Small businesses fighting to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. There is help available
A big unknown is how small businesses will survive the unfolding coronavirus pandemic and economic slowdown.
“The last time we had anything like this was 102 years ago with the 1918 influenza epidemic,” said John Rice of Rice’s Appliances, 6340 14th St. W. “No one alive has been through anything like this.”
Rice, who has been in business for half a century in the Bradenton area, said the closest comparison he can make to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic is the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, when the United States locked itself down.
“The main thing businesses, and people in general, have to do is hold tight and learn as much about what is going on and what the government is doing to help them through it,” Rice said.
“We are tightening up our operation and being as lean as we can be and taking advantage of all the information coming out,” he said.
Chamber of commerce offers help to Bradenton businesses
During the coronavirus crisis, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce has become a rallying point for Bradenton-area businesses.
This week, the chamber surveyed more than 150 restaurants and posted on its web site a list of restaurants, addressees, phone numbers and web sites offering take-out, curbside delivery and gift cards, said Jacki Dezelski, chamber president and CEO.
A similar survey is underway of retail businesses, and will be posted on the chamber website as well, she said.
While many businesses offer online ordering, like Rice’s Appliance, which remains open for walk-in traffic, the momentum during the crisis is toward distance shopping.
This week, the Lobster Pound, 8740 State Road 70 E., announced that it had implemented several new services, including a full-line delivery service at lobster-pound.com.
Lobster Pound is also offering speedy pickup and curbside service.
What Lobster Pound has done is what the chamber is recommending.
“Businesses should develop their communications plan for the public on opening and closing hours and products available on line,” Dezelski said.
She also recommends that businesses update their human resources policies to navigate the pandemic. For more advice on human resources, visit https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/news/hr-news/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx.
Small loans are available
The chamber web site provides links to information on the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program and the Florida Small Business Development Corporation’s disaster recovery assistance.
The bridge loan program became available on Tuesday to Florida small business owners who have experienced economic damage as a result of COVID-19.
The short-term, interest-free loans are intended to “bridge the gap” between when a major catastrophe occurs and when businesses can secure longer term recovery resources. Florida for-profit small businesses with two to 100 employees are eligible to apply for up to $50,000, interest-free for a one-year term, Dezelski said.
The application is available online now, with the application period running through May 8. Information can be found at FloridaDisasterLoan.org.
The Chamber will also be providing guidance to businesses on a multi-billion dollar COVID-19 response bill being debated in the U.S. Senate, Dezelski said.
Rice is among those closely watching government response in Washington and Tallahassee.
“The world changes every day. I keep telling my folks this is the way things are at 10:46 a.m. I’ll talk to you again at noon,” Rice said.
His advice to fellow business people?
“Hunker down, provide the best customer service you can, make sure your stores are as clean as possible. Hold your breath and hope things change soon.”
For a full list of Manatee Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 resources, visit https://www.manateechamber.com/covid-19-resources-from-the-manatee-chamber/.
