When the pandemic hit, Columbia Choirs had to pivot to keep the over 200 members of the organization’s choirs and audiences safe. It continues to provide opportunities for personal development, community building and cultural learning through the power of singing.

A high level of personal service and providing education to customers are what distinguish the shop and helped it continue to thrive during the pandemic. Owner Geoff Minor has over a decade of experience and offers services including appraisals and purchase of precious metals. “My focus is educating customers on how investing in precious metals including silver, gold, platinum, and palladium can be a great addition to your financial portfolio.”

When customers weren’t able to drink onsite, they bought product through Postdoc’s packaged beer fridge. The company did everything it could to ensure the safety of its customers and staff first. Then, Postdoc had to become creative and make sacrifices.

• Postdoc turned its empty taproom into a craft marketplace for artists to sell their homemade crafts
• The company hosted virtual happy hour tastings, and created a socially distanced beer garden in its parking lot
• Postdoc paired beer-to-go with food trucks who were still looking to serve

It was a remarkable team effort, and Postdoc Brewing is thankful to everyone who supported them during the pandemic, even those who just kept them company during those difficult weeks.

Further impacting the organization, most schools were virtual for the entire year with no in-person enrichment programs offered.

Studio East pivoted to offer online classes with the first two weeks of the stay-at-home order. They also created virtual summer camps to complement their limited capacity in-person camps, and embraced additional virtual offerings. Now,  Studio East’s productions can be experienced by patrons and students locally and around the world, for free.

 

The owner of Naan-n-Curry credits state mandated commission limits for 3rd party delivery services, and used grants, and a PPP loan to keep the business open. The restaurant implemented an online ordering process at both the Renton and Issaquah locations to enhance to go service. Employees helped set up and provide delivery and takeout services. Naan-n-Curry continues to invest in its employees moving forward with extra hours, pay increases, and the opportunity for cross-training.

Mioposto was hit hard by the pandemic. But they met the challenges with resilience. They pivoted to new technology to streamline the influx of takeout orders from start to finish. And added safe and comfortable outdoor dining. And now their customers can order online and enjoy delicious dining options at home with food and beverages from an extensive to-go menu.

Like many small businesses, DMW Martial Arts was hit hard during the pandemic. The business had to flip in-person classes to an all-virtual program in one day. DMW ensured strong safety protocols to allay parents concern when classes returned to the mat. Now, the company offers in-person and virtual classes.

Maintaining connection with clientele was incredibly important. Despite having to close their doors, the entire staff kept in touch with clients, doing virtual check-ins and Zoom hours.

New procedures, investment in PPE, and limiting the number of people on site are just a few of the adjustments that Pushing Boundaries has made. Now new and returning clients are receiving care and Pushing Boundaries’ doors are back open.

When they realized that this wouldn’t be the case, they transitioned into livestreaming classes, which are now “here to stay.” Learn more about Discover Yoga’s journey by listening to their video!

The Ally League was founded during the pandemic. Business challenges included funding, capacity, and awareness. Rodgers and So encourage other small businesses to not be shy about seeking support. So says, “There are more resources than ever for small businesses, especially minority-owned.”

The outlook for the year ahead is bright for The Ally League. So reports, “We just won two pitch contests focused on our membership training plans, and it’s been a great confirmation that our unique approach to anti-racism training and support can fill a big, unmet need.”

The company pivoted to take on job shop work in its machine shop, which had previously been supporting capital equipment development efforts.

Dr. Anne-Katrin Gallagher is the General Manager of Gallagher Tool and Instrument. Noting the resurgent interest in capital equipment development, she sees a good opportunity to grow the business if it can continue to support its expanded customer base.