Thread by @latimes

Running a small business during the pandemic is a make-it-up-as-you-go-along trial without end. Many companies will keep their doors open because of adaptation, determination and luck. Others face closure.

Here’s how four businesses are surviving: latimes.com/business/story…

Business manager Belva Anakwenze had to become very flexible. She has taken distanced client meetings in her driveway and backyard, depending on her family's schedule.

Communication with her employees has changed as well. latimes.com/business/story…
📸:@francineorr

Mega-event planner Natalie McAdams used to organize product launches, fashion shows, premieres and more.

To generate income, she’s channeled her passion for yoga into small, virus-screened retreats using her event planning skills. 📸: Angela Kent latimes.com/business/story…

Banzai, a company that hosted and marketed 66 in-person events in Los Angeles in 2019, lost its “entire sales pipeline” by March 13.

But this summer, Banzai acquired a small company with virtual events experience. 📸: KewlImage Photography latimes.com/business/story…

Greg Goetzman’s company helps other companies keep their financial houses in order.

He didn’t know whether his employees would adjust well to working from home. But employees and clients have embraced the change, he says. 📸: Betsy Annas latimes.com/business/story…

Despite these successes, it’s clear that COVID-19 devastated small businesses, in California and beyond.

Here are the stories of three businesses that weren't able to survive the pandemic: latimes.com/business/story…