Free Services And Support Programs Offered By Companies During The Covid-19 Pandemic

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous companies across various sectors implemented initiatives to support individuals, businesses, and healthcare workers facing economic and logistical challenges. These programs ranged from free software subscriptions and waived service fees to donations of essential goods and financial grants. The following summary outlines specific offers and relief efforts documented during this period, focusing on accessibility and eligibility for U.S. consumers and businesses.

Software and Technology Services

Several technology companies provided free access to their platforms to facilitate remote work, education, and healthcare operations. Microsoft offered a free 6-month Office 365 E1 Trial, which included Microsoft Teams, to organizations managed by a Microsoft account representative, including nonprofits that had not previously activated an Office 365 E1 trial. This initiative aimed to support the increased need for employees to work from home.

Kapwing, a platform for creating videos and multimedia collages, provided Kapwing Pro for free to any educator affected by emergency closures. Kaspersky, a cybersecurity provider, offered its core endpoint security products free for six months to medical organizations. The specific products included Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud Plus, Kaspersky Security for Microsoft Office 365, Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business Advanced, and Kaspersky Hybrid Cloud Security. Krisp, a virtual microphone service that removes background noise, offered all users 120 minutes per week of free noise cancellation for six months. Additionally, students, teachers, hospital workers, and government workers received unlimited Krisp for free, while Krisp Pro and Teams plans received a 30% price reduction.

Vidyard provided free video conferencing, on-demand videos, and video messages to businesses until June 30. Interviewstream offered free access to its on-demand and live video interviewing solutions through April 30 to help hiring teams stay connected. Jamm, an audio-visual communication tool integrating with Slack, provided free access for three months. SafetyCulture offered iAuditor Premium free of charge for six months to workers in healthcare, emergency, education, and volunteer industries. Labster assisted with bringing learning online by offering support for high schools and higher education organizations. Mailchimp offered free standard service through June 30 to eligible groups such as local governments, schools, healthcare providers, and nonprofits sending critical COVID-19 public health information. They also provided free service for up to three months to small business customers needing financial support.

Meero facilitated remote working by providing free large file transfers, increasing the storage capacity of MeeroDrop to 10 gigabytes and extending file validity to three months, features typically reserved for the advanced version. Jottful, a software company specializing in website design for small businesses, offered free marketing services. Verizon waived late fees, overage charges, and data caps for 60 days for customers unable to pay due to economic hardship and automatically provided 15GB of free high-speed data to wireless consumers and small business customers. They also offered free international calling to select countries through April 30 and waived billing charges for Lifeline and low-income customers for 60 days.

Financial Grants and Business Support

Financial assistance was available through government programs and corporate grants. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offered funding options for businesses during the economic disruption. On March 27, 2020, the President signed the CARES Act, which allocated $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses.

Salesforce announced small business grants of $10,000 per company to U.S. businesses impacted by COVID-19. Amazon established a $5 million Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund to provide cash grants to Seattle small businesses with fewer than 50 employees or less than $7 million in annual revenue.

Healthcare and Essential Goods Donations

Companies with specific supply chains or manufacturing capabilities contributed essential goods to healthcare workers. Hilton announced a program to donate up to 1 million hotel room nights to U.S. frontline medical professionals. Nordstrom utilized its network of tailors to sew and distribute more than 100,000 masks to Providence Health & Services. Apple donated 10 million N95 masks to U.S. medical facilities and developed a COVID-19 screening tool in collaboration with Google for contact tracing.

Sweetgreen established the Impact Outpost Fund, which enabled the donation of 100,000 meals to more than 130 hospitals. Salesforce also provided a free COVID-19 care response solution for health workers and systems and free access to software for small businesses wanting to help customers remotely.

Education and Workforce Development

Educational resources and workforce support initiatives were launched to assist those affected by closures and unemployment. Moz offered free access to Moz Academy courses. Coursera launched the Coursera Workforce Recovery Initiative, providing free classes for newly unemployed workers at no cost.

Conclusion

The documented initiatives demonstrate a broad corporate response to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Offers included essential software for remote work and education, financial grants for small businesses, and donations of personal protective equipment and meals for healthcare workers. Eligibility for these programs varied, with specific requirements often outlined by the providers. Consumers and businesses were advised to check directly with the companies for the most current information regarding availability and terms.

Sources

1. Free Resources During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
2. Companies Aiding in Coronavirus Relief Efforts