Resources for Small Businesses, Freelancers & Artists Affected by COVID-19

Feeling blue? Not sure what to do? Not sure how you’re going to pay your rent this month? You are not alone. It’s okay. Cuddle up on the couch and have a good cry. Then when you’re feeling better, explore some options! There is no question that the coronavirus, or COVID-19, is having a huge impact on people all around the world. The economic impact is being felt especially by small business owners, freelancers, artists and hospitality workers who are losing income due to cancelled events and closed theaters, bars and restaurants. There are a number of resources available to those who are in need at this time. Check out the resources below for more information on how to give and receive support! In this time of crisis, supporting others can help you feel more at peace. Take a moment to help someone out if you can!

RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS

This Freelance Artist Resources website is “designed to serve freelance artists, and those interested in supporting the independent artist community.” Check it out for resources and opportunities for artists of all disciplines.

Lawyers for the Creative Arts has also created a resource list for artists, and you can visit the National Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts directory for information about legal services available to artists in your area.

The Chicago Artist Relief Fund has been launched to support Chicago-area artists. Applications for assistance are currently paused, but they are expected to open again once they’re able to review the first round of applications.

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTISTS:

Many artists’ livelihoods are based on the gig economy. Most gigs for March, and some for April, have been cancelled. Your favorite performers can’t make this money back, and they are scared.

  • Make a donation! Your favorite drag queens, burlesque dancers, circus performers, musicians and actors are producing some incredible content on social media for your enjoyment. Consider donating to them! If they haven’t already provided their Venmo or Paypal account, ask them for it!

  • Engage with artists on social media, like and comment on their blog posts and re-share their content on your social media pages to encourage others to support.

  • Review them on Yelp, Facebook or Google.

RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

If you anticipate serious business disruptions due to COVID-19, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity wants your input in order to assess the greatest areas of need. Complete the questionnaire to help them evaluate a request for an economic injury disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

HOW TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES:

  • Buy gift cards to use in the future.

  • Buy SWAG from your favorite shops.

  • Purchase clothes via social media! Many of your favorite boutiques and vintage stores are still selling, even though they’re closed to the public.

  • Order take out! Get those french fries you love. And maybe some cake. Definitely cake.

  • Leave your favorite small business a fabulous 5 star review on Yelp, Google, and Facebook.

  • Share their website and social media details with your networks.

RESOURCES FOR FOLKS IN THE EVENT INDUSTRY

Change.org has started a petition requesting a Federal Aid Package for the Events Industry. Social distancing is so important to minimize the spread of the virus and keep each other safe, but this means there will be many months of event cancellations and lost income. These cancellations are a huge blow to the event planning industry. Please consider signing this petition to support event planners, florists, DJs, caterers, event venues and so many more!

HOW TO SUPPORT FOLKS IN THE EVENT INDUSTRY:

  • Don’t cancel - postpone your event. Read our recent blog post for tips on how to navigate the process.

  • Be kind and patient. We are juggling a lot right now. We are all going through this together.

  • If you’re discussing money, postponement, or rescheduling - get very clear about numbers and what is listed in your contracts. Take emotion out of the picture, and focus on the facts. Be direct in communication with your vendors. Call them if you need to - they want to hear from you!

  • Like and follow us on social media, and share what you love about us by writing a 5 star review on Yelp, WeddingWire, The Knot, Google, or Facebook.

  • Read our blogs (like this one, yay!), comment on them, and share them with your friends.

  • Put a deposit down for a future event! We will need some good celebrating when this is all over. Vendors will be more than happy to be flexible with your date.

resources for SERVERS & BARTENDERS

If you are a cocktail server, bartender or bar back who needs financial support, check out the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program. If you’re a server, check out Support Workers in Crisis who is providing “cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive.”

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR SERVERS AND BARTENDERS:

  • If you are ordering take out, tip your restaurant well - like 20% or higher!

  • When restaurants & bars open up again, and they definitely will, tip your servers well!

  • Leave Yelp, Google, and Facebook reviews for your favorite servers and bartenders! Shout them out by name and share why you love them. Remind them how amazing they are!

WHY SOCIAL DISTANCING IS CRUCIAL RIGHT NOW

We recommend reading this incredibly helpful and informative article from the Washington Post about how the virus spreads and how to minimize it. Please #flattenthecurve with Fierce! We’re staying inside, social distancing, practicing self care and crossing things off our lists, like organizing our basement! This is a hard time, but we remain hopeful. When all of this is over, we are going to need to CELEBRATE!!!!!

Wash your hands, keep your distance, and be FIERCE!








Laura Reitsma