LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Although many small businesses in Las Vegas have been able to reopen their doors, many are still transitioning to using digital tools to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It costs about $2,000 a day for us to operate,” said Denise Souffrant with the Lion Habitat Ranch.
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The ranch used to bank on people walking in and checking out their animals, but they are now taking folks on virtual safari tours via YouTube.
They’re also banking on donations to keep going.
“Even though some businesses have to close completely, we still have the animals that need to be taken care of every day,” Souffrant said.
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For others who were able to stay in business through the strict stay-at-home orders, they've moved more to the online marketplace.
Nearly 70 small businesses have signed a letter from the Connected Commerce Council to Gov. Steve Sisolak asking for continued support for online resources and digital platforms to keep small businesses going during the pandemic, and beyond.
Those resources include websites, analytics, and e-commerce platforms.
“Google is such a great tool,” said Luiz Oliveira, owner of Samballate, one of the businesses that signed the letter.
Oliveira says their online presence helps keep the coffee brewing and believes online tools are critical for small businesses to find ways to turn a profit.
It’s all the more reason for online resources to be protected, especially if strict stay-at-home orders return.
“I hope the governor feels the same way and listens and approves the benefit of all small businesses moving forward,” Oliveira said.
The letter also says that Gov. Sisolak has always been supportive of small businesses in the state.
