Small, But Mighty the plight of new and existing small businesses during a global pandemic
Text by Nancy S. Moseley The struggle is real, folks. It’s safe to say no business has been left unaffected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. From big box brick and mortar to mom-n-pop shops, everyone has had to rethink operations and refocus priorities. Thus far, 2020 has proven that not necessarily ‘only the strong will survive,’ but more like ‘the resilient’, ‘the creative’, and maybe even ‘the crazy.’ In the early months of lockdown, everyone turned their attention to small business. Often considered the backbone of our economy, we worried about our hometown restaurants, our main street stores and our neighborhood services. But while the stock on plexiglass rose, local businesses were busy hitting the pavement. Restaurants quickly streamlined takeout processes and boasted contactless delivery. Retailers scrambled to ramp up websites for 36
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online ordering and curbside pick-up. Establishments dialed back on open hours, maybe even choosing to close temporarily. Cleaning procedures were made public. Communication from local shops on social media became more heartfelt to endear themselves to customers. “We’re all in this together” became the isolation battle cry. After a weathered spring, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s July survey of 500 small business owners across the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii found that 86% reported being fully or partially open. Good news. However, Yelp also keeps up on the statistics. In September, they reported 60% of businesses that closed as a result of the pandemic won’t be reopening. The numbers feel at once optimistic and disappointing. The dichotomy is telltale of a year spent longing to put our money, literally and metaphorically,
on something promising. All this economic wavering certainly puts a hitch in the entrepreneur’s get-along. Sure, keeping the doors open on an existing business continues to prove challenging. But what about businesses with ribboncutting plans during the early half of 2020? Tracy Watson of Off the Wall, a custom frame shop in Christiansburg, planned for months to open at the beginning of the year. By March 24 her doors were locked, not knowing when she would be able to reopen. “It was a frustrating and sad decision. Business was picking up, people were finding me, I was finding my rhythm and having fun. But I felt a responsibly to not be the reason someone got sick,” Watson states. She applied for the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) through the Small
Novemb er/Decemb er 2020
