Skip to content
The Upside
Link copied to clipboard
Link copied to clipboard

The Merchants Fund has been a godsend to the smallest of businesses during the pandemic

“Small businesses, especially very small businesses, often don’t want a zero-percent interest loan because the reality is they don’t want to take on any more debt. They need a grant."

Shani Newton and Willie Alston outside Ace Shoe Repair in Mount Airy. Newton, owner of Dolly's Boutique, posted a plea to customers to support Ace Shoe Repair, a business up the street. And customers responded.
Shani Newton and Willie Alston outside Ace Shoe Repair in Mount Airy. Newton, owner of Dolly's Boutique, posted a plea to customers to support Ace Shoe Repair, a business up the street. And customers responded.Read moreJOSE F. MORENO / Staff Photographer