As many small businesses have been impacted during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, these local entrepreneurs found it difficult, if not impossible, to pay operating expenses such as payroll, insurance, utilities, loan interest, inventory and, of course, their rent while they were temporarily closed. Upon reopening, many small businesses continue to face unprecedented challenges.
At Washington Prime Group, we regard our tenants as partners. Accordingly, during the second quarter of 2020, the Company entered into constructive negotiations with its small business partners, with a goal of strengthening longstanding relationships. Open for Small Business has been at the forefront of ensuring the survival and subsequent prospering of local entrepreneurs.
This national crisis serves as the catalyst by which we can further our town centers’ standing as a community resource. Our Local Management teams, along with many of our tenants, have worked diligently during the pandemic and continue to serve as a community partner, as exhibited by our hosting of nearly 1,000 community service projects nationwide since March 2020.
These civic measures have not only provided immediate assistance to those in need, they have further solidified Washington Prime Group town centers as an integral member of the locales which they serve.
Learn more about how Open for Small Business supported local businesses throughout 2020: CLICK HERE.