BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Small Business Administration is going to provide small businesses impacted by the Coronavirus up to $2 million in disaster assistance loans.
And the House has passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes protection for small businesses - providing financial assistance through a tax credit to businesses that provide paid leave for their employees.
In the Elmwood Village, this week has been a a bit slow for some businesses.
"We noticed a drop on Thursday in our usual foot traffic in business. Previous to that it was business as usual," said Christa Penner, owner of ShopCraft.
"This is like the first Saturday I've seen any sort of parking on Elmwood," said Elizabeth Cardinale, a retail associate at Buffalo Fleece and Outerwear.
People have been heeding the recommendations of the CDC, staying home and avoiding large crowds.
Businesses we spoke to say they understand that completely, but as a result they're seeing decreased foot traffic.
"Normally Saturday's are our busiest days, and it's around noon it's like we've only had a couple of people in. Normally we would have at least double that at this point," said Cardinale.
Amid the pandemic, more and more people are shopping at big box stores for their needs. But small businesses here would like to remind people not to forget about them.
"They are a part of your community, and this has the potential to really hurt them and they really need your support right now," said Penner.
