Survey: Virus Not Currently Impacting Most Small Business
A national survey of small retailers shows most small business owners don't feel coronavirus has impacted their businesses. (stock image: Pixabay)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe National Federation of Independent Businesses says a new survey reveals that most small businesses are not yet currently impacted by the coronavirus. However, owners are very concerned about future disruptions if the outbreak escalates even further.
“Right now, our small business owners are not seeing a huge impact, but as we know, the situation surrounding coronavirus is fluid,” said Barbara Quandt, NFIB State Director in Indiana. “We will continue to listen to our members as they navigate the changing conditions.”
In its nationwide survey, NFIB says nearly three-quarters (74%) of small businesses are not currently impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Another 23% is having a negative impact, and 3% are actually having a positive impact.
Of those businesses negatively impacted, 39% are experiencing supply chain disruptions, 42% slower sales, and 4% sick employees. NFIB says the owners who reported sick employees say the workers showed signs of a cold or flu-like symptoms and not necessarily tested positive for the virus.
“Our small business owners have a heightened awareness and are keeping an eye out for potential disruptions when, as anticipated by the CDC, the virus escalates in Indiana.”
According to the survey, of those small business owners not currently impacted, 43% anticipate their business being impacted if the coronavirus outbreak spreads to, or spreads more broadly in, their immediate area over the next three months.
The survey was taken March 10-11, 2020. There were 300 respondents.