While this is not an exhaustive list, here are some resources and tools to help your venture get through these challenging times. Keep checking back. We’ll be updating as more become available. E-mail us for mentoring and advice. Send us more that you have also discovered. E-mail us: LaunchPad@syr.edu. Together we innovate.
Federal programs and resources:
- SBA programs and assistance, latest updates: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Toolkit: https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus-response-toolkit and resource guide: https://www.uschamber.com/co/small-business-coronavirus
State programs and resources:
- Business Council of NYS resources, latest updates: https://www.bcnys.org/managing-coronavirus
- Sign up to be assigned a mentor from the New York State Small Business Development Center: http://www.nyssbdc.org/selector/ReqForCons/formi.aspx
- Alternative finance, technical assistance and financing options if you are seeking capital: https://pursuitlending.com/resources/covid-19-resources-for-businesses/
Regional and local programs and resources:
- City of Syracuse SEDCO small business resources: https://ourcity.syrgov.net/2020/03/mhttps://www.medtech.org/ayor-walsh-announces-sedco-loan-program-for-small-businesses-impacted-by-the-coronavirus/
- Sign up to get daily alerts from MedTech with public health and business updates: https://www.medtech.org/
Private sector resources:
- FaceBook $100 million in grants and free credits to small businesses: https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/grant
- Small business and startup resources and a toolkit for resilience during this economic challenge: https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/resource
- Visa’s small business grant program for women: https://ifundwomen.com/visa
- A platform to sell gift certificates for your business: https://www.kabbage.com/helpsmallbusiness
- Yelp $25 million to independent restaurant and nightlife businesses in waived advertising fees, and free advertising, products and services: https://techcrunch.com/2020/03/20/yelp-covid-19/
- Follow Techstars to keep your brain charged, find virtual resources, join virtual events and look for jobs: https://www.techstars.com/ and https://jobs.techstars.com/
- Follow news in the startup world: https://techcrunch.com/
Raising capital in challenging times:
- Haystack on tips to raise funds in crisis, and how to play ahead: A Quick Guide to Startup Fundraising in a Pandemic World (Semil Shah, Haystack)
- Sequoia on how to revise assumptions and reframe your P&L: Coronavirus: The Black Swan Of 2020 (Sequoia Capital)
- Jenny Fielding (Techstars) on how to run and manage a startup in challenging economic times: Running Your Business and Raising in Tough Circumstances (Jenny Fielding and Eamonn Carey)
- Tech leaders and investors offer solid advice to startups: https://www.businessinsider.com/investor-advice-for-startups-during-coronavirus-outbreak-2020-3
- Advice to funded ventures on startups on raising capital in these times: https://www.businessinsider.com/investor-advice-for-startups-during-coronavirus-outbreak-2020-3
Crowdfunding:
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce advice on top crowdfunding platforms:
- https://www.uschamber.com/co/run/business-financing/crowdfunding-sites-for-startups
- Hubspot’s advice on how to crowdfund for best startups and best platforms to raise on: https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/crowdfunding-sites
- Business.org’s advice on crowdfunding platforms: https://www.business.org/finance/loans/best-crowdfunding-sites-for-startups/
- Ae you ready to crowdfund? https://www.oberlo.com/ebooks/crowdfunding/crowdfunding-for-startups
- Medium articles on what you need to know before you crowdfund: https://medium.com/@jonathan.ely/10-things-you-should-know-about-crowdfunding-your-startup-603d464ef541
Managing your startup in a time of crisis:
- Geekwire advice on how to manage your burn, and not panic: https://www.geekwire.com/2020/advice-startups-coronavirus-outbreak-curb-expenses-assess-hiring-dont-panic-human/
- Steve Blank’s survival strategy advice, and how to create your new business model: https://venturebeat.com/2020/03/18/a-coronavirus-survival-strategy-for-your-startup/
- Blunt and tough advice you need to hear now: https://www.coindesk.com/preston-byrne-survive-the-coronavirus-startup-legal-guide
- Smart advice from SmartCompany: https://www.smartcompany.com.au/startupsmart/advice/should-startups-worry-about-coronavirus-paul-bassat/
- Planning to conserve cash: https://fortune.com/2020/03/06/the-coronavirus-requires-startups-to-conserve-cash-a-vc-firm-says/
- Entrepreneurial advice on how to pivot your startup: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/277285
Saying fit by focusing on mental health and wellness:
- Great advice from Techstars founder Brad Feld (who has been there and is focused on founder mental health): If I’m a CEO and Have An Anxiety Attack, What Should I Do? (Brad Feld, Foundry Group)
- Techstars actionable advice on surviving a downturn from founders who have been there: Techstars/Foundry AMA: Covid-1 (Techstars)