Free Tools for Business Affected by COVID-19

Radhika Sivadi

10 min read ·

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We have compiled a selection of free tools for small business that are designed to help your business adapt to the new normal.

SurveyPlanet | Online Survey Tools

SurveyPlanet allows users to build surveys that are more creative and authentic to reach their marketing goals. Among the many advanced features in their free plan are unlimited surveys, questions and responses; anonymous surveys; and pre-written surveys.

Social Media Strategies | Strategy Event Recording

The Global Strategic Management Institute hosts multiple social media conferences around the world for leadership training and executive decision-makers. This link offers free access to a  past event that features topics on branding, influencers, best practices, and more. Access to speakers’ slides is also included.

 

JLL Global Research | Regenerative Workplace Report

JLL is a global real estate services provider that also focuses on the human side of business. This research-based report identifies employees’ expectation for returning to work and provides a “chance in a lifetime” opportunity for businesses to create a Regenerative Workplace and restore employee wellbeing to achieve sustainable performance.

 

AARP | Skills Builder for Work Courses

MindEdge Learning offers three courses through AARP to help boost your career. Options include Microsoft Office Fundamentals, Mastering Today’s Remote Work, or Personal Creativity for a Lifetime.

 

TikTok for Business | #SmallBizBlockParty

TikTok for Business, in partnership with Hello Alice, is hosting a one-hour virtual workshop on how to use TikTok to grow your business. Use this link to RSVP to this free nationwide event being held on November 18, 2021 at 1 p.m. ET.

 

Evernote Scannable | Document Scanning and Organization App

Scannable can scan a pile of business cards, documents, meeting notes and more using your smartphone camera. It also can connect to LinkedIn for added networking benefits, and connects to the cloud for easy document sharing.

 

Tableau | Data Visualization Software

Tableau offers a free version of their program to help create visualizations to present data graphically. The also offer Tableau Public, a free platform where anyone can share their “vizzies” to help others learn and grow from each other. 

 

Toggl Track | Time Tracking Software

Toggl Track allows users input clients, projects and teams to track time spent on every task. Detailed or summary reports can be created weekly, monthly or for any time period to streamline billing. Toggl also offers options to help with planning and hiring. 

 

Microsoft Power BI Free Version

This reporting tool converts data into interactive visualisations. It allows you to scan thousands of rows of data per hour that can be published to the web which can be shared across all devices.

 

Clear Angel Automated Investor Free Trial

Clear Angel is a platform to help early stage founders win with scalable capital, data-driven advice and their expansive network. They offer a free 30-day product trial.

 

Malwarebytes Protection from Yahoo!

Yahoo! offers a free 30-day trial of their service that removes viruses and malware and prevents against future attacks. It can be installed on up to three devices, either Windows or Mac.

 

EquityNet Crowdfunding Platform for Business Plan Development

EquityNet can help you plan, analyze and share your business plan with potential investors. Entrepreneurs can create an account and profile for free, with added features available in a premium version.

 

Zoho Recruit Applicant Tracking

Zoho Recruit helps businesses manage online candidate screening and hiring protocols as well as client communication. They offer different plans to meet customer needs, and all come with a 15-day free trial.

 

Wave Accounting Free Accounting Software

Wave offers free accounting and invoicing software with no set-up or hidden fees. This includes unlimited tracking and invoicing, various reports, payment reminders and a range of other features.

 

Wrike Project Management Software

Wrike is a tool for streamlining project management and fostering collaboration. Centralized task management comes with the free small business version with additional features available in premium versions.

 

Join.me Video Conferencing One Month Free Trial

Join.me integrates calls and meetings to provide the business continuity that is so important with employees working from home. It can quickly be configured for any device and requires no special hardware or port numbers.

 

CyberGhost | Free Virtual Private Network (VPN) Trial

VPNs allows users to connect a private network across a public network with secure and anonymous web browsing. CyberGhost offers a free trial with quick connectivity that hides your identity and secure your information behind an anonymous IP address.

 

Verizon | Small Business Webinar Series

Verizon’s webinars are educational, and their experts provide valuable tips and information that can help you grow your business.

Next up in the Small Business Webinar Series, host Julie Hyman speaks with the Deputy Director of the SBA of New Jersey, John Blackstock, to hear updates about federal coronavirus stimulus programs.

 

Womply | Fast-track your Paycheck Protection loan

We know it’s complicated, but Womply has already helped thousands of businesses and accountants with their PPP applications. They’ll help you apply fast with an SBA-Certified lender that’s ready to fund you now, not next month.

You already know the government is offering forgivable loans of up to $10m per business entity under the Paycheck Protection Program. But did you know you need a private lender? Or that every lender has to give you the same terms? Or that most lenders won’t be ready to give you money for weeks?

Want help? Please feel free to reach Womply at support@womply.com and they will be happy to assist you. Applying through Womply is completely free.

 

Nav | CARES Act SBA Loan Calculator

Nav is the free, modern way for business owners to manage their business credit and get streamlined access to financing. In response to C-19 they have launched a CARES Act SBA Loan Calculator that small businesses can use to navigate all of the new legislation and fast track their SBA COVID loan application with minimum headache.

Nextdoor | Free Business Page

Businesses can create a free small business page on Nextdoor to showcase their services to verified neighbors in the area. This includes basic information like their address, contact info, and recently launched products.  They also have the ability to promote that they offer pickup and delivery and are encouraged to showcase their gift card and fundraising links as well. In addition to the free small business page offerings, there is the option for businesses to create a “Local Deal” that they can message directly to the neighbors that they serve.

 

PandaDoc | Free legally binding e-signatures

The document automation software for small and medium-sized businesses has launched a Free eSign plan to keep business doors open and deals coming in.

Free eSign gives companies the following capabilities, for unlimited users and for free of charge:

  • Unlimited document uploads – Upload and send as many documents for eSignature as you’d like.
  • Unlimited eSignatures – Collect an unlimited number of safe, secure, and legally binding electronic signatures.
  • Payment processing – Accept a credit card, PayPal, or ACH payment the moment your doc is signed.

Moonlighting | Free Access to Business Profile & Hiring

Moonlighting, a leading independent worker-focused platform and tools provider, announced in response to the impact Coronavirus is having on workers and businesses across the country, its services are now available free of charge until further notice.

Moonlighting helps small businesses to promote their local or remote services and quickly hire temp or part-time staff to keep their business growing during this difficult time. These tools include:

  • Free small business profile and unlimited service listings
  • Zero commission fees on jobs completed through Moonlighting
  • Unlimited access to Moonlighting’s business tools including proposals, invoices, and mobile payments
  • Searchable access to nearly 800,000 freelance and part-time workers actively seeking employment
  • Unlimited FREE job postings

 

Meero Photography Solutions| Transfer up to 20 Gigabytes with 3 months of validity

In order to facilitate the remote working required by the recent developments of COVID-19 worldwide, Meero is increasing the storage capacity and validity duration of files shared via MeeroDrop, with up to 20 Gigabytes and 3 months of validity, features typically only available in the advanced version of the website. 

Atlassian | Free Cloud-based Jira, Confluence, Jira Service Desk and Jira Core

Whether you’re a startup of one, a thriving non-profit, or a small team within a larger org, leverage the Atlassian portfolio of cloud products to support the way your team works, for free.

The company has also launched a remote work hub where business teams can find resources like access to third-party integrations and advice on staying productive.

 

SEMRUSH | Free Social Media and Lead Generation Tools

SEMrush is offering free access to its social media and lead generation products. 

This includes their  Social Media Toolkit, enabling companies to track competition, edit images and bulk schedule social media posts.

It also includes Oppty, a lead generation and prospecting solution for digital marketing agencies and freelancers.

And SEMrush Academy which has free Academy courses that show life hacks and workflows for using the tools as well as teaching digital marketing fundamentals.

 

SANS | Security Awareness “Securely Working from Home” Deployment Kit

SANS Security Awareness wants to do whatever it can to help companies, employees and families best secure remote working and learning environments. That is why they have released the SANS Security Awareness Work-From-Home Deployment Kit, which offers a wide variety of SANS public resources and paid training materials at no cost.

From a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to implement a remote security initiative across the organization to quick tips, videos and newsletters for individuals and families, the SANS Security Awareness Work-from-Home Deployment Kit covers everything you need to know to protect your business and your family.

REV | Free, Unlimited Call Recorder App

Record and transcribe any calls  – both outgoing & incoming. Perfect for phone interviews and business calls.

Lucidchart | Free Account with Library and Templates

Free small business single user account with access to Lucidchart introductory library and basic templates. Lucidchart is the ultimate online collaboration platform where teams can share, collaborate, visualize complex concepts and save their work in real-time.  Accelerate understanding and drive innovation with powerful diagramming, whiteboarding, and data visualization.

1800Accountant | Free Help Navigating the Cares Act

1800Accountant will prepare and file your Small Business Disaster Loan application. The recently passed $2.2 trillion CARES Act includes the Disaster Loan Program through the Small Business Administration (SBA). Businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic can apply for low-interest small business disaster loans of up to $2 million that could potentially be forgivable. It’s a complicated process, but they can help. Talk to an accountant today to find out if you qualify for federal disaster assistance. They will document your losses, maximize your tax benefits and get you the relief you’re entitled to.

ClientBooks | 30-days Free

Starting a new business can be challenging. ClientBooks by 1-800Accountant can help you stay up-to-date with your finances and bookkeeping, connecting your business bank account and credit cards, invoicing, reporting and more. You’re backed by a team of bookkeeping professionals when questions come up. Start your free 30-day trial today!

Bill.com | Run Payable and Receivables Remotely 

Bill.com is extending an offer to businesses that are experiencing a significant decline in revenue as a result of COVID-19. New customers can get a free three-month subscription to Bill.com to run payables and receivables remotely.

Breezy HR | Free Video Interviews & Assessments

Breezy HR will be making our video assessments and live video interviewing capabilities available free of charge to businesses of all sizes for a period of at least 60 days.

Box and OneSpan | Free Tools for Farmers

Box, a cloud-based document management site, and OneSpan, an eSignature solution, are providing free small business tools for farmers and agricultural producers who work USDA programs. These resources support workers across several programs by allowing them to complete various reporting requirements without having to go to a USDA Service Center.

 

Emsisoft and Coveware | Ransomware Protection

A partnership between malware protection providers Emsisoft and Coveware offers free small business help to healthcare providers and hospitals who have been impacted by ransomware. Services include analysis, development of encryption tools and, if necessary, negotiation services to recover data.

ShareAble for Hires by TransUnion | 20% Off Background Checks 

ShareAble for Hires by TransUnion enables small businesses to conduct pre-employment background checks to make better hiring decisions. It’s an online, self-service solution that delivers credit history and criminal background reports in minutes. As a result, employers can feel more confident with their decisions and fast-track their next hire. Receive a 20 % discount using the code: MemberSave. You can find our website here: https://hires.shareable.com

Fingerprint for Success | Quiz: What’s your remote team communication style?

This quick 8 question quiz is designed to help you determine what your remote team communication style is so that you can easily measure and improve remote team dynamics and performance. Based on 20-years of research, F4S’s online coaching tool is the secret weapon of the world’s highest-performing teams.

Discover the four pillars of your remote communication style with science-based insights for smoother team communication.

 

Small Business Administration (SBA)| All Small Mentor-Protégé program

The Small Business Administration offers an “All Small” program for small businesses, pairing participants with experienced government contractors to help develop their businesses. Mentors and proteges self-match prior to approval for participation and can benefit from financial assistance, business development, administrative assistance and set-aside contracts.

 

PerfectServe |  Free Communication Software and Services

PerfectServe provides a reliable messaging platform and offers free small business software for automated patient outreach, as well as free services to implement best practices for COVID-19 purposes. Having an accurate and immediate connection allows health care providers to engage with patients quickly and easily.

 

My Own Business Institute (MOBI) |  Online Certification Courses

Individuals can choose from three, free small business courses – Starting a Business, Business Expansion, or QuickStart Entrepreneur – and earn a certificate of completion in about 20 hours from Santa Clara University. MOBI’s site also provides a free business plan template.

 

Khan Academy |  Entrepreneurship Interviews

Better known for its learning resources for students, Khan Academy also hosts a section dedicated to entrepreneurship. This features interviews with entrepreneurs such as Richard Branson, Elon Musk and Reid Hoffman and other business leaders.

Curogram |  Virtual Clinic Communication Platform

Curogram is providing free use of its telemedicine and messaging platform. This HIPPA-compliant system can be used to set up or convert to a COVID-19 testing site and streamline patient scheduling and communication.

JAMA Network | Free Continuing Medical Education (CME)

JAMA offers a variety of free, online CME options, including content specific to COVID-19. New studies are added regularly and cover multiple aspects of the disease.

 

Starbucks | Free Coffee for Health Care Workers

Throughout December, Starbucks is offering free coffee to health care workers, first responders, mental health workers, and pharmacists. Hospitals staff, including security and cleaning services, are also eligible.

Stewart Leadership | Free On-Demand Webinars to Build Leadership and Teams

Stewart Leadership offers a wide range of on-demand webinars led by expert coaches and consultants. Topics deal with current challenges, such as leading remotely and leading through difficult times, to broader issues such as changing markets and high performance.

 

RetailNext |  Free Tool to Measure Occupancy Levels

To support small businesses, RetailNext offers free hardware for companies to measure and control occupancy to stay within their local guidelines for reopening during the pandemic. This allows small businesses not only to comply with occupancy restrictions but also provides customer confidence in the safety of the establishment.

 

Stay safe and remain strong in this turbulent time. Remember to check back weekly for updates!

 

If you have additions that you would like to see on our page please send them to reeves@yahoosmallbusiness.com.

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