Durham small business owners come together to discuss recovery efforts after pandemic
Small business owners in Durham have formed a coalition after voicing concerns about the small business relief program recently proposed by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development.
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It was very important for Durham small businesses, like Empower Dance Studio, to have a seat at the table when discussing the right level of investment into the Durham community. Members of the coalition said the relief program has no rationale behind the proposed $1 million the city council settled on.
"It's frustrating as business owners to be in that position because we are working so hard," said Nicole Oxendine of Empower Dance Studio.
“The solution that we’re requesting from the city is $2 million dollars from the city and $2 million from the county,” Oxendine said.
“It has to come in the form of loans," Durham Mayor Steve Schewel said. "We need them to be long-term loans or very low interest loans.”
“The city has allocated $1 million and Duke has allocated $1 million," Schewel said. "We hope the county will help. We need more private funders to step up.”
City leaders and staff, taking everything into consideration, say they are committed to delivering the final version of this support program finalized by June 4.
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