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UPDATE: Survey extended to January 31

This survey is being sent to Rhinebeck businesses to help us gain a more accurate picture of the impacts of Covid-19 and the economic collapse to date on Rhinebeck’s small business community, what is anticipated for the coming months, and what types of assistance are needed for recovery.

This is a follow up to Rhinebeck Responds’ June 2020 business survey whose important findings have helped to direct our work. For results of the first survey see: https://rhinebeckresponds.org/rhinebeck-small-business-survey/)

Small businesses are an essential pillar of a healthy Rhinebeck community. The fate of
our small shops, restaurants, and service providers is affecting the economic well-being, the unique character, and long-term stability of our entire community.

We really are in this together.

As we move into the winter months, we want to get a good clear picture of the local small business economy. We will share the results widely, including with the business community, political leaders, potential donors, and media covering how small businesses are faring in the time of Covid.

Your responses will be anonymous and will not be linked to you or your business. In some cases, we may send the survey to more than one person at a business. Please complete only one survey per business. If your business has other locations outside Rhinebeck, please provide answers only for your Rhinebeck location.

Please answer as completely as you can. The survey must be submitted before COB January 31.

Let's get started.

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* 1. How long have you had a business in Rhinebeck?

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* 2. Length of Business (compiled 2/1)

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* 3. Your type of business: (Check one)

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* 4. Is your business in the Village or the town of Rhinebeck?

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* 5. In 2019, what was your total gross income/earnings?

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* 6. In 2020 what do you predict your total earnings will be?

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* 7. What % of income did your business generate from March - November 2020 compared with March - November 2019? [Provide your answer as a percentage, as in “+10%” (if your sales were up 10% in 2020 compared with  this period in 2019) or “-45%” (if your sales were lower by 45% during this period)].

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* 8. In 2019 what was your average number of employees (including you) in your business?

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* 9. As of November 2020 how many staff (including you) are employed in your business?

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* 10. Are you currently open for business?

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* 11. If open, in what form (check all that apply)?

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* 12. Do you rent or own your own business premises?

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* 13. If you pay rent has your landlord provided any concessions for rent during the pandemic?

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* 14. If yes, specify terms. [Please describe any specifics of your rent negotiations, what has your landlord offered (if anything), what did you request, and are you still seeking rent concessions from your landlord? If you have not requested any rent reduction, please explain why]:

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* 15. If you are behind in payments, how much in total do you owe for unpaid rent or mortgage for the months of March-November? (If you own nothing, put 0)

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* 16. Do you need additional rent reduction or waiver?

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* 17. Are you concerned that your lease might be affected if you don’t make your rent payments?

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* 18. Are you deferring/delaying your rent payments because of Gov. Cuomo’s directive halting any commercial tenant evictions until January 1, 2021?

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* 19. Did your business receive a federal PPP loan?

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* 20. Did your business receive an SBA Economic Injury Disaster (EID) assistance grant/loan?

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* 21. Has your business received any other bank, government, or private financial assistance (including a small grant from Rhinebeck Responds or an interest free loan from the Hebrew Free Loan Society) to help through the  Covid-19 pandemic?

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* 22. Please rate the impact of the Village’s outdoor arrangements (dining, barricades, increased outdoor retail space, signage re masks) on your business’
performance.

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* 23. To expand outdoor space, the Village brought in jersey barriers and restricted parking on East and West Market Streets. Please rate the impact of this parking restrictions on your business’ performance.

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* 24. In your opinion, did the expanded outdoor dining and retail opportunities outweigh the impact of the parking restrictions?

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* 25. Please indicate the estimated total amount of unpaid bills, and/or debt (including rent) you have incurred during the pandemic (March - November 2020):

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* 26. How long do you think it will take your business to recover?

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* 27. Is your business considering closing permanently?

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* 28. Do you anticipate the next six months (Dec 2020 – May 2021) will be worse or better than the last six months (June – November 2020)?

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* 29. How many more months (from December 2020 onwards) do you anticipate being able to continue operations under the current circumstances?

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* 30. What are your most urgent needs? (rent, infrastructure, supplies, labor, obtaining grants or loans, credit, other?)  Please explain your response.

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* 31. What are your greatest areas of concern/greatest fears for the fall and winter seasons?  (increase in Covid-19 cases, government shut down, insufficient customers,  eviction, etc.) Please explain your response.

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* 32. In what ways might Rhinebeck Responds help you and other small businesses? [small grants (<$5000), interest free loans <$25,000), buy local campaign, other types of marketing, etc. What are your suggestions for policies or programs that might help?

Thanks so much for taking the time to carefully complete this survey! If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact:
Martha Honey
Rhinebeck Responds Steering Committee
Email: martha.honey@responsibletravelconsulting.com
Tel: 845-516-4995

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