6 Resources For Freelancers and Contractors to Use to Navigate COVID-19

Navigating the COVID-19 resources available to freelancers and independent contractors can be confusing. These guides break down all you need to know.

As we continue to find ourselves deep in the trenches of navigating the COVID-19 crisis, many people’s work lives continue to be affected. On this list of those affected is, of course, freelancers and independent contractors. While fortunately there has been steps taken to provide relief for this group of workers, it can all be very difficult to navigate.

Luckily, many organizations are adopting a mentality of supporting those who are most affected and providing numerous resources outlining what to do now that the future is so uncertain. Whether you’re looking for sources of funding to apply for, up-to-date information on government initiatives, and anything in between, these resources can be a great place to start.

Here are six comprehensive guides you can dive into today to take control of your journey as a freelancer or independent contractor.

Kickstarter

Kickstarter is on a mission to help bring creative projects to life and has been on the front lines of witnessing museums close, exhibitions getting canceled, and those that rely on the creative industry - oftentimes in a freelance or contract role - out of work as a result of social distancing and stay-at-home orders. While the Kickstarter team continues to support the campaigns that are currently live on their platform, they’ve also extended their offerings to include resources for creatives ranging from funding that is up for grabs, best practices for working remotely, and even ways to pass the time in a productive way during this pandemic. This list is updated weekly, so be sure to check back in for new opportunities and resources to take advantage of.

FreshBooks

FreshBooks serves small businesses, and specifically by making invoicing and billing simple. In order to continue serving their audience in this unprecedented time, they’ve curated a list of resources for small businesses and freelancers located in the US and Canada to navigate this new uncertainty. Included in this roundup is government announcements, sources of funding, tax information, and so much more. They’ll also be updating the list weekly to ensure it is most up-to-date and ready to serve your needs.

Trupo

Trupo is a new way for freelancers and solopreneurs to buy dental, accident, and other insurance benefits and they deeply understand that community is what makes us stronger and it’s up to everyone to step up and support one another. To best serve this pressing need, they’ve created the ‘Trupo Freelancers Mutual Aid Circle,’ focused on providing up-to-date information for freelancers impacted by COVID-19. This central database includes support opportunities, resources, virtual events, and more to ensure freelancers have seamless access to the help they need.

Ellevest

Ellevest is on a mission to close the gender investing gap. They’ve brilliantly taken the resources and information the government has provided (which may be quite confusing to navigate) and broken them down into an easy to digest way. This comprehensive resource covers the most up-to-date information on filing for unemployment, grants and funding opportunities available, local help available all over the country, and so much more. Ellevest is also offering to personally answer any question you may have around navigating this new normal. You can email them and they’ll share the answer in a future resource like this.

Skillcrush

Skillcrush offers online classes in web design, coding, and other marketable digital skills. They’ve taken the position of harnessing these drastic changes we’re all facing, pairing them with technology, and making a positive impact as a result. If you’re looking to hone a current skill or learn something new, this resource outlines which tech skills are most valuable during a crisis, how these skills are being used to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and how you can help those who are struggling by applying your tech skills. Now is the perfect time to develop new skills and give back throughout the process.

Freelancers Union

Freelancers Union is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy and health insurance to its members through its for-profit Freelancers Insurance Company. They’ve compiled a resource list of state and federal government relief programs specifically for freelancers and independent contractors who’ve been impacted by COVID-19. To make it even easier to take action on these resources, the guide even includes tips for securing the funds mentioned. This resource guide is also periodically updated to ensure you have access to the most timely information.

We will get through this together!

These times are unprecedented and no one really knows that the future will hold. However, it’s inspiring to see how companies and communities are pivoting and working hard to provide freelances and independent contractors the resources they need to navigate this uncertainty. Times are undoubtably tough, but we will overcome these challenges together.