A JAX Chamber survey found its members are struggling financially with the COVID-19 pandemic and want more information about how to apply for relief.
JAX Chamber surveyed 400 members. The survey found that 47% of respondents asked for more information about obtaining financial support.
In response, JAX Chamber created a webpage, jaxchamber.com/coronavirusbusinessresources, that compiles information on resources for small business owners.
JAX Chamber also began a webinar series April 3 to help members with information on financially recovering from the outbreak.
About 82% of the survey respondents have fewer than 100 employees.
The survey found that 65% had business cancellations, 57% had rescheduled bookings or events, 60% reported lower sales and 37% dealt with employee absences.
COVID-19-related closures forced 30% to reduce staff hours and 17% said they reduced their employee count. The survey found that 19% suspended operations while paying employees and 17% suspended operations without paying.
On March 24, Mayor Lenny Curry’s delivered an executive order mandating that employees who can work remotely to do so. The survey found that 25% said they were mandating that employees work from home and 32% said policy allowed for it, but it was not required. Another 6% said they hadn’t sent employees home, but were considering doing so.
Not many JAX Chamber companies are hiring, with 89% saying they had no temporary or part-time work available.
JAX Chamber President Daniel Davis said in an email that the organization is planning to hold “as many events as we can virtually” to provide information and networking opportunities.