Pandemic and Small Businesses

SCORE mentors help entrepreneurs start small businesses. We also help existing small businesses survive challenges that otherwise would sink the enterprise. So, it is no wonder that clients – new and old – are beating down our door for help.


The pandemic has effectively shut down the economy. Food continues to be grown, processed, distributed and sold. Americans continue to eat, not starve. Commercial enterprise continues in many markets – food, essential household supplies, utilities, barebones transportation, energy, medical services, writing, music, and clothing. Gadgets, too, are selling. Just scan Facebook and see wondrous products offered for sale.


And cooking services. Full color photos of magical dishes and concoctions to tempt every taste bud! Zowie! Is it just me, or does all food look delicious during the pandemic?


The point I make here: where there is a will, there is a way – to create, to sell, to deliver, to buy.


Pandemics force us to confront time and its dimensions. It doesn’t suffocate; it is there to use. To think, feel and wonder about things. This leads to exploration and discovery of self and fresh ideas.

What does the world need? What do people want in this situation? What will we want when the pandemic is over? How will life change then? What norms will be established? What will we all feel safe with?


Challenges with unclear answers. Or answers that can only be implemented with huge effort.


It is OK. The challenge pricks our creativity. Time gives us the room to stretch and create. To test concepts. Feel realism and see if the new will work. Our solving problems is heady stuff. We feel a boost of energy. Satisfaction. Accomplishment.


The entrepreneur may be disconsolate seeing the business drain away. But addressing new possibilities pushes fear and sadness away. New possibilities and potential appear.


We invent the new because it is needed.


And that is the answer to our small business clients. You invented your current business; is it time to re-invent it or replace it entirely? Do not be afraid. Draw on that energy and fearlessness from before and create a new future. You have the understanding now that you did not before. You have the bones of the current failing business to build upon with the new.


You are not starting from scratch. You have much to build with. Now is the time to do just that.


May 19, 2020