The whole world is experiencing unprecedented upheaval as COVID-19 impacts all aspects of daily life. The small business game, in particular, is enduring major change. There’s still no telling how this will play out and for how long, however, I suspect we are just at the end of the beginning. The big question is how do we, the entrepreneurs and small business owners, respond?

There have been a lot of headlines recently about small business financing. And rightfully so.

“Consider this a lemonade moment,” someone told me recently. You know … lemonade from the inescapable lemons a coronavirus-fueled world is lobbing our way. “Absolutely,” I replied, feigning optimism. 

From some, we hear crickets. From others, the volume could be turned down quite a bit. And from a persistent few comes one more cringe-worthy #challenge. 

Scattershot. Sometimes the day feels that way. After all, what isn’t on the to-do list of a small business owner? 

Sending the call to voice mail. Clenching fists upon seeing the email. Sighing — heavily — walking into the meeting. Some client relationships induce those feelings. We wonder, too, “How did I get into this?” And then we vow to never again find ourselves in a similar situation. 

What does the future of collaboration look like? Is it virtual face-to-face meetings, better technology, more intuitive meeting spaces?

Whether your business is brand new or has been established for decades, you may be at a point where you need financing in order to grow. Perhaps your established medical practice is ready to add cutting-edge imaging machines. Or your boutique needs to double its inventory of an in-demand handbag to increase profits. Maybe your company is outgrowing its office space, needs to hire more employees, or is considering an acquisition. In any case, growth could be within your grasp—if you can get the right financing.

It's Tenacity Tales time again, and this month we have the honor of showcasing a non-profit that's providing a service that's increasingly needed and often times forgot about: PTSD for students, teachers, and parents. 

When you’re a gym owner who’s also a trainer, you’re also chief marketer and human resources boss, you’re bookkeeper and buyer, too. To know a bit about the pipes certainly helps. And, of course, you have to workout. After all, you’re the best advertisement for the business. 

Scanning the headlines you’d be forgiven for grabbing a calculator, especially if you’re a retailer or real estate watcher.

Today I want to share some good, good reading!In January there are always great lists to get your new year off to a great start- Top Inspirational Movies, workout programs, etc.

I read a really interesting article a while back. It was an interview with Salesforce founder Marc Benioff.

Welcome back to Tenacity Tales, friend! This is our favorite feature, (we hope it's one of yours too!) and we're stoked to continue sharing inspiring entrepreneurial journeys in 2020.

On paper it sounded divine. In photos it looked sublime. And for Jonathan Elias, aka Pastry Guru, it was the dessert of the most recent holiday season. The “it” being his baklava cheesecake: crushed pistachios and walnuts scented with fresh cardamom spread between two layers of cheesecake, and a nest of crisp, rosewater-flavored filo on top, plus a heaping of more nuts. 

So straight up- this week’s topic title might sound a bit risque, but I assure you, there’s nothing X-rated about it.