If you have had to cease your business operations due to the pandemic, there may be a light coming over the horizon. Some small business owners are already looking to reopen after the COVID-19 lockdown. When you are allowed to reopen will hinge on a few factors such as your local ordinances, what kind of business you have, and whether your customers are ready to come back in. Of course, the number one thing you want to consider when reopening after lockdown is the health and safety of your employees and customers.
Keeping safety in mind, you may have to rework the physicality of your business space. If you have a retail store, there may be a limited number of people allowed inside. If you see clients at your office, you may want to hold off on having physical meetings in the office even after you reopen. Keeping your employees safe and healthy is more important. If you can get back into the office but still have teleconferences with clients, take the opportunity. Baby steps!
Of course, you will want to take precautions with your office set up. This will include spacing out desks, social distancing isn't going anywhere for a long time. If you are able, have masks, gloves, and sanitizer on hand. Be aware of shared spaces and surfaces that are high-traffic such as counters and door handles. You need to ease your employees' minds by showing them that you are doing everything in your power to keep them safe.
Remember that you are an entrepreneur at the end of the day. You started your business because no one else could do it. And, you have something special. Lean into your talent and tenacity and overcome this obstacle like you have done before. Be flexible, and pay attention to the market. No one can predict how trends will change in the coming months. Pay attention to your state and local government and follow CDC guidelines for sanitation. Make sure to have contingency plans based on multiple possible scenarios. Most of all, prepare yourself for a new kind of workplace post-COVID-19 and don’t try to fight the coming changes.
If you need working capital to aid in the reopening of your physical business, First Union Lending can put together a funding product specifically for your needs. You will want to have the working capital to be able to roll with the punches in these coming months and ensure your business opens strong and stays safe.