I stopped using ‘small business’ for my business or other entrepreneurial businesses.
Now I call such businesses ‘independent businesses’ and use ‘entrepreneurs’ for the owners. Independent entrepreneurial businesses are certainly small by asset size or operational size and during recent lock down, we were less protected and more susceptible towards collapse of the businesses (at the end of the day, the end of cash flow is the end of a business).
However, the lock down also proved the immense impact of unique independent businesses had had on our community. Personally, I don’t shop/go out much but still realised random conversations with other local business people inspired me and what they had in-store was much more special than anything available on mega online shopping platforms. We all missed contacts of enthusiastic business owners and their close-knit team, unique products and services they offered and unique social contacts we had at such locations. We missed events,sports and culture activities. Missing such things even caused mental health concerns to many of us.
At the beginning of the lock down, Dutch financial minister was quick to say that he was not prepared to offer as much support for entrepreneurs as for those who were in employment. He said in the effect of its being entrepreneurs’ choice to take risks and entrepreneurs not accepting consequences were only the burden of society. Although he backtracked his comment very quickly, the incident was reflection of how majority sees entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs decide to be what they are because they passionately believe in offering something special and personal. Of course there are risks involved but if they can make it work as business, it’s a very respectable thing and the joy they offer is not ‘small’ at all.
I don’t like the sound of ‘support small businesses’ as it can sound like someone with self pity begging for support. I believe in democratic socialism and I think it is perfectly fine for those who are vulnerable to get support. I also think it is perfectly fine for entrepreneurs to receive financial supports during crisis as they are more vulnerable within current large-corporation driven society. Meanwhile, entrepreneurial businesses are definitely worthy of support as the positive impacts on our life is not ‘small’ at all. Support for independent during crisis businesses is not at all handouts but is the right investment for the long-term benefit of our communities. Another point unique to Amsterdam is that, unlike other major capital cities, Amsterdam still seems to have more independent businesses not only contributing to the charm of the city but the economical contribution can’t be small collectively. I really hope the entrepreneurial communities will receive the credit they deserve despite major trend for larger corporations in many sectors.
