Supporting Startups Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Cintrifuse remains deeply committed to our mission of supporting the startup ecosystem. In addition to leveraging our current service offerings and partnerships, we will continue to update our members on relevant resources.

Business Assistance

Local support is available. We are all in this together and we will continue to add resources as they develop.

  • Businesses in need are encouraged to apply for EIDL and PPP.
  • The Cincinnati Chamber continues to add valuable information to their resource guide.
  • REDI Cincinnati has created a page designed to help the economic development leaders, employers and the workforce in the Cincinnati region respond to the challenges of COVID-19.
  • Taft Law has compiled a list of legal resources here.
  • Employers are encouraged to use this time to apply for Tech Cred and take advantage of state dollars to pay for employee training and upskilling, often through distance learning. TechCred offers employers up to $2,000 in reimbursement for every technology-focused credential earned by an employee, up to $30,000 per employer per round.
  • All individuals needing unemployment assistance can use this website to apply.
  • More tools and tips for working remote, can be found on this list prepared by Blue North in Northern Kentucky. 
  • Facebook made their Business Hub – a resource for Facebook employees and health experts—readily available for all. They are creating new virtual training to support businesses operating in this new and unsettling environment.
  • Finix partnered with Kabbage to help small businesses stay afloat by waiving their fees. Small businesses and service providers can offer electronic gift certificates to their customers by signing up here.
  • Start-ups and small businesses are eligible to apply to up to $1.25 million or $250,000 per year for five years in credits to offset the FICA portion of their payroll tax. Details can be found here.
  • Looking for a new role with a great Cincinnati startup? Complete your profile in the Cintrifuse Talent Network.
  • Need to hire or want to explore open roles at Cincinnati startups? Visit the Cintrifuse Job Board or contact Calista Sarakatsannis to get your jobs posted.
  • Join the #StartupCincy community slack channel – a forum for job opportunities, event invitations, and discussion. Email Kathryn Prigge to get added.
  • Ohio.gov has created a collection of companies hiring for various positions in Ohio.
  • The U.S. Chamber of Commerce released a piece on Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act: What Small Businesses Need to Know.
  • TechStars put together a list of resources for startups.
  • Miami Entrepreneurship Network released some insights and offered assistance to startups.
  • ECDI compiled helpful information about SBA Disaster Loan Relief.
  • Google is offering a YouTube Video Builder for free – aimed at small businesses for a simple, low-cost way to create videos for ads, etc.
  • Personas compiled SaaS discounts being offered by companies like Microsoft, Box, Adobe and hundreds of others.

Tools

Google is offering free access to advanced Hangouts Meet video-conferencing capabilities to all G Suite customers. 

  • Larger meetings, for up to 250 participants per call
  • Live streaming for up to 100,000 viewers within a domain 
  • The ability to record meetings and save them to Google Drive

Click here to upgrade your account.

Zoom is offering a free 30 day trial of their video-conferencing platform.

  • HD Video and Audio
  • One-touch to join
  • One-click wireless share
  • Calendar integration

Click here to start utilizing video-conferencing.


Training

LinkedIn is providing over 12 hours of content on how to optimize working remotely. From time management to leading a team, these sessions can make a huge impact on your output as we shift to a more virtual work environment.

  • Learn how to effectively work remotely
  • Gain tips for adjusting to changes in your work environment
  • Explore virtual communication tools for staying connected

Click here to begin a learning course.


Tips

An abundance of great advice exists for those who are entering the work from home world. Here are a few of our favorites.

  • Maintain your morning routine, including showering and getting dressed.
  • Create a schedule for the day, including meals, breaks, and when to stop working for the day.
  • Repurpose your commute with something edifying, like listening to a podcast or reading a book.
  • Maintain a dedicated work space. A desk or kitchen table is ideal. Couches and beds crush productivity and promote poor posture.
  • Remove as many distractions as possible and set the mood. Tidy up pesky messes and light a candle.
  • Spending too much time consuming media? Consider deleting social media apps and turning off news notifications during business hours.
  • Connect with your team. Get some face time by using video-conferencing for daily chats or weekly virtual happy hours.
  • Learn how to properly wash your hands.

Taking Care of Yourself

Whether you are accustomed to working remote or are new to this level of isolation, self care and mental health should be top of mind.

  • Learn how to properly wash your hands.
  • At home workouts can help reduce stress and improve creativity. Do Yoga with Me and Glo App offer great virtual yoga and meditation classes. WorkoutSesh has full workout routines that can be done at home.
  • Take a walk! Fresh air and sunlight can improve your energy level and boost your immune system.
  • Meditation apps like Calm and Headspace offer guided meditation with free and paid plan options.

Add More Resources

Are we missing anything? Please email kathryn@a8u.fee.myftpupload.com to contribute to this list.

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