Susan Mocarski | Cleverhood LLC founder and owner
During COVID-19, cities have adapted, people are biking and walking more. From Providence to Paris, cities have shut streets to accommodate increased foot and bike traffic and expanded outdoor dining. It’s opened people’s eyes to new possibilities. Social distancing aside, I think it’s brought communities closer.
Because of these changes, our sales have increased almost 300%, but at the start of the pandemic my business nearly shut down. Our local manufacturers all closed, some permanently. We had little to no inventory. Frantic to retain my employees and keep my business open, I turned to my local business friends and community for help. My business community gave me encouragement and ideas. Friends and advisers suggested relevant programs, grants and loans.
With encouragement and assistance, we moved decisively and took our newest product to a high-quality, larger, offshore manufacturer. I am grateful for all the people that helped me make that decision.
COVID-19 has been a challenge for everyone. Finding the answer to your unique business problem is not easy. Reaching out to your business community can help you look at your problem from a different angle and expand your resolution vision.
It’s so important to develop a business network. They don’t need to be in your same business; it may be better that they aren’t. Rhode Island has a rich business community with so many accessible, great, diverse small-business owners in such a concentrated area.
My last thought: support and be a part of your business community.