

Tue, 12 May 2020 12:30:19 GMT

ATTA-BOY/GIRL

As the CEO of your Small Business Resource Association, and, on behalf of my partners, we would like to say ATTA-BOY/GIRL to all of you, as together, we have weathered the bulk of this storm. It’s not over yet but we definitely see light at the end of the tunnel. We have not been in our offices since early March and most of you have spent the past 8 weeks closed and/or working out of your homes.

The Governor of Pa. is now looking at Early June, if all goes well, to relax the restrictions and start the journey back to “business as usual”, and we can make that happen. This means that many of us will have spent the better part of three months with little or no income, lack of personal contact with employees and customers as well as dealing with the unknown—will we be able to survive until this is all over?

Many of you have been very creative with finding new ways for your business to switch gears and generate new sources of income. Many of you have applied for and received financial help from multiple Government sources we have been posting daily on our website. Some of you have turned to online sales and Zoom meetings to keep your businesses alive. A few of you have been forced to rely on savings and borrowed dollars and just hunker in and wait to re-open.

A race car driver, swimmer and track runner all relate to the command “Get Ready—Get Set—Go” to start their race. They prepare long and hard, experience many disappointments, injuries and a few losses along the way, but they never give up. So, lets follow their game plan and Get Ready for that re-opening, Get Set with a plan of action and Open with a GO not a no.

We are survivors and together we can help one another cross the finish line and beat this crisis. It’s only a Crisis if we give up. The SBRA is your Association and along with all our members we are here to help you get back into business and OPEN as before. Here are a few ideas that possibly could help.

1. Get Ready

Get yourself in position to open up again. Notify all your staff, clients and vendors as to when you will be re-opening. Contact your banker now if you might need an additional, short term loan to replace inventory, conduct a marketing campaign or modify your place of business to make it safer and comply to any rules governing the re-opening. Possibly, a re-opening event or special might draw people in quicker than just waiting—Remember, every other business in Berks County will be trying to do the same. It will be a GIANT scramble to see who can get their customers back the quickest.

2. Get Set

You will need a plan as to how your business will work. Do you need safety barriers between clients and your check out staff? What will you and your staff be talking about to clients as they come face to face with you for the first time in months? Do you have safety and cleanliness procedures in place? Your staff will have to be trained and held accountable as clients will be looking to see how safe and clean and prepared you are. Are you stocked with hand sanitation products, face masks, tissues and of course “toilet paper”?

3. OPEN!

Be positive, focus on the future and do not dwell on the past. Turn this opportunity into a new start to the second half of 2020. Learn from the past to make the future much better. Keep your Sense of Humor, Laugh, Smile, be Enthusiastic and Courageous. Open to win.

PLEASE know that we are here to help you in any way we can. If you need something, and we do not have that resource readily available, we will go find it. Stay in touch and get ready to “MINGLE”.

“SHOW US YOUR STICKER” CHALLENGE!

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 10:58:59 GMT

Soon The Virus Will Stop Spreading

People infected will recover and the government will lift the restrictions on operating businesses. No one knows exactly what that will look like but there is one thing for sure, business doors will reopen and we will all be getting back to business.

You will soon be receiving in the mail your “Support the SBRA” membership sticker for you to proudly display at you place of business - on a counter, window, car bumper, anywhere customers can easily see it. Along with displaying your SBRA sticker, we wanted to use this opportunity to also encourage consumers to buy from you by having you participate in a campaign designed to gain exposure for your business— the “SHOW US YOUR STICKER” CHALLENGE!

We’ll be asking you to email us a picture showing how you displayed your SBRA sticker - underneath your sign, on your car, your computer, printer, golf bag, guitar, bike, … dress up, pose with your pets, get crazy creative, have fun! Send us your photo and we’ll post your pics to our social media pages challenging everyone to create a clever caption or tagline for your photo that could generate viral exposure for your business!

Sound like fun? Check your mail, send us your photo and keep your eyes open for your photo to appear. Make sure you “like” the SBRA Facebook page and “follow” our page on LinkedIn. Photos will be posted in the order they’re received.

Get ready!

If At First You Did Not Succeed With PPP, Try Try Again

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 17:09:07 GMT

The Small Business Administration will resume accepting PPP loan applications TODAY, Monday, April 27 at 10:30 AM EDT from approved lenders on behalf of any eligible borrower! Keep Trying!

Plan To Reopen PA Businesses

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 17:59:23 GMT

Pennsylvania’s Comprehensive Plan to Reopen

The full plan can be found at this site here .

Paycheck Protection Program - Riverfront FCU Application

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:40:18 GMT

Apply online for the PPP via the RFCU website

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was established by the CARES Act, passed by Congress on March 27, 2020, and designed to give small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic the resources they need to support payroll costs and other expenses.

Eligibility

Must be able to establish a business membership with Riverfront FCU and open a business account.
All applicants are responsible for working with their CPA or payroll provider to determine an adequate loan amount and submit documentation supporting their requested loan amount.
Must have been in business on or before February 15th, 2020.
Must have 500 or fewer employees.

Learn More / Apply Now

To learn more, visit the Riverfront Federal Credit Union PPP page at https://www.riverfrontfcu.org/Business-PPP.asp .

PA Unemployment Comp Available Soon for Self-Employed - Learn More

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 18:57:16 GMT

The PA Website Will Soon Take Applications for Self-Employed Workers, So Now is a Good Time to Get Your Paperwork Ready!

Although the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation website is currently (as of April 20) incurring problems processing applications, now is a great time to learn about the documentation that will be needed, and to begin preparing. To learn more, please click here: https://www.uc.pa.gov/unemployment-benefits/file/Pages/Filing-for-PUA.aspx .

Information Regarding IRS Relief Money

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 18:19:20 GMT

Please Download the .pdf Documents for More Information

The IRS just completed their new online form. If you would like to receive your relief checks through direct deposit, please click on the link below. Be careful to read all information before submitting the form!

• 80 million Americans received their checks today.

• https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment

If you have additional questions or would like to see other resources available to you, please check out our website.

• https://meuser.house.gov/coronavirus

If there is anything that I can do please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions 484-256-9673.

Very Respectfully,

Joshua Fidler

Field Representative

Office of U.S. Congressman Dan Meuser | PA-09

Reading Regional Airport, Box 12

2501 Bernville Road, Bern, PA 19605

Office: 610-568-9957

Cell: 484-256-9673

Email: Joshua.Fidler@mail.house.gov

Telephone Town Hall Meeting Thursday April 16 5:30 pm

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 14:50:20 GMT

Thursday, April 16 | 5:30 pm

Join Congressman Dan Meuser and health leaders from our community for updates and answers to your questions about the local and national response to the coronavirus.

Call in number: (877) 229-8493

PIN: 118349

Are You Prepared for “Back to Normal” or a “New Tomorrow”?

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 16:17:00 GMT

What's Normal?

I think, that before I start to talk about whether or not you are prepared for, “back to normal”, we need to first take a look at the word “normal”. Why? Because what was normal 60 days ago, and how business was conducted, may not be exactly the same 60 days from now. This Coronavirus crisis is not going to stop one day and the next day everyone is going right back to their jobs, schools, sporting events, vacations, favorite restaurants, conventions and the list goes on. This Country has never been in a shut down like we are experiencing now. Millions of people have lost their jobs or have been laid off and are now living off unemployment and or their savings. Many will not have the ability to resume life as they did before the crisis.

Schools are closed in most states until fall of 2020. Families may have additional expenses for child care or one of the parents may have to stay home from work to care for the children. Many businesses will be forced to tighten their budgets, for who knows how long, in order to survive the financial loss they have incurred. In other words, plans they had for new purchases, training, marketing, improvements and staff development may, most likely, have to be put on hold. It will take a while for consumer spending to reach pre Covid-19 times because many people will just not have the extra cash to spend and they will be cautious about accruing additional credit card debt. The Dow Jones dropped slightly over 10,000 points crushing personal investments and retirement programs. All this, and much more tells me that the if we expect the old normal to return real soon, as we once new it, we are going to be gravely disappointed.

Don’t get me wrong, I am in no way an alarmist, I am truly an optimist, but we have to deal with reality first and not let what we want, interfere with what we really have to deal with. The truth of the matter is that the old normal may be modified and molded into a “new normal” and I’m not sure anyone has a handle on what that will look like yet.

So, lets look at a few things you can do right now to help you prepare for when we start to come out of this crisis and start building a “New Tomorrow”. We will let “normal” evolve on its own.

A New Tomorrow

START PLANNING NOW

—You probably have a little extra time available so why not use it to plan your strategy. How are you going to let your clients know you are back in business? Is there low hanging fruit you should pick, in other words, key clients you should contact first? What are you going to say to them? Are you personally prepared to deliver 100%? If you have staff, are they still on your team and are they prepared to start when you need them? Do you have all the products and supplies you will need? Are you going to provide any incentives to drive clients back to you? Are you prepared financially if business takes off better than thought it would? People are still going to be concerned about the virus, what are you doing to give them a feeling of safety dealing with you and your business?

STAY IN TOUCH

—This is so important, in-fact, I might suggest it is the most important part of your recovery strategy. If you are not connecting with your customers, I can promise you, your competitors are. Let them know that you value their loyalty and you will be there to service them as soon as the crisis allows. Give them a reason to connect with you as soon as you re-open, a special price, product or service as a thank you for returning. Stay in touch weekly with your employees to make sure they are safe and healthy. Read my blog, Don’t Forget Your Most Important and Valued “Asset”. Let them know how much you appreciate them and look forward to getting back to work. If your business depends on vendors and suppliers, do not forget to let them know you when you plan to re-open. They need your business just as bad as you need them. Check to see if they have any special programs to help their valued customers during this difficult time. You may be surprised by the different ways they can help you. Last but not least, stay in touch with your banker/lender, accountant, attorney and your business coach or consultant. They are there to help you in the good times as well as bad. In all cases, be a good listener. Gather advice and allow that advice help you in your planning process. As you stay-in-touch you are building relationships and relationships build trust and respect. Remember, people like to do business with people they like. Be real and be like-able .

CHECK OUT YOUR COMPETITION

—Remember, even though you may not be doing business as normal, you are not on vacation, NOR are your Competitors. You can be sure they are doing everything possible to connect with their clients and yours. They are being creative and looking for unique and different ways to sell their products and services. Follow them on social media, check their websites often to see what they are doing, see if they are advertising on radio, billboards, print or direct mail. Know your competition as well as you know yourself. Don’t try to beat them on price but instead focus on customer care, integrity, relationships and being the authority in what you do.

DEVELOP A SALES PLAN

—How many of you really have a thought out, written down, realistic and targeted sales plan? Without these four, you will still get sales but far less than with a plan. How many of you believe in the “build and they will come” sales strategy? Great in the movies or if you have Kevin Costner signing autographs but in real life, it just doesn’t work, you need a plan. If you have never had sales training, I suggest now is the time to get it. You can even go online and get a remote training. Please understand that as soon as the crisis is lifted it will be like a tsunami of businesses all flooding the market trying to get people back doing business with them. The best trained swimmers and those trained to deal with big waves will survive. I suggest you learn some new sales methods such as remote selling as this has become very popular over the past 5 weeks. If you are a B2B company, LinkedIn might serve you well. If you are a B2C company Facebook might be your best choice. Again, if you are not trained in the use of these methods, I suggest you use your down time and get trained as soon as possible. This may be part of “The New Tomorrow”.

New Normal by being ready for Tomorrow

We live in the greatest Nation in the world and I am confident that we have a bright and prosperous future to look forward to. We will come out of this crisis a better and stronger America and those that Plan, Stay in Touch, Know their Competition and Use the correct Sales Techniques will be in a much better situation than those that don’t. The SBRA is Blessed with members that have expertise in all these areas. Check our new website, sbrassociation.com and go to the members section to find someone to help you be ready for the New Tomorrow. Be Safe, Be Healthy and May God Bless America

COVID-19 Small Business Update from Congressman Dan Meuser

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 14:31:14 GMT

Here is the April 13th update we received from Joshua Fidler, Field Representative for the Office of U.S. Congressman Dan Meuser | PA-09

Good Morning,

I hope that you and your family were able to enjoy the Easter weekend considering all that is happening. There is good news on the horizon! It truly is amazing to see how many wonderful organizations are working so hard to help our local community! Here is your morning update:

1. The SAFER program opens today for departments looking to hire, recruit and train firefighters. Applications run through May 15. Please let me know if we can help!

https://go.fema.gov/login?redirect=%2F

2. The Paycheck Protection Program is moving very quickly

More than 800,000 loans have been distributed to small businesses
More than $200 billion in loans have been processed
Nearly 4,500 lenders have participated

3. There are still banks out there that are taking applications for PPP loans. I have attached a document that our office put together on Friday calling around to banks throughout our district and asking if they were still offering the loans. Our office cannot endorse any bank, we are just providing information as we receive it [see button below].

4. PA has begun to implement the extra $600 per week to qualifying individuals. They should see this additional money starting sometime this week if they filed a claim on April 4.

https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/pennsylvania-begins-implementing-new-federal-unemployment-benefits-eligible-claimants-get-extra-600-starting-next-week/
Self employed workers still are not able to file for unemployment, but should be able to do so shortly.

5. Caron Treatment Center is offering a FREE online Mindfulness-based support group for healthcare professionals treating COVID-19 patients. Attached is more information! [see button below]

“As a healthcare provider treating patients with COVID-19, we honor and respect the incredible challenges you are experiencing and recognize that support may be needed to cultivate a steady heart and balance the stress and demands you are experiencing. The psychological stress can be overwhelming and often needs your attention. Please join us for this free online mindfulness support group.”

Tuesdays 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m.
Starts Tuesday April 14th and ends June 2, 2020
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/995148621

As always, please let me know if there is anything that I can do! My phone is always on and if I do not answer I will get back to you as soon as possible!

Very Respectfully,

Joshua Fidler

Field Representative

Office of U.S. Congressman Dan Meuser | PA-09

Reading Regional Airport, Box 12

2501 Bernville Road, Bern, PA 19605

Office: 610-568-9957

Cell: 484-256-9673

Email: Joshua.Fidler@mail.house.gov

M & T Bank Helping You Get It Right

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT

Any Mistakes May Put The Forgivable Portion of Your Loan In Jeopardy

M&T Bank understands the importance of the PPP loan to you, your company and the community. Due to this understanding it is imperative that M&T gets the process right. Any mistakes may put the forgivable portion of your loan in jeopardy.

The SBA guidelines were finally released last night after 7:00pm ET. M&T along with many other banks including large and regional banks have made the decision to delay the application process until Monday. At that time we will have our digital process, supported by your banker ready to accept applications. This will allow us to collectively get it right.

Over the weekend we expect to have available to you the sample application, document check list, loan calculator and FAQ document which will help prepare you to apply when the online application launches on Monday. We will be available during this time to help answer questions as needed.

We understand the stress the small business community is under. We have no expectations that the $350 billion of funding for this program will run out in the short term and we know the extra few days will serve to benefit all participants in this program.

You can get up to date information regarding PPP applications on the CARES Act Information page at https://www.mtb.com/help-center/be-informed-business/coronavirus.

We appreciate your continued patience and flexibility as we all navigate these challenging times.

Protecting Yourself From Zoom Vulnerabilities

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 18:07:51 GMT

Protecting Yourself From Zoom Vulnerabilities

Internet trolls are crashing Zoom video conferences and flooding them with inappropriate content. Here are easy ways to protect your meetings from Zoom bombers.

Video conferencing app Zoom has had a meteoric rise in users due to the coronavirus outbreak, and with that rise in users has come security woes and an annoying new trend known as "Zoom bombing." Zoom bombing is, in essence, crashing a digital meeting and doing things like screaming obscenities, broadcasting pornography, and otherwise interrupting people's attempts to talk to coworkers, family, and friends. It isn't necessarily harmful, but it's definitely obnoxious.

Even with all of Zoom's security issues, it can't be blamed entirely for the Zoom bombing trend--internet trolls have been using publicly posted meeting links, guessing meeting IDs, and using personal meeting IDs posted online as ways to join meetings uninvited.

SEE: The tech pro's guide to video conferencing (TechRepublic download)

Zoom has built-in tools that can prevent Zoom bombings from occurring, and they're all remarkably easy to enable when creating a new meeting. These steps won't completely eliminate the chance that a bad actor crashes your Zoom call, but they'll go a long way toward making sure the host has control over what each and every person can do in their meeting.

In Figure A you can see the meeting setup screen from the desktop version of Zoom with all the appropriate options toggled on.

Figure A

1. Never use your personal meeting ID

Each Zoom user has a personal meeting ID—think of it as your Zoom phone number. When creating a meeting, you can use your personal ID or generate a random one, and you should always generate a random meeting ID. This screen will appear whenever you schedule a new meeting in Zoom.

If your personal meeting ID is leaked to the web, Zoom bombers are free to harass you with calls whenever they please.

2. Always use a meeting password

This doesn't necessarily apply to large-scale meetings where public attendees are invited, but for anything other than a classroom, town hall, or lecture meeting, passwords should be turned on.

Make sure the password is kept safe, too. Zoom sends meeting passwords out to all invitees when invitations are sent. If you're worried that someone unwanted may get the password, create the meeting without one set, update the meeting to add a password, and send it out to invitees in a separate email or via another form of communication.

3. Use Zoom's waiting room feature

When you enable the waiting room for a Zoom meeting, each user who connects is put in a queue that the meeting host has to approve them from. If you don't recognize someone in the waiting room, don't let them in.

4. Mute audio and disable video for meeting attendees

Disabling video for everyone but the host will prevent any obscene content from being displayed on camera by attendees. This can be toggled off during the meeting creation (Figure A).

Muting audio for all attendees has to be done by the host once the meeting has started. In order to do that, click on Manage Participants in the bottom bar of the Zoom meeting screen. In the menu that opens to the right of your video display, look for the More button. Click it, and you'll see the menu shown in Figure B. Make sure Mute Participants On Entry is checked, and Allow Participants To Unmute Themselves is unchecked.

Figure B

If anyone other than the host wishes to speak, request that the attendee use the chat feature to request speaking time, and then mute the person once they're finished.

5. Turn off screen sharing for everyone but the meeting host/co host

Zoom bombers need to be able to visually take over a meeting to be effective, and preventing anyone from sharing their screen aside from the meeting host stops them from being able to go on the attack.

This is another option that has to be toggled once the meeting has started. While hosting a meeting, look for the green Share Screen button in the bottom menu bar. Click the arrow next to it to open video options, and then click Advanced Sharing Options. In the window that opens (Figure C), make sure Who Can Share is set to Only Host.

Figure C

Important Coronavirus Update - US Congressman Dan Meuser

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 22:47:32 GMT

What Small Business Owners Need to Know Right Now

Please click below to download the latest update from Congressman Dan Meuser. The report includes important and information and instructions regarding:

Paid Family Leave
Small Business Relief
Paycheck Protection Program
Governor Wolf Non-Life Sustaining Business Order

What a Small Business Owner Should Do in a CRISIS

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 18:49:06 GMT

10 Suggestions You Can Use

I truly wish that in my 50-plus years of owning and running small businesses that I could come up with a situation similar to the one we are dealing with today, that my experience and words of wisdom would put you at ease. However, what is taking place right now is truly a first, and the impact is so far-reaching that I don’t believe anyone can tell you what to expect tomorrow, let alone, a month from now.

Below are 10 suggestions I would like to share with you based things I have learned over the years as our incredibly resilient nation has weathered crisis after crisis.

You did not cause the crisis. You cannot change what the crisis has created and you most likely have very little control over how it is being dealt with. However, you are still part of the crisis and you CAN control how YOU deal with it. Stay calm, Do Not Panic and help by playing a role in the solution. Keep your Faith and Pray for others as well as yourself.
Take care of your loved ones first and then, lend a hand helping others in need.
Follow the guidelines set forth by local, state and federal government . Breaking those rules may put others in harm’s way.
Check with your insurance carrier to see if you have business interruption insurance and are covered for natural disasters, emergencies, or loss of income.
Check with your accountant to try to determine what, if any, financial impact this crisis will put on the day-to-day running of your business. Do you have enough cash reserve to make it through the crisis? Will you be able to make payroll? Will you need to borrow money to stay in business for repairs, inventory or other needs?
If the answer to 5 is yes, then you need to contact your banker immediately to see if they will be able to help you with a loan and what information they will need to start the process for the loan.
Meet with your staff and be totally honest with them as to what you must do. If you need to lay them off for a period of time, help them apply for unemployment, if they need help. In time of crisis, consider your employees feelings, fears and concerns as well as your own as they are the ones that have helped you build your business. Support them in any way you can and stay in touch with them throughout the recovery. Don’t just be a boss, now you should also be a friend.
Now it’s time to be creative , think out of the box as to how you are going to get through this difficult time. Can you sell your products or services in a different way or to a different clientele? Should you offer special deals or price breaks? Should you reduce your hours? Could you take advantage of on-line selling and internet marketing to increase your client base? Could you start a clever social media campaign to drive people to you?
Now might be a great opportunity to connect with a mentor, consultant or trusted friends to do some brainstorming. Your thoughts might be clouded by all your dealing with and other perspectives may be just what you need to turn your crises into an opportunity.
Last but not least, DO NOT LOSE YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR . Don’t make fun of the situation but instead, lead by example by being an encourager. Your family, friends, employees, vendors and customers all are aware of the situation, the news media is there, every moment, telling everyone how horrible everything is. Be the shining light and the positive force that provides inspiration to others to look past the crisis into the future, even a better future.

These are 10 things I believe you can and should be doing if you haven’t already. Why? Because all these are things I learned from others as I experienced several crises over the years of growing my businesses. You can be assured we live in the greatest country in the world. We will overcome and be better!

A Family/Work-at-Home Survival Plan in a Crisis

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 18:33:55 GMT

One of my neighbors is a family of 4, mom, dad and two teenagers. When I asked, “in day two of the lockdown, how is it going”? they replied “In the first 3 hours, we suspended one and expelled the other!” Not a good start to what might end up being a 3 to 4-week staycation (or longer).

Being Prepared

Possibly, if they had been better prepared for this situation, it might be a totally different story. So, I contacted by Daughter (Brandi) who lives in Colorado with her husband and two daughters and has been a work at home Mom for the past 7 years.

Below are a few points on how they have survived the COVID-19 in their household with two adults working at home while homeschooling a 3rd and 6th grader. It’s all about a plan.

Get the family together to discuss and get buy-in for the plan . Be positive, this is not prison, just a temporary way of life until things get back to normal.
Each night, put together an itinerary for the following day (school subjects to review, work to accomplish, chores to complete, meals, fun time, quiet time and family time).
Keep to a basic schedule every week day and allow the weekends to be more, free and family.
Get up in the morning and go to bed on schedule , keep to your normal way of life.
Plan outdoor time/physical activity (ride bikes, take walks, play a ball game etc.). Indoor if needed. There are a multitude of physical activities you can do indoors. Check You tube.
Always eat meals together and use this time for family talk and discussion. No negativity.
Limit social media. Instead, play a board game, watch a movie, do a craft project together.
If possible, designate one room or space as “the office”. More privacy, phone calls, webinars, teleconference calls, meetings etc. In addition, Brandi’s family also designates the kitchen table as the group workspace where the parents work alongside the kids. This works well.
Adults, wake up before the kids to accomplish a little work before the kids wake up.
Make sure that this experience is a positive one , uniting the family with bonding and love.

This is just one family’s way of surviving during this unique National Crisis. I suggest you call other friends that have children and are experiencing similar challenges. Different perspectives, different ways of dealing but hopefully similar results. You will survive and become a closer and more loving family by having a plan and sticking to it. Be flexible but have a plan!

A SALUTE TO AMERICA

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 20:45:34 GMT

When the going gets tough, the tough get going!

There is an old saying that goes “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”.

Fast forward to March, 2020, and take a deep look at what’s going on all around our country right now. I believe we can honestly say, “When America got hit with this tough Coronavirus Crisis, Americans got even tougher.

The number of stories of people, businesses and organizations that are stepping up to the plate and providing extraordinary acts of kindness and generosity has once again proven that our American Culture is as strong today as it ever was.

We are a Nation of founders and builders, friends and neighbors, givers and providers, believers and survivors. We are a Nation that believes, “Fear and Faith cannot occupy the same space”. We are a nation of overcomers who will not allow set-backs to determine our destiny. We are the United States of America and what you are about to read is a true testimony to the real core of who we are—One Nation, under God, Indivisible.

Let’s all take our hats off and SALUTE the following:

Once busy streets and downtowns are deserted because Americans are respecting the rules
Businesses are sacrificing and facing financial losses to protect others
Schools have shut down to protect our children’s health
Entire families are quarantined in their homes and learning some new lessons in life
Medical workers are working overtime and exposing themselves to help others
The trucking industry is in emergency mode to get supplies to high risk areas
Manufacturing companies are switching gears to make products so desperately needed
Groups and organizations are volunteering to help wherever needed
A Cruse Line has offered one of its ships to be a floating hospital
Professional Athletes are taking their own earnings and giving it back to help
Construction companies are giving masks to doctors and hospitals in need
Schools and restaurants are offering their kitchens to help feed children out of school
Grocery stores are opening early so elderly people can shop first
General Motors has offered to start making breathing devices so desperately needed
The Federal Government is putting together the biggest Relief program ever

The above list is just a drop in the bucket compared to all that is being done in small communities, towns, and cities across this Nation. Millions of people, young and old, reaching out to do their part to help in this crisis and bring it to an end—as soon as possible. A Historic, united effort by selfless Americans doing what we do best — uniting in difficult times to help one another.

Thank you, and MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!

SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 16:36:06 GMT

Low-Interest Loans Available Now from the Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.

QUICK TIPS:

Any such Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available statewide to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will coordinate with the state’s or territory’s Governor to submit the request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance.
Once a declaration is made, the information on the application process for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance will be made available to affected small businesses within the state.
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response, and the SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible.
For additional information, please visit SBA.gov/disaster .

For questions, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.