Countless small businesses are facing tough decisions as the Coronavirus pandemic stretches on. In an attempt to help struggling businesses that have been hit hard by social distancing measures, lawmakers launched the so-called Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) on April 3. But unclear terms and other glitches are making it hard for businesses to cash in a loan through the $349 billion stimulus, and cover payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities; some are even completely left out.
COVID-19 is having a dire impact not only on restaurants and hotels, but on small media outlets. A family-owned radio broadcaster, Gleason Radio Group, which has been serving rural Mainers for over 45 years, was forced to shut down its five stations completely at the end of March. Thousands of other local newspapers and local broadcast media outlets are expecting declines of over 50% in revenue, with many being forced to consider layoffs, furloughs, or pay cuts.
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