As students setting up your own businesses, we understand\nthat the current situation may prove to be frustrating for many of you. Its\nimportant to remember that you\u2019re not going through this alone, and that many\nother startup founders are facing the same feelings of frustration and\nconfusion as they aim to navigate this difficult time. Luckily, the government\nhave recognised how COVID-19 will have a huge impact on small businesses and\nthe self-employed, and have stepped in to provide temporary measures of support\nand financial aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not all of these may be relevant to you, however they\u2019re\nworth looking into to see if you could benefit from some of the support on\noffer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coronavirus\nBusiness Interruption Loan Scheme<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n COVID-19\nSmall Business Grant Scheme<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Claiming\nResearch and Development tax reliefs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Coronavirus\nSelf Employed Income Support Scheme<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Facebook\nSmall Business Grants Programme<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n We recognise also that some of you may be too early-stage to\nseek financial support, and are still building your business before reaching\nthe point of trade. Support is available for you too.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n DogPatch Labs<\/a>\nhave created a platform that is enabling tech founders to come together to\nlearn, connect, and grow through mentorship, lightening talks, and key-note\nspeakers. They have partnered with numerous organisations such as Google,\nEnterprise Ireland, Ulster Bank, and Facebook to deliver a free service that\nwill motivate you to use this period in a productive way. This initiative is\nheld on Fridays and is called \u2018First Fridays for Startups.\u2019 The next one is\ntaking place virtually on the 3rd<\/sup> of April. Find out more and apply\nfor mentorship here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Facebook have launched an initiative that is providing\ncourses for businesses to help founders learn how to best minimize disruption\nduring uncertain times. These courses are focused around how to use various\nsocial media channels to connect with your customers and sell your product\nremotely. Find them here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Eloquens.com<\/a> have\nreleased a number of free tools and methodologies online. Their Coronavirus\n(COVID-19) Best Practices<\/a> are diverse models, templates, methodologies and\nsets of advice to put into practice during the crisis. Coronavirus (COVID-19)\nBusiness Best Practices will help you minimise the negative impact that the\nvirus outbreak might have on your professional activity. They will also provide\nyou with means to quickly adapt to the changing situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n