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The Lingering Impact of the Pandemic on Small Businesses

As we approach the five-year anniversary of global lockdowns, the scars left on small businesses serve as a stark reminder of the challenges they continue to face. Recently, 13 ON YOUR SIDE sat down with various small business owners to discuss how the effects of the pandemic remain deeply ingrained in their day-to-day operations.

A Staple in the Community: Walt & Marie’s Country Market and Cafe

Located in central Van Buren County, Walt & Marie’s Country Market and Cafe has been a cherished establishment for over a decade. Since its inception in 2010, Debbie Ketchum and her family have tirelessly managed this local cornerstone, which has proven to be a vital gathering place for the community.

Debbie emphasizes the importance of local support, stating, "I think the focus on supporting local is huge. Most people feel that supporting your local places is essential for their survival." This sentiment highlights the broader trend of community engagement, as local consumers are increasingly aware that their financial decisions can significantly impact nearby businesses.

Challenges and Resilience: A Journey Worth Sharing

Walt & Marie’s has seen its share of ups and downs throughout its 15-year journey. One of the significant hurdles occurred in 2014, when a devastating fire destroyed their kitchen. "The kitchen was shut down for almost a year," Ketchum recollected, noting it took nearly 11 months to rebuild and return better than before.

However, their resilience faced a more formidable challenge when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Ketchum remembered the initial days of the pandemic: "We just tried to keep things going as much as we could." Despite the hardships caused by the fire, she reflected that "probably the pandemic, probably COVID," was the more impactful event on their business. This marked shift in perspective serves as a testament to the profound challenges presented by the pandemic—challenges that were markedly different from any they had previously confronted.

A Lack of Government Support

Ketchum candidly acknowledged the broader difficulties faced by state governments trying to support struggling businesses amid the pandemic. "I didn’t expect a bailout," she explained, adding that the assistance they received was "not much" compared to the resources accessed after the 2014 fire. As emergency measures forced businesses to shut down, Ketchum found herself having to make tough decisions regarding staffing, which reflected a grim trend across the sector.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported staggering job losses: over 700,000 jobs in Michigan’s private sector vanished in the second quarter of 2020, while only approximately 140,000 new jobs were created during the same period. Such dramatic shifts left many businesses, like Long Road Distillers—a distillery that opened in Grand Rapids in 2015—struggling for survival. Co-owner Jon O’Connor emphasized the operational challenges, stating, "At some point, you know, we basically laid off the entire operation of people."

Innovative Solutions and Survival Strategies

Despite these dire circumstances, some small businesses managed to shift gears and adapt. For instance, Long Road Distillers leveraged its ethanol production capabilities to create hand sanitizer, while Walt & Marie’s pivoted to an already-established takeout service. This was made possible by recent state legislation allowing cocktails to-go, helping them remain afloat. Yet, many other businesses were not as fortunate, leading to closures and permanent shutdowns.

Regarding these failures, Jim Cory, owner of Jimmy’s Roadhouse, expressed concern for businesses that wouldn’t return. "Those businesses that are closed – they’re not coming back, and we’re concerned for them," he shared, articulating the collective anxiety that clouded the small business landscape in 2023.

The Long Road to Recovery: Navigating Uncharted Waters

Half a decade later, while some Americans may have moved on from the pandemic’s grip, for small businesses that fought for survival, the battle is far from over. "I would say not 100%," Ketchum remarked when asked about their recovery status. "Our numbers are still probably not where they were prior to the pandemic, but each year has gotten better."

O’Connor echoed similar sentiments, noting, "COVID took a lot of people out of the hospitality sector in terms of employment that hasn’t recovered." The ongoing struggle for talent remains a challenging and unresolved aspect of post-pandemic recovery.

At Walt & Marie’s, they still haven’t been able to bring back full service or operational hours to pre-pandemic levels. Ketchum and O’Connor are adamant about the importance of supporting local businesses, encouraging consumers to prioritize shopping small.

The Vitality of Local Support

Recognizing that not everyone can consistently choose to support local businesses, they stress the importance of community involvement when possible. O’Connor poignantly remarked, "If it comes to it, you know, you’re probably going to buy milk and bread before you’re going to buy a bottle of spirits," emphasizing that personal needs come first. However, he added, "If you do have the discretionary income to be able to buy something that’s made locally and by someone who cares, we hope you choose us."

Ketchum reaffirmed the necessity of keeping small businesses alive, stating, "It’s so important that these small businesses stay. We don’t want to lose them all. The pandemic made it tenfold."

legal Assistance: The Role of AI legalese decoder

In navigating these complex challenges, small business owners like Ketchum and O’Connor may find themselves contending with various legal matters, from insurance claims to compliance with evolving regulations. This is where AI legalese decoder can be an invaluable resource. By leveraging advanced technology to simplify legal language, business owners can better understand contracts, insurance policies, and governmental guidelines—all of which can play a crucial role in their recovery and future growth.

By utilizing AI legalese decoder, small businesses can enhance their legal literacy, enabling them to make informed decisions that could help them mitigate risks associated with compliance, regulation, and contractual obligations. As communities rally to support local businesses, having the right tools to navigate the legal landscape becomes essential for long-term resilience and success in the face of future uncertainties.

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