In a very short time, the global pandemic known as Coronavirus (or COVID-19) has made an impact on the lives of millions. As members of a small business, our team has been watching what's happening that affects our personal lives and the arena of ecommerce. In spite of global uncertainty, we’ve put together a short list of relief efforts available for small businesses, many of whom are Shopify merchants.
Our team is located in the United States, so not all links will be applicable to everyone. But we encourage all small businesses to do their own research to find additional relief to help supplement the continuation of business in the coming months.
Shopify COVID-19 Response
Shopify is providing help for merchants, new and old, in a multitude of ways, from physical and digital gift cards for all plans, local pickup and delivery options for Shopify POS users, $200 million in small business funding through Shopify Capital, and more.
U.S. Federal Government
Small Business Administration Coronavirus Assistance
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in response to Coronavirus, has various loans and assistance available to small businesses in the U.S.
State & Local Government
Here in the United States, there are many state and local governments with their own relief funding opportunities. This is likely true in other countries, and so we encourage small businesses looking for help during this Coronavirus pandemic to search those efforts in their own state, provinces, and territories.
Corporate And Non-profit Relief
Facebook Business Resource Hub
Facebook has pledged $100 million in grants for small businesses affected by COVID-19. More information can be found in their newly launched Business Resource Hub.
GoFundMe.org Small Business Relief Fund
GoFundMe, Yelp, and Intuit Quickbooks have pledged up to $1.5 million in the GoFundMe.org Small Business Relief Fund, where small businesses negatively affected by COVID-19 can apply for microgrants.
JPMorgan Philanthropic Effort
JPMorgan Chase has earmarked $8 million of its $50 million philanthropic effort “to assist small businesses vulnerable to significant economic hardships in the U.S., China and Europe.”
Kiva Small Business Loans
Applicable to eligible U.S. applicants, small business owners can apply for loans of up to $15,000 from Kiva lenders with 0% interest for up to six months to help with funding during the Coronavirus pandemic.
USA Today Support Local
USA Today has launched a Support Local for U.S.-based local businesses to list themselves as selling gift cards for supporters to buy and utilize later.
Wefunder Coronavirus Crisis Loan Program
An investment crowdfunding platform, Wefunder launched the Coronavirus Crisis Loans program to expand the availability of cash for small businesses through crowdfunded loans of $20,000 to $1 million from backers.