Local small businesses hoping for community support

COLLEGE HILL, Ohio (WKRC) - Many small businesses around the Tri-State are still up and running. Thanks to several types of community support, owners are staying optimistic.

It's easy to walk into North College Hill Bakery with a sweet tooth. The small business owner, Matthew Patrick, said they sell a variety of desserts along with another staple.

“On Friday and Saturday, we had a pretty heavy run on bread. We're pretty busy today,” said Patrick.

Patrick said his bakery has been fortunate. The shop was supposed to supply bread for several local fish frys. Although many were canceled, business hasn't slowed down.

“So those orders disappeared, and they were immediately replaced by the demand from people coming into the store and demand from our wholesale customers,” he said.

Now, he said the challenge is meeting those fast-changing demands.

So far, so good. Neighbors like Linda Thinnes Braunwart are happy to lend support.

“This is our community, and you want to make sure that they're thriving. It's very important,” said Braunwart.

In the next town over, Seth Walsh said the College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation is helping 14 businesses with rent.

“The properties that we own 100% of got their rent abated through the end of April, which means they won't have to pay rent,” said Walsh.

College Hill Coffee Company owner Tina Stoeberl was immediately relieved when she got the news.

“Everything becomes very real when you look at your bank account and realize there are no more normal business days,” said Stoeberl.

The coffee company had to cut its staff and hours.

Fourteen total businesses in College Hill will go rent-free for the next month.

“It seems like a small thing that we can do, but we're proud to take the lead on it and show that health comes first, as well as making sure these businesses can survive,” said Walsh.

In the midst of a coronavirus outbreak, the future of small businesses is unclear, but Stoeberl said her community won't stop rallying for each other.

“I'm proud that they're my landlords. I'm proud of the work we are doing together in the community,” she said.

The College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation has started an emergency business fund. Through donations, it will help support other College Hill businesses.