Lauren Ready, Owner of Forever Ready Production<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/exGfdfLODeU2vqFeo5FTFA065gcK4Ej7qUsXHUcQejwmXK5vpBP-VclJLCnZ8qvgUtXuiPxf7veB-Ere3nHseBaWPpyyMyRDqDAnn6YNJiIWz_L7QtEpS1LTy7qAkmtroA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cIt’s certainly stressful, especially with so much uncertainty. We’ve got to take it day by day. We’re on week 2 of working from home, which should be easy as an entrepreneur since it’s how most of us got started! But, it comes with challenges. The office provides a collaborative environment and a steady speed. Working from home slows things down a bit. We now have to be careful when approaching our clients and partners for work. There’s a fine line between helping and being opportunistic. I start each day by asking “how can I best help?” The answer is different every time, but it forces us to think critically and creatively about how to solve problems, inspire hope, and work together to get through this. I started a segment called “Feel Good Friday” using our LIVE switcher (from my home office in our spare bedroom). It helps me spread positive and hopeful stories in 15 minutes or less. I’m enjoying that and looking forward to continuing it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nScooter Taylor, Co-Founder of QuarantineCon<\/strong>
<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/N247MxK5REXqe1FMGqDtWBbeJQt0CZ3W-WFJon3fzWBsbPlrWsWdp4OGHVwjtG99Xfv7lGl8_Mc0w54lO4ayiivEOI-orLwoFe2aotubv0pucWu-EjAx4h9e6UeRhvsW6g\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cWhen social distancing, shelter-in-place, and quarantine requirements started, my co-founder, Tre\u2019von Hill, and I found ourselves at home trying to maximize our time. We attended a digital conference together and that was the spark for QuarantineCon. The goal was a 100% digital conference for black creatives and entrepreneurs to hear from experts. We had the idea on Tuesday and by Friday we had sponsors like Forbes8, All Def, and The Gathering Spot. We landed speakers like Jason Geter from Grand Hustle Records, Jewel Burks Solomon from Google Startups, and Bea Dixon from The HoneyPot. Over 4,000 people registered from Qatar to Memphis! The live DJ, booming chat, power of technology, and human desire to connect made it more than an event. Now, it\u2019s a community! Since, we\u2019ve talked about everything from another QuarantineCon to spinoffs for other audiences. Our second experience is already planned for March 26th called \u201cWealth Building 101.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nHoward Summers, Developer\/Owner of the Ambassador Hotel on South Main & VP of Operations for Drumheller Packaging, Inc. <\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/jp0iZ6nZCp54WwpxZ8rRxfONSkDEaKfWjZoQjbGo8CNBKK0M8Svb6DbMxpg461z8uwd9ahsCkYOh0shUEdo1B9n39X_19cY_Rk9p0Rx9i9HAVXOe36Py83ctz99O9ucuEw\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cFrom the development standpoint things have been relatively smooth. We\u2019re just making sure the contractors on site are taking proper care of their employees, and that construction can still work properly within the legislative guidelines put in place to prevent any spread. Regarding the business, we have taken preemptive measures around cleaning, scheduling different shifts and increasing the janitorial schedule around plant operations, as well as preparing a facility cleaning and lockdown procedure in the case an employee is tested positive. Communication with employees is key.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What resources have you seen or used that could help other owners or entrepreneurs get through these times?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAqila Augusta, CEO of Edge Entity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/rka-L_xz3TNTkngVK7nDS0tustjLJhOsT3a027YEvYDrRZLVJQz2jProDmmau0rn4XDrClO-cMEcSFWY91BnRA7H_FNGgKHu835yvKMRANc7ctjk81XBBRji_uGvIMiUlA\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cIf you have a Shopify platform, I\u2019ve seen Shopify offer working capital up to $200,000 depending on your record income. Paypal is also offering capital and business loans. I\u2019m sure other platforms are doing the same. These are some hard times for business owners, small and large. I feel sympathy for people who can\u2019t operate their businesses online or from home, or if the government does not consider your business an \u201cessential needs\u201d business. My best advice is to take this time to study your business and restructure your business plans for the future. What is your plan A, B or C if anything happens where you couldn\u2019t conduct your business as usual? Do you have a savings account or credit line for your business? I know this advice doesn\u2019t help put money in your pockets, but disaster planning for your business is still a necessity long term.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nEd Cabigao, Owner of South of Beale, Interim Restaurant and Zaka Bowl <\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/G4p7j9tFZbPn0x9RopElZ0kq6dsG-Yuw5RYx_hVDqWDrCUzM-opZlNxA4jeJAUVzcoDUz2eoGs94V8l3MjugIUEo3Do_nYpbX1LXs1QvoXWOK56kjg23-qxyRLVGEldrbw\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cThe Memphis Restaurant Association has really helped out with how to navigate the new rules and find future funding and financing once the pandemic has passed. There are numerous text chains that I am part of that include other restaurateurs. We are constantly checking on each other and trying to help each other as much as possible.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nCynthia Daniels, Owner of Cynthia Daniels &Co.<\/strong>
<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/hhBp0fZg38T8vJ4ZCt7Rfe1jBDUNYHOZfslJ-nXDpHRblLoED8mWV33D5SVERDr1BoQgLWbkTXTjLHObPWCDoQwJy2mX9eTYLpe20TShV96Kd-ozFlw6X6rUyXGkyTPEbg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cWhen thinking about resources, I first encourage you to connect with peer entrepreneurs in your industry. Friendrepreneurs and mentor entrepreneurs may be able support with not only funding or staff, but with new opportunities and contracts. Currently, I know <\/em>Epicenter<\/em><\/a> is offering online materials and resources, Adobe is giving their software users up to two months free, and Facebook is looking to provide a $100M Grant for Small Businesses. I\u2019ll be looking to take advantage of these resources and thinking about how to maintain business digitally, and I hope you do the same.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nRegardless of the type of business, we all know Memphians have the grit and grind to get through this. For entrepreneurs and small business owners from the 901, we\u2019ve provided a few more resources to support during COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additional Resources for Small Business & Entrepreneurs<\/strong>:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n- Quickbooks Small Business Relief Initiative<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Honeycomb Crowdfunded Small Business Relief Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grant<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Memphis\u2019s Largest Virtual Tip Jar<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- MusicCares COVID-19 Relief Fund by The Grammys<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 0% Kiva Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Resilience in a Box<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- PEN America Writers\u2019 Emergency Fund<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Music Export Memphis COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund <\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Are you a Memphian Entrepreneur who would like to share inspiration and practical tips that are working for you during COVID-19? Tell us on social by using the hashtag #BringYourSoul!<\/p>\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\u201cIt’s certainly stressful, especially with so much uncertainty. We’ve got to take it day by day. We’re on week 2 of working from home, which should be easy as an entrepreneur since it’s how most of us got started! But, it comes with challenges. The office provides a collaborative environment and a steady speed. Working from home slows things down a bit. We now have to be careful when approaching our clients and partners for work. There’s a fine line between helping and being opportunistic. I start each day by asking “how can I best help?” The answer is different every time, but it forces us to think critically and creatively about how to solve problems, inspire hope, and work together to get through this. I started a segment called “Feel Good Friday” using our LIVE switcher (from my home office in our spare bedroom). It helps me spread positive and hopeful stories in 15 minutes or less. I’m enjoying that and looking forward to continuing it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen social distancing, shelter-in-place, and quarantine requirements started, my co-founder, Tre\u2019von Hill, and I found ourselves at home trying to maximize our time. We attended a digital conference together and that was the spark for QuarantineCon. The goal was a 100% digital conference for black creatives and entrepreneurs to hear from experts. We had the idea on Tuesday and by Friday we had sponsors like Forbes8, All Def, and The Gathering Spot. We landed speakers like Jason Geter from Grand Hustle Records, Jewel Burks Solomon from Google Startups, and Bea Dixon from The HoneyPot. Over 4,000 people registered from Qatar to Memphis! The live DJ, booming chat, power of technology, and human desire to connect made it more than an event. Now, it\u2019s a community! Since, we\u2019ve talked about everything from another QuarantineCon to spinoffs for other audiences. Our second experience is already planned for March 26th called \u201cWealth Building 101.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFrom the development standpoint things have been relatively smooth. We\u2019re just making sure the contractors on site are taking proper care of their employees, and that construction can still work properly within the legislative guidelines put in place to prevent any spread. Regarding the business, we have taken preemptive measures around cleaning, scheduling different shifts and increasing the janitorial schedule around plant operations, as well as preparing a facility cleaning and lockdown procedure in the case an employee is tested positive. Communication with employees is key.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you have a Shopify platform, I\u2019ve seen Shopify offer working capital up to $200,000 depending on your record income. Paypal is also offering capital and business loans. I\u2019m sure other platforms are doing the same. These are some hard times for business owners, small and large. I feel sympathy for people who can\u2019t operate their businesses online or from home, or if the government does not consider your business an \u201cessential needs\u201d business. My best advice is to take this time to study your business and restructure your business plans for the future. What is your plan A, B or C if anything happens where you couldn\u2019t conduct your business as usual? Do you have a savings account or credit line for your business? I know this advice doesn\u2019t help put money in your pockets, but disaster planning for your business is still a necessity long term.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Memphis Restaurant Association has really helped out with how to navigate the new rules and find future funding and financing once the pandemic has passed. There are numerous text chains that I am part of that include other restaurateurs. We are constantly checking on each other and trying to help each other as much as possible.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen thinking about resources, I first encourage you to connect with peer entrepreneurs in your industry. Friendrepreneurs and mentor entrepreneurs may be able support with not only funding or staff, but with new opportunities and contracts. Currently, I know <\/em>Epicenter<\/em><\/a> is offering online materials and resources, Adobe is giving their software users up to two months free, and Facebook is looking to provide a $100M Grant for Small Businesses. I\u2019ll be looking to take advantage of these resources and thinking about how to maintain business digitally, and I hope you do the same.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of the type of business, we all know Memphians have the grit and grind to get through this. For entrepreneurs and small business owners from the 901, we\u2019ve provided a few more resources to support during COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you a Memphian Entrepreneur who would like to share inspiration and practical tips that are working for you during COVID-19? Tell us on social by using the hashtag #BringYourSoul!<\/p>\nScooter Taylor, Co-Founder of QuarantineCon<\/strong>
<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\nHoward Summers, Developer\/Owner of the Ambassador Hotel on South Main & VP of Operations for Drumheller Packaging, Inc. <\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What resources have you seen or used that could help other owners or entrepreneurs get through these times?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Aqila Augusta, CEO of Edge Entity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Ed Cabigao, Owner of South of Beale, Interim Restaurant and Zaka Bowl <\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Cynthia Daniels, Owner of Cynthia Daniels &Co.<\/strong>
<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\nAdditional Resources for Small Business & Entrepreneurs<\/strong>:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n