COVID-19 General Updates for the Small Business Owner

As we move into the final quarter of 2021, we thought it appropriate to update you all on COVID-19. The pandemic is not past us yet, and as small business owners, it’s important to stay updated on how it will affect us. In this post, you’ll find updates on relief funding as well as on mask and vaccine mandates.

Relief Funding

There are still numerous COVID relief programs with plenty of remaining funds. If you have not yet applied for relief such as the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, the time is now! Find information on COVID relief and how to apply on the Small Business Administration’s website. The SBA website is a great resource that is consistently updated with opportunities for small businesses. And if you have any questions regarding your eligibility for a program, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’d be happy to walk you through it.

It’s also important to take advantage of this relief while the money is readily available. Programs like the Employee Retention Tax Credit are in danger of being cut because there are billions of dollars that have been left unclaimed, so claim it now while you still can! Read more about the ERTC here and about this potential update here.

Mask & Vaccine Mandates

Currently, Georgia has not instated a mask or vaccination mandate. As a small business owner, it is up to you whether to enact a mandate for your customers and/or employees. Should a mask mandate be passed for your municipality or for the state, be sure to follow it to avoid any fines that may come along with violation. If your business is located outside of Georgia, make sure to check local ordinances.

For more information about COVID vaccination guidance, click here. Find a place to get tested or vaccinated here.

What’s next?

Well, that’s hard to say. With today’s ever-changing landscape, it’s difficult to make accurate projections of the future. Our advice to you is to be prepared, whether that means preparing the office for in-person work again, or hiring a new staff member to pick up the slack. Remember, even as we begin to move past the worst of the pandemic, many practices we picked up along the way are good to keep—think hand-sanitizing stations, social distancing markers, and signage reminding employees and customers to wash their hands. Upkeep of these practices will help keep our communities healthy and limit the spread of disease.

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions. Stay safe!

-Kelly & Stanley