Title: Small Business Supply Chain Disruptions During COVID-19
Headings: 
Supply Chain Management Supply Chain Basics
How Small Businesses Can Manage Supply Chain Disruptions
Challenges abound, but interruptions may present openings
Consider Pivoting from China
Evaluate Your Existing Suppliers
Identify Backup Suppliers, Vendors
Communicate with Your Customers
Have Long-Term Plan for Your Pivot
Take Advantage of Big-Player Delays
Consider Insurance
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Content: Small Business Supply Chain Disruptions During COVID-19
Supply Chain Management Supply Chain Basics
How Small Businesses Can Manage Supply Chain Disruptions
Challenges abound, but interruptions may present openings
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Kristen Elworthy is a writer and small business owner who focuses on helping other businesses, nonprofits, and brands expand their marketing and PR efforts. Read The Balance's editorial policies
Kristen Elworthy
Updated July 02, 2020
COVID-19 has had a disruptive effect on the global supply chain, and small businesses are not immune. An average of more than 30% of American small business owners across sectors still reported a disruption to their supply chain in June 2020 data, months into the pandemic. Supply-chain disruptions can affect small businesses in many ways: They can reduce revenue, inflate costs, cut into market share, or cause issues with production—all of which can damage a company’s bottom line. According to Rich Weissman, a part-time professor of business at Endicott College specializing in supply chain and operations management, small businesses can be at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to supply chain management during times of increased risk. “In times of supply chain constraints and increased risk, the bigger companies seem to get preferential treatment,” Weissman said in an email interview. Still, there are a number of measures that small businesses can take to mitigate supply chain disruptions, whether due to a pandemic or any number of other factors. Consider Pivoting from China
“COVID-19 has exposed the vulnerabilities of complex global supply chains,” said Loretta L. Worters, vice president of media relations for the Insurance Information Institute. “ When Chinese factories closed, manufacturers didn’t have other suppliers to rely on.”