About 85 percent of micro and small businesses in Serbia estimate that a pandemic will have a negative impact on their business. This is only part of the results of a pandemic study presented by the Smart Collective and the Responsible Business Forum.
The demand for its products and services during and after the pandemic is expected to decrease by 80 percent. About 30 percent of them believe the pandemic will also result in staff cuts.
More than 70 percent of businesses expect the economic impact of a pandemic on their business for six months or longer, according to a March 25-29 survey.
More than 48 percent of businesses estimate that they will not be able to overcome these challenges without additional support.
In addition to the announced state measures, entrepreneurs have also put forward some proposals to make it easier for them to do business. Among these proposals is to give preference to the goods of small domestic producers over imported goods. They also believe they need support in promotion and marketing. It would also not hurt to reduce payment currencies, join retail chains and “free-listing” micro and small businesses from Serbia. They also suggest deferring payment deadlines and being able to pay in installments.
Small and micro businesses also need financial advice and assistance in finding new clients, BiF reports.
