Despite widespread economic challenges related to COVID-19, more businesses are reopening in San Luis Obispo County and making plans to hire workers, according to the latest Central Coast Coalition of Chambers survey.

In the survey, which included responses from nearly 260 businesses between San Miguel and Solvang, 26% of businesses reported being able to open in a greater capacity in February as compared to December 2020.

The survey ran from Feb. 1 to 12, after California lifted state and regional stay-at-home orders on Jan. 25.

We’re taking a closer look at some new survey results detailing the impacts of COVID-19 on local businesses.

More than 250 local businesses took part in the most recent Central Coast Coalition of Chambers’ COVID-19 business impact survey.

It’s a snapshot into the state of business during the purple tier.

“I think the most interesting part was that we’re starting to see a ray of hope in our business owners,” said Jim Dantona, Chair of the Central Coast Coalition of Chambers.

The survey reveals 26% of businesses are open in greater capacity in February compared to December.

The Central Coast Coalition of Chambers has released results from their bi-monthly survey on COVID-19 impacts to businesses. Since May, nearly 2,900 businesses between San Miguel and Solvang have responded, allowing the Coalition to track sentiment and changes over the nine-month period.

The most recent bi-monthly survey ran from February 1-12, with the Regional Stay-at-Home order being lifted January 25. Respondents were asked to share their overall sentiment, changes in revenue and comfort level in regards to the vaccine.