Salon owner during shutdown: 'I had a lot of anxiety and sleepless nights'
ORD, Neb. — Small businesses felt the negative impact of COVID-19. The Interim Executive Director at Valley County Economic Development and Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, Kristina Foth said most of them are retailers, restaurants and hospitality.
In order to help businesses, Foth said the community put a program together called the 47 County Business Boost program. The funds come from a voter-approved sales tax program of $25,000.
"Essentially what it does is we help batch gift cards sales with a 50% match paid directly to the business. That's just adding a little bit more cash infused into the local business economy during a time when our businesses need it most," Foth said.
The owner of Cheveux Salon, Megan Corgill said they were closed for a month and she said the Boost program helped with expenses during the shutdown. Corgill said to help other businesses, she participated in the program herself.
"I had a lot of anxiety and sleepless nights not knowing if it was going to be for two weeks, a month or two months," said Corgill. "So if they would buy a gift certificate here, I would give them a free drink coupon at another local business to help support them."
Frequently asked questions about the 47 COUNTY BUSINESS BOOST.
