Metal arts business needing to pivot - or market somewhere new? - due to COVID19 - suggestions? small business |
- Metal arts business needing to pivot - or market somewhere new? - due to COVID19 - suggestions?
- Experiences forming an LLC with legal zoom?
- Lots of people are working from home. How many of you are living at work?
- Liquidity support for small businesses...
- SBA 7A Loan Deferral Experiences?
- What exact problems that are greatly affecting you as a local business?
- Anyone selling on Amazon?
- COVID-19 Financial Assistance from the SBA
- How do I appear trustworthy and still make sure I get paid in the beginning stages of a small business?
- Small business owners who are forced to shut down
- Is Buying a Business Right Now the Worst Idea I’ve Ever Had?
- How has covid-19 affected your business?
- Lease negotiation help
- What licenses and insurance are required to open a LLC convenience store and grocery store in Minnesota?
- Any other owners of “non-essential” retail stores in New York State?
- Canadian Workers Compensation Questions
- If my business name has a small slogan in it, should I include that part of the title on the llc?
- Print on Demand
- Should I alter my long term business plans yet? Or keep focus on just surviving the short term?
- They can bail out the banks auto industry and airlines in a heartbeat.
- Gusto's summarization of Fed Paid leave law, still working how it applies to my small s-corp business
- Chamber of Commerce toolkit
| Metal arts business needing to pivot - or market somewhere new? - due to COVID19 - suggestions? Posted: 21 Mar 2020 03:49 AM PDT My mom is self-employed as a full time metal artist (garden art, wedding gifts, art to block a/c units). She had a gallery, open house, and art shows lined up for the year. Obviously, these are all cancelled. At first we were thinking she could do her open house by appointment only. Things have changed and obviously this is no longer a good idea. There does not appear to be much functional help in Ontario, Canada for self-employed people yet (aside from loans/credit). I would assume her market is completely dead - but here's the thing - I, and someone else I know, do laser cut wood. We have had a nonstop trickle of orders due to everyone being online and browsing facebook marketplace, and being stuck at home (so I guess wanting to add to it?). So I know people are still making non-essential purchases. Also, most of her clientele is retired anyway. Anyone with a backyard is now stuck in it, so it is kind of a great time to spruce it up. I'm wondering if there is somewhere ideal online for her to reach out to new local customers (and do porch pickup, or delivery to their porch)? I am also trying to think of more functional metal things people may be happy to buy now - I have wanted her to make planter box brackets for thick railings for me, and it seems others trapped in apartments might appreciate those as well (though also less likely to have disposable income). I'd just like to chat a bit about this I guess. I know the brain can't come up with new ideas when it's stuck in analytical mode, and that is exactly where my brain is stuck right now! [link] [comments]  |
| Experiences forming an LLC with legal zoom? Posted: 21 Mar 2020 12:48 AM PDT Was planning to do it manually but I like the way it's like turbo tax .. seeming to make it easy. How much did you end up paying total? Good experience with it? [link] [comments]  |
| Lots of people are working from home. How many of you are living at work? Posted: 20 Mar 2020 11:16 AM PDT I can't be the only one. Being alone in an office/warehouse seems safer than 'isolation' in a densely-populated apartment complex. I've got a secure walled yard at the shop where I store my RV so I've got a comfortable living space with a shower and kitchen. No employees for a while, and I have no idea if my business will survive the crisis, but for now I'm still able to get work done. Netflix works just as well at the office, and I've got tools and supplies to keep me occupied - I've already started on a big frivolous welding project. At least for now, it's introvert maker heaven. I'm sure many of you already spend more than half your day at work in normal times. How many of you have made work your preferred quarantine spot? Doing anything special to make your stay comfortable and interesting? [link] [comments]  |
| Liquidity support for small businesses... Posted: 21 Mar 2020 01:37 AM PDT Hey Guys I'm thinking of creating a list of things consumers can do to help support small/local businesses, whether they're open or closed during the COVID-19 outbreak. I feel a sense of responsibility towards small businesses who don't have the vast liquidity required to ride out months of government ordered or self-imposed closure. Thoughts so far:
These are the sorts of things I'm thinking of, but would love to hear ideas from small businesses to see if we can come up with more ways for customers to support their beloved small businesses in these hard times. The aim would be to get something solid by the end of this weekend that we can all start promoting on things like twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Go, Reddit, go! 😁 [link] [comments]  |
| SBA 7A Loan Deferral Experiences? Posted: 20 Mar 2020 11:29 PM PDT Hey all, Has anyone gone through the process of a 7A loan deferral in past disasters? I am hearing rumblings that COVID-19 should be activated as a ...i don't know, natural disaster? Who knows... Anyway, we are thinking of reaching out to our bank and asking for a 4-6 mont deferral. We're trying to get a sense of what's going to be involved. TIA! [link] [comments]  |
| What exact problems that are greatly affecting you as a local business? Posted: 20 Mar 2020 10:01 PM PDT I was working since some time ago on a digital platform that helps local businesses both online and offline. I'm really interested in helping small businesses even beyond the current circumstances, I believe they are a very large network of value that must be leveraged rather than rivaled Not talking about covid-19, I'm talking about its consequences, and even the problems that exists in normal before covid-19 So I'd appreciate if you tell me your business type, the problems you're facing, and if you tried any solution yet [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 20 Mar 2020 05:56 PM PDT Hi! I have a few amazon gift cards that I received for Christmas this last year. I would like to use them during this time of pandemic to support small businesses that may be suffering. I wish I could buy from them directly on their sites, but the budget won't allow it right now. I know it's not much, but it's all I have to offer. So with that being said, what are some small businesses you enjoy that sell on amazon? [link] [comments]  |
| COVID-19 Financial Assistance from the SBA Posted: 20 Mar 2020 05:48 PM PDT If you are interested in getting assistance from the SBA as part of their disaster loan program you should act now. We have some really good resources for business owners here. The punchline is you can connect to your local SBA Advisor, who has done this paper application process many times before during hurricanes and other disasters. We are seeing many people struggle to use the SBA's site because they have publicly announced this assistance is available for all 52 states, but the actual online app doesn't let you choose the right locations. Here is an excerpt from our recent blog: Please do not remove this post. We are getting live updates from the SBA and state governments on how owners can apply for assistance. --- What is a Disaster Loan? The SBA has been approved to try and deliver $50bn dollars into the U.S. Small Business Economy in the form of disaster aide. This is similar to aide that is given to businesses during a hurricane or natural disaster. Here is the official press release from the SBA. It outlines a plan to offer up to $2MM in low-interest rate 3.75% loans. Here is what you need to know now: The application process is very long
How do I apply? Please ask any questions on this thread I am happy to share any info I can. [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 20 Mar 2020 09:09 PM PDT I am currently upgrading my woodworking hobby into an attempt at generating income while isolating. I've met some strangers that through conversation would like for me to do work for them. I am more than willing and able to do the work, but I don't have a portfolio, website, business card, or proof other than a driver's license that I'm even who I say I am. I plan on investing the money I make from my first projects into some of these things, but would like to make my customers feel comfortable giving me money in these beginning stages. I understand a customer's hesitance to pay cash up front, but don't want to get stuck with furniture they decide not to buy after I've made it for them. What is a good way to go about payment to protect both parties? [link] [comments]  |
| Small business owners who are forced to shut down Posted: 20 Mar 2020 08:06 PM PDT I own an LLC; we're a gym and can make no profit during this time. Can I collect unemployment? What are people in similar circumstances doing? Thanks. [link] [comments]  |
| Is Buying a Business Right Now the Worst Idea I’ve Ever Had? Posted: 20 Mar 2020 06:57 PM PDT Background: The small business I work for has been for sale since last summer, but hasn't had much interest. The lease is up at the end of April so it's always been understood they're either closing or selling. A few months ago I decided I wanted to buy it. It does well and I've worked there long enough to know most of what I need to know to run it. I have a great relationship with the current owners and know they'll be there through the whole transition to support me. I got all the money lined up, have a new lease ready to go, but nothing is finalized yet. The state I live in closed all bars, restaurants, theaters, and gyms earlier this week and I feel is on the verge of a full non-essential travel ban. The business has private mailboxes for rent, so I believe will be able to stay open, but the things we really make our money on (graphic design and printing) are taking a hit. Complicating things even more, I have a medical condition that won't play nice with the Coronavirus, so I'm working from home right now (but limited because primarily this is a business based on customers coming in) while the current owners and other employees hold down the fort. So given the current COVID situation, is continuing with this business the worst idea that has ever been? It would break my heart (and a lot of customers' hearts) if it closed, but I'm scared to end up in a massive debt eight odd the bat that I'll never be able to dig myself out of. [link] [comments]  |
| How has covid-19 affected your business? Posted: 20 Mar 2020 06:45 PM PDT Just curious to know how everyone is doing. I have a small bakery and thankfully, it hasn't affected us that much yet, but we have to be prepare for a shutdown if things get worse in Australia. We haven't had to lay off any staff or have had any shortages in bakery supply. Despite this, it's been pretty stressful seeing how everyone's been affected. Like UK is making everyone close their restaurants and cafes. So how are you all doing and what sort of business/industry do you work in? [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 20 Mar 2020 06:07 PM PDT I own a small (2000 sq for) boutique fitness studio. I've been mandated to shut down. Without revenue i can pay for about 3 months rent, but I am hearing speculation that it may until July or August that gyms will be allowed to reopen. At this point, i assume no one knows anything about timelines - however if we follow in the footsteps of China - it will be a 4 month shut down (at least). If this is the case, should I ask my landlord for rent amortization or should I ask him if i can add extra months to the end of my lease? I feel as though i have negotiating power here because it would be difficult for him to find a new tenant right now. I just don't know what to do, honestly. [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 20 Mar 2020 05:40 PM PDT A set of commercial buildings went up for sale for $12,000 and i bought them since they're prime locations (downtown) and in relatively decent shape that i can easily fix up. I want to turn one into a mini grocery store since this town lacks one (the one that was here burnt down back in the early 2000's and was never reopened despite the 784 population and closest town being 18 miles away) And the other store i want to open is a convenience/foreign goods store store with a deli that would sell pre packaged burgers, pizza slices, corn dogs ect. simple easy to cook foods that are already made and just need to be cooked or heated up. However, my research has been wrought with disaster. So many sites i've gone through and a ebook i bought about the matter never even touched on the subject of licenses or insurance. Any ideas on what ones i need? [link] [comments]  |
| Any other owners of “non-essential” retail stores in New York State? Posted: 20 Mar 2020 04:56 PM PDT The governor of the state of New York just announced that all workers for non-essential businesses must stay home starting on Sunday. It is unclear to me whether I, as the owner of a retail store, am allowed to continue running my business. Over the past several days I have been doing all business "curbside" style, And I am offering local delivery on my products. Among many other things, I sell CBD and natural wellness products that many of my customers have come to rely on. Can anyone tell me if I will be allowed to continue doing this? I do use a couple online selling platforms but the vast majority of my business is from walk-ins. Any insight would be appreciated. [link] [comments]  |
| Canadian Workers Compensation Questions Posted: 20 Mar 2020 04:50 PM PDT Hello, I am an owner of a small business in Canada. We make ambient music and receive most of our income from Spotify. I live in Alberta, and the two other owners live in BC and Nova Scotia. We recently incorporated in Alberta. We are looking in to hiring our first employee, a marketing specialist to grow the reach of our website. The person we would like to hire also lives in Nova Scotia. I have read through lots of the information on the WCB Alberta and WCB Nova Scotia websites, as well as sent an email to WCB Alberta to inquire about this. The answer I received was unclear and I'm still fairly confused. Are we legally required to provide WC insurance, and if so, through which province/organization? Or are we exempt from this in our industry? Also, are we required to incorporate in Nova Scotia or federally to hire employees outside Alberta? Any insights would be greatly appreciated! [link] [comments]  |
| If my business name has a small slogan in it, should I include that part of the title on the llc? Posted: 20 Mar 2020 04:49 PM PDT For instance, if I started up a vacuum repair shop. I wanna call it "fast, vacuum and appliance repair." As if the name of the business is fast. Should I include vacuum and appliance repair on the title of the llc, or just put in fast? Is this a dumb question? [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 20 Mar 2020 04:47 PM PDT Hi, I was wondering if there is anyone who is in the print on demand niche. I am currently in the process of setting up a store using teespring but I have no idea on how to market it. My budget is limited (around $200) so I want to get as much out of it as possible. If you have any tips please share, greatly appreciated. [link] [comments]  |
| Should I alter my long term business plans yet? Or keep focus on just surviving the short term? Posted: 20 Mar 2020 04:45 PM PDT Late 20s here and have been living in parents basement since starting my ecommerce business 3 years ago. It's year three and things were great, so I was just about to start taking comfortable draws and get my own home. However we just stocked out of everything last week, I have 30 pallets of goods waiting in a manufacturer's warehouse for shipment to our distributor next week but our governor just closed all non-essential businesses. I have the cash to survive, but I don't know that I will have enough money AND salary to hit inventory levels for the holidays now. I could pay my current $15k loan in full and ask the bank (or SBA) if they will re-borrow $30k, then take a salary and continue on as usual. Has anyone been through uncertainty like this before? Our vendors, distributors, and retailers are all running and selling but the one shutdown of the manufacturer is killing. [link] [comments]  |
| They can bail out the banks auto industry and airlines in a heartbeat. Posted: 20 Mar 2020 12:44 PM PDT I've been a buisness owner for two years and have not taken a day off since I started I've went from 6 employees to 26 in that time. Right now I can't even operate during normal hours because I'm to busy talking people off the ledge. The fear the media has produced is insane. But mostly the not knowing what comes next has everyone on edge I've lost a number of people haveing to stay home and watch the kids 4 exactly who all have spouses working for the state of MN WHO HAVE ALLOWED SOME EMPLOYEES TO WORK FROM HOME BUT HAVE STRICT GUIDLINES OF WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE THAT DAY. how are you supposed to do that and teach a young child on online learning. I'm stoping payment for all taxes and taking my chances in court I owe to much as is and pretty much damned if I do or don't. By the way I'm an S Corp we have to match employees Medicare and SS taxes for me it's 3500 per week. Good luck to everyone but it's obvious where are politicians priorities are and it's not for the people and this couldn't be more apparent. The banks interest rates on government bailout was .6 why is mine 3.75. Here's a link that lists all the banks https://money.cnn.com/news/specials/storysupplement/bankbailout/ [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 20 Mar 2020 06:23 AM PDT Gusto has a nice summarization of the new federal law regarding sick leave as well as paid family leave being provided. As a single person S-corp entity, I'm still trying to wrap my head around how this will work, especially since I act as both employee and employer in my business. I am an employee of the company, but also self-employed. It appears there would be multiple ways to potentially qualify, and some more beneficial than others. For instance, my wages aren't super high, but if I combine with my overall self-employment income they become higher. I can also stop the wages, or keep them going at a lower rate, since I control that part as the employer. For me, I'm not working since my child's school is shut down for multiple weeks due to COVID-19. It's unclear if I'll need the sick-pay portion yet, but how to navigate that if I did is confusing for single member s-corp who wouldn't normally deal with sick days. Overall I'm not able to fully work for the short term future though, with lots of uncertainty. source: https://gusto.com/blog/people-management/families-first-coronavirus-response-act [link] [comments]  |
| Posted: 20 Mar 2020 03:57 PM PDT Was anyone else on the national call with the US Chamber today? They shared this toolkit that has social media graphics customizable by industry in case you need something like that to communicate with your customers. I'm not affiliated, just thought it might be helpful. Good luck and stay safe all. [link] [comments]  |
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