COVID-19 was a huge hurdle for many businesses everywhere, but many are slowly picking up their bootstraps and getting back to work. New Hampshire businesses in particular have been raring to get operations up and running as a way to boost the local economy. Our previous webinar on the ‘Small Business State of the State‘ proves that supporting local businesses as much as possible is a surefire way to change the tide and reverse the effects of the pandemic.
For a dose of inspiration, below is a quick rundown of what New Hampshire businesses are currently doing at this time as well as a list of tips that small businesses can use in their own operations.
Looking at best practices across the area
In these uncertain times, sometimes the best thing you can do is to step back and focus on business research. New Hampshire Magazine reports that restaurant owner Tim Boucher hired Saint Anselm College to help them run a quick survey on customer dining preferences. Results of the survey found that diners would be incentivized to go out more during slow periods if discounts were offered, which Boucher says has been useful in helping him and his team figure out how to drum up business in the lean months.
It’s also important to be looking after your own employees. The article highlights The Coffee Pot as a perfect example of this: the small, family-owned café took their time teaching staff new health protocols and involving them in the reopening process, which in turn improved customer service by a mile. Having a job at this time is no small thing, and business leaders owe a lot to their current employees for sticking it through despite all the uncertainty. As such, doubling down on employee engagement strategies and constantly checking in with your team is a must if you want to end the year on a good note.
Investing in your business
Doing market research and investing in your employees isn’t a huge task: any business can do it. This just goes to show that even the smallest of businesses can succeed during this time as long as leaders are willing to put in the effort.
Improving your business organization is a foundational step that sets you up for sustainable success. Owners who establish their business as a limited liability company (LLC) are protected from incurring personal liabilities while also allowing you to take advantage of certain tax concessions. ZenBusiness’ guide to establishing an LLC in New Hampshire notes that the state is one of the few without a sales tax, and personal taxes are likewise limited. What’s more, the New Hampshire LLC Act upholds business’ operating agreements in order to prioritize business interests.
You can also grow your business through applying to grants and programs. Comcast Corporation has recently launched their Comcast RISE program to help small businesses, especially those owned by minorities, to get back on their feet. The program includes things like cash grants and technology upgrades, both of which are sorely needed by lots of businesses.
It will take a community effort to get our economy back up and thriving. Small businesses can move this process along by revisiting operations and making sure they’re ready to face the new normal. Going back to your community can give you some much-needed inspiration to keep operations going, and relying on other local businesses for support will help us bounce back sooner rather than later.
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