GREATER LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)- Small businesses are hurting now more than ever. Governor Holcomb has ordered non-essential businesses to remain closed for another two weeks. That’s why the Greater Lafayette Commerce is doing their part to provide resources for businesses during this tough time. However, some local businesses like Diggz Formals say that those resources may not be enough.
"We have had a growth every month and this year was looking excellent at least a good 20 percent growth," says Lori Harth the Owner of Diggz Formals.
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, Diggz Formals was doing well. Now, since all proms have been canceled and Harth has been forced to close her doors things are looking a lot different.
"It's been a nightmare March and April are our primary selling months for prom gowns,” said Harth. “In the first part of March, it was announced that schools were going to be closed for an extended period of time and then they completely canceled everything so it's really killed us."
Greater Lafayette Commerce says while small businesses are being hurt the most, other larger businesses will start to feel the effects of COVID-19.
"With the longevity of this pandemic it will get to the point where other industries are being affected as well," said Andrew Antonio the Vice President of Chamber and Quality of Life at Greater Lafayette Commerce.
That's why the organization is offering resources on its website to help all businesses through this tough time.
"We are trying to put together some webinars we've actually got one coming up called storefront strategies it's on different restaurants and retailers that are doing really innovative things," said Antonio.
While there may be resource options available, for some specialty shops like Lori Harth's those options aren't ideal.
"On that small business loan it says you can get funding for rent and utilities and it's only two and half months,” added Harth. “That would not help us at all because we will not have any revenue in those two and a half months."
That's why Greater Lafayette Commerce says shopping local is more important now than ever before.
"Those local businesses really depend on us now more than ever,” added Antonio.
Greater Lafayette Commerce says one way for retail shops to retain their customers is to offer ordering over the phone or online. For a list of resources, the Greater Lafayette Commerce is making available click here.
