Kaseya CARES for MSPs Navigating Legal Legwork Amid Coronavirus

Written by Kris Blackmon
April 9, 2020

Kaseya CARES is one program developed to help SMB partners through the COVID-19 crisis.

… $10.5 million via Kaseya CARES to help its partners through the coming months. Voccola stresses that Kaseya isn’t a bank, and it isn’t trying to act like a business-to-business lender. There are also no “one size fits all” solutions here. The recent stimulus bill, for example, gives most Americans a check for around $1,200. In contrast, Kaseya CARES is taking each MSP on a case-by-case basis.

You’d think, similar to the mad rush of desperate American small businesses upon banks when the CARES application window opened last Friday, that Kaseya partners might be fighting for their share of that money. But many of the partners we spoke with say they are holding off on taking advantage of Kaseya’s offers. Why? The simple fact is that other MSPs need them more.

Ook Enterprises’ Luis Giraldo

“On the direct financial assistance end of things, we’re watching our cash flow very carefully, but we’ve been lucky not to require it thus far, despite a few customers having to make unfortunate staffing changes,” said Luis Giraldo, CEO of MSP Ook Enterprises. “So, we’re doing our part to ensure we don’t dip into programs that may benefit other MSPs more profoundly.”

Coming Together in the Time of Coronavirus

In the wake of disasters, it isn’t unusual for a sense of unity to sweep through societies. Every World War, terrorist attack, natural disaster and pandemic sees a rush of generosity and engagement with community. People feel the need to anchor themselves and to be there for others where they can. The channel today is no different.

“I’m mostly concerned for the wellbeing of our families, staff, customers, and their families and staff. Our hearts are heavy with everything that’s going on. Many people will be affected emotionally and financially,” said Giraldo. “We’re OK to go a little while without net-new growth. It’s more important that we are on the ground for the customers we have today.”

For Tomaszewski, watching the channel come together has been the most gratifying part of how he spends his days lately. Groups of competitors are coming together in Facebook forums, social groups and virtual gatherings to give support and encouragement.

“I have seen the channel,” said Tomaszewski, “and it’s always been this way. We’ve all leaned on each other. You’re seeing a lot of sharing right now.”

Further CARES Act Help Resources

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers small business guidance and loan resources.
Your legal counsel can provide guidance. The American Bar Association also has a resource page on its website with more in-depth legal insight to the bill.
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), which licenses accountants in the U.S., has numerous resources on its website, including scenario planning and strategic modeling, assistance with the PPP, and multiple articles related to the CARES Act. Ask your CPA or financial advisor for further insights.
Business owners should consult with their bank for the most accurate guidance in filling out CARES Act applications. The American Bankers Association also has a range of resources curated daily to provide the latest guidance for small businesses seeking financial relief.