Emergency Management Resources for Craft Business Owners

For days, I've been watching local and world news. I've barely worked for a few days, in part because I've been busy making sure friends and family are safe, but also because I've been at a total loss of what to write in the midst of this crisis. 

Before we get down to business - Above all else, please make sure you, your loved ones, and your community are safe. Please follow recommendations from trustworthy authorities in your area.

Emergency Management Resources for Independent Artists: Resources & supports for artists & craft business owners in times of crisis

I'm certain many of you have worries about how the COVID-19 global emergency will impact your business. It has already impacted my business and the businesses of many of my friends and colleagues.

With the cancellation of craft shows and the impact on the global economy, it will surely hurt the crafts industry specifically and the larger community of artists and small business owners in general.

I can't predict the full impact this crisis will have on craft business owners, artists, and other small business owners. I'm not an expert by any stretch of the imagination - few people are right now.

1. What's happening on this site?

I'm grateful to be able to work from home. I'll continue to write new articles over the coming weeks, although I need to take some time to rethink what I'll write because what I planned months ago for April doesn't make sense now.

I have two kids doing distance learning at home while schools here are closed. I'll be spending time supporting them with their school work. And I would like to take advantage of some unexpected family time. That means I'll have less time to work, but I'm still hoping to get several things done.

2. Government Support for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

I wanted to make sure readers are aware that governments in many countries have developed, or are developing, economic response programs for individuals and businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Even if you wouldn't normally be eligible for unemployment insurance, if your business has been impacted, you may be eligible for some type of support now. Of course, program details and eligibility requirements will vary by country.

I'm going to share a few links of interest below; however, I urge you to go directly to the source - your appropriate government office - for information about these programs.

I used to work as a career advisor here in Canada. When clients came to me with questions about their unemployment insurance, I'd explain the basics, but I'd also always tell them to talk with someone directly at the government office that runs that program. There are always little details, ins-and-outs, and exceptions that someone who deals with the program every day will understand better than anyone else.

That's why it's important to go straight to the source - your appropriate government office - for this kind of information.

With that in mind, here are a few resources that may be of interest.

International

Links to Government Programs in Several Countries: Shopify has put together a big list of links to the government small business relief programs that are available in several countries.

The page has links to government programs in:

• the United States
• Canada
• the United Kingdom
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• the Netherlands
• Spain
• Sweden
• Denmark
• Belgium
• Switzerland
• Japan
• Singapore
• South Korea
• China
• Hong Kong
• Australia
• New Zealand

United States

USA.gov: American government's website with links to official information about how a variety of government departments are responding to the crisis.

SBA Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources: US Small Business Administration (SBA) page detailing information for small business owners in the United States who are impacted by the coronavirus.

CARES Act: Here's the text of the US Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) designed to support individuals, families, and businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Americans for the Arts - COVID-19 Relief Package WEBINAR - recorded on MARCH 31, 2020: Americans for the Arts hosted a free webinar on March 31st, 2020 to discuss the federal COVID-19 Relief Package as it relates to arts organizations and artists. You can register for free to watch it.

Canada

Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Here's the official Canadian government's website outlining supports available for individuals and businesses. Some business owners who would not normally be eligible for employment insurance may be eligible for economic support through this program.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB): Details about the CERB - Canada's temporary income support for people who have lost income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This page has information about who can apply, and when and how to apply.

Apply for CERB Through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): Here's the page that eligible people can use to apply for the CERB through the CRA starting on April 6, 2020. Your best day to apply will depend on the month in which you were born. More details are available on the website.

3. Organizations Supporting Arts Communities and craft business owners

There are some wonderful organizations that work specifically to support artists and artisans though a crisis. And there are other people who are doing a fabulous job of putting together long lists of support resources for craft business owners and visual artists.

Here are a few sites with lots of resources:

CERF+ - The Artist's Safety Net: If anybody knows how to support visual artists and craft business owners through an emergency, it's CERF+.

CERF+ is a nonprofit organization with a mandate to support artists' livelihood. They have plenty of advice about managing a craft business through a crisis on their site. And if you're an American craft business owner, you might qualify for financial help though an emergency relief grant.

You can read their response to COVID-19.

Clearly, they are anticipating a huge need for support. If you are able, you can support other craft business owners and make a donation to their relief fund.

COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources: This list is spectacular. There are mountains of resources for freelance artists from a variety of disciplines. I can only imagine the commitment it is taking to create and continue to grow this incredible list. The people behind this project are rock stars!

Artist Trust: Another large and growing list of emergency resources. This one is specifically for artists in Washington State.

Americans for the Arts: More emergency resources for artists, including some sources for emergency funding.

Supports for Canadian Artists: A growing list of resources for Canadian artists of all types. There are sources for emergency funding, advocacy groups, and links to access mental health supports.

Crafts Council UK: Here's where the Crafts Council UK is keeping information about how the crafts community in the UK is impacted by the coronavirus, and where craft-related businesses and organizations can find resources and supports.  

More from Crafts Council UK: The Crafts Council is dedicated to advancing crafts and supporting makers in the United Kingdom. The link above takes you to information about all of the work they are doing to support makers and craft businesses in the UK.

4. Creative Fun at home to Take a Break & Escape the Stress

Virtual Museum Tours: Google Art and Culture lets you take virtual tours of thousands of museums and cultural sites around the world from the comfort of your home.

Crafts Magazine Free: Crafts Council UK is offering free access to the digital editions of all of their magazines (50 years worth) for one month starting March 24, 2020. There's plenty of gorgeous inspiration in these magazines for everyone, no matter where you live.

Online Arts Events: Long and growing list of online arts events. You'll find everything from art studio tours, to film festivals, to dance classes, all moved online while we stay at home.

Thanks for visiting. Please take care. Be safe. Be kind. We will get through this better together.