Wuhan in January 2020. The images piled up showing that this was something that would become dangerous for the world. I just thought: "Shut down the airports!" Besides health, one thought shot straight through my head: people would soon be broke with no money.

Little did I know that in March 2020 we in Europe would see one shutdown after another. Now I'm about to be left with a heap of broken pieces and am broke with no money.

By the way, I'm Oliver, called Oli, and I own a small bistro in a suburb of Cologne, Germany. My place is doing well, but I don't have much in reserve. Two years ago I went into business for myself and I have my regular customers. Fine small dishes, and above all I rely on an unusual drinks menu.

My daily revenue was something I took for granted and it's rarely empty at my place. But then everything changed.

Shutdown in Germany: I'm Going Broke With No Money

The government promised:

My daily revenue was something I took for granted and it's rarely empty at my place. But then everything changed.

Shutdown in Germany: I'm Going Broke With No Money

The government promised:

  • Everyone will be helped
  • We're launching an emergency aid program for sole proprietors and small businesses
  • There will be state-backed loans

It all sounded good and, last but not least, you weren't supposed to be thrown out of your apartment, house or shop for three months.

I submitted my application online right away, but so far no money has arrived. I have a little hope because I got an email this morning. My application has now been forwarded. An employee can't imagine what it means when daily income is missing. A cushion melts away quickly.

Health insurance, contributions, personal expenses and so on, everything has to be paid. I had to send my part-time helpers home right away. It broke my heart.

Broke with no money



I might hold out another 6 weeks, then I'm broke with no money

A situation like this can't be endured for long. I have too much to pay for:

  • Health insurance
  • Private pension
  • Shop rent
  • My own apartment
  • Electricity
  • Heating
  • Phone
  • etc.

I could go on with the list endlessly. The situation scares me. I've already thought about signing up as a harvest helper. A friend told me he's already signed up. On the other hand, I have hope that I'll receive the emergency aid, or that restrictions could soon be eased after Easter. I've already made arrangements for how I could keep people at a distance.

That would mean less revenue, but better than being closed. I've started a call for vouchers on my website. Pay now and enjoy later.

A little came together, but it isn't enough, and I'd still soon be broke with no money!