ffect
Congress passed the CARES Act in March, which provided a large percentage of the population
with Economic Impact Payments, provided Unemployment Insurance and extended aid to businesses.
Local business owners scampered to protect their interests with programs offered
through the Small Business Administration. However, the wholly self-employed worker was
excluded from lost wage benefits until May 5 when Unemployment Insurance was opened up for
relief.
Hot Springs is home to a wide variety of small businesses and self-employed entrepreneurs. The
effects of COVID-19 on local interests are broad and ongoing, as are the consequences of a
tourist venue at the mercy of a fluid virus. Shell-shocked at the initial implications of suggested
and forced closures, newly imposed guidelines and restrictions, and unknowns, the Hot Springs
business community clenched its collective fists and fought back where it could.
LIFE & HOME 25