7 News Features: Cash Crisis

It's been a week since Hurricane Wilma wreaked havoc on South Florida. Among the biggest victims - the area's small businesses. Tonight, they and their employees are scrambling to figure out how to get through this cash crisis.

Alonzo Lewis has never been as happy to make a sandwich as he is today. Like so many other people, he's been worried about paying the bills with no income.

Deli Counter Man Alonzo Lewis: "I got bills to pay, in fact, tomorrow's the first, you know what that means, right?"

Timothy Rousselet is also worried about having enough money to make it.

Waiter Timothy Rousselet: "I got bills to pay, it was a little tight, a little tough there for awhile, but I knew we'd pull through."

But at 12:30 this afternoon, both these men went back to work...As the doors of the Deli Den in Hollywood opened for the first time in a week.

Restaurant Owner Jerry Solovay: "A lot of people out of work and just trying to put everything back together again trying to find out if we can get some help."

Between Wilma and Katrina, the Deli Den's lost tens of thousands of dollars. And it's one of the lucky ones. Other small businesses have not been as fortunate. Some are still running on generator power.

Arlene Anna of Arlene Anna Skin Care: "This is my other aesthetician's room."

Arlene Anna skin care can't operate at all without electricity. The owner here has lost thousands of dollars and feels mom and pop shops like hers are being ignored.

Arlene Anna: "Sawgrass is up and running, all the major malls are up and running, small business seems like we're left behind."

Unlike big companies, small businesses have fewer resources and less disposable cash. Many could even face having to close down for good. But for 84-year-old Josephine Noble, that's not an option. She's been working in the dark at her invitation store in Hollywood since last week.

Josephine Noble of Best Wishes Inc.: "You absolutely have to. I have to make it. I'm 84 and whose going to hire me."

Josephine Noble: "No money going in, that's what's going on with all small merchants today. It's been bad."

Small businesses can receive financial help from FEMA. And if you're an employee unable to earn wages, you can file for unemployment by calling the South Florida workforce.

For more Information:

Small Business Help:
1-800-621-FEMA

To File For Unemployment Contact South Florida Workforce:
1-800-204-2418