Experts say small business owners in big distress due to bad economy

As reported in some media outlets tradesmen that is owners of small businesses such as grocery stores, butchers, barbers, coffee shop etc. are observed to be in major financial difficulties due to issues experienced in economy. The number of such business owners are said to be calculated at around 2 million. These people suffer loss of major business potential due to corona as well and cannot even pay their rents and other expenses.

The corona virus has hit every sector. Low-income citizens and tradesmen have literally been in a miserable situation for a while. Before the pandemic, artisans who had trouble paying their rent, premiums, taxes and expenses hit rock bottom during this period. But not many people are talking about them.

Just to provide an example for instance, many canteen operators at schools in Ankara are reported to have taken credit for thinking that the situation with the pandemic would improve in the future. September has arrived, loan payments have begun. But these people are not able to pay the loans. Their expectation from the government is that these loans are be deferred without interest etc.

Talking about bag (handbag etc.) producers for instance business owners in this area say, “The government has always painted a positive picture about the pandemic, so we made our stocks in June and gave our checks etc.” They note that jobs have fallen by 75 percent because schools have not opened. They say “Our products have remained unsold and we have no idea how the loans we have withdrawn will be paid.”

Tens of thousands of people were unemployed due to the restrictions caused by the pandemic in the restaurant, food and beverage and entertainment sector in Antalya and these are the biggest areas of employment in said city.

Restaurant owners in this city where thousands of businesses are also running, waiting for support. Some business people here say they have had to throw away millions of liras worth of outdated products because their businesses were closed.

Sector representatives say “Social Insurance premiums and taxes have been structured but payments will start in February. Our businesses are not open, how can we pay these debts? Bank loans should also be regulated after the workplace opens, with zero interest and a term of 3-6 months”