Concern Grows for Puerto Rico Businesses in Quake Affected Area

SAN JUAN — The president of the Puerto Rico United Retailers Center (CUD), Jorge Argüelles, said Wednesday that the number of businesses that had to close in the western municipalities that were devastated by the earthquakes in early January was worrisome.

“49.5 percent of the businesses are closed at the moment. 33.1 percent closed temporarily, 55.4 percent are permanently closed. 5.1 percent said they were closed without specifying the duration and another 5.78 percent reported they are about to close, and that is really worrying,” Argüelles said in a NotiUno radio interview.

He said the data derive from an online survey conducted with Colmena66, a business support network that operates under the direction of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust. He indicated that the survey is ongoing and about 330 businesses in the area have responded.

The retailer association head stressed that the number could be much higher.

“The United Center has some 155 members in the southern area and the information we have is that everyone has been impacted in some way by these earthquakes,” Argüelles said, adding that although some ​​Ponce businesses were not damaged, they cannot operate while the surrounding streets remain closed.

Argüelles said the Economic Development and Commerce Department has a $2,500 stipend for businesses. In the case of Yauco, the municipality added $500 for affected businesses. Other entities such as the Small Business Administration also offer assistance to business owners.

Seminar to Help to be Held Feb. 20

In order to continue the recovery of southern Puerto Rico, on Thursday, Feb. 20, Upfront Communication will hold a conference, entitled “Reactivate Your Business in Times of Crisis,” which will be free of charge for owners of businesses operating in Ponce, Peñuelas, Yauco, Guánica, Guayanilla, Lajas and Cabo Rojo, whose economic activity has declined after the earthquakes that have been registered in that area.

During the seminar, participants will learn about methods to strengthen their brands, give greater exposure to their businesses, attract customers and earn their loyalty.

“The small and midsize business owners of the south face various challenges that include loss of customers, markets being reduced, greater competition and reduced budgets to invest in marketing. For those in the southern coastal zone, there is the additional fact that their businesses have been severely affected by the emergency situation we are experiencing. That is why we saw in education another alternative to help revitalize this area,” said Idia Martínez, communication strategist, author and president of Upfront Communication.

The conference will take place from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Parguera Plaza Hotel in Lajas. Space is limited, so registering via Eventbrite or by writing to imartinez@upfrontpr.net is suggested. For more information, call 787-603-3200.

—Cybernews contributed to this report.

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