Amid the pandemic, labor shortages, and rising inflation, the Coalition to Back Black Businesses is providing funding and mentorship opportunities to help Black small business owners persevere and continue to grow their business.
Various U.S. cities, states moving to decriminalize vending
By Carey L. Biron
WASHINGTON, May 5 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Since losing her job in 2018, Nekia Hattley has been selling vegan desserts at farmers’ markets and on the streets of Los Angeles. Today, with COVID-19 pushing people outdoors, she sees a potential new revenue surge – but there’s a catch.
Street vendors selling food are subject to stringent policies, including what type of cart they can use and where they can prepare the food, and adhering to them is complicated and expensive, said Hattley.
“People usually start street vending because they’re trying to make a means for themselves, starting from ground zero,” Hattley told the Thomson Reuters Foundation, adding that the rules are “impossible – it’s crazy.”