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“You would love to pay your mortgage and rent, but something is better than nothing,” said Derek Lee, owner of D&J Costumes and Entertainment on Frankford Avenue.
Last week, he told KYW Newsradio he had been closed for eight weeks, losing nearly $20,000.
And with zero support from the SBA, small business state grants, or unemployment, his back was up against the wall.
But days later, he received some help.
“Stimulus popped up, access card popped up, access popped up. I hope some other stuff pops up,” Lee said.
On Monday, Ed Iannucci of Kim’s Karate in Mount Airy also got a nice surprise after a long wait: an unemployment lump sum.
“I got the deposit in my account for the fed and the $194 per week from March 15,” he said.
He still hasn’t gotten stimulus or SBA approval, but he’s hopeful.
"You gotta stay persistent," he added.
Jenea Robinson owns Marsh and Mane off of South Street and opened the store less than two years ago.
Now, the store is one of hundreds of small businesses in Philadelphia that received loans up to $50,000 or grants up to $5,000 from the city to help them get through the pandemic.
She said the microgrant is a start, but more is needed.
“Definitely not giving up,” she said.
Pennsylvania lawmakers have said more state relief could be coming by Memorial Day.