Rhode Island SMBs reported slightly larger than average revenue declines (-19% vs. -16% avg.) despite having a Driver segment (35%) in line with the national average. Rhode Island SMB owners entered the crisis with a relatively low comfort level (52%) with digital tools. Nearly all (96%) of Rhode Island SMBs increased their use of digital tools during COVID-19. More than half (55%) of Rhode Island SMBs feel optimistic about the future of their business and are now thinking more about how to grow those businesses (55%). Meanwhile, 47% of them said they were able to retain or even grow their customer base
1) Social media/video platforms (92% vs. 69%)
2) Digital payments (91% vs. 67%)
3) Digital ads (89% vs. 58%)
How will I...
Recover from the damages done by COVID-19? (62% vs. 44%)
Digitally prepare for future? (59% vs. 37%)
Cover my expenses? (40% vs. 42%)
1) CRM platforms (19% vs. 11%)
2) Online hiring platforms (12% vs. 8%)
3) Video Conferencing (11% vs. 6%)
1) Step-by-step video tutorials (55% vs. 56%)
2) Step-by-step written guides (51% vs. 42%)
3) Webinars or livestreams (51% vs. 47%)