While it seems that the worst of the COVID pandemic is behind us — for now — it has had a lingering effect on small businesses, as half report making less revenue than they did in pre-pandemic days.

That’s according to a new survey from Alignable, an online network for local businesses. Alignable surveyed about 5,000 small businesses in August.

Weighing on small businesses: the cumulative effects of high inflation (including rising gas costs this summer), 17 months of climbing interest rates, a drop in consumer spending, rent spikes, and ongoing labor struggles, said Chuck Casto, head of corporate communications for Alignable.

According to the poll, businesses founded between April 2020 and July 2022 are also having a tough time, with 53% of them reporting they’re only earning half or less of what they generated this time last year.

Over the past 18 months, small business owners have cited inflation as their top concern and impediment to recovery and growth. While it remained the top concern for 26% in August, revenue concerns are closing in, with 24% reporting that as their top worry.

Some sectors are being hit harder than others. Over half of gym owners, and owners of small businesses in the beauty, education, real estate and construction sectors say they’re earning half or less of what they generated in August pre-covid.

Paying rent continues to be a big problem too, with 39% of businesses surveyed saying they can’t pay their monthly rent.