CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Many small businesses are continuing to deal with unique hardships, years after the COVID-19 pandemic hit. 

Data from The National Association of Women Business Owners shows small businesses are facing hardships with higher costs, staffing and funding efforts. 

Many of these issues were worsened due to the pandemic. 

Saichelle McNeill is the owner of The Washroom Laundry Service in Charlotte. Her business provides various residential and commercial laundry services to clients.

McNeill is also a counselor at the Small Business Center at Central Piedmont Community College and talks with entrepreneurs on a regular basis.

"Get help with any of their entrepreneurial needs, whether it's hiring, funding, setting up a business plan or just starting their business," McNeill said. 

McNeill says more resources are needed to support small business owners for the long term. She's glad to know steps are being taken to help them.

The City of Charlotte just announced a new partnership with TPMA, a national workforce and economic development consulting firm.

The firm will be conducting an assessment of the local small business ecosystem to understand the ongoing challenges it's facing. 

In a statement, Council Member and Chair of the Jobs and Economic Development Committee Malcolm Graham says the assessment is needed to identify both opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs.

“Enhancing our city's economic development is a strategic priority for the city council, and we recognize that small businesses are the backbone of our community," Graham said. "This assessment will enable us to create targeted initiatives that support our local businesses and drive sustainable growth."

McNeill understands firsthand some of the hardships faced by small businesses.

McNeill first launched the laundry business in 2016. 

"In the beginning it was slow," McNeill said.

But things turned around for McNeill. Her company is now working to expand its services statewide to Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Greensboro.

Although many businesses are facing staffing shortages, McNeill says her business is not. However, she says the business is dealing with its own unique obstacles.   

"Commercial makes up about 40% of our business right now," McNeill said. "Residential is about 60%. Our goal in the next five years is to flip that number and have commercial be about 85-90% of the business because commercial business is consistent. Summer months are slower months for us because people are traveling and wearing less clothes. [Plus], kids are home from school and parents use that opportunity to build life skills with their children, teaching them how to do their laundry. When school starts back, things start to ramp up for both residential and commercial clients." 

McNeill says in order for more small businesss to thrive, they need more access to capital and resources for long-term support.

She hopes this new partnership helps to fill in those gaps.

"Use the data to move the city forward. They say 100-plus people are moving to Charlotte every day. Those people need laundry, cleaning and food services, anything you can imagine. There's a small business for it in Charlotte. How can Charlotte use that data to get those local entrepreneurs involved and directly impact those people moving here every day?" McNeill said. 

The City of Charlotte says the study is expected to be completed in June 2025.