Small and locally-owned businesses in D.C. are facing unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19 shut-downs and the protests that followed.

At D.C. Council member Kenyon McDuffie’s Committee on Business and Economic Development budget oversight hearing this week, he listened to a host of small business owners and officials representing the 20-plus Main Street organizations testify about the impact of COVID-19.

Many businesses rely on District tax dollars granted to Main Street organizations that provide financial and technical support to sustain some businesses during this period.

We stand with the small and Black-owned business community by strongly encouraging Council member McDuffie to follow through on his pronouncement as soon as possible to conduct a Disparity Study of how, particularly, Black, minority and women-owned businesses are faring regarding government contracting.

The significant loss of businesses in communities where the impact on employment and economic stability is notable shows why a study is needed now.