Hello everyone! We hope that you are staying safe and buying more local products during this time. You might have heard how small businesses have been hammered by the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Over 84% of these businesses have been impacted by this pandemic, 43% of these have been impacted severely. What ways have these small businesses been impacted? Read the blog to learn more!
One of the largest ways that small businesses have been impacted is through the slew of regulation that the government imposed. Especially here in California and in Santa Clara County, the government has actively taken precautions in order to slow the spread. Some of these ways are to ban indoor dining in favor of limited outdoor dining. Improved cleaning procedures and mandated mask wearing were required for small businesses to follow in order to remain open during these times. Though small businesses have quickly adapted to meet these changes, around 163,000 small businesses have had to temporarily or permanently shut their doors.
During this pandemic, the lack of travel has also hurt small businesses. Many companies rely on customers who go on vacations to support their businesses. Many small businesses in the hospitality, tourism, and restaurant industry have been hurt because of this.
Last but not least, the main reason why small businesses, who have remained open, can not get customers is that people have made the choice to shop at large businesses. It’s extremely easy to order your groceries, and order food with a couple of clicks. In fact, big businesses like Amazon, Chipotle, and many others have had record financial results. It might be easier to use their services, but try to go out and buy local whenever you can. It is much better for the environment and local economy.
Hopefully you have acquainted yourself with some of the ways that small and local businesses have been impacted by this pandemic. If you want to help out, go out and support small businesses by purchasing products from them instead of other large businesses.