COVID-19 for Caterers

We continue to be awed and inspired by the many industry professionals and associations who have stepped up to help caterers and food industry professionals navigate this difficult situation. We have rounded up resources that are particularly relevant to food industry professionals. If you would like to see something added, contact us, or email clint at clint@wegrowvalue.com

UPDATED May 21, 2020

Official Resources

Center for Disease Control (CDC) COVID-19 Page https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) COVID-19 Page: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Page: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen
Federal Trade Commission: Seven Coronavirus scams targeting your business

Pandemic Recovery Resources

Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide. The Reopening Guide addresses health and sanitary issues that event and venue professionals need to consider in order to protect both patrons and workers.
Ecolab Resources: Ecolab is dedicated to providing the most relevant resources and expertise to help you keep your staff and guests safe during the unprecedented times today and the new horizon ahead. When you are ready to plan the next stage, we have expertise to help you prepare your restaurants, enable staff, and reassure guests
- Return to Normal Operations Checklists: Recommendations at the restaurant level to help you make plans for resuming operations after a partial or full closure.
- Updated Cleaning Procedures: Expert procedures to ensure your locations are using the most up-to-date cleaning procedures for COVID-19.
- Top Considerations Post-COVID: Guidance to help identify gaps and provide direction as you navigate reopening and returning to fully operational.

SBA PPP Loan Forgiveness

The SBA and Treasury released the much-anticipated loan forgiveness formula for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The “formula” is contained in a new “Loan Forgiveness Application” (SBA Form 3508) that walks the user through a series of calculations, the outcome of which is the amount of loan forgiveness the borrower can claim.

The Caterer’s Guide to the CARES Act

The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain nonprofits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA. To keep up to date on when these programs become available, please stay in contact with your local Small Business Administration (SBA) District Office, which you can locate here. Struggling to get started? The following questions might help point you in the right direction.

Do you need:

Capital to cover the cost of retaining employees? Then the Paycheck Protection Program might be right for you.
A quick infusion of a smaller amount of cash to cover you right now? You might want to look into an Emergency Economic Injury Grant.
To ease your fears about keeping up with payments on your current or potential SBA loan? The Small Business Debt Relief Program could help.
Just some quality, free counseling to help you navigate this uncertain economic time? Free SBA consulting and training might be your best bet.
Help with tax liabilities? You may benefit from the Small Business Tax Provisions.

Associations

International Caterers Association (ICA): Education and help for food industry pros: https://ica.memberclicks.net/coronavirus-information
National Association of Catering and Events (NACE): Up-to-date COVID news https://www.nace.net/covid/
Catersource: https://www.catersource.com/industry-news/covid-19-resources
WIPA: Letter Template to Congress

Communication

“Public Relations Strategies for Wedding Pros During COVID-19” Special Events https://www.specialevents.com/corporate-events/public-relations-strategies-event-pros-during-covid-19-crisis?fbclid=IwAR3bn1tfwtBLZw-CzkoWAlANv-IM3gabfVuP-gqLEiWAcI2lFsqIL16nCcU
Facebook Communications Guide: https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/checkup?content_id=uoQtfm0POv9iHXO
OFD WEBINAR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVKIadoeh3Q&fbclid=IwAR3FIvxP3dqudwHP-wwVohburzR_pfCxmDZjulu4Dc3dFxLgZkXL6WvIpmE

NEWS

Northstar Meetings Group: Countries and States Have Banned Events

Strategy

Corona Virus and Your Event Business: Sage Wedding Pros
Yes, We Will Come Back: Meryl Snow
How Are Event and Meeting Professionals Spending Their Time in the Wake of COVID-19? via BizBash
Additional community resources via All Seated
Learning to Pivot: How One Evanston Catering Company is Feeding Those Who Need It Most via Better
Balancing Your Event Business as a Parent During COVID-19 via NACE

Webinars, Podcasts and Education

SB Value

Food Markets and Menu Pricing Q+A with Russ Cipolla: Join us SB Value and Value Four for a discussion on commodity and food inflation forecasts and how they can help (or hinder) your menu pricing strategy for future events.

ICA