Small businesses located near Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, are reporting a severe downturn in revenue as a direct result of the ongoing federal government shutdown. With many of their regular customers—federal employees, military personnel, and contractors—staying home, local owners are facing significant financial uncertainty.
For some, the impact has been immediate and drastic. Stacey Miller, who owns Milly's Cafe just a few miles from the base, has recorded a 52% decrease in ticket sales since the shutdown began. The sudden loss of the morning rush from base personnel has left her and other entrepreneurs contemplating an uncertain future.
Key Takeaways
- Businesses near Buckley Space Force Base report sales drops of up to 52% due to the government shutdown.
- Owners are seeing a sharp decline in regular customers, including military personnel, federal workers, and contractors.
- Some entrepreneurs are proactively renegotiating costs to mitigate losses.
- There is growing concern about the upcoming holiday season if the shutdown continues.
An Empty Morning Rush
For over five years, Milly's Cafe has been a staple for those working at Buckley Space Force Base. Located conveniently near the back gate, the cafe typically thrives on the steady stream of government workers and service members stopping in for their morning coffee and breakfast.
However, the past few weeks have been different. "The morning crowd definitely has dwindled," said owner Stacey Miller. The once-bustling cafe is now noticeably quieter, a tangible sign of the shutdown's economic ripple effect.
The financial toll became undeniable when Miller reviewed her books. The 52% drop in sales was a shock. "Until you actually sit down and crunch those numbers and see how big of an impact it is, this one probably has been the biggest shock since I've been open," she explained.
"I tear up now thinking about it. Obviously, it's a shock." - Stacey Miller, Owner of Milly's Cafe
Miller's concern is not just for the present but for the near future, especially as the shutdown threatens to halt pay for military members. The timing is also critical, with the holiday season approaching—a period many small businesses rely on to stay profitable.
A Community-Wide Challenge
The financial strain is not isolated to a single cafe. Other local businesses that depend on the base's ecosystem are feeling the pressure. Michael Morales, the owner of Senor Miguel's, has seen his business decline by 20%.
Why the Shutdown Hits Hard
Buckley Space Force Base is a major employer in the Aurora area. The shutdown impacts not only active-duty military and federal civilian employees but also a large network of government contractors who provide support services. When these individuals are not working or face pay uncertainty, their discretionary spending in the local community is one of the first things to be cut.
For Morales, whose family has military ties stretching back to World War I, the situation is personal. He understands the dynamics of the base and its workforce. "All those extra contractors ain't getting in there to do the extra work. That affects me because they drive right by here," Morales said. "Those are my customers."
The empty parking spots and quieter lunch hours at establishments around the base tell a consistent story. At least three other businesses in the vicinity have reported similar negative impacts, confirming a widespread economic slowdown tied directly to the federal impasse.
Proactive Measures and Future Worries
Faced with mounting losses, some business owners are refusing to wait and see. Instead of just cutting back, they are actively looking for ways to reduce their overhead and weather the storm.
Michael Morales has taken a hands-on approach to managing his restaurant's finances. He recently contacted his credit card processing company to renegotiate his rates, looking for any savings he can find.
"You got to buckle down and trim the fat within and be creative and get some ideas on how to negotiate the cost of goods with whoever you do your business with," he advised. This proactive stance is a crucial survival tactic for small enterprises operating on thin margins.
Impact by the Numbers
- 52%: Drop in ticket sales at Milly's Cafe.
- 20%: Business loss reported by Senor Miguel's.
- 3+: Additional businesses in the area reporting similar financial strain.
Despite these efforts, the overriding concern is the duration of the shutdown. With the House session canceled this week, there is no clear end in sight. Miller worries about missing the crucial sales period that begins in mid-November.
"It’s an important time of year for small businesses," she noted. "We have a lot of close smaller businesses that are struggling just as much as us, so we just hope we all make it."
A Call for Local Support
While the situation is stressful, the business owners expressed empathy for their absent customers. They understand that federal workers and military families are facing their own financial pressures and uncertainty.
"We completely understand those that are not coming in, obviously with good reason, so we look forward to having them back when this is over," Miller said, striking a hopeful tone.
In the meantime, she is turning to the wider community for help. Her message is a simple plea for residents to support their neighborhood establishments during this difficult time.
"If you can, I would say go and support local as much as possible. They need it and kind of make up for those that can't do it right now." - Stacey Miller
As the shutdown continues without a resolution, the resilience of the small business community around Buckley Space Force Base is being put to the test. Their survival now depends not only on their own ingenuity but also on the support of their neighbors.