pandemic relief package

Despite the first COVID-19 vaccines being administered, most small businesses (62%) anticipate the worst of the pandemic’s economic impact is still ahead with half (50%) seeing their operations continuing for a year or less in the current business climate before having to close permanently. These sobering statistics come from poll results released yesterday by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and MetLife. (The poll was taken October 30 – November 10.) Three-quarters (74%) of all small business owners say they need further government assistance. That percentage increases to 83% when looking at minority-owned businesses. Only four in 10 (40%) of all small business owners believe their business can continue to operate indefinitely without having to shut down permanently. “The impact of coronavirus continues to take a devastating toll on America’s small businesses,” said Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “…We must ensure small businesses across the country receive the assistance they need from the federal government.” He also stated, “The Portman-Manchin proposal required significant compromise on both liability protections and state and local aid. It should become law…. If, however, there is insufficient support, which appears to be the case, for including liability protection and state aid, Congress must pass the remainder of pandemic relief package developed by the bipartisan working group. Partial agreement is better than no agreement…” According to the survey, the majority of small business owners (56%) disagree that they have all the support they need from the federal ...