Resources for Social Enterprises During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Written by Net Impact Staff | Apr 2, 2020 11:27:00 PM

The coronavirus pandemic is affecting all aspects of life including social enterprises. Yet, with dramatic impacts to the health and wellbeing of people around the world and the economic fallout of the pandemic, social entrepreneurship is exceedingly important.

Why do we need social enterprises now more than ever?

The uncertainty around the length and ongoing flow-through effects of this pandemic lead to a global vulnerability felt across all organizations and people around the world. Social enterprises are important not only for the jobs they provide, but for the communities they support. Social enterprises also have the unique potential to reach newly vulnerable populations during this crisis.

To do our part in supporting social enterprises, we have compiled this list of vetted resources available:

Resources for business owners

Information and Guidance	Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic from the World Health Organization (WHO). Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers Plan, Prepare and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC).
Emergency Funding	Responding to COVID-19, details fast-track funding applications for promising startups providing solutions for COVID-19 related challenges provided by Y Combinator. Action Against Corona is a new initiative for startups, projects, or initiatives with solutions for challenges related to COVID-19 from Norrsken. Open Road Alliance is investing in social impact organizations experiencing “unexpected roadblocks during implementation. Fight The Virus Accelerator is accepting applications now for a virtual accelerator provided by WeFunder Disaster assistance loans are offered to small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 from the United States Small Business Association (SBA). Paycheck Protection Program funded by the $2 trillion stimulus package for small social ventures in the United States, overseen by the SBA.
Networks	Covid Action Platform provided by the World Economic Forum (WEF) with support from the WHO. ANDE’s Response to COVID-19 provided by the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE).
Strategic Analysis	Coronavirus: Leading through the Crisis, a briefing note by McKinsey & Company. Opportunities for Philanthropic Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis, a memo by The Bridgespan Group.

Resources specific to small and medium-sized businesses (SME’s

Information & Guidance

CASE Smart Impact Capital Toolkit with 6 months of free access provided by CASE Smart Impact Capital at Duke University.

5 Resources to Help Your Small Business Survive the Coronavirus provided by the US Chamber of Commerce.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources by the SBA.

Resources for nonprofit organizations

Information & Guidance

COVID-19 Tools and Resources for Nonprofits provided by the Nonprofit Finance Fund.

Nonprofits and Coronavirus, COVID-19 by the National Council of Nonprofits.

How Nonprofits Can Utilize the New Federal Laws Dealing with COVID-19 by Nonprofit Quarterly (NPO)

Emergency Funding

Loans Available for Nonprofits in the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136) by the National Council of Nonprofits.

Looking ahead

During this challenging time, there will be an increasing need for social enterprises as the impacts of the pandemic continue to unfold over the coming months and years. Thankfully, many organizations are stepping up to lend their support!

If you have a website or other resource that should be listed here that is not mentioned, please email media@netimpact.org.

Information and resources as of April 17, 2020

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