Many businesses are closing their doors in Fresno County

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Numerous businesses sit vacant across Fresno County, and many business owners cite the economy as the reason for their closure.

with Clint Olivier BizFed Central ValleyBusiness advocate says inflation is a big problem for companies.

“When it becomes more expensive to run this business, they’re going to have to find places to cut people off or let them go, and eventually they’re going to have to close their doors,” Olivier said.

In September, at least three businesses in Fresno County closed: Fulton Street Coffee in downtown Fresno.

Brunch Bar in Clovis and Starving Artists Bistro in Northeast Fresno.

Sacred Heart Coffee is now located where Fulton Street Coffee was, and Brunch Bar has been replaced by Rustika Cafe and Bakery, which is scheduled to open next month.

Meanwhile, Starving Artists Bistro remains vacant as its owners say they are struggling with restaurant regulations, food and staff shortages, and inflation.

“When they receive a delivery, the cost of the delivery is higher because transportation fuels are more expensive,” Olivier explained.

“We also face an ever-increasing minimum wage in the state of California.”

In October, after 40 years of service, DiCicco’s Italian Restaurant has closed its northeast Fresno location.

The sign on the door of the restaurant pointed out the turnaround in the economy.

“The state government says, ‘You have to pay your workers more,’ and they either deal with it or close their doors,” Olivier said.

If a business is experiencing difficulties or wants to open or expand, US Small Business Administration (SBA) can help.

“The small business administration funds a network of organizations that are our resource partners that provide free consulting, training and technical assistance to businesses,” said Dawn Golik, administrator of the Fresno SBA.

The SBA says supporting these small businesses is essential.

“Small businesses are the engine powering the economy right now,” Golik said. he said.

“They employ a tremendous amount of people. They bring a lot of money into the local economy.”

He added that Small Business Saturday on Nov. 30 is a great time to show support for local small businesses.

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