A Month of Lockdowns on Main Street and Aid Already Ran Out
American small businesses are struggling to get by, and the outlook is uncertain, even with relief funds.
Justin Catalana and his wife Dina Dobkin stand for a photograph at Fort Point Beer Company's brewery in San Francisco, California, on April 17.
Photographer: Michael Short/Bloomberg
This week marked the first full month of lockdowns for many small businesses across the U.S., with no prospect of life getting back to normal anytime soon.
The $349 billion federal relief package for small companies ran out in less than two weeks, leaving many mom and pop store owners shut out after spending days desperately trying to get a lifeline for their business and employees. Among those who succeeded in getting a government-backed loan, some say they fret about an uncertain future past the two months of relief the program provides.