Supporting Our Small Businesses During COVID-19

These are unprecedented times.  You've probably heard those words numerous times over the past few weeks, yet the implications for individuals and organizations remain the same.  There is no set policy guideline or rulebook to implement; rather it is decision-making on a daily basis.  Building Bridges to Careers has always had a strong emphasis on being a mission-driven organization and focuses on letting the mission, vision and values drive the decision-making.  It is especially helpful to have that strong foundation of mission, vision and values (MVV) on which to base decisions during times like these when flexibility and adaptability have to be at the forefront.  Much like a ship in the storm has its keel to provide stability and balance, our MVV provides a constancy and equilibrium, a compass pointing us in the right direction.

Part of our mission focuses on helping students and entrepreneurs achieve their life goals, while our values are to inform, connect and provide.  And our vision statement is Successful Students. Strong Businesses. Prosperous Communities.  To that end, we do not feel that it serves our mission, nor the values or vision of Building Bridges to Careers, to create more challenges for our incubator members in these trying times. Rather we are here to help them be successful and to provide what we can to make them strong.  So we made the decision that for our incubator members, their monthly entrepreneurship-in-residence fees, which include rent for their office space, would cease as of March 16 and would not resume until the "stay-at-home" orders are lifted.  It is the right thing to do to support our small businesses and the decision was made even easier when using our mission, vision and values as guidance.

We continue to provide services remotely to entrepreneurs and small businesses during this time.  Most questions have centered on the various assistance programs, such as the Corona Virus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist and Guide to SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and how to apply.  However, if a business has some down time this may also be a good opportunity to revisit or even develop a mission, vision and values statement for your business to use in these challenging times and those that may come in the future. If you’d like more information or are seeking assistance, please contact us.