The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for everyone, but small businesses have been impacted especially hard. Between the stay-at-home order, the reduction of customers, and surmounting financial obligations, business owners have been faced with adversity, unlike anything they could have prepared for their years of experience and businesses.
Fortunately, organizations that support the development and growth of small businesses were quick to respond, such as the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and the CalAsian Chamber of Commerce (CAPCC). The CAPCC immediately pivoted its attention towards its clients and small businesses impacted by COVID-19, and assigned subject matter experts (SME) to service the needs of those businesses. For instance, the CAPCC provided services to the local business, ProActive Acupuncture, Center for Asian Healing Arts, which specializes in traditional Chinese medicine with a focus on Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. The ProActive Acupuncture, Center for Asian Healing Arts started in 2005 and has been in business for fourteen years, providing the highest quality of care through acupuncturists who are knowledgeable, who have great respect for medicine, and who ensure the greatest results possible to their patients and clientele. According to the owner of ProActive Acupuncture, BradleyCimino, L.AC DNBAO, and Cimino’s wife, Marleny, the greatest business challenge they faced due to the pandemic was sustaining payroll and paying for operating costs.
However, through the assistance of the CAPCC, Bradley and Marleny received support with timely-sensitive, financial guidance in applying for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. To their success, ProActive Acupuncture, Center for Asian Healing Arts received both loans. When asked how the service provided by the CalAsian Chamber of Commerce or the loan opportunity has helped or saved their business, Marleny said, “We could not have received these timely loans without Glenn’s help and guidance.”ProActive Acupuncture expressed such gratitude for the prompt guidance, information, and support received through the application of the PPP and EIDL loans, and the ultimate success of securing funding from both sources.
However, through the assistance of the CAPCC, Bradley and Marleny received support with timely-sensitive, financial guidance in applying for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and PaycheckProtection Program (PPP) loans. To their success, ProActive Acupuncture, Center for Asian Healing Arts received both loans. When asked how the service provided by the CalAsian Chamber of Commerce or the loan opportunity has helped or saved their business, Marleny said, “We could not have received these timely loans without Glenn’s help and guidance.”ProActive Acupuncture expressed such gratitude for the prompt guidance, information, and support received through the application of the PPP and EIDL loans, and the ultimate success of securing funding from both sources.
Although it is a difficult time for most during this pandemic, the theCalAsian Chamber of Commerce is prepared and ready to support clients and small businesses through a variety of resources.
For more information or to receive subject matter support for your business, please visit the MBDA Business Center Cares Act Program.