Live Local USA | A Voice for Small Business: Small Business, Buying Local And Our Changing Economy

Articles and notes focusing on small business and navigating the murky waters into which we were all thrown as of mid-March, when America began shutting down. There are thousands of stories out there; explanations of the difficult decisions and choices, along with heartfelt (and tragic) reflections by entrepreneurs; since I feel so much can be learned from these times I will be adding more links to an upcoming blog post as well. (As I usually do with my Notes, there are a few older articles which seemed worth passing along as well).

• Business Survival In A Time Of Coronavirus | "I remember both 9/11 and the 2008 collapse; both felt world-ending at the time, and both required critical decisions to be made in vastly reduced time spans and with an uncertain future in store; who could predict what tomorrow was going to look like when things were changing so quickly? But if you’re the calm within the storm, you’ll be better able to look at what’s happening around you and adapt to it. Do so thoughtfully, with a vision of the next day, because we can’t do triage by simply reacting to each individual problem as it unfolds. We’ve got to focus, think ahead, plan as best as possible for the worst-case scenario, and be ready to make major decisions in the face of uncertainty." (3.25.20)

• What Will Happen to Independent Bookstores? | This situation is particularly hard to swallow given how excited we have been to see so much positive news about indie bookstores on the rise during the last year. Just as with every other segment of business relating to our beloved independents we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult and stressful time. (3.30.20)

• ‘I’ve never cried so much’: Kith/Kin chef Kwame Onwuachi on closing his D.C. restaurant | Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s 120-seat Afro-Caribbean restaurant Kith/Kin, in Washington, D.C., was thriving a month ago, with tables booked weeks in advance. The award-winning chef’s fortunes quickly changed as COVID-19 hit the United States, forcing restaurant closures throughout the country. Onwuachi describes here what happened over the past month and how he is now campaigning to save local restaurants and protect their employees. (4.1.20)

• In an Empty West Village, a Lone Standout Indie Coffee Shop Slings Barista-Made Java | Rebel Coffee north of Abingdon Square (New York) is still pulling espresso shots, though who knows for how long? (4.3.20)

• Owners of Three Brothers Bakery Share Advice to Small Business Owners Amid Pandemic (Houston, Texas) Navigating a virus-fueled economic downturn is proving a difficult challenge for big and small businesses. Even for those allowed to stay open, the customers just aren't there and getting the help to bridge the cash flow divide is complicated. The Juckers, of Houston's Three Brothers Bakery, know the pitfalls of disasters. Three times before they've gotten disaster loans from the Small Business Administration after The Memorial Day Flood, The Tax Day Flood and Hurricane Harvey. They also won the 2018 Phoenix Award from the Small Business Administration for their efforts following Harvey. (4.15.20)

• Shopping Local Helps Cities Survive, Thrive (Wagoner, Oklahoma) | “Shopping local is critical to our local economy,” said Kristen Mallett, who is executive director of the Wagoner Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our local business owners rely on us and outside visitors to support their families and their dreams. “By shopping local, you are also supporting the uniqueness of your hometown and its business owners.” (1.20.20)

• Preserving the True Value of Community Through Small Business (Charleston, South Carolina) by Jamee Haley, executive director of Lowcountry Local First | “The loss of the long-standing East Bay True Value Hardware, a community-focused store, is contrary to the ongoing conversation our city has around transportation, congestion and livability. The ability to live in an area where you have access to basic needs, goods and services is highly desirable, but our Historic District is being designed for visitors rather than residents. When we lose these businesses, we continue to put more people on our already congested roads. Quote which stands out: "Support your small local businesses — or risk losing them and the quality of life that they provide." (2.17.20)

• Support Business In Your Community (Sandusky, Michigan) | Com·mu·ni·ty: a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. Impact hrase: ”But one day you wake up and your community isn’t there anymore." (3.4.20)

• ‘Think Local First Cullman’: Cullman Chamber (Alabama) launches a mobile app to promote member businesses. “Think Local First Cullman, powered by the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, makes it easy to find special chamber member deals and localized event information.” Learn more about their new app.

• Sumter Business Leaders Say Shopping Locally Benefits Entire Community | Sumter (South Carolina) business leaders have been aware many residents still spend their retail dollars in bigger cities and online, but now they have data to back that up. Educating the general public that e-commerce isn't always cheaper and on the overall economic impact of spending locally will be part of the next step: “Any time we keep those dollars here local on spending, that just makes it a much better, more powerful tax base, which is what supports our community and makes our livelihood a lot more comfortable through schools, through parks, whatever it is." (2.15.20)

• Confession: I Cannot Shop At Trader Joe's—Here's Why

• Some great news for Jackson, Tennessee. You can almost feel the pride and excitement displayed in the writer's words! “Giving Local Small Businesses a Chance” (2.20.20)

• 'Auburn Strong': Shop Owner Launches Campaign to Support Business Community (New York) | In this challenging time, however, Hitchcock's thoughts haven't gone to himself, but to his fellow small business owners in the city. That's why he launched Auburn Strong, a campaign to support local businesses as they all try to make it through the pandemic. (3.31.20)