The digital transformation from the pandemic for small businesses – Press Enterprise

The pandemic has been devastating for the small business community in the Los Angeles region. When Facebook surveyed hundreds of California’s small business leaders in February, nearly one in five said they were still closed. A third said they’d cut jobs because of the pandemic, and 59% said sales were down compared to the same time last year.

Businesses led by women and minorities have been disproportionately impacted – yet another reminder that whenever crises hit, it’s the most vulnerable who are the hardest hit. Across the United States, women-run companies were more likely to report a drop in sales compared to the previous year – a 7-percentage point difference in California. Across the state, businesses led by people of color closed at a higher rate than others, with just 74% reporting that they were currently operational, compared to 82% for other small businesses.

Many businesses stayed open by adapting, pivoting, and reinventing…

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