Small business assistance
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Adapting Small Businesses in the Age of COVID-19

Small Business Are Finding Ways to Adapt

With most small businesses experiencing a reduction in sales or no sales at all because of the shut down of essential services, we are inspired by those who have found a way to adapt.

Shelly Harrison Pivots Her Business Luminary Leaders

Shelly Harrison has been running, Luminary Leaders, a successful speaker promotional business since 2014. Since the shutdown, events needing speakers have dried up, but Shelley has pivoted her business and is now focusing on coaching and consulting. She also now offers webinar support for speakers doing virtual events and has started her own podcast. Her sales are increasing, and she has been able to make amazing connections and build her business during the pandemic.

Marylee McIntyre of Boo’s Organic Oven Changes Her Focus to Serve Her Customers Needs

Marylee McIntyre of Boo’s Organic Oven opened her business in 2019 and had been doing a brisk business at the end of March. She changed her focus from pies, sweets, and savories to primarily bread, sensing the community wanted the basics. They now provide curbside service to deliver bread to their customers.

Marlene Bradley with Fotsie Accessories Branches Out

Marlene Bradley, a longtime creator of fashion accessories with Fotsie Accessories, faced a dismal future when COVID-19 shut down all non-essential businesses. Always innovative and used to making lemons out of lemonade, Marlene began designing masks for COVID, and now has branched out to making fun and fashionable looking masks as well as those that are strictly utilitarian. She sells through her Facebook page and has had to hire additional staff during this time.

Retool Your Business With the Assistance of Women’s Business Centers

All three of these businesses were assisted with their re-tooling by the Women’s Business Centers. Connect with the WBC closest to you.

Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center
Inland Empire Women’s Business Centers

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