Battered by months of a pandemic, hundreds of small businesses across Nebraska say things are starting to get a little better. In their latest survey, researchers at the University of Nebraska-Omaha say 86% of small businesses they talked to statewide have reported a loss in revenue because of COVID-19.The Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR) at UNO first reached out to business owners in April. Respondents have told them government loan programs played a critical part in them staying afloat, but added they still wonder how long they will have to weather the storm.In Omaha’s Aksarben Village, restaurant owner Justin Halbert said more information and communication with health experts and local officials has helped him keep ‘Herbe Sainte’ open.”We feel better in our space, especially a small space, a smaller restaurant. Knowing that, keeping that little bit of social distancing: it’s just better for us, better for our guests,” Halbert said.Josie Schafer, director of the CPAR, said it’s the same fight for small businesses across the state. “Over 90% of Nebraska’s businesses qualify as small or very small, so we really don’t want to lose those great businesses.”Schafer and her team surveyed thousands of owners in April and followed up with roughly 900 who wanted to update their status.Schafer said the survey shows encouraging signs. Nearly 60% of responding businesses said their employees will work normal hours, which is up from 42% in April.”We’re seeing fewer people laying off and we’re seeing fewer people reducing hours. Employment is still down, but we do see businesses looking to solve that problem,” Schafer said.As for federal relief — 73% of businesses surveyed in the second round, who applied for aid through programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) said they received some if not all of the money.But, more than half (52.2%) said they still worry how long the pandemic will last. 48.4% said they fear a drop in consumer spending.Other highlights from the survey:52 % of surveyed businesses said the public has responded positively to changes made inside the premises, including social distancing and wearing masks.40% of surveyed businesses said their employees are still working remotely; compared to 48% in April.Schafer says the response to those questions will help communities come up with solutions to help business owners. “Data helps solve problems. We can’t write public policy without data informing why we’re doing it or what we’re going to do, or what we expect to see change,” she said.
Battered by months of a pandemic, hundreds of small businesses across Nebraska say things are starting to get a little better.
In their latest survey, researchers at the University of Nebraska-Omaha say 86% of small businesses they talked to statewide have reported a loss in revenue because of COVID-19.
The Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR) at UNO first reached out to business owners in April. Respondents have told them government loan programs played a critical part in them staying afloat, but added they still wonder how long they will have to weather the storm.
In Omaha’s Aksarben Village, restaurant owner Justin Halbert said more information and communication with health experts and local officials has helped him keep ‘Herbe Sainte’ open.
“We feel better in our space, especially a small space, a smaller restaurant. Knowing that, keeping that little bit of social distancing: it’s just better for us, better for our guests,” Halbert said.
Josie Schafer, director of the CPAR, said it’s the same fight for small businesses across the state. “Over 90% of Nebraska’s businesses qualify as small or very small, so we really don’t want to lose those great businesses.”
Schafer and her team surveyed thousands of owners in April and followed up with roughly 900 who wanted to update their status.
Schafer said the survey shows encouraging signs. Nearly 60% of responding businesses said their employees will work normal hours, which is up from 42% in April.
“We’re seeing fewer people laying off and we’re seeing fewer people reducing hours. Employment is still down, but we do see businesses looking to solve that problem,” Schafer said.
As for federal relief — 73% of businesses surveyed in the second round, who applied for aid through programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) said they received some if not all of the money.
But, more than half (52.2%) said they still worry how long the pandemic will last. 48.4% said they fear a drop in consumer spending.
Other highlights from the survey:
- 52 % of surveyed businesses said the public has responded positively to changes made inside the premises, including social distancing and wearing masks.
- 40% of surveyed businesses said their employees are still working remotely; compared to 48% in April.
Schafer says the response to those questions will help communities come up with solutions to help business owners. “Data helps solve problems. We can’t write public policy without data informing why we’re doing it or what we’re going to do, or what we expect to see change,” she said.
