You don’t need us to tell you that COVID-19 is having an extraordinary impact on millions of Australian small businesses – whether it’s a government sanctioned shutdown or frazzled Aussie consumers slashing their spend, as business owners the uncertainty can be unnerving.
But there are so many business owners across Australia taking this unsettling time in their stride. We’ve been blown away by the ingenuity we’ve seen from SMEs pivoting their expertise into new opportunities. Whether it’s an outdoor event staging firm reassigning its tradies to carve out wooden desks or a yoga company taking its downward dogs online, inventive SMEs are determined to thrive rather than survive COVID-19.
Read on to learn about some of the inspiring small businesses that are truly exemplifying resilience and entrepreneurship in the face of crisis.
CameLife avoids financial hump with fast funding
Despite a challenging start to 2020, this small NSW cosmetics manufacturer is now selling more skincare products made from camel milk than 12 months ago. Read on to learn how how they did it.
Kiin Yoga stretches the online limits
Kiin Yoga has taken its downward dogs online in response to COVID-19 isolation measures.
Read more about founder Jamie Laird’s story and how you can get involved in her classes.
Stagekings: From building stages to home office essentials
This live entertainment industry veteran has retooled from creating outdoor structures to work-from-home desks. Check out how they did it here.
OzParty zoom into online experiences
The event planning company have launched a suite of virtual team building activities so remote workers can stay socially connected. Learn more from founder David Udall.
Bite Me Bakehouse move to deliveries
After fearing his business was headed for a knockout punch following COVID-19 retail closures, a new opportunity to deliver pastries to cafes has been thrust into former professional boxer Anthony Courtney’s gloves. Read here how he jumped at the opportunity to do things differently.
Honeycomb keeps buzzing
Market research firm Honeycomb Strategy have adapted with a mix of resilience and agility.
Hear from owner John Bevitt here about how he’s keeping the lights on and maintaining team morale.
The Rice Den prioritise ISO customers
When COVID-19 panicked shoppers first plundered supermarket aisles, Sydney-based restaurant owner Roy Chan quickly developed a range of ready-made meals and introduced a delivery service to support its customer base. Learn more about The Rice Den’s story here.
Collaroy Plateau Cellars introduces ISO delivery
With pubs and registered clubs forced into COVID-19 shutdowns, Australians have looked to their local bottlos to help them survive the thirsty work of home isolation. Check out how Fleet Street Collaroy Plateau Cellars secured additional funding from OnDeck to help them pivot quickly.
Flutes & Flutists makes music online
Rather than settling for commercial hibernation during COVID-19, high-end musical instrument retailer Flutes & Flutists has adapted their business model and secured additional finance from OnDeck to shift its operations online.
South coast artisans collaborate to survive COVID-19
Over 30 Gerringong small businesses including kelp farmers, fashion labels and candle makers have joined forces to support the launch of South Coast Artisans Online Shop, and expand their online footprint to survive the lockdown. Read more.
Corpwrite bucks trend of scaling back staff
Corporate communications specialist Corpwrite is bucking the trend of scaling back staff during COVID-19. By growing its team, they’re able to serve the holistic needs of clients, and that’s good for revenue growth. Click here to see how the strategy has worked for them.
Indago taps into stimulus to survive COVID-19
Indago Digital is one of the country’s fastest growing digital agencies, featuring on The Australian Financial Review’s Fast Starters and Fast 100 lists. More recently, they’ve been forced to devise a path through COVID-19. Read more.
Barclayss go virtual
With a business model that hinged partially on face-to-face client interactions, Perth based consulting firm Barclayss turned to OnDeck to help them pivot into virtual technologies and stay afloat in the immediate aftermath of COVID-19 lockdowns.
Terrigal Ice Creamery throw the kitchen sink at Covid
A mainstay of the busy Central Coast holiday strip, Terrigal Ice Creamery is famous for The Sink, a mix of ice creams, desserts and toppings served in a kitchen sink. But owner, David Harris, was forced to think outside of the box to stay afloat during COVID-19.
Bliss Beanbags make working from home bliss
Unlike bell-bottom jeans, safari suits and KB Lager, the beanbag ever-present in many Aussie lounge rooms in the 1970s has enjoyed a substantial comeback in the early months of 2020 because of COVID-19. And Bliss Beanbags is making the most of it!
Equilibrium continues to fly high
Environment and sustainability consulting firm, Equilibrium, have had to pivot their strategy following contract freezes with major clients Qantas and Jetstar after the majority of their flying fleets were grounded in March. Here’s how they’ve continued to fly high during the pandemic.
MVSN leverages new tech to stay connected
COVID-19 has made life tough for businesses that rely on large gatherings. But a new streaming service from MVSN TV is allowing event organisers to go ahead with sporting spectacles, music events and virtual tourism. Read more here.
Want to be featured?
If you own or know a small business that defines entrepreneurial spirit, we’d love to hear from you!
Get in touch at marketing-au@ondeck.com.au.
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