Not Giving Up On My Business 1st-Time Profited in 2020

When the corona virus hit, it greatly impacted negatively on my income. The majority of my customers were those that preferred onsite computer training and consulting. They either during the early impact of COVID-19 cancelled their contracts or postponed them. Components of the business that were online were expanded, and onsite components were converted so they were available virtually. Social Media outlets were updated, and utilization of them was increased. Though I implemented more efforts with any free marketing, promotions, and live videos on Social Media, it still proved to be difficult due to many announcements by all media outlets about businesses closing. I felt overshadowed, I felt like I was drowning, I felt defeated at times, and I felt invisible; nevertheless, I was not going to give up on my business. One way or another, I was going to make sure that everyone knew I was still here, that everybody knew I still existed, and that all would know I was still a fighter.

Financially, it proved to be challenging when I informed vendors I wasn't able to pay them, or informed them that I had to make arrangements when funds were available. With other bills, I asked for pay extensions or informed them that payments would be delayed. Persistence and perseverance helped me keep going, even during times when I felt like giving up.

In the midst of events surrounding the corona virus' impact, I continued doing live videos and posts. Most of all, I informed everyone I could (especially online) that I would do my best to be the source and resource that spoke about computer topics and trends. Finally, doing what I can do to help bridge the gap between those who know and those who don't know about computers was the main reason why I didn't give up.

All of a sudden, there was this source, and that source, and this other source mentioning opportunities for small-business grants. I used to work in the nonprofit sector over at least 20 years ago (I believe), and would help in writing grants. There was no way I could've attempted to write these small-business grants that were announced all over the Internet, email, this Facebook group, that Instagram post, the other LinkedIn info that was shared. Since I didn't have customers, and since there wasn't money coming my direction, there was at least no bill collectors blowing up my phone. With time to spare, I took to the Internet and brushed up my grant writing skills. YouTube channels on small-business grants were coming out of the woodworks, so I made sure to subscribe to those channels that were beneficial. Though I was scared, at times didn't know what I was doing, and didn't know if I was doing anything right, I made the decision to be brave. I made the decision to go for these small-business grants in spite of being hesitant at times. I included that fact that I needed the funds to help with lessening operational expenses in order to keep the business going. I made sure not to leave out the fact that financial assistance would additionally help by having website updates, updating small business insurance, and purchasing protective equipment to safely provide computer training and consulting services to those customers who prefer having it done in person.

Talk about bringing back a skillset that I hadn't used in eons to life. As I researched and looked at YouTube videos, I was shocked that on these grant applications you could mention that you needed monies to pay for marketing, promoting, branding, logo creation, and the list went on. The one thing about grant writing that was a reminder that I had forgetten about--writing grants can itself be a full-time job. Man! Despite at times feeling exhasted, I had one main goal to reach--getting as many small-business grants as possible.

Time went on and there was those that I didn't win. Was I happy about that? Absolutely not, but I in turn learned a lot along the way. I had to remember not to be too hard to myself. After all, it had been so long since I've written a grant, or the face that I assisted in writing a grant. From out the blue, one of the small-business grants had a fourth round. I wasn't going to at first, but something deep down inside of me unctioned me to go for it. I honestly had nothing else. I just didn't want to lose out again, and then I wanted to get to a point where I could say I was glad that I didn't give up. It was at that time now or never, it was at that time to either give up or say to myself giving up is not an option. So guess what I did? You guessed it. I went for round four.

Here I was getting back on the saddle. I couldn't give up on my business. I came too far. I inhaled, I exhaled, I got on my laptop, clicked on the link that was emailed to me, watched any YouTube videos that talked about how to apply for specific small-business grants step by step, and followed through. I filled out the grant application, prayed that I would get it, and nervously clicked on the submit button. A couple of days went by. Nothing. A couple of weeks went by. Nothing. Was I concerned, scared, worried, upset, and everything else that could drive anyone crazy? For sure.

Amost two months passed. I was checking on what I emails came through that day, then to my surprise a notification about the fourth round of the grant application came through. I was panicking. I was scared, but I knew I had to open it. I had the hardest time opening that email. My hands were shaking. I took a pause, got myself together, and finally opened the email. I thought it was an email letting me know that they got my application, but that I wasn't one of the winners. Oh my God! OMG! It wasn't that type of email. It was the email stating that I was one of the fourth-round winners of the small-business grants. I was panting like a deer. I was elated and in disbelief. I reread it a couple of times to make sure I read it correctly. Oh it was correct. Thankfulness brought forth tears of joy. Oh my God! I won my first small-business grant. Thoughts in my head included being thankful for not giving up, to look what would had happened hadn't I attempted to apply for this grant. Shockingly, more winning small-business grants happened to the point where for the first time I ended 2020 on a profit. Joyful tears again flooded my eyes.

Winning that grant sprung forth a rediscovery of me. Going after that small-business grant triggered a confidence in me I hadn't felt in a long time while for the first feeling a new confidence I've never felt before. There were more I didn't win, but there were more that I won. Being a small-business grant winner for the first time ignited in me a new level--correction a new dimension--of perseverance and persistence. There was a dimension of my being that let me know that I had the right to be proud of myself, and that being your own cheerleader was at the same time being your own advocate. I was deserving of good, and my determination was taken to a new high because I did not give up. I made a promise to myself that difficulties come, but I have to remember to let determination be a part of me. And if I didn't give up on my business, then I could do, and can do, all I can to let other small-business owners know that there's a cheerleader in their corner. We small-business owners can't give up, and we small-business owners must lift each other up. I'm so thankful for those small-business owners that helped me. I may sound like a scratched record, but I can always say with ease that giving up on my small business is not an option.