Some businesses start out with a really clear vision of who they serve. Others find that specific purpose along the way. Though Outrider USA started as a personal project, the team quickly learned they could serve a greater need. Learn about the company’s journey into adaptive vehicles in this week’s Small Business Spotlight.

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What the Business Does

Offers adaptive transportation options.

Jacob Lothers, social media and content coordinator for Outrider USA told Small Business Trends, “We manufacture lightweight electric vehicles (trikes mostly), with an emphasis on adaptive sports. We specialize in building machines for customers with Quadriplegia, Paraplegia, Spinal Cord Injuries, stroke victims, etc.”

Business Niche

Long-range drivetrains and adaptive machines.

Lothers says, “We have had a number of popular customer testimonials, especially our first adaptive customer, Chris, with whom our emphasis on adaptive machines began back in 2014. We offer the longest range and highest speed for any electric vehicle in its class.”

How the Business Got Started

As a personal project.

Lothers explains, “The company began with our co-founders in college, building their own personal electric trikes. The company officially began with a kickstarter campaign.”

Biggest Win

Finding purpose.

Lothers says, “Our biggest win was finding Dr. Chris Wenner, who approached us about building an adaptive trike. The project proved to bring a powerful purpose to our work, to help disabled individuals get out and off-road again. This has since become one of our company’s core values.”

Biggest Risk

Starting a Kickstarter campaign.

Lothers says, “Without it, we could not have developed our full-suspension chassis, which is the crucial element of our adaptive platforms. It was a long process of paying back investors, and we weren’t sure if we were going to make enough revenue to do so. Thankfully, we have stayed on top of all of our payments, and have bought mobility back to over a hundred individuals. Had we not carried through on our investments, it could have been the death of the company.”

Lesson Learned

Focus on serving others.

Lothers adds, “I think all of us agree that we wished we had gotten into adaptive bikes sooner. There’s nothing more fulfilling than getting a tearful message from a quadriplegic customer being able to get off pavement for the first time in five years.”

How They’d Spend an Extra $100,000

Improving their offerings.

Lothers explains, “We would allocate a portion of those funds to parts for machines in the production cue, but the rest we would certainly spend on boosting the development of more articulate adaptive control systems. We have been developing joystick controls and a head-movement control for quite some time, but its development has been delayed due to funding, and allocating employee time to these systems.”

Fun Fact

The company holds multiple speed records.

Lothers says, “We hold a couple of e-bike records, from fastest sub-100 pound vehicle (speed of 85.9 mph), to fastest time at Pike’s Peak Cycling Hillclimb (our 1st place cyclist got to the finish line before the finish line banner had even been set up; one of our favorite “big fish” stories!)”

Favorite Quote

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” -Dr. Seuss

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Image: Outrider USA

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It’s no secret that COVID-19 has made a huge impact on small businesses. A recent survey from SCORE outlines just how big the effects have been so far.

Overall, the report, which included responses from 3,500 diverse business owners, found that more businesses are struggling financially. And many Black and Hispanic owned businesses face even greater challenges. However, it also found that businesses have been able to quickly pivot in key areas. And many are still feeling optimistic about the future.

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SCORE Survey – COVID Impact on Small Business

More specifically, the report found that a majority of businesses were not able to turn a profit this year. In fact, just 34 percent of small business owners said that their operations are currently profitable. But 55 percent were profitable at this point last year.

Businesses related to travel, arts, and culture experienced the biggest losses this year. But construction firms, restaurants, professional services, health services, and retail also struggled.

Many of these industries were most affected by state shutdowns. But they also tend to be areas that have been deemed “non-essential.” So consumers with less disposable income may also simply be choosing to re-allocate their income. And of course, many of these industries require at least some in-person interaction, which many consumers choose to avoid.

Struggles for Minority Owned Businesses

Those numbers are even more pronounced for Black and Hispanic owned businesses. Just 26.5% of Black business owners said that their businesses are currently profitable. That’s down from 40% in 2019. Among Hispanic business owners, 29.2% said their business was profitable this year. And 51.2% of them had profitable businesses in 2019.

So why is this disparity present? Much of the answer may lie in access to resources. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) served as a lifeline for many businesses. But white business owners were three times more likely to receive these funds than Black and Hispanic business owners. These business owners have also been more likely to struggle with credit and securing investors. And COVID-19 infections, remote work, and lack of childcare also affected these companies more in 2020.

There were certainly inequities in business ownership and access to resources before COVID. But the pandemic has highlighted them even more. Additionally, business ownership among Black and Hispanic individuals has been on the rise in recent years. So addressing these inequities may be key to helping the small business economy recover quickly.

Businesses Adjust Due to COVID

Even though many struggled with profits this year, small businesses are still fighting. Many have been able to stay afloat and keep customers and employees safe with a few changes. Specifically, 43 percent provided PPP to employees, 34 percent allowed teleworking, and 29 percent updated policies.

Additionally, 20 percent of companies added new services to help their communities during this time. Some of these may have simply been to show support. But other companies clearly identified needs with their target customers. And this ability to pivot quickly may have helped a small amount of companies stay profitable or at least avoid huge losses.

Unfortunately, one of the areas where businesses had to adjust most this year was in HR. About 12 percent said they had to permanently lay off employees. And 56 percent either had to furlough employees or cut their hours to make ends meet. These changes allowed many businesses to stay above water. But it almost certainly hindered operations for many. And it could have a long-lasting impact on the economy as a whole.

However, 20 percent did hire new employees during the pandemic. And 41 percent expect to hire more team members within the next year. So with a bit of hard work and careful planning, many teams may be able to rebound quickly. An increase in hiring can help businesses increase output in the coming years and give more individuals access to regular paychecks. And that’s one of the biggest things that is going to help small companies thrive going forward.

How Businesses Feel About the Future

It’s not all bad news for small businesses this year. Despite the financial challenges, 22 percent of small businesses currently feel very optimistic about the future. And another 33 percent feel somewhat optimistic.

Of course, some policy changes may help small businesses even more. Some are hoping for more PPP loans and enhanced unemployment benefits. But 66 percent agree that stimulus checks for individuals make the biggest impact. Putting money in the hands of small business customers may be the most impactful way to help moving forward.

Overall, there’s no denying the negative economic impacts of the pandemic. And the exaggerated effects on minority owned businesses highlight even more problems. But there are some bright spots in the report as well. Small businesses that pivot quickly can help people stay safe and keep their operations running. Ideally, this will all lead to a fast recovery in 2021 — at least many business owners seem to think so.

Image: score.org

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U.S. small business job growth is on the rise but at a slower pace than earlier in 2020.

According to the November ADP Small Business Report, private sector small business employment increased by 110,000 jobs from October to November. That is down only slightly from the September-October figures but is significantly less than the nearly one million new jobs reported in June.

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ADP Small Business Report, November 2020

The ADP Small Business Report, produced by the ADP Research Institute in collaboration with Moody’s Analytics, tracks employment figures for private sector businesses with 49 or fewer employees. Small businesses with one to 19 employees experienced the most growth, adding 60,000 new jobs, while companies between 20 to 49 accrued marginally less, 50,000 jobs.

Service Sector Responsible for Gains

The service sector was responsible for the net growth, producing a total of 114,000 jobs. Most of that, 68,000 or nearly 60%, came from the smallest businesses. The goods-producing sector, on the other hand, had a net loss of 5,000 jobs.

Although larger small businesses in that sector (those with 20 to 49 employees) gained a modest 3,000 new jobs, very small businesses lost a total of 8,000. This is likely due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on smaller, local businesses.

While this growth is welcome, it stands in stark contrast to the June 2020 figures, which showed a substantive 937,000 jobs added to the American economy from May to June. It is somewhat less than the October 2020 numbers, however, which reported a 114,000 net increase.

“While November saw employment gains, the pace continues to slow,” said Ahu Yildirmaz, vice president and co-head of the ADP Research Institute. “Job growth remained positive across all industries and sizes.”

Franchise Business Job Gains Increased from June Report

ADP’s National Franchise Report revealed the U.S. gained 33,700 new franchise jobs in November. That number represents less than a third of the November small business figures. It is also down nearly 16,000 jobs from October’s franchise report, which showed 49,600 employment growth.

The largest gains came from restaurants (20,100) followed by auto parts and dealers (11,100). The good news is that the other sectors included in the report — food retailers, business services, accommodations, and real estate— all recorded gains, albeit small, 1,000 or less.

Image: ADP

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Has it hit the fan for you in 2020? It’s certainly been a unique challenge for millions of small business owners this year. But the year’s almost over and many business owners are wondering … now what?!

A webinar with the same title as a popular book by Rhonda Abrams, is going to offer some insights and strategies to help your small business survive the current condition. The webinar is going to discuss the specific and time-tested tips in the book so you can survive and thrive in any economy.

Abrams is going to join the Founder and CEO of Small Business Trends, Anita Campbell and Small Business Trends Book Editor Ivana Taylor at the webinar. Together they will share their decades of experience in the small business segment and what it takes to survive under the most trying conditions.

The webinar is going to take place on Dec 9, 2020 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. See more about it below

Click the red button and register now to learn how you can navigate your small business in this COVID-19 world and beyond.

Register Now

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Featured Events, Contests and Awards

WEBINAR: The Sh*t’s Hit the Fan – NOW WHAT? 99 Recession Proof Tips for Small Business
December 9, 2020, Online

The business world as we know it appears to have been turned upside down overnight by COVID-19. Perhaps there has never been another time when the economy has changed so radically so fast. How do you – as a small business owner – navigate this new world? In her new book, Rhonda Abrams, a recognized small business expert, shares specific do-it-now strategies for how your small business can survive – even thrive – in this COVID-19 world.

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More Events

• Social Media Strategies Summit for Small Businesses – Virtual Conference
  December 8, 2020, Online
• LinkUpConferenceShow
  December 8, 2020, Online
• neXco National & IES Present B2B Speed Networking
  December 8, 2020, Online
• Webinar Basics to Business
  December 8, 2020, Online
• VIRTUAL – Beyond 2D: The Rise of Immersive Commerce
  December 9, 2020, Online
• We EmPOWER You Global Virtual Summit
  December 9, 2020, Online
• VIRTUAL – Mind The Gap: Womxn Designing for Womxn
  December 10, 2020, Online
• Yield Bookkeeping Small Business Owners Roundtable
  December 17, 2020, Online
• neXco National Lunch and Learn Goal Setting Workshop
  December 29, 2020, Online
• DataScience Contest
  January 1, 2021, Online
• Decoding Future HR 2021
  January 19, 2021, Online
• Talent Acquisition Week | VIRTUAL
  January 25, 2021, Online
• Rail Cybersecurity Summit USA
  February 9, 2021, Online
• 5th Advancing Project Controls Summit 2021
  February 22, 2021, Online
• Digital Marketing World Forum – North America Online 2021
  March 24, 2021, Online
• Power BI in 2021
  April 1, 2021, Online
• HR Benefits Conference, April 2021
  April 7, 2021, Las Vegas, NV
• TECHSPO New York 2021 Technology Expo (Internet ~ Mobile ~ AdTech ~ MarTech ~ SaaS)
  April 15, 2021, Online
• DigiMarCon Mid-Atlantic 2021 – Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference & Exhibition
  April 26, 2021, Philadelphia, PA
• Sitecore CMS in 2021
  May 1, 2021, Online

More Contests

This weekly listing of small business events, contests and awards is provided as a community service by Small Business Trends.

You can see a full list of events, contest and award listings or post your own events by visiting the Small Business Events Calendar.

Image: Depositphotos.com

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Whiteboards are a common feature in offices. Businesses use them for planning, identifying and prioritizing tasks, a message board, and other ways to communicate. A good marker goes hand in hand with your whiteboard.

Some whiteboard markers can also write on materials made from glass, porcelain, or melamine. The ink of these markers is manufactured to wipe off surfaces smoothly and easily without leaving streaks.

Whiteboard markers are ideal for writing on whiteboards and today’ market offer several options to consider:

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Best Whiteboard Markers

 

Expo Low Odor Dry Eraser Marker

Top Pick: This is a dry erase marker with a plastic plain grip for easy skip free writing. The chisel tip can be applied on non-porous surfaces such as porcelain, whiteboards and even glass. It can be easily erased by using a dry cloth or eraser. The pack comes with 17 different colors and are ideal for the classroom, home office or the workplace.

EXPO Low Odor Dry Erase Markers, Chisel Tip, Assorted, 16 Count

Buy on Amazon

 

Amazon Basics Dry Erase Whiteboard Marker

Runner Up: This dry erase marker has a DryGuard ink feature that can work even when left uncapped for up to two days. This low odor marker’s versatile chisel tip allows users to write in multiple line widths with a simple change of the angle.

AmazonBasics Dry Erase White Board Markers – Low Odor, Chisel Tip – 12 Pack, Assorted Colors

Buy on Amazon

 

Quartet Dry Erase Marker

Best Value: The Quartet dry erase marker comes with a magnetic eraser cap for ease clean up. The marker set comes with different color options including black, red, blue, green, purple and yellow. It has a transparent ink indicator to let users see how much ink is left. The marker’s chisel tip helps to create bold and crisp lines with a non-toxic and low odor ink.

Quartet Dry Erase Markers, Whiteboard Markers, Fine Point, Mini, Magnetic, ReWritables

Buy on Amazon

 

U Brands Low Odor Magnetic Double Ended Dry Erase Markers

U Brands low odor magnetic marker has a small magnet to help place it on the whiteboard. This marker comes with two colors on a single marker for a total of 12 different colors. In addition to the magnet the markers also have a built-in felt eraser. The ink is non-toxic and low odor, and it can be applied on melamine, painted steel, porcelain and glass.

U Brands Low Odor Magnetic Double Ended Dry Erase Markers With Erasers, Bullet Tip, Assorted Colors

Buy on Amazon

 

Staedtler 2 mm Lumocolor Bullet Tip Whiteboard Marker

The Staedtler Lumocolor Whiteboard Marker is a low odor, non-toxic and quick-drying marker. Staedtler uses xylene and toluene-free ink with PP barrel and cap guarantee for long service life. You can leave it uncapped for days without drying and wipe the ink dry from whiteboards as well as glass and porcelain without leaving a trace. You get 8 markers with each set.

Staedtler 2 mm Lumocolor Bullet Tip Whiteboard Marker – Assorted Colours Pack of 8

Buy on Amazon

 

BIC Intensity Advanced Dry Erase Marker

The BIC intensity advanced dry erase marker is a low odor whiteboard marker that provides smooth, consistent ink flow. The fine bullet tip provides precision and detail work. The ink erases easily and comes with an ink indicator to let you see how much ink is left in the marker. One pack contains 24 nontoxic colors which can be applied on glass, and most non-porous surfaces.

BIC Intensity Advanced Dry Erase Marker, Fine Bullet Tip, Assorted Colors, 12-Count

Buy on Amazon

 

Arteza Glass Board Dry Erase Markers

Arteza makes a full range of art supplies, from canvas to paint. The markers come in a wide range of vibrant colors with fine or Japanese chisel tip for precision writing. You can also choose to get a magnetic cap with a felt eraser. They are safe and non-toxic and conform to the ASTM and EN71 regulations as well as AP certified.

Arteza Glass Board Dry Erase Markers Pack of 10 Bright Neon Colors with Low-Odor Ink

Buy on Amazon

 

Features to Look for in Whiteboard Markers

• Nontoxic and low odor: While shopping for Whiteboard markers you should make sure your read the fine print to see that there are no harmful, foul-smelling chemical solvents.
• Dry vs wet-erase markers: It is important to distinguish between wet-erase and dry erase markers. Wet erase ink markers can stay on a non-porous surface longer without smearing and you can erase it using either a wet cloth or a solvent. Dry erase is relatively semi-permanent and you can erase it using a dry cloth.
• Tip and ink: The market offers countless options for whiteboard markers. Some can write on surfaces such as porcelain, glass and other non-porous materials. Others have differently shaped tips giving you varying widths for different writing and drawing purposes.
• Comfort: When looking for the best dry erase markers make sure you look for ones with an ergonomic shape. A good dry erase marker should be easy to grip. This ensures you can write comfortably for long periods of time.
• Longevity: Whiteboard markers can be used a lot as such you will want a whiteboard marker that is slow to dry out. Some markers also come with an ink gauge to help you track your ink levels.

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Images: Amazon

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It is important to keep your businesses clean and tidy. As a business owner, you will need to make sure your office or shop is cleaned regularly and maintained to ensure your employees are happy, healthy, and productive. This will also help in making sure you leave a good first impression on your customers.

Whether you run a small business or large workshop, a mop bucket and wringer come in handy for everything from daily cleaning to doing away with surprise messes.

Commercial floor cleaning buckets help keep floors clean and safe. Unlike those for home use, these industrial-strength versions hold more water and come with strong wheels, so users can cover larger spaces with ease.  

Our guide below will help you cover the best commercial mop and bucket options for your business.

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Best Commercial Mop and Bucket 

 

Rubbermaid Commercial Wavebrake Mopping System

Top Pick: This 21-pound commercial bucket has a 35-quart capacity and a rating of over 40,000 wringing cycles according to the company. It secures mops firmly and is also equipped with its own foot-operated built-in drain to easily get rid of the contents without lifting the bucket. The side press wrings mops with 18% less effort. A compact design (23.1 x 16 x 38.1 inches) and side press wrings mops with 18% less effort and also helps to reduce splashing by up to 18%.

Rubbermaid Commercial Wavebrake Mopping System Bucket and Side-Press Wringer Combo

Buy on Amazon

 

Carlisle Commercial Mop Bucket

Runner Up: This 26-quart capacity commercial bucket is made with corrosion-resistant polyethylene and can withstand temperatures from -40F to 180F. Non-marking swivel casters make for easy cleaning and mobility. The buckets come in different colors to comply with a color-coded system for identifying specific cleaning areas.

Weighing 14.5 pounds this mop bucket has a 50,000-cycle side-press wringer. The compact design (18.11 x 14.57 x 16.5 inches) makes for easy storage and convenience for tight-fitting environments.

Carlisle Commercial Mop Bucket with Side Press Wringer, 26 Quart Capacity, Red

Buy on Amazon

 

Amazon Basics Commercial Mop Bucket on Wheels

Best Value: The Amazon basics commercial mop bucket is made with Polypropylene and weighs 15.71 pounds. It has a 35-quart capacity and comes with a side-press wringer and a jaw mop holder.

This bucket comes with four rolling casters designed for easy and convenient mobility. With this bucket, you can simply snap the mop in place to keep it stable in the bucket while moving. The wringer works with fan mop holders which are designed to send water back down into the bucket with ease.

AmazonBasics Side Press Wringer Combo Commercial Mop Bucket on Wheels, 35 Quart, Yellow

Buy on Amazon

 

Hero EZ-Lift Dual Cavity Commercial Mop Bucket

The dual cavity of this bucket includes a 36-quart dirty water side and a nine-gallon cleaning bucket. This will reduce cross-contamination while using less floor cleaner. The side press wringer is certified for more than 31,000 wringing cycles, ensuring years of operations.

The non-marking bayonet wheels with cast-metal leave no marks on the floor. And the wheel guards will protect the wheels for long-life.

Hero EZ-Lift Dual Cavity Commercial Mop Bucket with Wringer on Wheels, Includes Dirty Water Bucket

Buy on Amazon

 

Rubbermaid Commercial HYGEN Press Wring Bucket

This flat mop bucket is for heavy commercial and industrial use. The no-touch wringing mechanism with a washboard surface removes dirt and debris from the mop pad before wringing. And the twists valve empties the dirty content without lifting for added hygiene.

The bucket is made with a smooth, non-porous surface to prevent bacterial growth and easy cleanup. And the non-marking casters won’t damage your floors.

Rubbermaid Commercial HYGEN Press Wring Bucket for Microfiber Flat Mops, Yellow

Buy on Amazon

 

Simpli-Magic Commercial Mop Bucket

With a 50,000-cycle wringer, this mob bucket is designed to last. The bucket is made from corrosion-resistant polyethylene capable of handling temperatures from -40°F to 180°F. The compact design has a 26-quart capacity sitting on top of four non-marking swivel casters.

Simpli-Magic Commercial Mop Bucket with Side Press Wringer, 26 Quart, Yellow

Buy on Amazon

 

Dryser Commercial Side Press Wringer

The spill-proof design of the Dryser mop bucket has a 33-quart capacity. This includes a rugged construction with anti-corrosive polyethylene web-molded body to keep its strength. The ergonomic wringer handle comes with premium steel and a spill-resistant side press for easy operation and minimal effort.

Dryser Commercial Side Press Wringer Combo Mop Bucket, 33 Quart, Yellow

Buy on Amazon

How to choose your mop and bucket 

An important feature to always look for while deciding to purchase a commercial cleaning bucket is to look for a strong, durable product that will last for years no matter which design you decide upon.

• Size: The larger the cleaning mop bucket, the more cleaning solution there is to clean dirt and grime. Find a size that is easy for our employees to use and store.
• Mobility: It is important your cleaning bucket affords you good mobility. Make sure your bucket comes with non-marking swivel casters that will not damage your floors.
• Dual compartment buckets: help to separate the dirty water from the cleaning solution. The design makes cleaning more efficient because you do not have to go back and forth to empty the dirty water.
• Easy drain buckets: make the job easier for your staff. This means they will not have to lift a heavy and wet object that is potentially dangerous.
• Warranty: Like any workplace equipment it is important that your cleaning bucket supplier comes with a warranty. At the very least look for a solid return policy.

Cleaning

Mopping may seem like a simple chore, but it is important to use the right tools. This includes a good mop, bucket, wringer, and caution wet floor signs. With these tools, you can quickly and efficiently clean up your business. And it all starts with a good quality commercial mop and bucket.

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Images: Amazon.com

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Despite optimism during this holiday shopping season, 48% of small businesses fear they won’t make enough money during the rest of Q4 to stay afloat. This according to the Alignable Revenue Poll.

The sobering number from Alignable’s recent poll indicates small businesses are still not out of the woods when it comes to a post-COVID-19 recovery.

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48% of Small Businesses Fear Closing for Good

Two months ago Alignable’s polls found pessimism among small businesses was at 42%. The latest poll results indicate the convergence of several factors that have added to the woes of small businesses. This includes the resurgence of COVID-19, elevated customer fears, and a surge in online shopping at Amazon and other national e-commerce giants.

Additional findings of the poll include:

• Some 50% of retailers could close for good and that figure is up from 45% only two months ago.
• 47% of small Business to Business (B2B) firms are struggling to keep the lights on and might not make it to next year. This is up by nine percentile points from September where the figure was just 38%.
• Among those hard hit are those in the travel and hospitality sector where 62% say they might not survive in the next three months.
• Others who expressed their concerns include owners of gyms (61%), beauty salons (60%), health and wellness shops and spas (46%), restaurants (45%), marketing and advertising agencies (45%), entertainment companies (43%), construction businesses (38%), law offices (36%), and even accounting firms (25%).
• Those seeking some form of support to weather the storm are shops and services with closure risks of 45% to 62%.

image: Alignable

How Business Can Get Back their Customers

Despite the hard times ahead small businesses will need to dig deep to get their balance sheets back in the black.

One is to continue their engagements with their customers by reaching out to them online or through other channels. This will include providing information on what high sought goods and services are available to them. Also make sure you let them on discounts, holiday discounts and other promotions that customers can capitalize on.

Your message should also include allaying concerns regarding safety precautions your business has put in place as well.

Image: Depositphotos.com

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