Small businesses concerned about reopening after pandemic, Rite Aid is hiring
Small businesses concerned about reopening
A recent study by Lending Tree shows small business owners are very concerned that they might not recover from the temporary closures brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
Business owners are holding on by a thread as more states temporarily close non-essential businesses, according to the survey that contacted more than 1,200 business owners. Nearly half of small business owners have temporarily closed their businesses, the survey found. They have also laid-off workers or reduced their hours and sought funding, often unsuccessfully, to stay afloat.
Here are some key findings from the survey:
▪ 71% of small business owners are worried their business will never recoup the losses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
▪ Nearly half — 47% — of small business owners surveyed have taken on debt to keep their business afloat during the pandemic. An additional 34% attempted to seek financing but were not approved.
▪ 8 in 10 small business owners have “no idea” where to get emergency funding for their business right now.
▪ 69% of small business owners do not have enough cash on hand to sustain their business for the next 90 days.
In this state, one new way small businesses can get help is through the new Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program. The program awards grants up to $10,000 to businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Distillery increases sanitizer production
Chuckanut Bay Distillery said in a Facebook post that it is ceasing production of its spirit products in order to just make hand sanitizer. The post estimates they will now be making thousands of gallons of sanitizer each week and will get it out to those who need it most.
Co-owner Kelly Andrews said in an email that the thousands of gallons is currently happening in fits and starts because procuring the component ingredients is very challenging now — isopropyl alcohol and glycerin in particular.
In the region, the company has been supplying nursing homes, clinics, testing centers, charitable groups, hospitals and some nearby city organizations with the sanitizer. The distillery also purchased a supply of N-95 masks to donate to local first responders in need.
Rite Aid hiring, giving raises
Rite Aid is hiring 5,000 workers for full- and part-time roles across the U.S. to meet increased demands during the COVID-19 outbreak, with positions including cashiers and pharmacy technicians.
As of Monday afternoon, April 6, Whatcom and Skagit counties had 17 open positions at the company. For available positions and further details, applicants can visit careers.info.riteaid.com.
Rite Aid has also rolled out a new Hero Program to recognize its workers during this coronavirus pandemic. New benefits include:
▪ Increase of $2 per hour for hourly workers through at least May 2.
▪ Bonus of $1,000 for current retail store management.
▪ Employee discount will increase to 35% through at least the end of April 2020.
▪ “Pandemic pay” policy to ensure compensation for any workers impacted by COVID-19.
The company has also created a designated senior shopping hour from 9-10 a.m. to limit exposure of aged 60+ customers.
Youngstock’s to open April 13
Youngstock’s Nursery and Produce is planning to open its 48th season on Monday, April 13, at 2237 James St., near Kulshan Brewing.
In a Facebook post, the company noted that it is creating more space between tables and limiting the number of customers in the open-air store to promote social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.
The store will be open 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. to allow for proper cleaning. It will also be offering weekly produce boxes for pick up on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Help with L&I payments
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries is offering relief to help employers struggling to pay their workers’ compensation premiums.
L&I is now offering a grace period for premium payments, along with payment plans for employers facing financial difficulties during the coronavirus pandemic. Under this new offer, employers can request for their payment to be deferred for up to 90 days, or can ask for a 90-day payment plan. Either way, the delayed payments will be penalty- and interest-free.
Payments for the first quarter of 2020 are due Thursday, April 30. To be eligible for this coronavirus-related assistance, employers must contact their L&I account manager if they know they won’t be able to make their quarterly premium payment. Account managers are available by phone at 360-902-4817.
This story will be updated.
This story was originally published April 7, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
