Loss of revenue, shutdowns and layoffs have impacted businesses the most during the pandemic. | Unsplash
Loss of revenue, shutdowns and layoffs have impacted businesses the most during the pandemic. | Unsplash
A survey undertaken by the Pierce County Economic Development Department questioning local businesses ranked loss of revenue, shutdowns and employee layoffs as three of the biggest impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic.
“The county is working hard to help businesses stabilize and recover from this pandemic, which has wreaked havoc across almost every industry,” Pierce County Economic Development Director Betty Capestany said in a press release from the Pierce County website. “Survey feedback will guide decisions regarding the most effective ways to facilitate business recovery in Pierce County.”
Over 1,400 business owners were questioned, 75% of them the owners of small businesses with 10 or fewer employees. Approximately 51% were women-owned and 28% minority-run operations.
Of the businesses surveyed, 81% are currently open with 29% of those considered essential businesses, while 52% are operating under Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan, according to the press release. An additional 9% remain closed waiting to reopen under Phase 3 or 4 rules.
The two top government programs used by the businesses were the programs that provided protective equipment (PPE's) and Small Business Administration loans.
The survey closed on July 6. The results are posted under Pierce County COVID Survey.
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