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It’s laborious to consider tomorrow.  In a matter of 18 days, we skilled the very best highs and the bottom lows.  Sharing my ideas on being a small enterprise proprietor throughout this time.

Actually I simply don’t know what to say.  All of our lives have been turned the other way up by the present occasions.  I can’t sleep, my anxiousness is thru the roof, and I get abdomen pains each time I eat.  What retains me up at night time is Artemis.  I simply wish to share with you my perspective as a small enterprise proprietor throughout this time.

This was the final set of store outfits I shared earlier than we closed the shop.  We celebrated Artemis’s one yr anniversary just a few weeks in the past (within the brick-and-mortar world, this can be a milestone).  We signed a 5-yr lease renewal on March 1st.  We employed our first workforce member on March 11th.  We briefly closed our store on March 18th.  In 18 days, we went from the very best highs to the bottom lows.

As a small enterprise proprietor, we’re taught to innovate, put our heads down, and put the shoulders to the wheel.  And we did.  As soon as the shutdown hit, we began a courier service, curbside menu and pickups, appointments, telephone consultations, and medical deliveries (we truly service quite a bit of purchasers who want CBD together with medical hashish for medical circumstances).  We additionally proceed to construct out interactive displays for once we do open once more.  With all of this being mentioned, we’re unsure of the long run.  Phrases cannot clarify the concern I really feel.  We’re fully self-funded, we work on a regular basis on the store, and we watched her develop.  Now, it simply feels very darkish.

My coronary heart aches for all these impacted by this pandemic (I’m hoping to be half of a Medical Aid Effort and can replace you on that quickly).  For some, the end result of that is boredom, for others it’s high quality time spent with family members.  For some, they get to cook dinner with their family members, for others they’re recalling the final meal they’d with family members who’s handed.  For some companies this can be a time to pause, for different small companies that is one step nearer to the truth that their desires are shattering.  The reality is… We’ll-get-via-this doesn’t apply to everybody.  They’re projecting that over 50% of small companies gained’t make it.  I’m not saying all of this to trigger concern.  I’m sharing this to acknowledge the despair, heartache, anxiousness, and heaviness that some individuals and small companies are going via proper now.

With the hardships forward, I’m going to proceed to seek for extra grants and can proceed to replace the listing beneath.  In case you are a small enterprise or know of one that’s struggling, please be happy to share this submit and this listing with them.

SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS

Grants.gov – Grants search hub.

Amber Grants for Ladies – As much as $25,000, small enterprise grants for girls.

San Francisco COVID-19 Small Business Resiliency Fund (SF ONLY) – It permits impacted small enterprise house owners to entry as much as $10,000 for worker salaries and hire.

NYC Worker Retention Grant Program (NYC ONLY) – Eligible companies will obtain a grant protecting as much as 40% of their payroll for 2 months.  Businesses can entry as much as $27,000.

Workplace of Financial Improvement Fund (SEATTLE ONLY) – Grants will probably be awarded in an quantity as much as $10,000.  Grant cash could solely be used for the working bills.

Alternative Fund – Supporting small enterprise proprietor whose enterprise has been impacted by COVID-19.  Contact them instantly for extra info.

James Beard Basis Meals and Beverage Trade Aid Fund – They’re at the moment constructing out this fund.  Keep tuned for extra info. 

Fb Small Business Grants Program – Fb is providing $100M in money grants and advert credit for as much as 30,000 eligible small companies in over 30 nations the place we function.  Extra particulars to return.

Amazon Neighborhood Small Business Aid Fund – This fund is meant to assist assist neighborhood small companies in Seattle (South Lake Union and Regrade neighborhoods) and Bellevue. 

Nellie Mae Schooling Basis (AAPI COMMUNITIES ONLY) – Grant request should reply to a time-delicate, unanticipated occasion or pressing problem or want in communities.  This grant is just not meant to assist ongoing applications and initiatives.  As much as $15,000.

Ending this submit with some pleasure… are you able to share your favourite espresso store, boba store, clothes retailer, tailor, speciality retailer, nail salon, sushi spot, and so on?  And why are these locations particular to you?  Have been they the place you went on your first date?  Had your first kiss?  Had an excellent memorable customer support expertise?  I’d love to listen to your story, and furthermore, how these outlets and companies have introduced pleasure to your life.

Thanks a lot for studying!  Wishing you and your loved ones all one of the best in well being.  Please keep protected and please take care.

Thanks a lot for studying!