Mixed emotions arise from businesses as grant application opens
Mixed emotions arise from businesses as grant application opens
Mixed emotions arise from businesses as grant application opens
Struggling French Quarter businesses located near the ongoing Sewerage and Water Board project can now apply for the Business Stabilization Fund.
Mayor Helena Moreno announced the fund during a news conference last week.
Eligible businesses have to operate within the project boundaries and submit proof of profit loss when applying.
Businesses with fewer than eight employees are eligible for $2500. Those with eight or more employees qualify for $5,000.
The application closes July 10.
WDSU spoke with employees Monday afternoon who shared some mixed emotions. While many are encouraged by the ongoing efforts to find relief for the struggling businesses, others are still working to dig themselves out of a financial hole while simultaneously watching their fellow entrepreneurs be forced to shutter their doors.
“Sbisa’s closed. It’s been there since 1899, and I cried. I’ve known the people for like thirty years, you know, and it’s just hard,” said Kim Greer, manager at Christmas Quarters.
Greer says her store has lost anywhere from 70% to 80% revenue since the construction began in September. Their only saving grace has been the regulars that know they are still open.
Tourists, on the other hand, have been more difficult than ever to draw in.
Natasha Young from Oklahoma passed through New Orleans on her way to Florida, excited to experience what the city had to offer, but says she struggled to even find the world-famous Cafe Du Monde amid all the construction.
“You have to go all the way down to come back around, and you still can’t walk through,” Young said.
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