Small businesses need a plan

While I am for social distancing, Gov. Jay Inslee should provide a phased plan for Washington’s 609,000 small businesses. Anything less is fiscal irresponsibility. Colorado mirrors our state’s population, with a Democratic governor offering a phased plan to re-open when the science says so, serving as a heads-up to small businesses.

Those working for an employer or public-sector employees seem unclear why a plan is necessary. Why not just wait it out? For entrepreneurs, a phased plan shows whether to fold up our tent or not. Small business owners have overhead costs that non-business owners do not.

I am not advocating for opening before the science tells us to.

If Inslee’s shutdown won’t end for 3 to 6 to 18 months for certain businesses, he needs to join 47 other state governors who have phased plans. Any business unable to legally operate until the tail end means a negative cash flow during that period, rendering that entity dead in the water. Otherwise, it’s malfeasance.

That dire scenario means small businesses should close shop permanently now to avoid accumulation of unnecessary debt; bankrupt LLCs, sell equipment, cancellation of insurance, utilities and leases, along with providing employee notification.

Small businesses are a financial backbone as community sponsors and a taxation resource for city and county operations. If they aren’t able to operate for the foreseeable future, Inslee needs to let them know now so they can close up shop permanently and avoid unnecessary financial ruin.

Troy Kirby

Lacey