Small businesses are the backbone of the city, but many are facing closure after being ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Emmanuel de Jesus is the owner of Furman’s Coffee in Bed-Stuy. He says he opened the shop just four years ago in hopes to create better opportunities for himself, after immigrating to New York from the Dominican Republic in pursuit of the American Dream. 

He says he is now in danger of closing his doors after struggling to keep his business afloat throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 

He says he is more than $500,000 in debt as he struggles to pay his monthly rent. He says after not qualifying for previous paycheck protection program funds, he is now looking for more government help.