Venus Williams’ Advice For Entrepreneurs | The Covid-19 Brand Innovation Revolution | Female Founders Fund On Deal Sourcing In A Pandemic

Plus: How To Scale Your Business In Tough Times

As America’s more than 30 million small businesses patiently wait for a new coronavirus relief package—financial assistance that could prevent one in 20 from closing due to the pandemic, according to the International Franchisee Association—the outcome of the presidential election has never been more important for small business owners, 90% of whom typically vote, according to the National Small Business Association.

On a brighter note, after a seemingly endless stream of disheartening data regarding the hardships business owners have faced in recent months, there is finally some good news to report: Restaurant and food businesses have begun opening at pre-pandemic levels, and more than 210,000 businesses have reopened amid a significant increase in consumer interest in outdoor services and activities, per the Q3 Yelp Economic Average Report. 

And below you’ll find more insights and practical guidance on how to make big business decisions in the face of ever-changing market headwinds and the pandemic. Thanks for reading. You can also follow me on Twitter and on LinkedIn.

"It’s okay to be afraid, but it’s not okay to let it ruin your decision-making process. There’s always a reason to be afraid. But should you let that take over? Hell, no."

Venus Williams

Tennis champion and Olympic gold medalist

Must Reads

Black women found 42% of new women-owned businesses, launching ventures at a faster pace than other racial and ethnic groups for years. But challenging financial headwinds and lack of access to capital due to the pandemic has threatened to wipe out decades of economic progress, Forbes Diversity & Inclusion Staff Writer Ruth Umoh reports.

Like most sectors, the venture capital industry has had to evolve as a result of Covid-19. Female Founder Fund cofounder Anu Duggal details how she’s hunting for deals when she can’t rely on in-person strategies for evaluating founders, as well as some of the businesses she’s invested in amid the lockdown.

Wondering how to create value for both internal and external stakeholders during the pandemic? Things like refining your marketing strategy and increasing your focus on digital tactics can help, as can launching a new product or service. Other things you can do to help boost your business can be found here.

Meet Brittany Rhodes, the mathematician turned tech founder behind Black Girl MATHgic, a monthly subscription box service meant to increase confidence and decrease anxiety in girls with third- to eighth-grade math skills. Her mission? To help girls succeed in school today and in society tomorrow.

History has taught us that innovation usually follows periods of turmoil and distress. Two examples: the industrial revolution and, more recently, the financial crisis. Read on to learn more about the brand innovation revolution happening today as a result of the pandemic.

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