Retail Confectioners International is dedicated to assisting retail confectioners during the COVID-19 crisis. Please use the links below to access resources for government aid, food industry protocols, business tools and more.

GETTING STARTED

Paycheck Protection Program: Loan Forgiveness U.S. Small Business Administration	Social Distancing Signage Kit*  Downloadable in-store signage kit exclusively available to RCI members, login required.	Free Webinar: Pivot your Business in Quarantine by Emily Page, featured speaker at  RCI's Annual Convention

COVID-19 FACTS

• COVID-19 Factsheet
• COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
• Know the Facts about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Help Stop the Spread of Rumors
• Preventing Stigma Related to COVID-19

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Business Guidance

• Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Businesses - CDC
• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers - CDC
• Coronavirus Response Toolkit for Businesses - US Chamber of Commerce
• State-By-State Guidance for Retailers - National Retail Federation
• Small Business Action Plans - Constant Contact
  

Government Aid

• The Small Business Owner's Guide to the CARES Act
  
• Paycheck Protection Program
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application
• Coronavirus Tax Relief

Small Business Loans

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
• SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans
• SBA's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness

Staffing

• The Wage and Hour Division: Guidance for Employers and Employees on Paid Leave Rights and Requirements - US Dept of Labor
  
• Employee Rights Poster: Communication on Paid Sick Leave and Expanded Family and Medical Leave Under The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

FOOD INDUSTRY PROTOCOLS

• Guidance for Industry: Temporary Policy Regarding Preventive Controls and FSVP Food Supplier Verification Onsite Audit Requirements During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
• Food Industry Recommended Protocols When Employee/Customer Tests Positive for COVID-19

MARKETING TOOLS

E-Mail

• Small Business Support Kit Forum - Constant Contact Facebook Group
• Retail Adventures Podcast - Kizer & Bender & Baum
• Retail Adventures Weekly Webinar - Kizer & Bender

Social Media

• Selling Products on Facebook and Instagram
• How to Create a Facebook Shop Page
• How to Set Up Instagram Shopping
• Shopping on Instagram - All You Need to Know
• Marketing on Pinterest Means Rethinking the Old Playbook for Social Media

E-Commerce

• Create your online store in minutes with Ecwid. Free and paid options available.

RESOURCES FOR CANADA

• Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian Businesses (Government of Canada)
• Employment and Social Development Canada
• Coronavirus and Small Business: Keeping You and Your Employees Safe (Canadian Federation of Independent Business)
• Pandemic Preparedness Resources for Business (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
• Continuity Plan Toolkit (Business Development Canada)

RETAIL CONFECTIONERS INTERNATIONAL

• COVID-19 Guidance for Retail Confectioners, RCI blog post
• 40 Ways for Candy Makers to Navigate the COVID-19 Crisis, RCI blog post
• RCI Members - Login to post to RCI’s online member forum, The Candy Dish (formerly List Serve)
• Follow RCI on Facebook
• Follow RCI on Twitter
• Email RCI Staff