HOW ARE YOU COPING WITH COVID-19?

For most small and home-based business owners, the economic impact of COVID-19 has been predominantly negative. According to a recent survey* conducted by CIBC, 81% of Canadian small business owners report feeling the crunch of the coronavirus, with 54% saying sales have dropped, 32% expressing concern about the viability of their business over the next year, and 85% of business owners saying that the uncertainty is the hardest part of dealing with the virus.

However, 76% of people surveyed say they are confident their businesses will rebound post-pandemic.

Turns out, these numbers and this outlook come as no surprise to the UNG members who participated in a brief survey in August. Out of all the respondents, only one found the pandemic to be purely beneficial for business. Likewise, only one business reported completely negative consequences. The majority of those surveyed reported mixed outcomes, saying that their traditional way of doing business has suffered due to COVID-19, but that with some ingenuity, other opportunities have presented themselves.

Julie Heyes, owner of Dog-Happy, said, “In the beginning I was closed down so I decided to take the time to build in a different direction. Like many businesses, I switched over to offering Online Lessons which was going really well but the time also fueled the creation of my YouTube Channel, which has become an incredible asset that is fully part of my long term business growth plan and now incorporated into part of how I serve my clients going forward. Since being able to start back up business is going well. I lost a few clients through the ‘ripple effect’... but my Private Training and Behavior Consultations have only accelerated toppling past numbers.”

Here’s what some other UNG members had to say:

“We will be cautiously optimistic. Business is slowly returning to “normal”. Timing of the pandemic delayed my clients’ plans until Fall and with contractors’ schedules filling up, we will need to be aware of these issues.” --Arelene Lyons, A L Designs

“I was required to discontinue offering services during the shutdown to be the primary care-giver to my kids (my wife continued working full time).” --Ryan Rogers, ForthWrite Canada

“Things look better, as long as we don’t get shut down again, for next year. I am blessed that I don’t pay brick and mortar rent or have employees I had to let go.” --Mary Evans, Mary’s Country Kitchen

“I have been so busy doing taxes, that I really haven’t been affected a lot. I have not been able to see my mother for a long time, which has been troublesome. COVID has really only helped my business grow.” -Owen Tulk, The Mad Accountant Inc.

“During this difficult time we have kept the Radio station on air and have been able to keep our listeners informed. We have really grown our listenership and gained the trust of the community. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic everyone is holding off on advertising.” --Jennifer Culley, CIUX 105.5 Hits FM

“Businesses do not want to spend money on marketing when they have no or little money coming in.” --Stephen Wright, Wright Web & Photo

“I have resigned from Scientists in School after 18 successful years to focus my energies on my Young Canadian Space Club. I am working on a podcasting program during the pandemic.” --Stan Taylor, Stanscienceman

Thank you to all who participated in this survey!