COVID Education & Services
The ND SBDC is committed to providing advising, training, and educational resources to small businesses that have experienced any impact or change in their normal operations due to COVID-19. Any small business in the state of North Dakota is eligible to take advantage of these no-cost services offered by the program’s team of professional, certified business advisors.
Assisting ND Small Businesses to Recover from COVID-19 Impacts
Want to learn more about our services? We have information for those looking to start a business and for those that already own a business. Whether your small business is feeling the impacts of Covid-19 or not, the ND SBDC is here to offer eduaction and resources for you. Look around and then connect with the center nearest you to get started.
I AM LOOKING TO START A BUSINESS
Training/ Online Recordings
The pandemic forced many resources to move their training online rather than in-person. This created a volume of recordings that can be accessed on-demand. We have cataloged several of our recordings as well as beneficial options from other resources. Access the list of upcoming live events and recordings at anytime.
Resources
As businesses look to rebuild and recover across the state, the ND SBDC is here to help. We want to assist as you build longevity, sustainability and growth. As part of our team's core services, we've always offered the following items to existing businesses:
- Access to Capital
- Market Research and Marketing Advice
- Business Transition Planning
- Government Contracting
- Exporting
- Workforce Issues
- Growth, Stagnation, and 'Turn-Around Work'
Now, more than ever, business owners are recognizing the importance of having a business continuity plan in place. We have this continuity planning document available and are happy to work one-on-one with you to develop your individual plan.
One of the ways to build resiliency for your business is to develop a disaster plan to (hopefully) more smoothly manage business interruptions in the future - whether from natural disaster, civil unrest, or unavailability of key personnel.
- The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety has a free tool-kit and mobile app to assist you as well.
- Quickbooks has also released expert advice on how to build resiliency for your small business.
- Your own health and wellness are also key to this stressful and unknown time. Learn more about coping tips for small business owners.
- Checklist for Managing in Times of Financial Difficulty
- Guide to Conquering a Business Crisis
Federal Resource
At the national level, our association, along with the AWBC, have developed a project titles "Resource Partners Training Portal (RPTP)." This includes a training platform containing information to assist small businesses with surviving and recovering from the pandemic.
Tools
- Facebook launched a Virtual Shopping Mall option
- Constant Contact Action Plans for various industries
- How to Implement Flexible Scheduling That's a Win-Win for You and Your Employees
Permanently Closing a Business
While we hope it doesn't come to this, we know the reality of our current situation and that it is inevitable that some businesses will not survive.
It's a difficult decision that is sometimes necessary. And, there are certain steps to follow to do it correctly. Our advisors can offer guidance and assistance, however obtaining specific legal, accounting, or tax advice specific to your business is often recommended.
The SBA and resource partners put together a checklist to get you stated should this be the unfortunate path for your business.