Store and restaurant owners say COVID-19 quarantines hurting small business
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri government officials are working with the Small Business Administration to try to counter the negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic is having on businesses.
There are over one million people who are employed by a small business here in Missouri.
And while social distancing and working from home are measures that are being taken to help stop the spread of the virus it is already having an impact on local restaurants and shops.
A recent survey taken in Seattle found that 60% of small businesses there considered wage cuts and layoffs, while 35% said they may have to close.
Politicians on Capitol Hill are considering giving every american a one-thousand dollar check to help increase spending in the economy and help workers who are feeling the effects of slower business.
Tasir Yanis, owner of Coffee Zone in Jefferson City, said now more than ever the community needs to stick together.
"As long as we stand by each other, this will be behind us very soon. But we have, we have to stand by each other. Small businesses have to stand by each other," Yanis said.
"The community has to support small businesses. Small businesses this town will not breathe without a small business. It just can't because we are really trying to do our best. The last thing, i want to say, this is Feff city strong, man. And this is another hit that Jeff city is going to take and come out stronger," he said.
The Senate is working on passing a one trillion dollar stimulus package to help the economy deal with the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.
"I don't think anybody in a small business is ready to shut down his doors. You roll the dice every morning you open. I mean, my employees, usually live day by day," Yanis said.
"We might have a week of coverage to be closed or two weeks, but whats the employees going to do? I mean its our responsibility as a business owner to take care of them. And that's the first thing that i think is i will cut my hours over my employees," he said.
Around the country, a growing number of cities shut down businesses and restaurants in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Parson indicated it's a step Missouri will have to take as well,
The Missouri economic development director Rob Dixon explained...
" Yesterday gov. Parson directed the Missouri Department of Public Safety, the State Emergency Management Agency and the Missouri Dept of Economic Development to work with the US Small Business Administration to apply for the statewide status for every small business and non-profit in the state of Missouri to be eligible to apply for small business disaster loans."
But purchasing gift cards, shopping local and ordering grab and go meals from restaurants are some ways to help local small businesses during this time.
