One of the smartest things to do right now (and what we see many business owners doing) is to sit down and begin re-evaluating your business. Plain and simple, this is the ideal time to take what you’ve learned and are still learning through this difficult time and begin applying it to both the present and the future.

There are many in the catering industry that are using this time to panic, and rightfully so, considering the wrench that has been thrown in our plans for event season. However, panicking is not going to serve your business well, nor will clients feel comfortable looking to you for guidance.

So, let’s break it down. How can you use this downtime effectively, and what can you do to ensure that you’ll come out stronger on the other side of this?

When a crisis strikes a community, whether local or global, there’s a lot to be said for providing aid and support for those who need it most. At the time of this writing, the world is grappling with the reality of a global pandemic as COVID-19 closes schools and restaurants indefinitely, tests the healthcare system, and puts nations into lockdown. In times like these, it’s critical for us to lean on our humanity and work through this issue together. Those in a position to give are encouraged to contribute, whether that is through time, resources, or even positive energy.

The program would provide cash-flow assistance through 100 percent federally guaranteed loans to employers who maintain their payroll during this emergency. Find out how this program works, frequently asked questions, and useful links and resources.

These grants provide an emergency advance of up to $10,000 to small businesses and private non-profits harmed by COVID-19 within three days of applying for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). To access the advance, you first apply for an EIDL and then request the advance. The advance does not need to be repaid under any circumstance, and may be used to keep employees on payroll, to pay for sick leave, meet increased production costs due to supply chain disruptions, or pay business obligations, including debts, rent and mortgage payments.