KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Small businesses around the Kansas City area are seeking financial assistance from local, state and federal agencies and are evaluating their options amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Despite adjusting with carryout and curbside pickup options, business is down at the Dotte Spot bar and grill in Kansas City, Kansas.
"We're doing about 25% of the business that we would usually do on a typical day," Melissa Nead, co-owner of the Dotte Spot Bar & Grill, said. "So, honestly, every few days my business partner and I are taking a look at our cash flow, where we're at what we can spend and making decisions at that point."
Recently, some decisions have been tough. They've reduced operating hours and laid off three employees, which was half of the Dotte Spot's staff.
"We know that we will have to secure a loan of some sort," Nead said, "and it's just at what point."
The Dotte Spot owners recently applied for assistance from the $5 million allocated for Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's Hospitality Industry Relief Emergency Fund.
"Unfortunately, those funds depleted very quickly, so we're hoping that maybe there'll be more funds there," Nead said. "We are keeping our radar open and hoping that there is some relief that comes for small businesses within the stimulus package."
The Kansas Department of Commerce is still accepting applications "should future dollars for the HIRE Fund be made available."
Businesses also can apply for federal disaster loan assistance up to $2 million through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Karah Jones, owner and CEO of Angel Competition Bikinis in Lenexa, is among those hoping to tap into available federal funds.
When sales plunged, Jones' employees agreed to work part-time.
"It is so hard with them," Jones said. "They have kids that are depending on them."
She plans to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program part of the recent CARES Act, the largest stimulus package ever authorized in U.S. history.
The program is one of several for small business and is designed to help them continue to make payroll and covers key expenses, like rent and utilities.
"The application goes live tomorrow and they anticipate about Monday or Tuesday running out of money for it, so we're on top of that with our banker," Jones said.
Meanwhile, business owners are standing together.
"In times of need like this, there are a lot of local businesses and resources that are helpful, which has been kind of our saving grace," Jones said.
Nead agreed, "We're sending each other that information to say, 'Hey, I don't qualify for this one, but you guys might' just trying to pass that info along as quick as we can."
