Michael’s Story

Michael McHellon, M. Velli, Beardman (Apparel Lines)
Ocala, FL

I applied twice for the Paycheck Protection Program and twice I was denied. What do I need to do to show I’m worthy of the same support so many other businesses received? 

I’ve run my clothing and design business since 2014. It began as a passion project and I’ve worked hard to grow my brands and my business while self-financing every aspect of operations, from materials to marketing. Despite all the hurdles, the investment in time and money that I made over the first five years in business were beginning to pay off. I formalized my business last year, opened a business bank account and trademarked my brands. Big steps in seeing my vision through. 

Of course my business took a step back when the pandemic set in. People’s budgets grew tighter and clothing became a luxury more than a necessity. My designs target the young and fun-loving, but the fun has largely stopped. People aren’t out on the town, out at the beach, dressing up to show their best selves. Sales have slowed. 

I’m confident I’ll pick up where things left off once we’ve put this pandemic behind us. Until then, I’ve got expenses to cover and investments I’d like to make while I wait for sales to rebound. 

Sadly, it looks like the help has gone elsewhere. Larger and more established businesses have gone to the front of the line. What about businesses like mine that are at crucial stages of development? Everyone repeats with awe how Jeff Bezos began working from his garage. Many of the same people aren’t willing to help those who, like him, are still toiling away to see their dream come to life.

During the last crisis we heard banks were too big to fail. Let’s not make the mistake this time of calling some businesses too small to help. We just may miss out on the next big idea.