Adapting: Businesses Evolving During COVID-19

The COVID-19 crisis is without a doubt one of the biggest challenges that our businesses will ever face. In a time of uncertainty, we are excited to see some innovation on the part of local businesses to shift their business model in order to operate in ways that they never have before. While this may not be possible for many businesses, we wanted to highlight a few and hope that you will consider their offerings. We look forward to sharing more of these great stories with you and encourage you to let us know if you see a business doing something amazing!

Elevate Spin

Elevate Spin is a relatively new Barrhaven business, having opened in late 2019. Forced to close their doors as they are not an essential service, they have taken their business online. In the early days, they rented out their bikes to allow people to train at home and the success of this program has led to an online membership. All you need is a bike at home and you can participate in the high energy and fun classes that Elevate Spin is known for! Click here for more information.

Kiddie Kobbler Barrhaven

This business is known for their exceptional customer service and have found a way to operate while maintaining that standard even though they can no longer have customers in their store. Parents of children in need of shoes are encouraged to reach out to them and the process of helping them is nothing short of amazing. Images are sent of your child’s feet including a measurement using a ruler, consideration is given to previous footwear selections, and options are given to ensure style and fit. Payment is then made online and delivery can be arranged. To take it one step further, they are also encouraging other small businesses to comment on their posts to share what they are offering. Click here to find out more.

Hummingbird Music/Nepean School of Music

Nepean School of Music followed the lead of publicly funded schools and closed their doors on March 14th, ahead of the mandated closures. In order to maintain lessons for their hundreds of students, they have given them the option to continue with lessons online. Students all over our area are connecting with their teachers online for their private lessons with great success and are able to continue with their musical journey through this challenging time. Click here for more information.

Freshii Barrhaven

With good produce being challenging to find at times, Freshii are offering a great alternative. Through Freshii Essentials, it is now possible to pick up, or have delivered, a grocery bundle to avoid the grocery store lines and crowds. Each bundle includes a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables including lettuce, spinach, avocados, broccoli, carrots, cucumber, apples, onions, bananas, tomatoes, and also 2 Freshii Green Genius Juices. Click here to find out more.

Code Ninjas Barrhaven

This brand new Barrhaven business was set to open literally as the crisis hit but has taken this opportunity to keep its members and the community engaged in coding from home. Weekly coding challenges are offered to members but they also have Community Hour of Code sessions twice a week for everyone. If you are looking for something to keep your kids occupied on these long days at home, Code Ninjas have you covered. Click here to find out more.