Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
The majority of Brooklyn’s small businesses will struggle to survive this fall because of coronavirus-related losses, according to a new survey by a local industry group.
“The small businesses that make up our neighborhoods and sustain our communities are facing unprecedented economic challenges, requiring immediate support, grants and urgent rent relief if they are going to survive,” said Randy Peers, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber surveyed 234 mom-and-pop shops in the borough. Half reported revenue losses of 50 percent or more over the summer. Nearly 30 percent couldn’t pay rent in August, about 40 percent owe back rent, and 53 percent said “they would struggle to stay open during the next three months.”
Maya Haddad Miller, co-owner of the Brooklyn Beach Shop on the Coney Island boardwalk, said her sales are down 80 percent.
“Once some of us were able to open in reduced capacity it didn’t cut it,” she told The Post.
“We rely on foot traffic we get from the amusements there wasn’t any of that. There was no tourism,” she said.
While the beach is open, state regulations have kept the amusement park closed.
Haddad Miller said she’s “not optimistic” about the coming weeks.
“I still need to pay my rent. I’m trying to figure it out,” she said.
Over 80 percent said cash grants would be crucial to stave off permanent closure. Another 70 percent advocated for rent relief and 50 percent pushed for low-interest loans to stay afloat.
The city’s $49 million program to help 200,000 small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis dried up months ago. Officials in Washington, DC, are still fighting over the details of a potential second stimulus.
Miriam Milord and Dara Roach, who run BCakeNY in Prospect Park, designed elaborate custom cakes for weddings and other large events until the pandemic hit in March.
When all big gatherings were canceled the women did a quick pivot to smaller cakes, cupcakes and mason jar cakes for more intimate family events. They’ve been able to pay their bills, but they’re concerned about surrounding businesses on the block.
“Even though we made our rent we’re just frightened for the people who haven’t. We need the foot traffic.
“If the neighborhood dies, we die,” Roach said.
