The existential threat to small business

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the game for U.S. businesses, pushing forward years-long shifts in workplaces, technology and buying habits — and forcing small businesses to fight just to survive.

Why it matters: These changes are providing an almost insurmountable advantage to big companies, which are positioned to come out of the recession stronger and with greater market share than ever.

What we’re hearing: “There is no doubt that the longer this pandemic pulverizes this economy the main victims will be small and midsized companies,” Bernard Baumohl, chief economist at The Economic Outlook Group, tells Axios.

“We’re seeing the whole business landscape dramatically undergo massive changes and one part of this is how large companies with resources will take advantage of the troubles, travails and financial problems small companies have.”