I hope you are finding joy and staying positive in the comfort of your homes during these uncertain times.
The coronavirus pandemic has greatly impacted our lives. The magnitude of its reach is colossal and unlike anything we’ve ever seen. No matter your age, race, geographic region, socio-economic status, etc., we are all feeling the impact of this disease. Sadly, the hardest hit are small businesses—the bedrock of this great nation.
I’ve been lucky (so far) to not experience any disruptions to my business, but many others haven’t. Seeing businesses close their doors and lay off employees is heartbreaking. I feel for both business owners and dedicated workers. And if the pandemic disrupts our lives for longer periods of time, the economic impact will be devastating. It doesn’t help that some in Congress aren’t taking this crisis seriously and want to see the economy fail in the hopes that their party prevails in November. Disgusting.
However, there are glimmers of hope.
The private sector is stepping in big time to manufacture masks and ventilators. Red tape has been cut to allow for the testing of potential remedies and cures of COVID-19. Despite what we see on social media, the majority of the country is coming together—be it the federal government with private enterprise and individuals.
How can we support small businesses and the people behind them? Buy gift cards. Order via take-out. Check in on them and offer donations if you can. Chip into Go-Fund-Me accounts if they are available and legitimate. Do whatever you can in your power to help and/or support your favorite small businesses around you.
Behind every business is a person—a person who is our fellow American. We don’t leave our fellow Americans behind. Together, we will pull through this and defeat this virus!
Read more in the latest installment of my newsletter, Angling Right. Subscribe to the newsletter here.