Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has been a 10-month battle of challenges and obstacles for Erie-region small-business owners.
African-American business owners in Erie have felt the effects of the pandemic, and some are relying on promotions, gift-giving options and creative ways to entice customers and generate revenue during the Christmas season.
For owners whose businesses have remained closed during the pandemic, they are hopeful of reopening during the holidays, perhaps attaining some relief with a late-year economic shot in the arm.
Faced with surging COVID-19 cases regionally and nationally, many minority entrepreneurs are hoping to salvage a Christmas shopping season that continues to be significantly affected by additional state and COVID-19 mitigation restrictions.