The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Small Business Support for Youth Physical Activity Opportunities in Urban, Low-Income, Predominantly Black Neighborhoods

Abstract

Background A relatively low percentage of Black youth meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. An important resource for helping Black youth be physically active is the availability of quality youth physical activity opportunities (YPAO) which manifest, in part, due to support from small businesses. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was a devastating negative societal event that disproportionately burdened the Black community. How the pandemic influenced the relationship between small businesses and YPAOs in this community is vital for understanding the promotion of PA in this high-risk population going forward. Purpose To describe small business support for YPAO before and after 2 years of exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods In-person interviews were conducted June through August 2019 (pre-COVID) and 2021 (post-COVID) with owners and managers at small businesses in 20 urban, low-income, predominantly Black neighborhoods. Results The number of YPAOs supported was significantly greater pre-COVID (n = 104) versus post-COVID (n = 52) (t = 4.6; p < .001). From pre-COVID to post-COVID, the types of YPAOs supported by businesses shifted from a diverse mix to mostly (96%) outdoor, community sports teams. Businesses were more likely to provide goods and services (p = .02) for YPAOs pre-COVID than post-COVID. The major reason for not supporting YPAOs pre-COVID was “not being asked for support” then “not being able to locate YPAOs to support” post-COVID. Conclusion Exposure to COVID-19 is associated with significant changes in how small businesses support YPAOs. The results are useful for informing strategies and public policies aimed at promoting YPAO support through prominent negative societal events.