Death of a Small Company

This morning when I checked my email (Sunday, May 24), I found this:

Dear SumAll Community,


It is with heavy hearts that we write today to say goodbye. For the better part of the last decade, we have had the pleasure of participating in and supporting a vibrant community of individuals and businesses. Unfortunately, the current environment has accelerated challenges for many organizations, including our own. Our services will remain offered through Wednesday, May 27.We hope that you, your families, and your friends are staying healthy and safe, and we look forward to crossing paths in our future endeavors.
Sincerely,


The SumAll Team

This is just one business out of tens of thousands that will be closing due to the coronavirus. Most, like restaurants, likely won't send you an email that they are done. Instead, you will perhaps call for reservations and get nothing. Or, you will after discussing with your spouse where you will eat, swing by one of your favorite places and find that the door is locked and a sign on the door with a message "Closed Permanently" thanking their customers for years of loyalty and wishing them well.

Each of these closures will be a bit of a dig at our hearts. An outcome from COVID-19 that we did not see coming in January 2020. 

I think about all the effort and commitment it took to start each business. The hopes and dreams that were poured into a lifelong goal. Perhaps there is a home mortgage backing the business and now the family that lives in that house is worried about the future. 

It is a sobering moment for many in our community. When and where you can, support your local small businesses. They are struggling.