Keep your business afloat during the coronavirus outbreak

With full lockdowns seemingly around the corner, the COVID-19 pandemic has put economic pressure on businesses all over Australia. It's difficult to know what to do with the situation rapidly changing and so many things thrown into chaos. This guide will look at what you can still do to manage your business' daily operations, employees, and finances.

How to continue business during the coronavirus outbreak

Continuing business during the coronavirus outbreak may still be possible — but will require you to apply extra protective measures to keep customers and employees safe.

1. Keep in clear communication with your employees.

Transparent communication with employees is crucial. The more your employees know about your expectations and intentions, the better equipped they are to prepare.
Create an email account specifically for coronavirus-related queries and communications. Provide scheduled updates on how you plan to tackle day-to-day operations. If you anticipate having to close up shop or plan to ask employees to work from home, give as much notice as possible.
Given the current circumstances, a play-it-by-ear approach is entirely understandable. But keep your team in the know with frequent updates.
How Finder is managing its global workforce during the outbreak

2. Set up direct deposit for all employees.

Shifting payroll from paper checks to direct deposit eliminates the need for employees to pick up paychecks in person. You can set up direct deposit through your business bank account provider or payroll software like ADP, ClockOn or OnPay.
Collect the necessary banking information from your employees, including their bank account type, number and the BSB of their financial institution. After you submit their information to your direct deposit provider, all that's left is setting up a payroll schedule and completing your provider's authorization process.

3. Shift employees to work from home when possible.

While it may not be feasible for all business models, video conferencing can safeguard the health of your employees while keeping operations afloat. If it's possible for your employees to get work done with a computer and an Internet connection, encourage them to work from home.

4. Come up with ways to continue serving your customers.

Does your business rely on in-person sales? Consider selling online. A number of merchant services providers like Square and Shopify offer e-commerce store building software. You don't need to be tech-savvy to set up your website, as most providers offer beginner-friendly website themes. You can even integrate your online store with your social media accounts for omnichannel marketing.

5. Strategise the best ways to keep your business running.

Business operations during a global pandemic are all about managing risk. And while it may be tempting to forge ahead with a business-as-usual attitude, the health of your employees and that of the greater community needs to come first. If you're committed to keeping your doors open, consider reducing your operating hours if it is possible to do so.

Latest COVID-19 Business Guides

What employers can do to make remote working better long term

{"menuItems":[{"label":"How to continue business during the coronavirus outbreak","anchorName":"#how-to-continue-business-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak"},{"label":"Update as of 8 April 2020: Government support for businesses","anchorName":"#update-as-of-8-april-2020-government-support-for-businesses"},{"label":"How can the coronavirus stimulus package help me run my business?","anchorName":"#how-can-the-coronavirus-stimulus-package-help-me-run-my-business"},{"label":"How can I set my employees up to work from home?","anchorName":"#how-can-i-set-my-employees-up-to-work-from-home"},{"label":"What to do if your business stays open","anchorName":"#what-to-do-if-your-business-stays-open"},{"label":"Should I close my business?","anchorName":"#should-i-close-my-business"},{"label":"Financing options for businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak","anchorName":"#financing-options-for-businesses-during-the-covid-19-outbreak"},{"label":"Will my business insurance cover lost income?","anchorName":"#will-my-business-insurance-cover-lost-income"},{"label":"Is it too late to get business insurance?","anchorName":"#is-it-too-late-to-get-business-insurance"},{"label":"Bottom line","anchorName":"#bottom-line"}]}

SPONSORED: Operating your business remotely now? Run through this checklist to make sure you're set up to work efficiently.

Read more…

Business in:Brief with John Nguyen (EatBoxNow)

{"menuItems":[{"label":"How to continue business during the coronavirus outbreak","anchorName":"#how-to-continue-business-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak"},{"label":"Update as of 8 April 2020: Government support for businesses","anchorName":"#update-as-of-8-april-2020-government-support-for-businesses"},{"label":"How can the coronavirus stimulus package help me run my business?","anchorName":"#how-can-the-coronavirus-stimulus-package-help-me-run-my-business"},{"label":"How can I set my employees up to work from home?","anchorName":"#how-can-i-set-my-employees-up-to-work-from-home"},{"label":"What to do if your business stays open","anchorName":"#what-to-do-if-your-business-stays-open"},{"label":"Should I close my business?","anchorName":"#should-i-close-my-business"},{"label":"Financing options for businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak","anchorName":"#financing-options-for-businesses-during-the-covid-19-outbreak"},{"label":"Will my business insurance cover lost income?","anchorName":"#will-my-business-insurance-cover-lost-income"},{"label":"Is it too late to get business insurance?","anchorName":"#is-it-too-late-to-get-business-insurance"},{"label":"Bottom line","anchorName":"#bottom-line"}]}

John Nguyen is the founder of EatBoxNow, a Korean BBQ box delivery service. John successfully launched his startup business amid the coronavirus pandemic. Find out more.

Read more…

How to manage your finances while running a business remotely

{"menuItems":[{"label":"How to continue business during the coronavirus outbreak","anchorName":"#how-to-continue-business-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak"},{"label":"Update as of 8 April 2020: Government support for businesses","anchorName":"#update-as-of-8-april-2020-government-support-for-businesses"},{"label":"How can the coronavirus stimulus package help me run my business?","anchorName":"#how-can-the-coronavirus-stimulus-package-help-me-run-my-business"},{"label":"How can I set my employees up to work from home?","anchorName":"#how-can-i-set-my-employees-up-to-work-from-home"},{"label":"What to do if your business stays open","anchorName":"#what-to-do-if-your-business-stays-open"},{"label":"Should I close my business?","anchorName":"#should-i-close-my-business"},{"label":"Financing options for businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak","anchorName":"#financing-options-for-businesses-during-the-covid-19-outbreak"},{"label":"Will my business insurance cover lost income?","anchorName":"#will-my-business-insurance-cover-lost-income"},{"label":"Is it too late to get business insurance?","anchorName":"#is-it-too-late-to-get-business-insurance"},{"label":"Bottom line","anchorName":"#bottom-line"}]}

SPONSORED: Manage your small business finances more effectively with these tips and tricks, including employees' pay, operational costs and more.

Read more…

Guide to JobKeeper Payment coronavirus stimulus: Eligibility and how to apply

{"menuItems":[{"label":"How to continue business during the coronavirus outbreak","anchorName":"#how-to-continue-business-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak"},{"label":"Update as of 8 April 2020: Government support for businesses","anchorName":"#update-as-of-8-april-2020-government-support-for-businesses"},{"label":"How can the coronavirus stimulus package help me run my business?","anchorName":"#how-can-the-coronavirus-stimulus-package-help-me-run-my-business"},{"label":"How can I set my employees up to work from home?","anchorName":"#how-can-i-set-my-employees-up-to-work-from-home"},{"label":"What to do if your business stays open","anchorName":"#what-to-do-if-your-business-stays-open"},{"label":"Should I close my business?","anchorName":"#should-i-close-my-business"},{"label":"Financing options for businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak","anchorName":"#financing-options-for-businesses-during-the-covid-19-outbreak"},{"label":"Will my business insurance cover lost income?","anchorName":"#will-my-business-insurance-cover-lost-income"},{"label":"Is it too late to get business insurance?","anchorName":"#is-it-too-late-to-get-business-insurance"},{"label":"Bottom line","anchorName":"#bottom-line"}]}

The Australian government has announced the JobKeeper Payment program in the wake of COVID-19, here's everything you need to know.

Read more…

Government business loans

{"menuItems":[{"label":"How to continue business during the coronavirus outbreak","anchorName":"#how-to-continue-business-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak"},{"label":"Update as of 8 April 2020: Government support for businesses","anchorName":"#update-as-of-8-april-2020-government-support-for-businesses"},{"label":"How can the coronavirus stimulus package help me run my business?","anchorName":"#how-can-the-coronavirus-stimulus-package-help-me-run-my-business"},{"label":"How can I set my employees up to work from home?","anchorName":"#how-can-i-set-my-employees-up-to-work-from-home"},{"label":"What to do if your business stays open","anchorName":"#what-to-do-if-your-business-stays-open"},{"label":"Should I close my business?","anchorName":"#should-i-close-my-business"},{"label":"Financing options for businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak","anchorName":"#financing-options-for-businesses-during-the-covid-19-outbreak"},{"label":"Will my business insurance cover lost income?","anchorName":"#will-my-business-insurance-cover-lost-income"},{"label":"Is it too late to get business insurance?","anchorName":"#is-it-too-late-to-get-business-insurance"},{"label":"Bottom line","anchorName":"#bottom-line"}]}

A guide to government-backed business loans for small and medium enterprises affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more…

Coronavirus in Queensland: Financial help and advice

{"menuItems":[{"label":"How to continue business during the coronavirus outbreak","anchorName":"#how-to-continue-business-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak"},{"label":"Update as of 8 April 2020: Government support for businesses","anchorName":"#update-as-of-8-april-2020-government-support-for-businesses"},{"label":"How can the coronavirus stimulus package help me run my business?","anchorName":"#how-can-the-coronavirus-stimulus-package-help-me-run-my-business"},{"label":"How can I set my employees up to work from home?","anchorName":"#how-can-i-set-my-employees-up-to-work-from-home"},{"label":"What to do if your business stays open","anchorName":"#what-to-do-if-your-business-stays-open"},{"label":"Should I close my business?","anchorName":"#should-i-close-my-business"},{"label":"Financing options for businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak","anchorName":"#financing-options-for-businesses-during-the-covid-19-outbreak"},{"label":"Will my business insurance cover lost income?","anchorName":"#will-my-business-insurance-cover-lost-income"},{"label":"Is it too late to get business insurance?","anchorName":"#is-it-too-late-to-get-business-insurance"},{"label":"Bottom line","anchorName":"#bottom-line"}]}

Find information on QLD stimulus packages, border closures, travel restrictions, business shutdowns and more.

Read more…

Coronavirus: Help if you have a small business

{"menuItems":[{"label":"How to continue business during the coronavirus outbreak","anchorName":"#how-to-continue-business-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak"},{"label":"Update as of 8 April 2020: Government support for businesses","anchorName":"#update-as-of-8-april-2020-government-support-for-businesses"},{"label":"How can the coronavirus stimulus package help me run my business?","anchorName":"#how-can-the-coronavirus-stimulus-package-help-me-run-my-business"},{"label":"How can I set my employees up to work from home?","anchorName":"#how-can-i-set-my-employees-up-to-work-from-home"},{"label":"What to do if your business stays open","anchorName":"#what-to-do-if-your-business-stays-open"},{"label":"Should I close my business?","anchorName":"#should-i-close-my-business"},{"label":"Financing options for businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak","anchorName":"#financing-options-for-businesses-during-the-covid-19-outbreak"},{"label":"Will my business insurance cover lost income?","anchorName":"#will-my-business-insurance-cover-lost-income"},{"label":"Is it too late to get business insurance?","anchorName":"#is-it-too-late-to-get-business-insurance"},{"label":"Bottom line","anchorName":"#bottom-line"}]}

See how the government's stimulus package can help your small business against coronavirus.

Read more…

Who can benefit from Western Australia’s coronavirus COVID-19 stimulus package?

{"menuItems":[{"label":"How to continue business during the coronavirus outbreak","anchorName":"#how-to-continue-business-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak"},{"label":"Update as of 8 April 2020: Government support for businesses","anchorName":"#update-as-of-8-april-2020-government-support-for-businesses"},{"label":"How can the coronavirus stimulus package help me run my business?","anchorName":"#how-can-the-coronavirus-stimulus-package-help-me-run-my-business"},{"label":"How can I set my employees up to work from home?","anchorName":"#how-can-i-set-my-employees-up-to-work-from-home"},{"label":"What to do if your business stays open","anchorName":"#what-to-do-if-your-business-stays-open"},{"label":"Should I close my business?","anchorName":"#should-i-close-my-business"},{"label":"Financing options for businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak","anchorName":"#financing-options-for-businesses-during-the-covid-19-outbreak"},{"label":"Will my business insurance cover lost income?","anchorName":"#will-my-business-insurance-cover-lost-income"},{"label":"Is it too late to get business insurance?","anchorName":"#is-it-too-late-to-get-business-insurance"},{"label":"Bottom line","anchorName":"#bottom-line"}]}

How will WA's coronavirus COVID-19 stimulus package help you? Find out here.

Read more…

Australian government coronavirus stimulus packages

{"menuItems":[{"label":"How to continue business during the coronavirus outbreak","anchorName":"#how-to-continue-business-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak"},{"label":"Update as of 8 April 2020: Government support for businesses","anchorName":"#update-as-of-8-april-2020-government-support-for-businesses"},{"label":"How can the coronavirus stimulus package help me run my business?","anchorName":"#how-can-the-coronavirus-stimulus-package-help-me-run-my-business"},{"label":"How can I set my employees up to work from home?","anchorName":"#how-can-i-set-my-employees-up-to-work-from-home"},{"label":"What to do if your business stays open","anchorName":"#what-to-do-if-your-business-stays-open"},{"label":"Should I close my business?","anchorName":"#should-i-close-my-business"},{"label":"Financing options for businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak","anchorName":"#financing-options-for-businesses-during-the-covid-19-outbreak"},{"label":"Will my business insurance cover lost income?","anchorName":"#will-my-business-insurance-cover-lost-income"},{"label":"Is it too late to get business insurance?","anchorName":"#is-it-too-late-to-get-business-insurance"},{"label":"Bottom line","anchorName":"#bottom-line"}]}

Here's what the national and state-by-state stimulus packages include and how the increased funding will be used.

Read more…

Coronavirus takes a toll on Australian businesses

{"menuItems":[{"label":"How to continue business during the coronavirus outbreak","anchorName":"#how-to-continue-business-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak"},{"label":"Update as of 8 April 2020: Government support for businesses","anchorName":"#update-as-of-8-april-2020-government-support-for-businesses"},{"label":"How can the coronavirus stimulus package help me run my business?","anchorName":"#how-can-the-coronavirus-stimulus-package-help-me-run-my-business"},{"label":"How can I set my employees up to work from home?","anchorName":"#how-can-i-set-my-employees-up-to-work-from-home"},{"label":"What to do if your business stays open","anchorName":"#what-to-do-if-your-business-stays-open"},{"label":"Should I close my business?","anchorName":"#should-i-close-my-business"},{"label":"Financing options for businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak","anchorName":"#financing-options-for-businesses-during-the-covid-19-outbreak"},{"label":"Will my business insurance cover lost income?","anchorName":"#will-my-business-insurance-cover-lost-income"},{"label":"Is it too late to get business insurance?","anchorName":"#is-it-too-late-to-get-business-insurance"},{"label":"Bottom line","anchorName":"#bottom-line"}]}

As things heat up regarding concerns over coronavirus, we take a look at the harm that the outbreak is causing to Australian businesses.

Read more…

Instant asset tax write-off

{"menuItems":[{"label":"How to continue business during the coronavirus outbreak","anchorName":"#how-to-continue-business-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak"},{"label":"Update as of 8 April 2020: Government support for businesses","anchorName":"#update-as-of-8-april-2020-government-support-for-businesses"},{"label":"How can the coronavirus stimulus package help me run my business?","anchorName":"#how-can-the-coronavirus-stimulus-package-help-me-run-my-business"},{"label":"How can I set my employees up to work from home?","anchorName":"#how-can-i-set-my-employees-up-to-work-from-home"},{"label":"What to do if your business stays open","anchorName":"#what-to-do-if-your-business-stays-open"},{"label":"Should I close my business?","anchorName":"#should-i-close-my-business"},{"label":"Financing options for businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak","anchorName":"#financing-options-for-businesses-during-the-covid-19-outbreak"},{"label":"Will my business insurance cover lost income?","anchorName":"#will-my-business-insurance-cover-lost-income"},{"label":"Is it too late to get business insurance?","anchorName":"#is-it-too-late-to-get-business-insurance"},{"label":"Bottom line","anchorName":"#bottom-line"}]}

Learn how to use the instant asset tax break to get the most out of it for your small business.

Read more…

How can I set my employees up to work from home?

For a smooth transition from in-person operations to an at-home workforce, consider implementing these strategies and tools:

• Communication software. Shift company communications to an online workspace with the help of communication software like Slack, Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
• Established desk hours. Set a daily schedule and structured desk hours to help remote workers establish a routine — but keep in mind that some staff members may be trying to balance child care while keeping up with work responsibilities.
• Schedule daily check-ins. Help your team stay connected and up to speed with team check-ins, conference calls and virtual town halls through Skype or Zoom.
• Explore business apps. Review your business app options to streamline operations as your team works from home.

Sort by:

Name	Product	Starting price	Features	App integration	Tech support
Zoom		Free	Video	Yes	Phone, Email, Live chat	Powerful collaboration tools to host virtual meetings or provide education services	Go to site More Info		loading Fetching your data...
Slack		Free	Direct messaging, Public chat channels, Video, Project management	Yes	Email	Helps streamline communications across company teams and projects	Go to site More Info		loading Fetching your data...
Monday.com		$39/month	Direct messaging, Project management, Calendar	Yes	Phone, Email	Connect to run projects and workflows with confidence	Go to site		loading Fetching your data...
Jira		Free	Project management, Calendar	Yes	Email	Plan, track, release and report your workflow			loading Fetching your data...
Microsoft Teams		Free	Direct messaging, Public chat channels, Video	Yes	Phone, Email	Invite everyone you work with to chat, meet, call, and collaborate all in one place			loading Fetching your data...
Asana		Free	Project management, Calendar	Yes	Email, Live chat	Helps you organize projects by task, milestone, assignee and deadline	More Info		loading Fetching your data...
Trello		Free	Project management, Calendar	Yes	Email	Collaborate on projects from beginning to end	More Info		loading Fetching your data...

loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Clear selection

Compare

What to do if your business stays open

If your business is still open amid the COVID-19 crisis, take proactive measures to keep employees and customers safe:

• Disinfect daily. Regularly disinfect high-traffic areas and surfaces, like doorknobs, tables, desks, light switches, keyboards and telephones.
• Remind employees to practice good hygiene. Make soap and hand sanitizer available while encouraging staff to routinely clean their hands and avoid touching their face.
• Avoid handling cash. Request that your customers use non-contact payment methods, like paypass or online transfers.
• Open the windows. Consider increasing ventilation by opening windows.
• Limit in-person meetings. Cancel all nonessential face-to-face chats.
• Refrain from handshakes. Ask employees and customers to opt for noncontact greeting methods, like hand waves or head nods.
• Communicate with customers. Let your customers know how your business plans to conduct itself, including expected hours of operation and updated sanitization protocols.

Should I close my business?

According to government regulations announced 26 March (2020), some businesses must be closed, while others are restricted or allowed to remain open. Remember that if you are able to close your business or move operations online or off-premises, you should do so to lower the risk of transmission. Even if regulations don't demand it, you can help limit the spread.

Guidelines and regulations are constantly evolving as the pandemic unfolds, but here is the current list of restrictions on businesses. For some of those in the banned or closed category, we've listed some ideas for how they can keep operating while closed.

Banned or closed

• Registered and licensed clubs, licensed premises in hotels and pubs, casinos and nightclubs. Consider utilising takeaway options with services such as Deliveroo or UberEats.
• Cinemas and entertainment venues. Try online streaming sessions or ticket donations.
• Auctions and open house inspections. Use virtual inspection software. Or Virtual auctions via YouTube, Facebook Live, or other streaming platforms.
• Personal services such as beauty therapy, tanning, massage and tattoo parlours (but not physiotherapy). Mobile services may still be feasible, but it's impossible to maintain social distancing, even with proper safety gear.
• Most outdoor and indoor markets, although "major food markets" (the prime minister cited Sydney's Flemington market as an example) will be addressed by states and territories. Opt for takeaway or delivery services instead (especially if you have a refrigerated truck or van).
• Amusement parks and arcades, and indoor and outdoor play centres.
• Galleries, museums, libraries and swimming pools.
• Gyms and indoor sport venues. Many providers are offering: live stream workouts or fitness programmes; telehealth consultations; pre-recorded content for members.
• Overseas travel, with some exceptions such as aid workers and compassionate travel.

Restricted

• Hairdressers and barbers can continue but must strictly manage social distancing with at least four square meters per person.
• Restaurants and cafes can offer delivery and takeaway only. Food courts in shopping centres may also only offer takeaway.
• Weddings restricted to five people – the couple, the celebrant and two witnesses.
• Funerals are generally limited to no more than 10 people, but on 26 March states and territory were given the power to make exemptions in special circumstances.
• Visits to houses should be kept to a very small number of people, including for family barbecues and birthday parties. States may choose to legislate to restrict house parties.

Remaining open

• Shopping centres and other shops not specifically told to close, including bottle shops.
• Medical centres.
• Pharmacies.

How can I help my employees?

Remaining flexible and responsive can help your employees feel supported during the coronavirus outbreak. Employees may need to tend to their children or support a loved one in a high-risk group. Clarify your company's sick-leave policies and prepare to deal with questions and requests.

The Department of Health has advised that if someone feels sick or has a sick family member at home, they should self-quarantine to lessen the risk of potential infection. Let your employees know what coronavirus financial assistance programmes exist to help them cope, including unemployment benefits like Centrelink and banks that have begun to offer financial aid.

Financing options for businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak

If your bottom line has begun to suffer, look into ways your business can access cash during the outbreak:

• Discounted business loans. It could be worth asking your bank if they have begun offering discounted or emergency business loans. Read more about the SME Recovery Loan Scheme for businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
• Overdrafts. Check if any overdraft increases have been made available by your lender.
• Private grants. Organisations like Facebook have begun rolling out private grants to qualifying businesses.
• Business stimulus measures. For a list of the measures available as part of the government's business stimulus package, read here.
• Business credit cards. Some business credit cards offer 0% introductory rates of interest, for a set period of time, on purchases or balance transfers. You could ask your bank if they'll allow you to defer an existing credit card repayment.

Will my business insurance cover lost income?

Businesses that hold business interruption insurance might assume lost income as a result of the outbreak is by their policy. But here's the problem: Business interruption insurance is an extension of property insurance designed to cover property damage after a natural disaster. And the current COVID-19 pandemic may not qualify.

After the SARS outbreak in 2003, many providers began to exclude epidemics and pandemics from their business insurance coverage. Read our guide on insurance during the coronavirus outbreak for more information. You should also ask your insurance provider about your coverage and whether lost income as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak qualifies.

Is it too late to get business insurance?

While it's not too late to get coverage and many providers allow you to submit applications online, it may be difficult to find a provider willing to cover lost income as a result of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Many businesses across Australia are in the same situation and are seeking support for business insurance providers. You may be better off pursuing a government or private financing or relief option instead.

Bottom line

Businesses can navigate the COVID-19 outbreak by planning ahead, using resources and taking a proactive attitude. Stay up to date on the latest COVID-19 developments through our coronavirus hub.