Many software and digital technologies are stepping up and offering free tools and resources during the COVID-19 crisis in an effort to support your small business. While many small businesses around the US have closed their doors, made tough layoffs and reductions in hours of operation, the public and private sectors are stepping up to offer relief.
The US government is offering numerous aid programs for small businesses including forgivable loans, debt relief, and more. You can learn more about all that the US Small Business Administration (SBA) is doing to help these businesses via the SBA’s COVID-19 resource page website.
From the digital marketing perspective, companies like Google, Facebook, Adobe and many others are stepping up as well. Many companies are offering support during this time, but here is a list of just a few of the key programs being offered by major digital companies to help bring relief to small businesses around the country.
Google (Ad Credits)
- What: Ad credits for Google Search & Display and YouTube ads
- Who: Small and medium businesses that have been active advertisers with google, or their partners, with active accounts since January 1, 2019. Google will be contacting you via your google ads account in coming months if you are eligible.
- More Info: Click Here
Facebook (Ad Credits)
- What: $100M in cash grants and ad credits will be offered to small businesses in an effort to help small businesses stay connected with customers.
- Who: Up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries
- More Info: Click Here
Microsoft Teams (Productivity & Remote Work)
- What: Microsoft is offering the company’s Microsoft Teams tool for free. Microsoft Teams is a software solution that enables SMBs to perform many essential business tasks remotely.
- Who: Everyone, even businesses without Office 365.
- More Info: Click Here
Adobe (Productivity & More)
- What: FREE web-based PDF services, adobe acrobat, access to Magento and Marketo until June 30, 2020, access to Adobe Talent on Behance until May 31, 2020, extended grace periods.
- Who: Eligibility varies with each offer.
- More Info: Click Here
MailChimp (Relief Funds)
- What: Mailchimp is giving back $10 million in MailChimp services to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Businesses can apply online by April 30, 2020. In addition, the company is offering a free .com domain for 5-years (when publishing a Mailchimp website within 11 months).
- Who: Limited to Mailchimp users with an existing paid plan (Essentials, Standard, Premium, or Legacy paid plans) on March 30, 2020, who have 25 or fewer employees and have no compliance hold on their account.
- More Info: Click Here
Zoom (Video Conferencing)
- What: Zoom has always offered a free service, but given the wide adoption of the tool, the company has built out a library of tips and resources to help utilize the platform effectively.
- Who: Available to any small businesses interested in utilizing the Zoom’s video conferencing services.
- More Info: Click Here
Business Warrior (Digital Marketing Software)
- What: 12 month free trial of Business Warrior’s software. That software is intended to help small analyze online reputation, SEO and social efforts in order to help businesses take actions that improve digital marketing efforts.
- Who: Small Businesses
- More Info: Click Here
HubSpot (CRM & Marketing Software)
- What: HubSpot is offering a variety of free tools including virtual meetings tools, quotes, and e-sign tools and 1:1 video creation tools. In addition, existing customers will have access to more minutes of calling and an increase in email sending limits as well. Finally, the company is offering pricing decrease on various subscription offerings.
- Who: New and existing clients.
- More Info: Click Here
There are many other programs and companies offering support during this difficult time. If you run a small business, it is important to do your research and see if you are eligible for any of the programs available to you. Additionally, review your existing tech subscriptions and tools to see if there’s an offer you’re missing out on. Good luck and stay safe!