The Central Coast Coalition of Chambers has released results from their bi-monthly survey on COVID-19 impacts to businesses. Since May, nearly 2,900 businesses between San Miguel and Solvang have responded, allowing the Coalition to track sentiment and changes over the nine-month period.

The most recent bi-monthly survey ran from February 1-12, with the Regional Stay-at-Home order being lifted January 25. Respondents were asked to share their overall sentiment, changes in revenue and comfort level in regards to the vaccine.

The COVID-19 pandemic has emptied lifelong savings of business owners across the nation, and the same goes for some right here on the Central Coast. As vaccination efforts ramp up and a turn in the right direction could be around the corner, we look at the future of business in San Luis Obispo County.

“We really got to a point of make or break for our businesses,” said Jim Dantona, President and CEO of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, on the state of business during the second stay-at-home order.

Informed by the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SLO Chamber Board is advocating for a suite of goals that will support community and economic recovery. These key business community priorities were determined after extensive work, discussion and evaluation by multiple Chamber committees and our Board, involving more than 80 business leaders and representing 1,300 businesses and their 35,000 employees.