‘We have to give something’: Small business owners call for action amid rising costs and declining customers

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — In an effort to help minority business owners who are still reeling from the losses of the pandemic and operating in difficult economic times, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce recently launched a local initiative in New York City. Engaged Support Corporation (LISC). , invited a financially inclusive nonprofit to hear the concerns of several local entrepreneurs.

“Small business owners are at a loss,” North Shore restaurateur Edward Gomez told the panel, detailing the struggles he faced running his restaurant, Da Noi. “This is my life’s work, my love’s work, and what I’ve been doing for 23 years. I used to employ over 100 people and run eight restaurants.” I currently have three offices and feel like I’m having a hard time making ends meet.

Faced with declining sales due to rising costs, supply chain issues and inflation-induced customer spending cuts, Gomez was not alone in his concerns.

“The prices for everything are absolutely astronomical,” added Deya Felici, owner of Vinham, Richmond, Don Cheech and Belvedere Club. “Food prices have doubled, sometimes even tripled, and the prices of other things we use every day, like gloves and paper towels, are going through the roof. We need to keep prices low. If you don’t, you won’t get customers, but it’s simply impossible to eat these costs. [Small Business Administration] The loan was great, but now is the time to start paying it back. It cannot be postponed any longer. ”

Bobby Digi, co-owner of O’Henry’s Publick House on Minthorne Street, said he agreed.

“Having this conversation creates a lot of frustration,” he said. “I applied for every program, every grant and loan under the sun, but I didn’t get a single one. Agencies that are supposed to do are completely disconnected from who they are trying to serve.”

The Entrepreneur Forum was hosted by LISC NY and served as the third stop on the organization’s Minority Owned Small Business Listening Tour. This is a program designed to heighten the challenges facing minority business owners in the five boroughs today. Together, a group of about 10 Staten Island business owners sought additional support from economic development officials and state and city legislators.

“We tried to apply for a PPP, but it was rejected because it was too small,” said Michelle Cheng, owner of Lil M Bubble Tea House in Castleton Corners, for Small Business Administration payroll protection. I told the story of the failure in the program. “Instead, I had to use my savings. It’s hard to raise money for a business. There are a lot of small businesses that need help.”

Other Black and Brown business owners called for rapid and targeted action to stabilize and support Staten Island’s business community during the event, including employee retention, rent increases, public safety, and more. explained the problem of

Citing the recent break-in and drug activity in front of her, Vikiana Capellan, owner of Kiara’s Beauty Salon, said, “Our Strip on Bay Street has always been plagued with crime, After the pandemic, it seems to have spiraled out of control.” shop. “The block got so dangerous that I considered breaking the lease and leaving. We’re dealing with business owners a lot right now, and this might be the worst part.”

Linda Balan, President of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, offers advice on these difficulties, and Valerie White, Senior Executive Director of LISC NY, better gauges the current temperature of the Staten Island business environment. To that end, we asked business owners a series of questions.

“We decided to embark on this tour because we want to hear about the challenges and successes you face,” said White. “We know it can be difficult and want to make sure you are on the financial equality platform.”

Baran adds: Listening to this he once again collaborated with them on tour, Staten He is a minority-owned business on the Island and is pleased to hear the voices of her community and address their concerns. ”

LISC NY will host similar events in Queens and Manhattan to partner with economic development officials, elected leaders and local businesses to hear the voices of New York’s minority business community and empower their businesses to help the economy recover. Stay at the center of the battle.

“Our small business owners are experiencing tremendous strain as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the government obligations that come with it, and we need to work with our cities and governments to ensure sustainable solutions are available. We need to work at the state level,” said Senator Andrew J. Lanza. (R-Staten Island) provided in the statement. “Thank you LISC NY and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce for bringing together strong members of our community and providing a platform for us to share our experiences with our elected officials. will continue to support these small business owners and amplify their voices so they can continue to offer their goods and services and be represented in our communities.”

Rep. Camilla M. Hanks (D-North Shore) said: Especially since so many people are still grappling with the effects of the pandemic. Listening to her tours and her collaboration with the SI Chamber of Commerce is a great way to understand the needs and needs of small business owners. ”