More and more communities are looking to the near future when businesses may open back up again. If your business was forced to shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, you may be wondering what to do next. Now is the time to think things through and put a formal plan together.

• Health Policies
  You’ll have to put some defined health-related policies in place before you open your doors. Are you taking everyone’s temperature at the start of their shifts? What do you do if someone has a fever? How do you cover their position – from sales to CEO – if someone does have a fever? Figure it out now and put an official policy together to share with your staff before you reopen.

• Get Prepared
  Do your employees have workstations right next to each other? Does your staff work directly with customers/clients? You’ll probably have to rework your floorplan and safety precautions, including personal protection equipment like gloves and face masks, in place to open back up. Your staff and clients/customers will want to feel that their health is being protected.

• Business Model
  What you did before might not work anymore. You may have to rethink your business model including what you do/sell, how you do it and if you have deliveries. Create a model that will include a possible future shutdown in case there’s a second coronavirus surge.

• Hiring Time
  If you had to lay off your staff, you’ll have to hire a new one. Obviously, call your laid off employees first, but some may have had to find a new job by now or choose to work somewhere else to feel safe. Let your new and re-hires know what policies you’re putting in place and precautions you’re taking to protect them ahead of time.

• Rethink Schedules
  If you’re used to having a bustling and full staff, things will probably have to change. Skeleton staffs will probably be required to begin with to keep employees and clients/customers safe.
• Find Vendors
  You may call around to discover that some of your previous vendors are no longer in business or are changing how they’re doing business, including payment options. Contact your vendors way in advance to make sure you’ll have what you need to open. This will give you plenty of time to find new ones if needed.
• Get Help
  There’s been plenty of news about the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. But you may have better luck with local programs and agencies to help your business make payroll and other expenses. You can also reach out to WWFCU to see if you qualify for a low-rate business loan.

Have small business questions or need some assistance? Speak to a Member Service Representative at (734) 721-5700.