Amidst a pandemic, these five locals launched their small businesses – and thrived in doing so

Five locals share their experiences of opening a business during the pandemic

Starting a new business can be extremely hard at the best of times, but it’s even tougher when you’re doing so in the midst of the lockdown measures enforced to slow the spread of COVID-19, with consumers across the country ordered to stay home.

But after the initial shock of the sweeping shutdown, and the realisation any return to normal could be (and was) months off, these local business owners were inspired to take their dreams to the next levels – pandemic or not.

We spoke to five locals about the pain and success of opening new small businesses during coronavirus lockdown, and what they’ve got planned now that the region is on the verge of blossoming into a nascent rose.