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California Small Business Owners Discuss Concerns and Needs During Virtual Listening Session with Rep. Ted Lieu

Small Business for America’s Future hosted a virtual roundtable Thursday with Rep. Lieu and California small business owners to discuss the state of small business seven months since the pandemic was declared a national emergency

Los Angeles, Oct. 23, 2020–During a virtual listening session hosted by Small Business for America’s Future, Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33) told California small business owners that there must be further federal assistance for Main Street businesses and employees who continue to be negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Many of our small businesses are struggling to stay open due to COVID-19,” Lieu said. “Like many Americans, I grew up in a small business family and I understand the importance of supporting the small business community, especially during this dire public health crisis. As we continue to improve our national response to the pandemic, I will work closely with my colleagues in Congress to provide the much-needed relief and flexibility to small businesses and make sound investments to ensure our economy is on strong footing as we rebound from the pandemic.”

Small Business for America’s Future Co-Chair Dr. Erika Gonzalez, who is also CEO, President, & Co-Founder of South Texas Allergy and Asthma Medical Professionals (STAAMP) and STAAMP Clinical Research, said small businesses have been stretched to their financial limits by the crisis. A recent Small Business for America’s Future survey of more than 1,500 small business owners found that the pandemic is continuing to hit small business owners hard:

• 15% of survey respondents said their businesses can only survive through October without further federal relief. 
• 34% saying they can only make it to the end of 2020
• 28% have considered closing their business permanently due to Covid-19
• 19% are facing the possibility of declaring bankruptcy due to Covid-19
• Small business owners don’t anticipate this will be over anytime soon—80% expect business to be disrupted well into 2021
• Small business owners are highly engaged and 98% plan to vote

“The consequences of small business failure are huge for the entire country. Our 30 million small businesses employ half of all Americans and drive economic activities and provide needed services in every community in our country,” Gonzalez said. “The bottom line is that to have a strong recovery we need a strong small business sector and right now they’re in trouble.”

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About Small Business for America’s Future
Small Business for America’s Future (formerly Businesses for Responsible Tax Reform) is a coalition of small business owners and leaders nationwide working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize Main Street by advancing a just and equitable economic framework that works for small business owners, their employees and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF