American Express – KC small enterprise homeowners hope for added monetary reduction

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Store small, help native, maintain small companies alive.

That is the objective for Kansas Metropolis metro companies on Small Enterprise Saturday in the midst of a pandemic.

The day additionally was an added increase for metro store homeowners as the normal vacation procuring season kicks off.

“You can also make a purchase order of 1 pair of earrings, and I can actually go to the grocery retailer and purchase groceries for my kids,” stated Melissa Padavic, proprietor of Tucker and Scout.

However this yr is completely different with enterprise restrictions, akin to capability limits. Many obtained Paycheck Safety Program (PPP) loans earlier this yr to carry them over, however these funds are gone.

“I’m involved about what January and February are going to look and the way we’re going to maintain our helpers throughout that point so if there’s extra out there we’re going to use once more,” stated Rachael Messner, Proprietor of Messner Bee Farm.

Dorna Edgar Swan, government director of the Waldo Enterprise Affiliation, stated one other spherical of PPP loans are wanted so companies can keep their staffs.

“We have to bear in mind our small companies make use of our neighbors, so the extra we help them then we’re supporting our neighbors additionally,” Swan stated.

Lawmakers in Washington D.C. have debated further reduction, akin to a second spherical of PPP, for small companies however nothing has been finalized.

“I feel one other spherical of PPP might completely assist,” AltCap President Ruben Alonzo stated, “however there’s additionally going to be some native coordination too. There’s sources right here domestically that may additionally assist help small companies.”

Bob Rosson, proprietor of the Basic Cookie in Waldo, stated he can be “very ” within the further monetary help.

“It’s actually onerous as a result of it’s the identical house that we’ve had and that we are going to at all times have, and to attempt to do it with half as a lot income could be very onerous,” Rosson stated.

One other hurdle is client spending. A Gallup survey discovered that 28% of Individuals stated they may spend much less on vacation presents this yr in comparison with final yr.

However it’s spending that retains these companies alive in a pivotal procuring season.

“Help us in order that we could be right here after the pandemic,” Messner stated.

A examine by American Express, which created Small Enterprise Saturday, discovered that 64% of enterprise homeowners felt that this yr is extra necessary than ever.

The Strawberry Swing Vacation Market will likely be at Union Station outdoors for the subsequent three weekends to accommodate social distancing with completely different distributors. It’s authorized by the KCMO Well being Division.