TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– For the past nine months, small business owners in Terre Haute worked to keep their businesses open with COVID-19 guidelines and limitations.
“We’re in survival mode. There’s no need to hide it. We’re losing money every month,” said Jeff Ford, owner of J Ford’s Black Angus.
George Azar, owner of Saratoga, said they’ve struggled to stay afloat after losing more than 50% of their revenue.
“To say that 2020 was challenging is an understatement. It’s been a rough year. There’s certain things we have no control over,” he said.
$325 billion was allocated for small businesses relief inside of Congress’ latest COVID-19 relief bill. $284 billion will be dedicated to the paycheck protection program.
In order for businesses to qualify they must show a 25% decrease in revenue and have less than 300 employees.
Courtney Chipol, Regional Director for the West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, said small businesses may have to make more adjustments.
“I don’t think we’re ever going to go back to normal. Businesses that have this head down approach are going to have to change that or we may see more businesses have to close,” she said.
Both Saratoga and J Ford’s received federal funding back in March.
Azar said he’s grateful for the government’s help.
“We’re hoping to get it this time. Hopefully that it’ll get us through a few more months of challenging times,” he explained.
The Ford’s said even though the past year has been challenging, they’re preparing for the best.
“We’re optimistic. Which is why we’re not devastated about the losses we’re experiencing right now. We know that this will end and we know that we’ll be ok. The strong restaurants will survive,” Kelly Ford said.
