Ole’s Story

Ole Hongvanthong, PhotOlé 
Lancaster, PA

Loan stimulus for small businesses misses the mark during a pandemic. Access to capital was needed before this crisis--not now. Now it's another deaf response to the shifting needs of small business owners like myself.

As the owner of a photography studio, PhotOlé Photography, in Lancaster PA, I quickly adapted my priorities at the beginning of the crisis by sending every team member a first quarter bonus. Even though I’ve been working towards purchasing studio space, real estate is no longer a short-term goal amidst this health crisis. People are the priority now. My contractor photographers are my most important business expense, I need to support them as much as I can considering we aren’t going to be able to offer them work for the foreseeable future. Everything--corporate clients, weddings, events and conventions--from now through June is cancelled.

Politicians are offering loans as a solution to a problem that is no longer there. I needed a loan months ago when I applied for one. Now it would not help. If I had a loan to buy a space, then I might not be able to use the space or rent it. Things are too uncertain. 

Direct cash stimulus would meet my needs during this outbreak. I would support my people first, that would be a direct solution. Sustaining the people I work with while our clients don't have work for them to do. I want to have the same ability like large corporations to retain our talented team members during this health crisis. I can adapt my priorities in response to this unparalleled epidemic, but why can’t the government?