As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, businesses and entrepreneurs around the world are struggling. Across Utah, private equity firms, state government programs, universities are stepping up with support, resources, and more to get your startup back on its feet, or help you launch. Below is a sampling of those resources and others from around the country we think will be helpful. This list is intended to be as inclusive as possible, and we are not endorsing everything listed.
General
The World Health Organization
The WHO offers frequent briefings on the state of the virus, travel advice, FAQs, myth-busting and more. WHO also tracks all cases worldwide of COVID-19 with an interactive map. Stay updated on the pandemic by visiting their website.
Shopify Partnerships
Looking to venture into the e-commerce world? Shopify supports local entrepreneurs to utilize technology more effectively, spread their client bases and more through sponsorships, mentorship, loans and collaboration.
Request funding or more information here.
Startup Space
If you’re looking for small business and startup support, Startup Space aggregated various partners, support groups and more personal resources. Access their searchable database on their website.
Google is offering free digital skills training, an increased Small Business Fund for startup and small business growth, free premium video meetings, and more. See all of their COVID-19 resources on the Small Business section of their platform.
Mental Health Resources
Unprecedented times can also bring about unprecedented stress, worry, anger, and fear. Especially for those in the small business world, or looking to launch your own venture, times like these can create even more pressure.
Organizations and programs across the United States offer individualized and generalized support for all mental health issues and concerns. See some of these groups on Silicon Slopes’ Slopes Serves website.
Leading Remotely Support Group
Russell Lookadoo, based in the United States, hosts a Facebook group where business leaders, startups, and more come together to discuss the hurdles of remote business. Get advice, and offer and receive support from members of the business community across the world struggling with the same COVID-19 roadblocks here.
National
U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Assistance
If your startup efforts are expanding, the SBA offers disaster assistance loans for small businesses and homeowners. The SBA has a distinct response to the Coronavirus pandemic, offering loan advances up to $10,000.
Learn more and apply here.
PPP Loans
Paycheck Protection Loans (PPP) are part of the SBA’s loan program. Eligible small businesses can receive up to $10 million in loans to continue to pay employees during times of uncertainty and lower revenues. If your business needed to close because of COVID-19, or is facing financial hardship due to the pandemic, you may qualify for the program. Learn more through Silicon Slopes’ FAQ or on the SBA’s website.
The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund
A branch of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the CDFI Fund offers loans, resources, and various programs to help small businesses, communities, and individuals alike
Learn more about the CDFI Fund’s opportunities on their website.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
COVID-19 recommendations change continuously. Learn how to protect yourself personally, and what to do if you are sick, and how you (or your team) can get tested on the CDC’s Coronavirus COVID-19 page.
In Utah
Utah Department of Health
Keep up on the latest case numbers, get up-to-date information on the state’s status on the Utah Department of Health’s Coronavirus-dedicated website. Color-coded risk phases, as well as ways to help and protect yourself and others, are outlined and updated often.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Looking to stay safe in your working space? Utah businesses are working together to provide PPE for small businesses and startups that are in need. Organized through the coronavirus response team at the Utah state government, search for any type of PPE or protective resource you could need, by manufacturer and location here.
“A Mask for Every Utahn”
If you and your team need masks, the state of Utah has your back.
Through the “A Mask for Every Utahn” program, anyone with a Utah address, currently in Utah, can receive a free mask, delivered to their home. As masks are becoming required in more locations, especially coworking spaces that entrepreneurs frequent, access to the face covering gains importance.
Fill out the request form here.
U Growth Fund
The U Growth Fund is a private equity fund with offices in Salt Lake City and San Diego. No matter the student’s major, interests, school, or degree, your startup can win up to $2,000 in funding, and receive networking and pitching experience from experienced investors. Get more information, and see if your startup qualifies, on their website.
Utah Business
Utah Business launched a “Work From Home” series on June 1. Scott Anderson, the president of Zions Bank, Vanessa Quigley, cofounder of Chatbooks, and more business leaders talk about how they’ve managed working from home and share tips on creating optimal work spaces in tough times. See the full series here.
Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Through various small business and venture loans, broadband providers and more, GOED is offering support and resources to entrepreneurs across the state. Learn more on their Coronavirus-specific website
Silicon Slopes’ SMB Series
Focused on small and medium businesses, the SMB Series tackles COVID-19 subjects, from the PPP or deciding whether to reopen your business. See all 12 videos, and stay updated on new posts, on their YouTube channel.
At the University of Utah
Navigating COVID-19
The David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah offers bi-weekly webinars with local business leaders for coping with your blossoming or booming business during the COVID-19 era. Register for upcoming events, like a review of the Health and Economic Recovery Outreach project (HERO) or view previous webinar episodes on everything from the state government’s leadership role in economic recovery to building confidence in the short- and long-term.
Workshops, Mentors & More at Lassonde
The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute provides ongoing programs for University of Utah student entrepreneurs. All of these are currently being designed with the pandemic in mind. Some of them are designed to address it directly.
Learn more about the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, all of its programs, and how it supports student entrepreneurs across Utah here.
Do You Know of More Resources?
Please help us improve this list if you know about more resources that Utah startups can utilize to survive the pandemic. Let us know by leaving a comment below.
