Davids Visits Local Businesses in Downtown Overland Park, Discusses Federal Relief Aid

OVERLAND PARK, KS – Today, Representative Sharice Davids hosted a "Main Street Stroll" in Downtown Overland Park, visiting four local businesses to hear how the American Rescue Plan and other federal relief programs helped them stay open through the pandemic. She also hosted the owners for a roundtable discussion, where they discussed the challenges they still face as our economy begins to get back on track after the public health and subsequent economic crisis.

The small business owners shared their gratitude for federal relief programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was expanded by the American Rescue Plan and allowed many of them to keep staff on payroll and make ends meet during the pandemic. They also shared their concerns around reopening after a year of unprecedented challenges, and their desire for continued support at the federal, state, and local level. Businesses that participated included: The Upper Crust Pie Bakery, Ten Thousand Villages, Popculture, and The General Store.

Davids at The Upper Crust

"The pandemic hit small businesses like these especially hard, and I'm proud to have supported programs in the American Rescue Plan that helped them make it through—but I know reopening our economy is not a light switch, so I'll continue to advocate for small businesses to get the support they need," said Davids. "That's why conversations like today's are so important, and I'm going to keep listening to our local business owners and putting them at the forefront of our economic recovery efforts."

Davids visiting with The Upper Crust co-owners Elaine Van Buskirk and Jan Knobel

"It's safe to say that without the PPP loan, our understanding landlord, and the incredible support of our customers, we wouldn't be open today," said Elaine Van Buskirk and Jan Knobel, co-owners of The Upper Crust. "We shut down completely for about a month at the beginning of the pandemic, and that federal aid helped us deal with outstanding bills and be able to bring staff back. Now, we're back to baking and serving the community we love full-time."

Davids speaking with Michael Cole, The General Store owner

"The Kansas Small Business Development Center was crucial in helping guide our business through the pandemic, particularly with the federal PPP and EIDL loan programs as well as lesser known local grant programs," said Michael Cole, owner of The General Store. "We are grateful for their help and the help of these federal aid programs, which allowed us to continue serving our community through an incredibly difficult time."

Davids trying out the popcorn at Popculture with Melody Woo, co-owner

"We had to adjust our model significantly at the beginning of the pandemic, and the PPP loan we received allowed us to stabilize the business while we figured out how to proceed and keep our staff safe," said Justin Woo, owner of Popculture. "We've now been able to bring back nearly all our staff and expand our locations in Kansas and Missouri, thanks in part to the federal relief we received last year."

Davids viewing a dinosaur made from recycled flip flops with Karen Blum-Greenwood, co-director of Ten Thousand Villages

"Our staff was personally affected by the coronavirus, and just like many other businesses we had to close to protect those who work and shop at our location—plus, we were dealing with the global impacts of the pandemic on the artisans who supply our store," said Karen Blum-Greenwood, co-director of Ten Thousand Villages. "The PPP loan we received helped save three jobs, and I'm happy to say that we are getting closer to a semblance of normal after a difficult year."

Davids voted for the American Rescue Plan, which helped small businesses like these through:

• Allocating more than $56 million to Kansas for the State Small Business Credit Initiative to spur state programs and public-private investment
• Extending the paid leave credit for small businesses through 2021
• Providing $7.25 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, including to expand eligibility to nonprofits and digital news services
• Adding additional funds for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program and allowing businesses to apply for both a PPP loan and the SVOG
• Providing $15 billion additional for Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDL) payments, and creating Supplemental Targeted EIDL Advance payments for those hardest hit
• Creating the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund for industry-focused grants
• Creating the $100 million Community Navigator pilot program to provide grants to organizations supporting efforts to improve access to COVID–19 pandemic assistance programs and resources

As a member of the House Small Business Committee, Davids has pushed for oversight of relief programs and urged the Small Business Administration to increase funds available to restaurants and support venue owners who are still waiting for emergency funds. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access, she has chaired hearings focused on shoring up supply chains for small- and medium-sized manufacturers here at home, and supporting women entrepreneurs.