For Winnetka’s Economic Development Coordinator Liz Dechant, the recent COVID-19 closures and social distancing rules have forced her to support the local business community online, rather than in person.
“Having grown up in a family that had a small business, visiting with the business owners in the village has always been my favorite part of my job, and I miss it so much,” Dechant said. “I know that is something we all value, so I’m helping our business owners can pivot to find that connection with their customers online.”
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Village officials recently launched a survey to gauge what Winnetka business owners need most to survive during a global health crisis that has been accompanied by what many have described as unprecedented hardships for small businesses.
The village is also working with the Winnetka-Northfield Chamber of Commerce to ensure that the more than 225 local businesses in Winnetka have the resources they need, ranging from help in applying for federal loans, to advice on how to best promote their products and services via social media.
The recent announcement that the U.S. Small Business Administration has halted accepting new applications until further notice for COVID-19-related programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Dechant said many area business owners are scrambling to find emergency funding.
“I’ve heard of one company in the village that got an EIDL loan, many others are still waiting to hear back, and some have been turned down,” Dechant said.
Given the temporary suspension of the federal program, Dechant said village officials are now trying to help business owners find other potential financial assistance sources, including funding that is available for women business owners through outlets like the Red Backpack Fund.
The village is also hoping to help promote local businesses that are showcasing their products and services in creative ways online, Dechant said.
Above all, Winnetka businesses, from retailers to restaurants, need to be supported by local customers more than ever these days, Dechant said.
“Depending on the business, some are doing better than others,” Dechant added.
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