Never before have we been more socially distant and united than during this public health crisis. This novel coronavirus has swept the globe and left a wake of devastation in its path. As we venture forward, together, during these uncertain times, I wanted to pause and send my quiet prayers to those directly impacted. These are not easy times, as many are already suffering physically, financially and emotionally.
I’m also struck with an immense sense of gratitude for our SZ Team during this transition, while working remotely and taking care of their families. Their dedication, flexibility and patience carry us through, as we continue to serve our design/build community. We’re very fortunate to be able to continue our design work, as we do our part to protect our most vulnerable. Thank you to our clients’ for your continued trust and support.
Due to the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order by WA Governor Jay Inslee, all of our active construction sites have been temporarily shut down or postponed, until it’s deemed safe to return. Behind the scenes, SZ Build is readying our jobsites by lining-up key sub-contractors, procuring long-lead materials, and generally mitigating the overall impacts our delayed delivery schedule may have to our valued clientele.
As a small business, the SZ Team works with many clients, consultants, sub-contractors and artists who are also managing their own firms. Did you know that in our country small business employ approximately 50% of all workers? To our beloved colleagues and collaborators, here are five actions that may help.
Control what you can, and ignore the rest. My inner-control-freak comes in handy in times of emergency. I quickly go into gear and start planning for the worst-case-scenario. As I identify ways of protecting my own, I began an equally important discipline of letting go of what I can’t control. Simply seeing local and global affairs as they are (not obsessively watching the news), without personalizing it, allows you to toughen up and take the necessary actions that are within your grasp.
Tend to your team. This is a scary time, no question. As an employer of rockstar employees, it became a priority to clearly, honestly and confidently address my team’s concerns (even when the answer is ‘I don’t know’). Quickly transitioning from our collaborative office/gallery to our separate family homes was jarring enough. But, throw payroll questions on top, and it can quickly become anxiety-ridden. Just as they’ve had my back in hitting critical deadlines along the way, they know that I’ve got theirs now. I’m committed, like so many other small business owners, to keep my team intact.
Run lean. When revenue is compromised, especially due to forces beyond your control, it’s crucial to streamline your overhead. I reviewed my running expenses with my Accounting Manager and quickly found ways to dial down the expenditures. Financially plan for the long-haul, and conservatively tighten your belt until your revenue stream has fully recovered.
Be the squeaky wheel. Below is a list of various federal, state and local resources that may provide financial relief during these troubling times. So, be the first in line, if you can, and proactively connect with your bank or loan officer. Their hands are full, and frankly, the roll-out of the CARES Act, in particular, has been cumbersome. Be redundant in your efforts and a nudge during the application review process.
Adapt your professional offerings. Reflect on why you started your own business in the first place. How can you adapt your services (or products) to better serve your clients and community? Leverage your presence on social media to offer virtual experiences, even if it serves as a distraction from the daily news stories. Recently, in lieu of a physical First Friday Art Opening at our SZ Gallery, we hosted a Virtual Opening on IGTV, Facebook & YouTube. It was a fun way to celebrate our featured artists and connect with our community.
In support of your continued small business success, below are resources that are now available to see you through these unprecedented times. I will continue to add to this page, as new resources become available.
During this difficult times, find ways to support yourselves and others, professionally & personally.
Wishing you all good health, always.
Suzanne Zahr, President
Suzanne Zahr, Inc. | SZ Build, Inc.
Federal.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) If you haven’t connected with your banking institution about this program yet, I encourage you to do so ASAP. Most lenders will require you to be an existing customer. If your bank or credit union isn’t participating in the program, find a local lender accepting new customers on Mercer Island’s Let’s Talk page. You can also find eligible lenders via the SBA.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) The WSBDC encourages ALL small businesses to apply for this program. There is NO fee associated with applying, and you are not required to accept the loan once approved. Even if you apply for the PPP, you can still be eligible for the EIDL. Find a useful video tutorial about the loan application on Mercer Island’s Let’s Talk page.
The Port of Seattle has kicked off a series of webinars that provides several opportunities to learn more about these federal programs. Register here.
State.
DOC Small Business Emergency Grant Program – Governor Inslee created a Working Washington Small Business Grant program using a portion of the state’s Strategic Reserve Fund (SRF). The Department of Commerce (DOC) is finalizing the program’s guidelines and application. Check the DOC’s COVID-19 Resources page soon for more information.
City of Mercer Island.
In the midst of this global pandemic, WeLoveMI was created with hopes to inspire local action to ensure that Mercer Island remains a place where our community members are cared for, our business district is vibrant, our schools deliver top-notch education, and our nonprofits serve the critical programs that enhance everyone’s quality of life. We hope that through this relief campaign, Islanders will be inspired to come together in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to help our friends and neighbors by supporting the nonprofits and businesses who serve our island.
Artists.
Washington State artists were among the first to face career disruption and financial loss from the COVID-19 crisis. In response to artists urgent needs, Artist Trust pressed pause on business as usual to focus all resources on two things: The COVID-19 Artist Trust Relief Fund, and COVID-19 Artist Relief and Recovery Resources.
If you’re an artist in need, apply to The COVID-19 Artist Trust Relief Fund, a rapid response grant for Washington State artists impacted by COVID-19. Please read this FAQ prior to contacting our staff with questions. Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to respond to every question we receive. If your question is not covered in this FAQ, please contact us at info@artisttrust.org.
To create this critical program, Artist Trust is building a coalition of people, organizations, and corporations who will join in supporting artists now. To join in support of artists’ urgent needs, visit www.artisttrust.org/donate.
Private.
Facebook - Small Business Grants Program
GoFundMe - Small Business Relief Initiative
Upcoming Webinars.
#WeGotThisWA Series: What Every Business Should Know about PPP Loan Forgiveness
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Time: 11am-12pm
Presented by: Seattle Metropolitan Chamber and Business Health Trust
You all likely heard the news yesterday that the SBA has stopped accepting applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). However, Congress is working on appropriating more funds for this critical program for small businesses; whether you’ve already applied for the PPP or haven’t been able to yet, this webinar will still be informative.
SMART Webinar: Future of Retail
Date: Friday, April 24, 2020
Time: 11am-1pm
Presented by: The Southside Mitigation and Recovery Taskforce (SMART)
I highly recommend this webinar for anyone who operates a retail or customer-facing brick-and-mortar on the Island. How consumers interact with businesses has already changed drastically during this pandemic, and we can anticipate that shopping habits will continue in this “new normal” even after the economy starts to reopen.
Thriving on the Other Side After COVID-19
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Time: 1pm-3pm
Presented by: Strong Towns
This presentation is largely geared toward city leaders, but I think it will be interesting for business owners/advocates to listen in, too, as we look toward recovery and new approaches to economic development on Mercer Island.
Expert Advice on Critical Ways to Keep Customers Engaged During Coronavirus
Date/Time: Previously recorded
Presented by: US Chamber of Commerce
I’ve heard from many businesses about the challenges of staying connected to customers right now. This webinar recording may provide some tips for approaching customer engagement during the crisis.
You may also be interested in webinar resources available from: