Regardless of size, no business prepared for a pandemic, but many larger ones could survive this. However, many local businesses face a different situation. Throughout the pandemic, Congress has approved $700 billion to support small businesses. Unfortunately, this money could not keep all businesses operating. According to the Washington Post, in May, over 100,000 businesses had to close for good.
With the money from Congress, local businesses have received loans from organizations or their county, with some organizations like the Small Business Association providing loans up to $150,000. Again, this proved insufficient; “The process was too slow, and the money covers only about two months of expenses, if that, even though it’s likely to be months before restaurants, gyms and stores are full again,” said Bridget McGinty, a Cleveland restaurant owner.
Despite many businesses having to close, some still can stay open but have been forced to adjust to a new way of operating. All businesses require a face covering, and in some cities like Denver and even states like Arizona, curfews exist. Many restaurants have still decided that they will no longer be letting customers dine in, but will allow takeout.
The pandemic hit local restaurants the hardest, with most small business closings being restaurants. This, however, has caused many of them to come up with new ways to keep sales up. Many have introduced curbside pick-up and meal donations. “You buy two meals; we donate one” specials help give back to the community while keeping up sales. Restaurants in downtown Apex like Scratch and Salem Street Pub have added additional outdoor seating to maintain sales.
Covid-19 has impacted every small business in one way or another. Readers may be asking themselves, “What can I do to help?” One surefire way to support local businesses would be shopping and eating local.
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