To all small business owners,

It’s never easy building something from scratch — starting with nothing but a dream, a goal, and determination. It takes guts and grit. 

I see you. I’m one of you. I know first hand how hard this season is we now find ourselves in. 

But lucky for us, we’re not going anywhere. Right? 

Theodore Roosevelt, a wise man who knew of hard times and hard work, once said: “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again… who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” 

Roosevelt believed there was glory and honor in being in the arena — the man or woman who dares greatly, who knows intimately victory and defeat, and who fights every day for a worthy cause. 

Sound familiar? It sounds a lot like owning a small business to me. 

Remember when you first opened the doors to your business? You took a leap of faith with your dreams, hanging on an idea you hoped and prayed would become a masterpiece. 

You worked night and day, heart on your sleeve, your face “marred by dust and sweat and blood.” That might be a little dramatic. But you definitely worked hard to start and grow your business. 

Now, weeks, months, years, or maybe decades later, your business is hit with an obstacle that neither you or anyone could have ever foreseen: a worldwide pandemic.

But:

You are a powerful engine that quietly drives our economy and you’re here to stay. 

Authenticity, passion, and creativity are your fuel. Do not lose hope. We can see that you are struggling in this season. Your heart, your business, may be bleeding, but we want to keep you alive. So, stay focused and calm. 

What you do matters and your community knows it. 

Closing your doors for a time, moving all your services online, whatever you’ve had to do to be creative in the ways you run your business to continue to serve your customers — and through it all, you’re a champ. Keep your head and your guard up. Stay in the arena and fight for your cause. No matter how how long we have to ride all this out, maintain your stance, believe in your product and services. 

It may feel impossible, but the moment you pivot your business plan, allow creativity, faith, and perseverance take reign, you may find new opportunities you never knew existed.

I hope you do. We’re rooting for you.

It may feel impossible, but now is the time for community and connection to shine (even from a distance). 

It’s as Walt Disney once said, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

So, stay in the arena, continue to fight valiantly. Your community is in your corner.

P.S. To my community in Colorado Springs and to all communities, remember to support small businesses however you can by seeking out their goods and services. Call ahead for a pickup order from a local restaurant. Shop local when you have the option. Offer ongoing support by maintaining memberships. 
 
We’ll get through this season — let’s make sure all the amazing local, small businesses continue to thrive. Don’t forget, the world needs small businesses as they are the driving force of our economy and the heart of our community. They need our support now and always. 
 
Are you in? Let’s do this.
Small Business