//The Paycheck Protection Program failed many Black-owned businesses

The Paycheck Protection Program failed many Black-owned businesses

Stephanie Byrd is the co-owner of the Block, one of many restaurants that closed due to the coronavirus in Detroit. Byrd is worried that Black-owned businesses will struggle to withstand another wave of economic uncertainty following decades of inequity. | Paul Sancya/AP

It built on inequities that already exist in banking.

Danielle Parker, the CEO of Detroit Maid, says her business almost didn’t make it this past spring.

Parker’s company — which provides on-demand cleaning services — is among those that have been forced to completely alter their business model as a result of social distancing and public health guidelines during the pandemic. While Detroit Maid had previously focused 80 percent of its work on residential clients, the company has now shifted to operating predominantly with commercial ones.

Because of how much business slowed, Parker’s staff was cut roughly in half earlier this