As COVID-19 spreads to more communities across the country, small businesses are asking how they can stay afloat. What are the options? When can businesses expect relief checks? And then, what if relief funding runs out?
“As an immigrant, you’re always prepared for the next disaster.” Carena Ives
On this week’s show, Roben Farzad talks with Richmond restaurateur Carena Ives,owner of the popular Jamaica House and Carena’s Jamaican Grille. She opened the first location in 1994 and is managing to offer take-out and delivery in the midst of the “stay at home” order. She joins Farzad on the show to talk about how she and her staff are dealing with this unprecedented situation.
Richmond business owner Kelly Justice of Fountain Bookstore says she and her staff are handpicking books based on customers’ needs and tastes.
“Books aren’t objects to us; they’re a way to be with other people, in times past and the times we live in now,” says Justice.
She shares what it’s been like to apply for a stimulus loan and how her business has changed as a result of coronavirus.
Later in the show, Brian Pifer answers listener questions about relief for small businesses—who qualifies, how to access funds, and what we can expect in the coming weeks.
Brian Pifer is the Vice President of Entrepreneurship at Small Business Majority, a network of 58,000 small businesses across the country. He’s been fielding a lot of questions lately about the new Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). Pifer is holding a webinar April 16 on National Resources and Policy Updates for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19.
