Here we are. This is now our eleventh month amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the year (from hell) is coming to a close. Is 2021 the light at the end of the tunnel? For many small businesses across the state (and country, for that matter), they’re riding heavily on pure hope that they can soon reopen their doors and return to normalcy.
For many of us, it seems this pandemic has been long and dreadful. Many citizens are still working from home, furloughed, or entirely out of work. Entire industries are left with question marks on when they can safely return to everyday operations. While extra unemployment funds have been made available for individuals in these situations, it is not enough to live and provide for yourself and family while also trying to keep your business afloat.
Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program is a federal loan program that was created to aide small business owners who cannot operate during the pandemic. The extra funding is for those to stay afloat despite financial setbacks courtesy of COVID-19.
Many are struggling to get approved for this loan due to reasons outside of their control. However, one company didn’t struggle in being approved for a loan and they already rub Philly the wrong way. According to this report on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Penguins accepted a $4.8 million dollar loan to help pay their $6 million dollar rent. This program was intended to support payroll struggles amidst the pandemic. If 75% of the loan is used toward payroll relief, it is possible that the debt could be forgiven. However, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced a four month furlough in March, 2020.
This leaves so many questions screaming louder than all of my other thoughts. Are the Penguins broke? Or do they feel equally entitled to government assistance? Are they the only organization who needs to pay their building rent? Do they feel justified in taking 5 million dollars from small businesses who could lose their entire livelihood due to a pandemic? There was nowhere else to find rent money between Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle? Even if one is worth 150 million dollars and the other is worth 1.4 BILLION? Rob Burkle couldn’t cover the rent, but could purchase Michael Jackson’s estate?
Philly Supports Small Businesses
In typical Philly fashion, its only right to bask in the good our teams have done to support local businesses. The Flyers launched the Hometown Assist Program to offer half a million dollars in advertising to local businesses. The advertisements will ran through the 2019-20 plays and will continue through the entirety of the 2020-21 season.
The Sixers are also doing their part in free advertisement as they partnered with small businesses to announce their schedule.
They even went as far as to include the link to each business included in each tweet.
Nominating your business or your favorites is as simple as completing this form. The team has not given a timeframe on when this initiative will end.
Catch Me Outside (shopping small!)
There’s no way to describe the feeling you get when you shop small and know your purchase went to something more than a billionaire’s already padded pockets. Here’s a small list of my favorite small businesses:
Food & Drinks
Crybaby Pasta because I LOVE a good plate of spaghetti. They do the thing and then some. One of my absolute favorite pasta spots.
Dottie’s Donuts are yummy and vegan(!) One of my favorite stops on 6th St.
Pierogie Kitchen is a little further of a drive but absolutely worth it if your in the mood for a little Polish cuisine.
B2 Cafe is where I go for a pregame Vanilla Chai Tea Latte! Its in the area where I grew up and always nostalgic roaming this neighborhood (no website).
Triangle Tavern is somewhere my Grandpa always went when I was growing up. The food is great, but also keeps me in touch with my roots. Now, they have a vegan and vegetarian options. Also, a big ol’ Gritty mural on the side of the building.
Finks Hoagies… its impossible to leave off the King of Hoagies!
Apparel
Open House has the cutest apparel for all ages as well as home decor, pet gear and even cute pandemic apparel! Order from their site or pop in for a visit on 13th St.
South Fellini is cute, different, and all about the Philly Lifestyle. They’re not stereotypical Philly apparel, but their apparel is witty and in-style.
Mia Philadelphia is a staple for eveningwear in my family. I, along with my mom and sister, bought all of my prom gowns from Mia. She was always super honest but never let you leave in a gown you weren’t feeling perfect in.
Moon and Arrow has such a different selection of apparel. Their vibe is very earthy and mellow.
Bella Boutique because we are all ballin’ on a budget. Get your (used) name brand, designer products here!
Products
Marsh + Mane‘s products smell SO good and they always leave my skin feeling smooth and fresh.
Harriett’s Book Shop is a bookshop, named after Harriett Tubman, who’s mission is to celebrate women. They have tons of titles and a great selection of books.
The Little Apple Store is such a niche store but with a wide variety of items. Their jewelry is so cute and makes for great gift giving on any occasion.
Shane’s Candy Store is the oldest candy store in America. I remember the days my Grandmom would always come home with some for me and my sister. Yummy candy, even sweeter memories.
The Cheesecake Lady is in Elkins Park, PA but boy is she worth the extra gas. This family owned and operated business makes your welcome warm and their cheesecake makes you a return customer.
