Creative entrepreneurs are coming out of the woodwork in the face of COVID-19. Life as we know it has changed dramatically. But that doesn’t mean your business has to close. Things are challenging now, but the entrepreneurial life is one that’s always been full of challenges.
Entrepreneurs in many different industries are pivoting so they can continue working. Here are some examples we love.
Eat-In to Delivery
With government requirements still in place to remain socially distant, businesses that rely on social activities have been forced to close. But that isn’t the case for all businesses in the entertainment industry.
Many restaurants and pubs have closed their dining rooms but remain open for pick-up and delivery. Local breweries are providing a door-to-door delivering service. Some innovative entrepreneurs have even gone so far as to create websites they never had. This way they can provide customers with the convenience of online ordering.
For people that aren’t able to cook for themselves, delivery is an essential service. The BC Farmer’s Market is even going online to continue to provide healthy, locally-grown food.
Line Painting to Disinfecting
Other businesses are providing new services as a way to help out during the pandemic. Calgary-based EverLine Coatings & Services announced the repurposing of their spray equipment. This will enable them to provide mobile disinfecting services for hospitals, grocery stores and other high-traffic locations.
Virtual Sports
This Toronto dance studio now sports a banner on its homepage stating that all studio classes have been cancelled. They are now offering virtual live classes. While not all sports can be adapted to the screen, many can be taught via programs like Zoom and Skype.
Virtual Programs for Kids
With parents now being required to homeschool for an undetermined period, daycares and educational institutions are jumping in to help with virtual programming for kids. Many offerings have the added benefit of being totally free.
Whether your child likes art, animals, technology, or science, head to Google for a plethora of ideas.
Virtual Consulting
Many health practitioners and clinics have made the switch from face-to-face appointments to phone or video conferencing. During a time when people are unsure of what’s to come, they still need advice in taking care of themselves.
Many health practitioners are extending hours during this time to serve their communities better. Movin’ Mountains Therapy Services is one example in the Virtual Heights Accounting community. Follow their Facebook page to see how they are helping clients virtually as well as get your questions answered about virtual physical therapy.
Many provinces have now approved billing procedures for virtual care and expanded the virtual care and telemedicine systems that were in place before the pandemic.
Remember, the government has provided a number of programs to help. Applications for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit are open and available for individuals no longer receiving employment income, self-employment income, or provincial/federal maternity or parental benefits.
Times are stressful indeed, but there are resources available and ways to cope. It may mean a few changes to your business plan, but we’re here to help.
Contact us if you’d like to brainstorm how you can pivot your business during this time. Find out more about what government support is available to you.
