It has been a full year in miserable lockdown, Toronto has officially had the longest lockdown in the world. We are at the breaking point, where you can’t help but think “is the cure worse than the virus?” With mental health at an all-time serious risk and businesses dying one by one every day, is this really a life worth living?
We talked to 8 small businesses about their experience with the pandemic and where they are 1 year later.
Workhaus
A brief overview of your business, and how your company was operating before Covid ?
Workhaus is the fastest growing Canadian owned coworking company with 12 locations across Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Calgary. We provide flexible private and shared workspaces, business services and amenities, curated community programming, and everything you need to amplify the growth and impact of your business. Our mission is simple: To get everybody excited to go to work, every day.
Prior to the pandemic we were growing at a rapid pace and had a vibrant community of 2,000+ members, ranging from individual Freelancers to Fortune 500 companies.
What was the initial effect for your business with our first lockdown?
As a hub for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses, we watched the economic casualties mount over the early months of the pandemic. With forced government closures and most companies unable to use our services, business was at a standstill and our revenues were slashed seemingly overnight.
Were you shut down?
Workhaus is home to both essential and nonessential businesses. We have remained open and operational for those essential businesses that need to continue using our spaces and services.
What was your worst breaking point moment during Covid for your business?
I think I speak for many when I say that this has dragged on much longer than most expected. The compounding pressure on my mental health was most certainly difficult to deal with. Our entire team was thrown into the trenches, battling to maintain our operation through the uncertainty of what was going on… All while we watched the life’s work of some friends and family endure devastating blows. It has been beyond frustrating to have such little control throughout it all.
How have you pivoted or changed your business?
Some of Canada’s most well-known tech startups have called Workhaus home at some point or another. We offer very flexible and affordable month to month membership/lease terms, along with support for entrepreneurs and businesses that goes far beyond just workspace. We have mentors in residence and regular programming that includes but is not limited to workshops, fireside chats / panel discussions, and networking events. We have partnerships with Founder Institute, Ryerson’s DMZ, Toronto Starts, and many more entrepreneurial focused organizations. We have also taken a role in bridging the gap between large enterprises and startups, having worked with Telus as a marketing partner and the home to their $100K Small Business Pitch Contest, Samsung on a variety of small business programming initiatives, and we were the home to Canadian launch of the Infiniti Lab program (just to name a few). By providing these different tools and programs, we support the growth and impact of those individuals and companies that call Workhaus home. In short, we are a key contributor to the Canadian entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What we have seen is every business on the planet forced to recalibrate and adapt to the new ‘work from home’ climate, in turn, accelerating the shift to a semi-decentralized workforce. With that being said, the benefits of being around other people and actively participating in a social environment extend important emotional and intellectual fulfillment – something that Zoom, Google Hangouts, and whatever other communication platforms used simply cannot achieve.
Coworking is going to play an integral role for businesses moving forward. There is no doubt that companies large and small are reevaluating the purpose behind their existing space and what their future real estate portfolios will look like. They need to consider what their in-office daily headcount is going to be, how frequently in-person meetings will be occurring, where they can reduce costs, and what drives productivity and, most importantly, happiness. This is where coworking and flex options play a major role. We are introducing corporate packages that create a new level of flexibility and fluidity for companies, enabling them to scale their office space, resources, and community programming up and down as their needs change.
Where are you 1 year later today?
Not to sound cliche, but we’re still fighting the good fight. We are extremely optimistic about the future of coworking, as the commercial real estate landscape continues to change in our favour. I have had and continue to have endless weekly conversations with companies and brokers alike about the role we can play moving forward as everybody plans their return to the office.
What motivational advice would you give to other small businesses that are also growing through this?
In business and in life there are situations that you can control and there are those that you cannot. Unfortunately, this global catastrophe was beyond anybody’s control. Taking a step back, surrendering to the situation, and looking at your business from the ‘1000 feet above’ perspective is absolutely necessary. It helps to adapt your mind to think proactively rather than reactively, providing the clarity needed to make logical, informed decisions when adapting and planning for the future. Easier said than done, but it has most certainly helped me.
2) Broken Cage Gallery
A brief overview of your business, and how your company was operating before Covid?
Broken Cage Gallery is a new art gallery that hit Toronto a few months before Covid-19. We specialize in contemporary modern art. We showcase and promote local and international artists. Not only are we an art gallery, but we are also a live arts venue. We host live music nights, comedy shows, movie night, yoga classes, as well as private corporate and special events. Overall the gallery is designed to flip the script. We want to promote the purchase of art for a large demographic and encourage a younger audience towards a great investment. We also strive to create a welcoming and warm artistic environment, where anyone can feel comfortable and encouraged to attend. Some guests may want to purchase art, while others may want to come to laugh with friends at a stand-up comedy show or rock out to the musicians performing. We support and promote art in all its disciplines and will continue to do so.
What was the initial effect for your business with our first lockdown?
The initial effect was 100% loss of income. The business had to fully close during the first lockdown. Initially, all of our events and exhibitions that were planned had to be rescheduled and postponed. Slowly the majority of them were cancelled and artists pulled out altogether because it became too difficult to plan with no end-date in sight. While the initial closures occurred, we planned to do renovations to help improve the space. Due to the restrictions, renovations took much longer than expected. We finally opened in the fall, but with a super limited capacity. We had one exhibition and then had to close up again as the second lockdown arrived.
Were you shut down?
Yes. 100% closed-up until the fall. And then shut down again upon the second lockdown.
What was your worst breaking point moment during Covid for your business?
The worst point was probably early on. We are a newly opened business and we were on such a great trajectory! We had amazingly successful, high-profile events featuring celebrities like Director X and we even had the entire Raptors team in for Chris Boucher’s birthday. Our exposure was growing and we were just starting to pick up momentum when we were forced to shut it all down. We had exhibitions and events lined up going into 2021 for things like TIFF etc. so this was a massive bummer! The breaking points really came when events and exhibitions continued to be pushed back or cancelled.
How have you pivoted or changed your business?
The business has a much better online presence and website now. This was planned to happen eventually but was not the highest priority. Lockdown forced us to put experiential events and in-person art sales on hold. The focus shifted to online sales, where we began running contests and giveaways to grow a broader audience. We have been shipping art internationally to build our brand around the world.
Where are you 1 year later today?
One year later, we are more resilient and hoping to be able to continue building on the initial dream in the near-future. We are now open again, but with a limited capacity, so guests can visit and schedule art viewings. Unfortunately, under the current restrictions, we cannot host opening nights or events. So getting the hype going for an artist has been a new challenge to conquer, but we feel confident that with creative online marketing we can still promote the works. It is better than being 100% closed, but our hands are still tied. It is almost like we are in a fight with one hand tied behind our back.
What motivational advice would you give to other small businesses that are also growing through this?
Grow your online presence. Reach out to friends and family for support. Support other businesses like yours and they’ll support you back. Collaborate in every way you can. Try to remain positive and creative. Hang in there, we got this!
3) Medusa Entertainment/Mode Masks
A brief overview of your business, and how your company was operating before Covid?
Prior to Mode Masks, we ran an entertainment company called Medusa Entertainment. Known for bespoke costumes, we specialized in dance and circus entertainment. We worked with venues, festivals, fundraisers, and private events such as weddings from concept to creation. We have been responsible for some of Toronto’s most recognizable entertainment concepts.
What was the initial effect for your business with our first lockdown?
The events and entertainment industries were some of the hardest-hit sectors in 2020. The early cancellation of major festivals and events put our entire business on hold. We went from a calendar year full of events to total uncertainty.
Were you shut down?
Yes 100%
What was your worst breaking point moment during Covid for your business?
Even though our business basically came to a complete halt in March 2020, we held onto the prospect of events coming back in the summer. The months of May-July are the busiest time of year for us, so I would say near the end of July was the breaking point; having lost out on the entire season with no end to the pandemic in sight was the last emotional straw.
How have you pivoted or changed your business?
During the mask shortage in April 2020, there was a nationwide call for makers to sew masks for frontline workers. Out of our own costume fabric inventory, we were able to sew and donate hundreds of masks. People started asking to purchase these masks because the designer fabric we had was quite unique, and soon after, Mode Masks was born. By May, we had invented the only made-to-measure system of its kind, allowing a more accurate fit for our clients, and especially beneficial to those with smaller or larger faces. We grew into an e-commerce business by leveraging our knowledge of fabrics and the bespoke process.
Where are you 1 year later today?
One year later, we are proud to have fitted over a thousand unique faces from all over the world. It has been a bittersweet year for us, but nonetheless a valuable learning process.
We are getting ready to pivot into sleepwear now that the pandemic is coming to its near-end. In April 2021, Mode Masks will be launching the first Affirmation Sleep Mask. Clients will still be able to order made-to-measure masks and other face mask styles on our Etsy page.
What motivational advice would you give to other small businesses that are also growing through this?
I’ve seen many businesses clap back at the lockdown with inspiring results – from adapting to disruptions in supply chains to reinventing business models. If you are a small business also trying to grow through this difficult time, I think Michael Hansen (CEO of Cengage) said it best, “You’ve got to get ahead of the curve, don’t try to deny it or put your head in the sand, and wish for the best.”
4) DC Global Talent Inc
A brief overview of your business, and how your company was operating before Covid.
D.C. Global Talent Inc. is a hospitality and foodservice recruitment and HR consulting firm, with a focus in the Caribbean. To date we have worked with hotels and restaurants across; Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica, Grenada, Anguilla, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas.
What was the initial effect for your business with our first lockdown?
The initial impact was strong. My business relies heavily on travel. The borders in most of the islands I was working with closed, therefore hotel occupancy rates were at an all-time low. In some cases, hotels closed temporarily. Candidates with accepted job offers were put on stand-by with no clear vision of when they would be able to begin their new job. Many hotels cut their operational costs, made cuts employee cuts and service providers were also cut. I began 2020 with a business trip to Jamaica as an HR Consultant to S Hotel in Montego Bay and only a few short weeks later, the entire business changed.
Were you shut down?
My business was not shut down, but we were operating at a much lower rate than usual. There was no clear vision as to when things would change and hotels were not very bullish on taking on any additional service costs.
What was your worst breaking point moment during Covid for your business?
Not getting solid responses from clients was certainly difficult. I don’t blame them because no one had a clear sight of when this would change. Having to face the brutal facts and tell candidates who accepted roles, had work permits approved, and yet couldn’t travel to begin their new jobs was certainly difficult. Being the bearer of bad news is never fun.
How have you pivoted or changed your business?
My business consisted 80% of hospitality and 20% of foodservice. Because foodservice distributors are essential in remote islands, I began to pick up a lot more work on the Foodservice side. I recruited Meat Managers, Produce Managers, and Store Managers for distributors and grocery chains in the Caribbean.
Where are you 1 year later today?
Finally, things are beginning to shift in a more positive light. We have several roles open in the Caribbean right now, spanning from Distribution/Foodservice and Hospitality. I am working with two new businesses that are expanding and growing in the Caribbean. I am feeling very optimistic about 2021 and am ready to hire support.
What motivational advice would you give to other small businesses that are also growing through this
My advice is to pivot your business. I ended up with a complete 180, now focusing 80% on Foodservice and 20% on Hospitality. You have to find where you can add value and run with that. I’d also say to enjoy the downtime. It was not easy to relax but eventually, I had no other choice but to sit back and just accept what was happening. I was not in control of Covid but I could find other ways to feel rewarded and fill the empty days. I joined running challenges, fitness groups, watched a lot of Netflix, spent time outdoors, kayaking, paddleboarding… You have to see the glass half full. Take advantage of the time you have to do the things you once did not have time for.
5) Tapis Rugs
A brief overview of your business, and how your company was operating before Covid?
Before Covid, Tapis Rugs & Carpet was a brick-and-mortor store for rugs & carpets.
We had a website but it was a catalog of our products with little to no e-commerce sales.
We sell handmade and machine-made rugs, broadloom, and stair runners. We offer a wide array of styles and price points.
What was the initial effect for your business with our first lockdown?
The initial effect of our business was devastating since our business was generating sales if our store was open or not.
We’re you shut down?
Yes, we were completely shut down. We took necessary precautions like everyone else because we wanted to do what was right and safe.
What was your worst breaking point moment during Covid for your business?
Our worst breaking point moment was if stores would be able to re-open. After months of unknowing, we were unsure of the future of our business.
How have you pivoted or changed your business?
We had to pivot and adapt to e-commerce and online sales because if we didn’t we would end operations.
Where are you 1 year later?
We still are recovering 1 year later today. We are optimistic since we are equipped with the right tools and that things will improve.
What motivational advice would you give to other small businesses that are also growing through this?
To stay optimistic! Businesses are going to recover after the pandemic is over.
6) Order Simply
A brief overview of your business, and how your company was operating before Covid?
OrderSimply is an online platform that connects Ontario bars and restaurants with local craft breweries. Our goal is to promote the craft beer industry in Ontario and make it simpler for bars to order beer from craft breweries. If you go on the platform as a bar you’ll see a collection of our brewery partners and you simply click do add their products to your cart. We come equipped with all the bells and whistles from product recommendations to sales analytics. Pre-COVID we were building our platform and establishing relationships with some of the coolest breweries in Ontario!
What was the initial effect for your business with our first lockdown?
OrderSimply started in January 2020 just a few months before the first lockdown. With restrictions making operating difficult, we refocused our energies on creating the best technology we could to support the craft beer industry. We built features in the platform to enhance the user experience for bars and breweries alike, and we partnered with Feed Ontario as well as Second Harvest to support the local community.
Were you shut down?
As restrictions from the first lockdown started to lift in the summer of 2020 we were able to continue expanding our brewery partnerships as well as connect with local bars and restaurants in the GTA and in other areas of Ontario. By the time 2021 was approaching we were in a position to launch the platform, and unfortunately, as fate would have it, the Ontario government announced a second state of emergency on the very day we had scheduled to launch. We’ve paused our launch until after the lockdown, but are singularly focussed on ensuring that bar patrons get the best Ontario-made beer possible when they return to patios with their friends this year.
What was your worst breaking point moment during Covid for your business?
After spending a year researching how to improve the beer ordering process, developing relationships with breweries, building out our product, and hitting the streets to connect with local bars and restaurants we were told that we won’t be able to operate. The build-up, especially in the latter months, up until the second lockdown involved monumental effort and it was clear that a lot of that effort had gone to waste.
How have you pivoted or changed your business?
Presented with much uncertainty, and no launch date in sight, it would have been easy to become dismayed and grind to a halt. Instead, we decided to use the extra time to further advance our product and include new functionality which will be available upon launch. We also set out to work on our branding and we have since brought in a creative team to help with our social media presence.
Where are you 1 year later today?
1 year later, OrderSimply is ready to hit the market and improve the craft beer industry. The platform has advanced capabilities and we’re becoming better known in the craft beer industry. We have a diverse selection of brewery partners and relationships with bars and restaurants across Ontario. The second lockdown seemed daunting, but we feel that now we are in the best position to launch.
What motivational advice would you give to other small businesses that are also growing through this?
It’s tough to stay motivated when you are working away at something without getting immediate gratification from revenue – the whole project feels somewhat conceptual. We’ve found that two main considerations kept us going. Firstly, we, as a team, fully believe in our purpose as a company to stimulate the craft beer industry and provide a product that enhances the way that bars connect with breweries. Secondly, we found gratification outside revenue generated. Throughout COVID our measure of success has been the feedback that we have been getting from our bars and breweries. Being customer-centric has given us the immediate gratification to keep motivated. OrderSimply – you heard it here first!
7) Social Lens Media
A brief overview of your business and how your company was operating before Covid?
Social Lens Media is an affiliate and influencer marketing agency; we help curate effective influencer strategies that optimize conversions, brand identity, UGC and connect you with the right influencers for your brand.
What was the initial effect for your business with our first lockdown?
The initial effect the first lockdown had on my business was the scarcity, the fear of the unknown that took over for most businesses, resulting in halting all budgets for advertisement and marketing. It was a very tedious playing ground for the 1st year.
We’re you shut down?
Because Social Lens Media is a digital agency, we do not have a physical office to shut down; everything is operated digitally.
What was your worst breaking point moment during Covid for your business?
The worst breaking point moment during Covid was every single client we had for our launch had pulled out due to wanting to stay liquid to keep their business afloat when most businesses were going bankrupt, and revenue was at an all-time low. People stopped spending money; revenue was at all-time lows.
How have you pivoted or changed your business?
We had to remain patient; we understood our clients and only wanted the best for them. Our services provide such high value to our clients we knew once everything settled, we would pick up where we left off. Fortunately, if we run into a world-wide pandemic again, we run a business that we can assure our clients that we can help increase online conversions in times like this.
Where are you 1 year later today?
1 year later, we have successfully run multiple campaigns; we’ve helped businesses connect with the right influencers, increase monthly conversions, build a larger community and create content that converts.
What motivational advice would you give to other small businesses that are also growing through this?
Stick to your intuition, don’t feed into your ego. One voice will tell you to give up, people are watching you, and you are failing; that is your ego. The other will tell you that you can do this, be patient and stick to the plan; that is your intuition. Your journey to a successful business will never go in a linear direction, there will always be downfalls, but those who can make it past those downfalls and stick to their intuition are the ones that will truly succeed.
8) Morgan Model Management
A brief overview of your business, and how your company was operating before Covid?
Morgan Model Management is a full-service modeling agency based in Toronto, Canada. We would conduct in-person meetings on a regular basis with models and clients coming into our office.
What was the initial effect for your business with our first lockdown?
It completely halted business for the entire 4 months and then during the summer months, clients were booking like crazy to recoup loss. Some models who were modelling abroad had to come home immediately and dealt with cancelled and postponed flights, long wait times on airlines and a lot of frustration but everyone made it back safely.
We’re you shut down?
Yes
What was your worst breaking point moment during covid for your business?
The complete stop in business and work entirely.
How have you pivoted or changed your business?
Slightly, we now conduct zoom meetings as opposed to in-person. We now have imposed Covid protocols for our models while on set.
Where are you 1 year later today?
Bless to still have a functioning business and great clients!
What motivational advice would you give to other small businesses that are also growing through this?
Take it day by day. Do not beat yourself up for something that is beyond your control.