Corona and Small Businesses

Coronavirus has had a devastating impact on so many peoples lives whether it be financially, ones mental health and wellness, family life, and most importantly the virus itself leading to loss of loved ones and fear of catching the virus . This year has dealt so many unexpected blows to so many people due to the virus itself, but we've failed to realize the impact it's had on hardworking Americans who have lost their livelihoods and businesses to no fault of their own. The right to work and to provide for ones self and family is something that cannot be replaced. The feeling people receive from the work they produce is even more sacred when they provide a service for others by taking the ultimate risk in starting their own business, which in return brings joy to peoples lives. This past year when COVID came to our doorsteps in March small business owners were required to shutter their doors in a widespread effort to flatten the curve. Everyone anxiously awaited when they could open and operate their businesses under the new restrictions, although it wasn’t the same they were willing to do anything to keep the hopes and dreams alive of their business. Reopening small businesses, mostly the restaurant and food industry became a state-by-state decision and unfortunately often times, divided along partisan lines. For example states like Texas, California, New York, and Florida all vastly differed in their approaches to reopening restaurants, all of which also had different political leaders at the helm of their state. In NYC restaurants had no choice, but turn to delivery and pickup service to survive from the start of Covid until around early June. In June they were allowed to set up minimal and socially distanced outdoor eating for the summer. Business owners had no choice, but to adapt to political leaders restrictions and that they did, by becoming creative with their outdoor seating area and maximizing their space in order to merely survive. It was not until September 30th in which they were able to begin indoor dining at 25% capacity albeit with an abundant of rules and restrictions that would add another financial burden on their business. Again restaurant owners complied and were simply excited to add a little more revenue to already slim margins in which they operate their businesses. Recently Governor Cuomo of New York State felt it was in the best interest of NYC to again abruptly tell restaurant owners they can no longer serve patrons inside their restaurant. Everyone was under the impression this decision was backed by science like we've been told in regards to prior decisions made during Covid and to once again lessen the burden on the hospitals. Unfortunately this was not the case, According to Cuomo’s own tracing data household and other indoor small gatherings contribute to 74 percent of the viral spread whereas restaurants and bars account for far less, around 1.43 percent of the viral spread. When claims and enforcement measures taken by our leaders are no longer backed by strong factual evidence it does more to erode public trust and weakens peoples faith to believe that their government has their best interest when they are struggling the most. The claims of empathy and support for small businesses have fallen empty by New York City’s Mayor Bill Deblasio, arguably the City’s most unpopular mayor since Mayor Dinkins. These efforts to show support and masquerade it as helping keep Covid at bay by our state and local officials have fallen on deaf ears and put hard working everyday American

business owners in a dire financial position. It has forced them to look outside of their government where their hard earned tax dollars are expected to help them in times of need. Rather it has suddenly become those with money and wealth that have provided the most assistance to struggling small businesses. It is ironic that these very same people have recently been deemed a problem in America and devoid of all empathy for the common working folk by the media and by certain politicians. Most notably of those with money making a difference is David Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports. He has been a critic of the hefty restrictions and inconsistent decision- making by political leadership placed on the restaurant industry in NYC. In one of Portnoy’s most recent Instagram posts he criticizes the closure of indoor dining once again in NYC and was challenged by Marcus Lemonis, an American businessman and Television Personality to put his money where his mouth is and donate money to help small businesses. Not only did Portnoy donate his own money he kickstarted a fundraising campaign with his massive Barstool following, which has now taken on a life of its own. Portnoy has decided to have small businesses across the country to share their story via Instagram explaining the history of their business and journey they’ve gone through to establish it, all while trying to keep their business afloat financially during Covid. The sharing of the stories have shown a raw emotional side of business owners, who are hanging on by a thread and thankful for someone with enough clout and money to give them the recognition they deserve. Portnoy's mission has been to nominate as many businesses to Barstools fundraising campaign in an effort to make a difference in these small business owners lives and help them with much needed financial relief. As a result of Portnoy’s efforts in recent weeks they have raised over 6 million dollars for 18 different small businesses. Portnoy has not been the only entrepreneur to step up, as Guy Fieri has also stepped up to help small businesses in the restaurant industry along with many others. Portnoy’s efforts to help struggling small businesses during Covid have proven that fundraising, donations, and nonprofit organizations can have a greater impact on peoples lives more so than any act of legislation or use of tax dollars to fund programs that often do not put the money and resources to those who need it the most, hard working Americans. Maybe it’s time to rethink if the continued demonization of those with money and wealth is really the core issue in this country, as they seem to come through more often than our own elected officials.