The retail sector is bouncing back from the pandemic with new businesses opening and increased sales forecast. Roy Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, noted two programs launched last year that helped small retailers stay in business. The chamber, in partnership with the city’s commercial districts, kicked off the Stand Tall Shop Small for OKC campaign in June. The chamber also joined the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City as partners with the city to implement the Small Business Continuity Program, which offered business owners and nonprofits with 100 or fewer full-time employees COVID-19 disaster relief funds. The program shined light on the challenges small businesses were facing, Williams said.