Coronavirus (COVID-19) resource hub for businesses

Editor’s note: This information hub was last updated on July 2, 2020.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is creating a lot of uncertainty around the world. This is an extremely difficult and challenging time, and millions of businesses are feeling the impact. We know that business owners want to do what’s best—for their customers, their staff, and their communities.

We’ve compiled some of the best resources we’ve found for businesses managing the impact of the Coronavirus, including our own $25+ million relief package for heavily impacted businesses.

The situation with this pandemic is changing rapidly, and we encourage you to check this and other resources regularly for updates, and to keep your Yelp page up to date for your customers.

If you have questions or if there is anything we can do to help, get in touch by logging into your Yelp for Business account for Yelp contact details. Our customer success and account teams are fully staffed and ready to assist.

General Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources

• The CDC has a very detailed website with information on Coronavirus in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, including specific guidance for businesses (such as disinfection instructions)
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has a global perspective on the pandemic, as well as workplace readiness tips 
• The National Restaurant Association has a list of resources specifically for food businesses

Business tips

• As some areas begin allowing businesses to reopen, restaurants are working hard to create a low-contact dining environment to help diners and staff stay safe
• The Better Business Bureau has a collection of resources for businesses during Coronavirus (including tips for avoiding scams) 
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a very detailed workplace preparation guide for the virus 
• It’s especially important to keep your business information up to date and to be open and transparent with customers during a time like this
• To help affected businesses pivot, we compiled marketing and operational tips for restaurants and for all types of businesses
• Open communication with staff is also critically important to keeping everyone safe and up to date

Financial assistance

• Small businesses are eligible for loans and other assistance through the CARES Act (the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act); additional resources:
  
  • Detailed guide and Q&A for small businesses from the Senate Committee on Small Businesses & Entrepreneurship
  • Small business guide and checklist for Coronavirus emergency loans from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • 12 documents you’ll need for your Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application
    Note: The deadline to apply has been extended through August 8
• Businesses in heavily impacted categories may be eligible for Yelp’s $25+ million relief package
• Yelp and GoFundMe partnered to help many independent businesses start fundraisers and accept donations through their Yelp pages, with $1 million pledged in matching funds
• The editors at Fundera compiled a list of 100+ grants available for small businesses  
• Fundbox’s COVID-19 resources include a state-by-state list of support programs for small businesses
• Forbes magazine is maintaining a list of the assistance that major U.S. banks are offering individuals and small businesses

Customer communications 

In times like these, quick and easy access to accurate information and open lines of communication are more vital than ever. Take a moment to update your online business information online, and consider letting your customers know what you’re doing with proactive outreach via email or other channels.

What to communicate:

• How your operations have changed in response to the crisis and what you’re doing to keep your customers and employees safe
• Changes to your policies that affect customers (e.g., waiving cancellation fees or offering free shipping)
• Highlight low-touch options if you offer them (e.g., non-contact deliveries, curbside pickup, phone consultations)

How to communicate:

Update the various sites that list your business information, and consider proactive outreach channels.

• Email
• Social media
• Your website
• Yelp
  • Page updates, such as adding special hours, takeout and delivery options, virtual offerings, or marking your business as temporarily closed (free for all businesses)
  • Call to Action, Business Highlights, and Connect (free for eligible businesses with the relief plan)

Staff communications

• Make sure you have at least two ways to contact each employee so you don’t waste time trying to track someone down if needed
• Clearly communicate changes in policies, new safety procedures (hand-washing, cleaning, etc.), and staying home if sick. If your workers don’t have paid sick leave, do what you can to compensate sick employees so they don’t endanger the rest of your staff or your customers
• Keep the lines of communication open and support your staff during this stressful time