Although their doors are back open, small businesses are still trying to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19.
Home to more than 50 small businesses, Old Towne Orange in Orange County is a hot spot for locals and tourists. With more than 40 antique shops, dozens of restaurants, and a surplus of clothing boutiques, small businesses made up a great chunk of Old Towne Orange's local economy until COVID-19.
Since March of 2020, small businesses have been at the forefront of closures due to COVID- 19's hard-hitting impact. According to a Yelp economic impact report, 60 percent of the business closures on its platform were permanent.
Although Southern California has reclaimed 70 percent of the jobs lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses face labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and inflation.
A Shift in Pandemic Priorities
As small businesses face unprecedented challenges, some have begun to shift their priorities. Allison Elben, the owner of Something’s New OC, a clothing boutique that has been around since 2014, has implemented positive changes to the way she runs her boutique.
"We started to focus on our social media. Online presence was definitely something we've been wanting to work on, so it pushed us to get more online. We started posting and being more active on our Instagram."
Continued COVID-19 Struggles
The pressure from small businesses to bounce back to pre-pandemic days has kept owners struggling for assistance. According to the Small Business Administration, 25.7 million out of 31.7 million small businesses in the U.S. have no employees.
Helen Caldwell, the owner of Mr. C's Rare Records located in the Old Towne Orange, CA, has been in business for 44 years. Prior to the pandemic, Caldwell's business was open seven days a week. It wasn't until the economic shutdown that Caldwell had to scale back her store hours and limit employees.
"It's just me now. There's not a day that goes by where I am not scared for the future. It (COVID-19) has impacted my business that I'm only open three days a week now. I open 10 A.M. to 4 P.M., Friday, Saturday, Sunday."
Temporary Relief with a New Grant
Fortunately, for troubled owners feeling the impact of the economic downturn brought on by COVID-19, small businesses could be awarded a $2,500 grant thanks to a partnership between the County of Orange and surrounding cities.
Small businesses must meet the following requirements to qualify for the grant:
Physically located and operating in Orange County.
Operating since at least December 2019.
Currently active and operating or has a clear plan to reopen.
Able to show the business was impacted by COVID-19.
Earned less than $50,000 in revenue for the 2019 tax year.
Had less than five full-time employees during the 2019 and 2020 tax years.
Currently has less than five full-time employees.
Use all the grant money by June 1, 2022, and have receipts to show what was purchased.
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