"I think that people forget that. These small businesses, they're the ones that are sponsoring your sports teams, which are helping with school things, and that are doing fundraisers that are giving back to the community all the time." - Rebecca Bertoldi When COVID-19 hit, we launched a series to spotlight the small businesses that sustain our communities. Five years on, many are still rebuilding. This highlight episode revisits candid conversations with policymakers, advisors, and owners about what truly helped—and what must happen next. Top Problems Financing gaps & collapsing revenue put leases, payroll, and inventory at risk.Technology barriers slowed the pivot to online sales and services.Minimal cash reserves left micro and solo enterprises exposed.Top Solutions SBA pathways: PPP (including second draw), EIDL working capital, and SBA debt relief that covered principal and interest for existing borrowers.Hands-on technical assistance: devices, training, and coaching to move operations online and reach customers.Community-led purchasing: direct takeout, gift cards, curated boxes, catering, and pop-ups to keep dollars local.Show Guests Julie Clowes, District Director, Small Business Administration's San Francisco District OfficeTim Russell, Program Director, Renaissance Entrepreneurship CenterSharon Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Entrepreneurship CenterPierre Coeurdeuil, Director of Advising & Education, SFMadeAmanda Fried, Chief of Policy and Communications, Treasurer for the City and County of San FranciscoAdam Fowler, founding partner, CVL EconomicsKristin Houk Owner of All Good Pizza, TATO, Café AlmaRebecca Bertoldi, Rebecca Bertoldi MarketingPooja Rajani, Director of Programs, En 2 ActionLaurie Thomas, Executive Director, Golden Gate Restaurant AssociationShannon Walter, Manager, Blue Plate SFJeff Trenam, Owner, Blue Plate SFMichelle Pusateri, Owner, Nana Joes GranolaAndrea Baker, Founder, En 2 ActionShow Hosts Eric Estrada / Co-Host/ VOCGeorge Koster/Producer/Host Voices of the CommunityWhy listen You’ll hear what it really took to survive: from emergency capital and city tax relief to e-commerce pivots and neighborhood solidarity. Owners share the stress, the ingenuity, and the lessons they want every community to remember. Take action After you listen, do one thing to strengthen your local economy: • Order direct from neighborhood restaurants and makers (skip third-party delivery when you can). • Buy gift cards or curated boxes, book local catering for meetings and events. • Donate or volunteer with the support organizations featured in this episode. • Share this episode with a friend who loves small businesses as much as you do. 🎧 Listen now | 📺 Watch the episodes | 💬 Get involved! For more information, guest details, and resources from this episode, visit our episode web page Make a Donation: Support Voices of the Community, fiscally sponsored by Intersection for the Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and enjoy tax deductions for your contributions. Newsletter: Sign up to stay updated on future episodes and events 🎧Explore Our Award-Winning Special SeriesIf you enjoyed this episode, dive deeper into our 4-part legacy of impact: Where Art Meets Impact: How creativity drives systemic change. Season 1 and Season 2From Bankruptcy to Reinvention: The story of Stockton’s resilience. COVID-19’s Impact Series: Navigating the pandemic's effect on our community.Making the Invisible Visible: Discover the untold stories of finding home.
