How 3 businesses accessed SBA assistance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA administered economic relief to small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program, the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and Advance Programs, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and other economic relief initiatives.
The SBA also has small business development programs, including the 8(a) Business Development Program that helps firms compete for federal contracts, and the Emerging Leaders Program, a training curriculum designed to accelerate the growth of small businesses.
Meet some of the small businesses that accessed SBA assistance to weather the COVID-19 pandemic and pivot in a changing economy to get back on track.
To learn more about the SBA and small business programs, please connect with the SBA's Illinois District Office at Illinois.do@sba.gov or at (312) 353-4528.
Racquel Fields
14 Parish Website: https://www.14parish.com Email: info@14parish.com
Q: What motivated you to start your business?
I started my business because I wanted to create financial freedom for my family and myself and because I am in love with the hospitality industry.
Q: How has your business been impacted by COVID-19 and how have you pivoted?
COVID was an extremely trying time for the restaurant industry and for my business. We had just relocated to a new location and 2020 was projected to be our "breakout" year. However, due to a combination of COVID and relocating, we were closed for indoor dining for roughly seven months. We truly listened to the needs and wants of the customers and the community during that time. They wanted hassle free pick-ups, accessibility on all third-party delivery apps, to-go cocktails, and true experiential dining when they did come out. We worked really hard to provide and meet every need within reason.
Q: How has the SBA assisted your business through the pandemic?
The SBA was a big help to our survival during rough times. Without the Paycheck Protection Program and the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan, I doubt we would have survived 2020. In addition, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund was a big help in filling the hole that closure created.
Q: What is one tip you would offer small businesses coming out of the pandemic or pivoting their small business?
There are three things that I feel like have sustained me through all phases of entrepreneurship.
1. Make a checklist or simply write it down.
2. Don't accept 'no.' No has to be proven.
3. Grit and patience will get you through. Rome wasn't built in a day, neither will your success.
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Christen Carter
Busy Beaver Button Website: https://www.busybeaver.net Email: christen@busybeaver.net
Q: Why did you start your business?
I was in college and in a punk rock band and no one was making buttons for that scene even though buttons have historically been a go-to accessory since the beginning of punk. It was really fun for me to be a contributing part of the DIY community at the time, and I got to meet so many like-minded and cool people. Even as a kid, I always enjoyed how buttons express an idea through design and messaging and then help build community and I saw that firsthand. I never would have guessed that 26-plus years that I'd still be doing it! But it's really been such an honor to be hub for people up to interesting things whether it's a birthday party or a national political campaign. Buttons help people connect and their magic!
Q: How has your business been impacted by COVID-19 and how have you pivoted?
Our sales went down dramatically during 2020 and 2021 compared to 2019. Buttons are heavily dependent on people gathering, it turns out! Our pivots were adding product lines, including making stickers in-house. Plus, just digging deeper into who we are, our values, and the relationships we have. Our process is called "Service from a Friend" and it's been an extra important time to support our friends. And so many customers and partners have supported us, too. It's heartwarming!
Q: How has the SBA assisted your business through the pandemic?
The SBA Emerging Leaders program came at a perfect time for me because I felt stuck and just plain worried. Being with the cohort and guided by such caring people made me feel less alone, I really felt supported. The Emerging Leaders class got me thinking about the future again. I came up with our three-year plan that I think will get us to where I want us to be. It has been incredibly energizing to have a clearer focus and know what I need to do now to get to our three-year goal. In addition, I learned more about how to get more work with government agencies which we decided to try out! The PPP and COVID EIDL programs helped a lot too!
Q: What is one tip you would offer small businesses coming out of the pandemic or pivoting their small business?
Look for what people need and help solve the problems that they are trying to find solutions to at the right time. To find out, ask current customers, ask customers who haven't been around for a while. Ask anyone, there's usually something to glean from people's thoughts.
Also, as business owners, we need to take care of ourselves, we have people relying on us.
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Industria Construction Services
David Rambhajan Website: http://www.industriainc.com Email: david@rambhajan.com
Q: What motivated you to start your business?
I've always been an entrepreneur since a young age. I wanted the autonomy to make my own choices and the opportunity to build something from nothing. My Marine Corps training provided me a springboard with the mindset to take the leap and not look back.
Q: How has your business been impacted by COVID-19 and how have you pivoted?
The 'ship' did slow and almost came to a stop during COVID, but with flexible overhead and PPP assistance from the SBA we were able to maintain momentum and be ready when work resumed.
Q: How has the SBA assisted your business over the pandemic?
We are a graduate of the SBA 8(a) Program and obtained a PPP Loan. The federal small business programs have helped me to grow my business. We were nominated as 8(a) Business of the Year in Illinois while in the program. Working with the SBA and the 8(a) Program has allowed me to scale my business. Before participating in the program, I was an employee of my company, trying to grow. Today, I'm the owner of a company that I oversee.
I was born and raised in Chicago, but my parents are immigrants from Trinidad West Indies. So, I didn't have parents who helped me understand what it takes to build a business from scratch. I didn't buy a franchise, so I had to develop my own systems and processes for the company. I didn't have any loans or grants when I started the business which made scaling the business even more challenging. But the SBA programs provided the one thing I needed: an opportunity. I was able to take that opportunity, build a business and hit my targets. Today I'm thankful and committed to pay it forward, and to share my experience and lessons learned with other small and veteran-owned firms.