SXSW was canceled.

Hearing that news was devastating not because I lost money, but because I saw the ripple effects of how this will tear down the Austin economy.

The news is talking about the big picture economy falling but not the backbone of the economy- small businesses. People, like me, rely on the gig economy, especially in Austin, where most companies collaborate. I love doing business in Austin because of the collaboration, but now the gig economy here is being pinched.

According to a press release from SXSW and Greyhill Advisors, in 2019, SXSW brought over $300 million to the city and surrounding area businesses.

With this significant event canceled by the city, restaurants, food trucks, businesses, and people that count on this event each year are crippled, and unfortunately, some will not recover.

There is a website you should look at https://www.ilostmygig.com/!

As of March 11, 2020, at 6 PM, there have been over 400 submissions from artists and people who lost work because of the cancellation of SXSW and a total of $2,108,835 lost income. This number will continue to climb.

These are real people like you and me who need to pay rent or buy groceries and now are out thousands of dollars. There is no insurance for event cancellations in this manner—money gone.

So although big supply chains are being stalled and maybe we won't get the 2-hour delivery that we know and love, there are real individuals who are crushed by this virus.

I believe that the world will find solutions sooner rather than later, but there is an immediate impact. I am starting to think about the future of working from home if I can't go and film someone. Does my job become obsolete for a bit? Do I have to completely restructure how I present my company and what we offer?

The times of this world are weird.

What I am sharing is just in Austin, which is very safe from the Coronavirus. What about other individuals all over America who might lose their business in areas that are in a state of emergency?

Losing your business because of an uncontrollable factor is devastating. When you get a chance, support local businesses.

I would like to share these resources with you and ask that you, please support them if you can:

Stand with Austin
Austin Community Fund has created a centralized place for people to donate to support the individuals and small businesses impacted by the cancellation of this year’s SXSW.

Banding Together ATX
Artists and workers have incurred expenses to get to and stay in the “Live Music Capital of the World” during the next few weeks. Some may have been reimbursed or refunded, but many folks are out thousands of dollars. Our goal is to keep as many artists as possible, coming to Austin. We also want to assist re-homing events that are losing their venues.

Southern Smoke
Southern Smoke has created an Austin-specific fund to help, especially those in the food and beverage industry.

I am fascinated by how the world is reacting to this virus. I am not scared personally about the infection or sickness, but I am scared about how something so small has grown so big and imploded economies. Not to get political, but bioterrorism seems like a scary idea after this Coronavirus.

To help those in Austin, my company will be offering a free photoshoot for the business. If you know of a business or artist that is affected by SXSW being canceled, reach out to me or on my company website, www.gattozzicollective.com!

Only time will tell the real effects in business and the economy from the Coronavirus. Until then, keep washing your hands!