Navigating uncertainty and remaining resilient - The experience of community businesses during Covid-19

This report, written by The Young Foundation, explores the impacts of Covid-19 on community businesses in England and the ways they adapted in response. The fieldwork took place online over a 12-week period from June to August 2020. Across this period, up to 27 representatives from community businesses answered themed questions, entered weekly diary entries and participated in group discussions.

The report delves into key periods during the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK, including how community businesses shifted into lockdown, adapted and diversified during the period, carefully re-opened services and reflected on the process. Key themes coming out of the research include the challenges of restrictions for businesses, the strength of local communities coming together and around how community businesses navigated information and support available.