By Mary Alice Scott
Small businesses in Portland always feel hectic and busy during the summer. But little could have prepared them for the summer they just finished. Some were busier than they were in 2019 – but with fewer staff members, less inventory, and more challenges presenting themselves in every direction.
Now they begin to look ahead toward the busy holiday shopping season, while still preparing (as much as they can) for continued bumps.
Sometimes, as local businesses advocates, we have the ability to think globally and act locally. Sometimes we have no choice but to think globally. Many of the challenges local businesses are facing are not unique to Portland – especially right now. For the foreseeable future, Covid will continue to impact just about every facet of owning a business.
Last year, we implored community members to begin thinking about holiday shopping early. “October is the new December,” we said.
Little did we know, we’d be back here with the same advice one year later.
From labor shortages to supply chain issues, nothing is easy in the world of small business, and it’s clearer than ever how global issues impact our local business community.
One of our members, who owns a retail shop, said that she is lucky if she receives 40% of what she orders from her suppliers, due to continued disruptions of supply chains around the world.
Now is the time to support the local business community.
Small Business Problem Solving Sessions – Join us!
If you’re a small business owner, consider joining us for one of our upcoming Small Business Problem Solving Sessions. In these small sessions, local business owners will come together in conversation with their colleagues. We invite participants to bring up any burning issue that they would like peer feedback on.
Part networking, part problem solving, and part therapy session! This small group opportunity is a chance for local business owners to connect and support one another and develop a deeper sense of community.
Dates
- Thursday, October 14 at 4pm in person at Two Fat Cats (masks required)
- Tuesday, October 26th at 4pm (virtual)
Visit our website at www.portlandbuylocal.org for more information on our upcoming events, or to find other ways to support our local business community.
Mary Alice Scott is Executive Director of Portland Buy Local. The West End News is a Portland Buy Local member and media partner.
