Coronavirus support resources for SMEs

SMEs have faced unique challenges throughout the pandemic. To help you understand and overcome these challenges, we’ve collated our SME-specific guidance alongside useful resources from our partners and government.

CBI resources

Coronavirus hub
A central repository of government announcements, policy changes and CBI resources for businesses of every size on battling the challenges of coronavirus.

CBI factsheets
Get the latest insights on everything from returning to work safely to cyber security and mental health, in the CBI's coronavirus factsheets. Based on feedback from hundreds of UK businesses, find the information you need, all in one spot.

Case studies

Hear how other small and medium-sized businesses have tackled the challenges of the pandemic:

• Safety Letterbox: a purposeful restart backed by strong leadership
• Enotria&Coe: when you have to deliver your digital ambitions three years early
• Curo: starting a new business in a pandemic
• Cambridge Science Centre: breaking down barriers to STEM during a pandemic

Useful articles

Planning for the future: An insurance guide for SME’s - member exclusive
Understand the insurance options available for your business, and how to choose the right cover and make a claim.

Growing your business through international trade - member exclusive
3 ways to grow an SME with more than 80% export sales.

How SMEs can benefit from technological developments in AI - member exclusive
How can SMEs embrace AI to drive productivity?

How SMEs embrace equality and inclusion - member exclusive
Jackie Killeen, Director of Compliance at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, explores how to understand and incorporate equality and inclusion as an SME.

Thinking beyond COVID-19 – what’s next for SMEs? - member exclusive
Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Liverpool Management School, Robert Blackburn, looks at the serious and unprecedented challenges faced by SMEs as the effects of COVID-19 become clearer.

Managing COVID-19 risk within the CBI
As a medium sized business ourselves, we've shared our own approach to managing the risks of COVID-19, in order to help other organisations with their own planning.

How to accelerate growth in the energy services market for SMEs

How do students feel about job prospects during COVID-19?

Get involved

SME Council
CBI councils help steer CBI policy and interventions - and the SME council ensures our recommendations are inspected and shaped through the lens of small and medium size businesses. Find out more about the council and how to join.

Government support

• You can find a central repository of all available financial support schemes from the UK government for UK business here
• Join the Government funded Small Business Leadership Programme
• Support to small firms with unpaid invoices or late payments
• Managing Risk and Risk Assessments at Work
• Government coronavirus business support finder tool
• Working Safely during the coronavirus outbreak guidance
• Guidance for employers and businesses on coronavirus.

External resources

Connect with your local Growth Hub
For support with local and national public and private sector partners, or to understand what local business support is available, visit your local Growth Hub.

Guidance for employers and employees  
For a repository of advice for employers and employees, ACAS has developed free guidance on issues such as remote working, working safely and, all aspects to the government furlough scheme.

How employers should respond to the coronavirus
The CIPD has developed a comprehensive guide for employers the provides an overview of the threat of coronavirus, and how employers should respond to it.

Advice on government support and key advice for business on a range of themes
Be The Business has developed a far-reaching resource for businesses that includes the latest government support, advice across various themes like employment and communicating with your customers, and how other business leaders are responding.

Employee Payment advice 
Make UK has developed a comprehensive guide on advice for when employees should isolate, and whether employers must continue to pay employees who self-isolate in accordance with government advice.

Business Support toolkit for SMEs
City Life has developed a free factsheet guide for SMEs to adapt to new challenges and safeguard jobs.

Tips for communications with your employees during a crisis
Top-level advice from CIPR to provide employers with tips for communicating effectively with employees during a time of crisis.

Free recovery advice from experienced professionals and business leaders 
Enterprise Nation is providing businesses with free advice and support until 31 December 2020 to help you receive timely information, run a business ‘health check’ and receive free advice and support.

Free leadership programme to help SMEs survive and thrive through COVID
The Small Business Leadership Programme will enable senior leaders to better lead the recovery from COVID and improve future resilience for their business. The programme is being delivered by a consortium of business schools accredited by the Small Business Charter (SBC), and supported by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.

Access free digital training courses
Digital Learn offer a range of courses and content which can help your business with digital skills, branding and business strategy.

Mental health training
Access fully funded mental health training for your employees via The Skills Network.

If there are other aspects to running a business you would like covered here please contact MemberRelations@cbi.org.uk. This page will be regularly updated with the most timely and useful support available to SMEs.