Layoffs hit minority-women biz

Half of the city’s minority- and women-owned businesses have had to lay off or furlough employees since the start of the pandemic, according to a new survey.

The findings released Tuesday suggested those owners’ pandemic experiences mirrored those of workers of color.

People of color accounted for 68% of an estimated 750,000 jobs lost last year, according to a February study from the New School’s Center for New York City Affairs.

In the latest survey, city Comptroller Scott Stringer’s office asked 154 MWBE (minority/women-owned business enterprise) owners about their pandemic experiences.

While 50% of them described layoffs or furloughs, there were some bright spots in the poll. Over 90% said they stayed up-and-running through the pandemic. Also, a majority of MWBEs surveyed said they got COVID-related relief from the government.

Stringer said there’s more work to be done, including more city contracts to MWBEs.

“If we’re going to make an equitable comeback from this pandemic, we must ensure our economy is truly inclusive and reflects the diversity that is New York City,” stated the comptroller, a mayoral candidate whose campaign was rocked when allegations of sexual abuse and harassment surfaced last week.