As we approach the holiday season, small businesses need our support more than ever.
The effects of the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic have disrupted and devastated small businesses, the economic and cultural backbone of New York City. Many owners are facing continued financial obligations like commercial rent, employee salaries, and loans, all while putting their businesses on pause for much of the year. Of the roughly 240,000 small businesses in the City at the start of the year, approximately one-third may never reopen after the pandemic is over, according to a study by the Partnership for New York. According to another study by American Express, 62% of American small businesses reported that they need to see sales return to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2020 in order to stay in business.
Through this turmoil, the VOLS Microenterprise Project is dedicated to supporting New York City’s underserved small businesses, particularly the minority-, women-, and immigrant-owned business owners who are all too often marginalized and disproportionately affected. The Project provides business owners with crucial legal services to help them overcome the obstacles that come their way.
Small Business Saturday is this Saturday, November 28th, 2020—a day to celebrate and support the small businesses that are essential New York’s vibrant neighborhoods and are key to the City’s economic recovery. As businesses navigate and adapt to changing conditions, holiday shopping this year may look a little different. You may find yourself buying a gift card to your favorite coffee shop, or ordering online from a local store. When you choose to #ShopSmall and #ShopLocal this year, you are making a difference for that small business and for your community.
The VOLS Microenterprise Project is proud to support small business owners during these unprecedented times. Please join VOLS and consider shopping small and shopping local.
How you can participate:
Find Black-owned businesses near you:
- NY Magazine Map: https://nymag.com/article/2020/10/small-black-owned-businesses-map.html
- NY Magazine List: https://nymag.com/strategist/article/black-owned-businesses-support-shop.html
- Black Owned Brooklyn: https://www.instagram.com/blackownedbklyn/?hl=en
Find participating small businesses in your area:
- American Express Map: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-US/maps?cat=Shop-Small&intlink=us-GABM-Map_Home
- Made in New York City: https://madeinnyc.org/
- Find gift cards for sale: https://helpmainstreet.com/