Ascentium Capital Blog

In March of 2020, restaurant sales plummeted after in-person dining was severely restricted. Fast forward a few weeks, and a new trend emerged illustrated by long drive-thru lines wrapped around fast-food locations, drive-thru lanes became the superstar, helping fast-food chains' sales rebound faster than those of full-service restaurants. In 2020, drive-thru visits grew by 27% in the third quarter and represented 44% of off-premises orders across the restaurant industry, according to the NPD Group. The drive-thru has evolved into the centerpiece of the fast-food industry. QSR businesses have been eager and wise to employ strategies that leverage this advantage as consumers flock to drive-thru lanes. (Read More...)

Small businesses have experienced significant impacts since the arrival and persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Coronavirus Impact Poll, 70% of small businesses worry about financial hardship from prolonged closures, and 58% of business owners are concerned over having to close their business permanently. In the current climate of social distancing, many businesses have had to completely rethink the way they operate. Companies that move quickly to adjust their business plan are best positioned to survive. (Read More...)

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc around the world and left many business owners struggling. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), 92% of small businesses said they had suffered negative effects as a result of the pandemic. The business landscape has changed, and credit is more important than ever to pave the road to recovery. (Read More...)

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is presenting new and unique challenges for businesses and their employees nationwide. Many are working remotely full-time for the first time, isolated from co-workers, friends and family. Daily lives and routines are disrupted which may cause anxiety and stress as well as strain us physically, mentally, and financially. In uncertain times, it is important to focus on the things that you can control. With that in mind, we have some tips to help employees who are suddenly working remote. (Read More...)

Many companies have had to make a quick pivot to remote operations. Part 1 of this article examined some of the technology and software needed to make a successful change. This part offers insights and tips from companies that have been operating remotely and focuses on the other two components of the organizational model: Process and People. (Read More...)

In what might seem like the blink of an eye, the majority of companies nationwide have shifted to doing business remotely. Supporting employee motivation, morale and productivity at a distance comes with new challenges for business leaders. (Read More...)

There is some good news in the midst of the chaos. SMB entrepreneurs are known for their innovative strategies and, facing a community in need, some companies are redefining their value proposition for the short term. Several industries are also seeing growth in previously under-utilized virtual services. (Read More...)