CLEVELAND — The Center for Community Solutions released the results of a Fall 2020 survey this week of small businesses in Cuyahoga County on where they stood during the pandemic.
Out of the 600 small businesses surveyed, most of them said the coronavirus pandemic impacted operations, and companies also stated access to technology was a challenge.
The survey found that one-fourth of businesses indicated they expected to close within a year. Women-owned businesses were more likely to indicate they were at risk of closing. The county noted that restaurants, bars, nail salons and barber shops were of particular concern.
Access to technology is an issue across Cuyahoga County, but especially so in majority-Black communities, the Center for Community Solutions noted. The survey’s findings stated businesses in Black communities were more likely to use cellphone hotspots than a standard internet connection. Businesses in these communities were more likely to indicate that the cost of the internet was not affordable.
The survey also found that non-white-owned businesses were more likely to use money-transferring apps than white-owned businesses.
Given how many companies rely on internet service, the Center for Community Solutions noted that “slow speeds, lost connections, and weak Wi-Fi networks were frequently mentioned” by businesses surveyed.
The county said in response it will provide $3 million in support for small businesses.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of Cuyahoga County’s economy. The pandemic severely stressed many of our small business owners, especially in the personal service, food and beverage, and hospitality sectors,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish. “To help our small businesses survive and recover, Cuyahoga County provides advice, technical assistance, and financial support through a network of small business support organizations. We are now accepting proposals to provide at least $3 million in additional funding to our small business support partners.”
