Local businesses optimistic about the future as Biden signs executive orders on COVID economic relief

President Joe Biden launched another front in his battle against COVID-19 on Friday by taking steps to provide economic relief to Americans still reeling from the effects of the deadly pandemic.

Some local business owners are trying to stay hopeful with new executive orders in place  aimed at helping struggling businesses.

News Channel 3's Dani Romero shows us the impacts of the coronavirus many of them are facing. 

The doors are shut at Cut Barber in Palm Springs. They have been that way for months.  

“I don’t want to be here right now its sad everyday its a toss up of will I be happy," said Jimmie Read, owner of Cut Barber.

Barber shop owner, Jimmie Read, told News Channel 3 his savings  is going out fast.

“I am going broke and I hate it," said Read.

Stories like this one has President Joe Biden signing two executive orders aimed at addressing the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic. 

“I definitely think its a forward focus compared to our last administration leaving us hang dry," said Read.

And the possibility of another COVID-19 relief bill to pass, Read is keeping his fingers crossed.  

“I am checking daily because I work with square for my merchant account they handled my last PPP when that comes through they’ll be the first to let me know but its going to take time its still in the dark no one knows," said Read.

While many businesses across the valley are on the brink of going under. 

Restaurant owner, Tony Marchese, is hoping more money will come soon enough. 

“Its been a rough 2020," said Marchese. "I went from 60 employees to today eight. Its devastating. So all the help we can get we need.” 

Marchese told us his business is down 80 percent from last year making it hard to pay the bills. 

“Its crazy its hard to pay the rent when your not making any money," said Marchese.

Marchese has tried every avenue for pandemic aid including the state grant program. 

 “I didn’t qualify we made a little bit too much for the California $25,000 we didn’t qualify," said Marchese. "We made a couple $100,000 than we needed to qualify but thank god for the PPP when that comes through.” 

But Marchese just wants to get back to business.

“I just want to get open even just the patio," said Marchese. "I am fine, just give us the patio.” 

The democratically controlled house could move to pass components of the president's relief proposal as soon as the first week in February.