Just Q’in

Finance Fund’s COVID-19 Recovery Loan Program Provides Relief for Cincinnati Barbeque Restaurant During Pandemic

As COVID-19 caused an economic and health crisis in Ohio, entrepreneurs saw a decrease in customer demand, especially small businesses dedicated to catering and food services. With support from Wells Fargo, Finance Fund created a COVID-19 Recovery Loan program to provide emergency financing for several Ohio entrepreneurs impacted by the pandemic. The COVID-19 Recovery Loans, which consist of low interest rates and other flexible terms, were funded quickly to help small businesses remain open and survive the crisis.

Just Q’in Barbeque, a former Finance Fund Small Business loan client, received one of the COVID-19 Recovery Loans. With a physical location based out of Cincinnati, the Black-owned restaurant suffered a loss in revenue when COVID-19 caused a decreased demand for the types of gatherings Just Q’in Barbeque would often cater.

Finance Fund loaned Just Q’in Barbeque $70,000, which has been used to cushion loss in revenue and support payroll for employees.

“Finance Fund’s COVID-19 Recovery Loan was a critical piece of the puzzle that was surviving the COVID-19 pandemic as a small business. This funding enabled Just Q’in to keep employees on payroll at one of the most difficult junctures of the pandemic,” said Matthew Cuff , owner of Just Q’in Barbeque.

The Cincinnati region has witnessed population decrease by 25.6% since 2000. 61.82% of residents live off an income below $50,000. 17.99% of people within the neighborhood surrounding Just Q’in Barbeque live in poverty.

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