Kodak's Ripple Effect: Layoffs for Small Business

Kodak's bankruptcy has already meant job losses within the company.

But now small businesses that rely on Kodak are also downsizing.

It includes a business called Forward Branding.

It's a small agency in Webster that works on company brands and identities.

For years, the agency helped shape Kodak's image.

"We grew from packaging to logo work and expanded into identity systems, which is needed throughout the company," said Jim Forward, president of Forward Branding.

The company has received numerous awards throughout the years for its work with Kodak.

Especially when it comes to designing packaging for Kodak's consumer camera line.

But an end to that line and Kodak's bankruptcy has hurt Forward's business said Jim Forward, president.

"There was a stop in work and that is still the status," said Forward.

A halt has meant layoffs.

So far, there have been five in total.

It includes designers and an account executive.

That's a hard hit for the company that has just over a dozen employees.

Forward says his cash flow was hit hard.

"So we did have to let a few people go," said Forward.

It's not a decision he took lightly. For him, employees are like family.

"These are good people who are very smart and understand how we like to work. They are very talented and they have contributed to our success," said Forward.

Forward says he has every intention of bringing back his employees when more work comes.

It's just unknown if it will be with Kodak.

"We have talked about projects would like help with," said Forward of his discussions with Kodak.

In the meantime, he says some of the employees are being hired on a contract basis.

Jim says the change could bring about a new business plan and help smaller companies grow.

"We have a lot of interest from other companies and we can leverage and use what we have learned with a big company for companies that are growing," said Forward.

It's all about moving one business forward, as another shifts focus.