CHICO, Calif. - Shutting down, reopening and shutting down again – a reoccurring theme for businesses.
This pattern has made it hard for small businesses to remain stable.
But, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a $4 billion plan aimed at creating jobs and helping small businesses hit by the coronavirus.
If this passes $575 million would go to small businesses across the state.
Each businesses that qualifies could get up to $25 thousand in grants.
Newsom also wants to give $430 million in tax credits to businesses creating full-time jobs.
This proposal might help small businesses.
Doug Roberts, Duffy’s Tavern owner, said, "We came into this with zero debt. And now it's just going up."
For Doug, this grant could help ease some expenses.
"It would help offset rent which we are not paying right now which we will owe. We've been operating off borrowed money since July. So, anything helps because that's less money that we have to borrow to stay here. Because otherwise at some point, the borrowed money, when it's gone, there is nothing left."
Duffy's has only been open for 2 months since the pandemic started, struggling to stay alive.
So, is this grant enough?
"It's like a nice Christmas present from your uncle,” said Doug. “You know, it's not going to change your life. It's nice. Yeah, we'll take it. It's not going to fix what's already happened. That money won't make us whole. We are still going to owe way more than that. We are alive. We are still here. We want to be open. And we want to see our friends again."