The COVID-19 crisis is causing unprecedented economic strife across the US and beyond, leaving many small businesses at risk of permanent closure. But entrepreneurs are not accepting defeat easily. We spoke to small business owners across the US about how they are changing and adapting to survive the pandemic, from offering new services to earning certifications and professional development.

Small Business Owners are Expanding and Offering New Services

When COVID-19 made it impossible for many small businesses to offer the services and products that they always had, some chose to go in new directions in order to serve their customers and survive the pandemic. Life coach Paula Hughes changed the focus of her coaching business entirely, shifting from working with organizations and groups to helping those individually  who are recovering from trauma and abuse (via video calls). “The pandemic has really forced me to restructure, refocus, figure out who I am really serving. And that saved a lot of money and time,” she said.

Kyle Garner, who owns a laser light show company, has also changed his model in light of the pandemic. “Sadly we are in a position where we have depended upon concerts and other events opening.... And those types of events will be among the last to return. But we are looking at smaller events with a focus of weddings and drive up concerts and drive in movies,” he said.

Tim Smead, who owns a cleaning business, has shifted to working with construction companies instead of the household and office cleaning business that he ran before COVID hit. “The new aspect to the business is commercial select demolition (ie hotel chain remodels, restaurant chain remodels, store chains etc.) Getting company info out there with new contractors and then locating and finding these niche contractors I'm finding to be difficult, especially in a very specific market coast to coast. It's difficult, but I wouldn't have started it if I didn't think it would be profitable and compliment our construction cleanings,” he said.

In spite of the challenges COVID has presented, some business owners have been able to change their models through new services and stay afloat.

Small Business Owners Are Changing Their Spaces and Planning Events to Accommodate Social Distancing

Those businesses that are reopened have still had to shift the way they operate to make sure that their customers feel confident returning. Business owners like Denny, who owns a small wine bar with his wife in Wisconsin, have found creative ways to use space that allow for people to socialize and enjoy their communities, without risking anyone around them. “On our patio, our tables were a bit closer together, but what I did was take some of them and move them out to the lawn. So now they are about ten to twelve feet apart. And people are really making use of our patio, which has been wonderful to see,” said Denny.

Denny is planning to host socially distanced events and live music outside at the wine bar so that everyone can enjoy his new space. “I am planning on setting something up with live music, even if all I do is break even or make a little bit of money, because I want to give back to my customers,” he said.

Small Business Owners Are Acquiring New Expertise and Certifications

Tim Smead wanted to make sure that he was prepared to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 crisis as a cleaning professional, so he is getting his company COVID-19 certified through the American House Cleaners Association. “The biggest question I get is ‘how are you following CDC guidelines?’ I am confident with the products and practices we use but I wanted to be more proactive than just answering the questions so we will soon be officially COVID-19 certified and of course we are cleaning to CDC guidelines,” he said.

Paula is also doing her best to learn new best practices.“I knew I wasn’t prepared for this situation, so I have gotten myself a mentor in the business who can help me and guide me through it,” she said.

Final Thoughts

Constant learning is an important part of business, and entrepreneurs all over the US are making sure that they are prepared for the challenges ahead as we navigate the pandemic.

Small business owners are innovating and changing as quickly as they can to survive, but they still need our help. You can support small businesses near you by checking out our small business listings on Skip, and if you’re a business owner yourself, make sure to set up a free listing so your community can find you!