Almost two years into the Covid-19 pandemic, many small businesses are still struggling.
While financial assistance for those impacted by the crisis has ended, some of the hardest-hit industries, including gyms, hotels and restaurants, are pushing for more relief. For many, the omicron surge dealt a big blow.
In the restaurant industry, 88% of operators experienced a decline in consumer demand for indoor on-premises dining because of the variant, according to a survey by the National Restaurant Association. Three-quarters said business conditions were worse now than three months ago, and 74% reported their restaurant is less profitable now than it was before the pandemic…