While many people will identify small business operators in Michigan as “hardworking,” or “dedicated,” even “entrepreneurial,” one word in particular stands out for the small business community here: “resilient.”
Reality is due to their incredible resilience in the face of seemingly overwhelming hardships during the past year, thousands of small business enterprises across the state have managed to serve their communities well and make a tremendous impact in the process.
Since the pandemic began last March, small businesses have overcome unprecedented obstacles and have had to lean on their communities for support. Some small businesses had to literally reinvent the wheel and decided that the best way to approach the obstacle before them was to keep an open mind to change. While change can be ominous at times, an amazing array of small businesses have shown that with the right mindset, nothing can deter them from reaching their goals.
While some companies are learning to adapt to the remote working world, others are implementing new ways to stay ahead during this time of uncertainty. Although times are challenging, small businesses continue to be efficient and adaptable when providing for their loyal customers.
Tricia Ruby, CEO of Ruby + Associates, Inc. says, “An efficient and seamless remote workforce has become not just a trend but a necessity in response to COVID-19. Ruby’s crisis management plan, developed in 2017, included operational direction and a technology plan for staff to work remotely as they self-quarantined, which supported uninterrupted service to our clients.”
Many businesses have been able to develop a strategy that serves as a roadmap for them during these times. While it’s hard to prepare for circumstances like a pandemic, small businesses have stepped up to the plate and worked together on implementing new structures, employing new technologies, and have had to leap out of their comfort zone to continue to help Michigan’s economy flourish.
Michigan Celebrates will recognize the most resilient of small businesses at their 17th Annual Gala on July 20th, and give them a night to relish in all of their success. The 2021 awards ceremony will put Michigan’s small businesses in the spotlight and give them a chance to share their success story with the supporters who helped them get to where they are today.
The list of businesses that will be recognized as this year’s awards gala can be found at this link: http://MichiganCelebrates.org.
The 17th Annual Awards Gala will be an in-person event at the Breslin Center in East Lansing on the evening of July 20th. Tickets can be purchased online at that same link above.
Michigan Celebrates Small Business is a collaboration of trusted statewide founding organizations that offer resources for small businesses. Since 2005, their awards gala has celebrated the way in which small businesses positively impact our communities and state. They are focused on supporting, connecting and celebrating small businesses in Michigan.
The event was founded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Small Business Association of Michigan, U.S. Small Business Administration – Michigan, Edward Lowe Foundation, Michigan Business Network, and Michigan Small Business Development Center.
Benton Harbor-based Kinexus Group is the managing partner of the gala. Kinexus Group is an organization that invests its time and resources into inspiring positive economic change one individual, one business, and one community at a time. For more information, you can visit http://Kinexus.org, follow them on Twitter @KinexusGroup or “like” them on Facebook @KinexusGroup.
