Wuhan in January 2020. The images piled up showing that this was something that would become dangerous for the world. I just thought: "Shut down the airports!" Besides health, one thought shot through my head: people will soon be broke with no money.

Little did I know that in March 2020 we would see one shutdown after another here in the US. Now I am about to be left with a heap of broken pieces and am broke with no money.

My name is Oliver, Ollie for short, and I own a small bistro in a suburb of Chicago. My place is doing well, but I do not have much in savings. Two years ago I went out on my own, and I have my regular customers. Fine small dishes, and above all I rely on an unusual drinks menu.

My daily revenue was something I took for granted, and it is rarely empty at my place. But then everything changed.

Shutdown in the US: I am going broke with no money

The government promised:

My daily revenue was something I took for granted, and it is rarely empty at my place. But then everything changed.

Shutdown in the US: I am going broke with no money

The government promised:

  • Everyone will get help
  • We are launching an emergency relief program for self-employed people and small business owners
  • There will be government-backed loans

It all sounded good, and last but not least, nobody was supposed to be kicked out of their apartment, house or shop for three months.

I submitted my application online right away, but no money has arrived so far. I have a little hope, since I received an email this morning. My application has now been forwarded. An employee cannot imagine what it means when daily income is missing. A cushion melts away quickly.

Health insurance, contributions, staff and so on, everything has to be paid. I had to send my part-timers home right away. It broke my heart.

Broke with no money



I might hold out for another 6 weeks, then I am broke with no money

You cannot bear a situation like this for long. I have too much to pay:

  • Health insurance
  • private retirement plan
  • shop rent
  • my own apartment
  • electricity
  • heating
  • phone
  • etc.

I could go on with the list endlessly. The situation scares me. I have already thought about signing up as a harvest helper. A friend told me he has already signed up. On the other hand, I have hope that I will get the emergency relief or that restrictions might ease soon after Easter. I have already made preparations for how I could keep people at a distance.

Revenue would be lower then, but better than being closed. I have launched a gift card appeal on my website. Pay now and enjoy later.

A little came together, but it is not enough, and I would still be broke with no money soon!