Canadians are finding new business opportunities despite the pandemic

Given all that’s going on, you may think that now would be the worst time to start a new business. But you would be wrong to think that in Canada. Some businesses have started up as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic. You might not have even realized it, but some businesses are opening up across Canada to help fill in any gaps caused by COVID-19.

Many businesses have had to close or significantly change how they sell their goods or services because of the coronavirus pandemic. These new models include home delivery, takeout orders for restaurants, and online shopping for retail outlets. All of these are great ways to continue business despite all that’s going on in the world.

Here are just three Canadian businesses that have opened during the coronavirus pandemic and are finding success in their respective rights.

PlanaFuneral.com is fills a market that didn't exist three months ago. They organize virtual funerals. In a time where regular funerals can’t be held out of fear of spreading COVID-19, virtual funerals are necessary to celebrate the life of someone who has passed away. With PlanaFuneral.com, you’re able to organize and record a funeral that’s hosted over Zoom. They also consult with family members and friends that are interested in giving a eulogy or a speech during the virtual funeral.

PlanaFuneral.com doesn’t just help you organize and execute a virtual funeral. They allow you to create a slideshow of a deceased loved one, as well as livestream the burial if one takes place. The company plans to add more services to help closing bank accounts, contracts, social media profiles, and subscriptions of a deceased loved one. All of this can help a family deal with the death of a loved one during this pandemic.

Pawzy Telehealth, which is a spin off of Pawzy. This business allows pet owners to have their pets get virtual treatment from a veterinarian. With vets having to reduce their hours due to COVID-19, Pawzy Telehealth is a great help to those that need to have their pet taken care of. The unique thing about Pawzy Telehealth is that you don’t actually pay for the service. Instead, vet clinics sign up for it by paying a monthly fee. This allows them to see pets and keep making money as a result.

There are plans to create a consumer-focused service that will allow owners to connect with a vet anytime. This will surely help even more pet owners get treatment for their pets. The coronavirus pandemic won’t stop people from caring for their pets. For many who are self-isolated, having a pet in the house has been a mental health necessity.

Broken Heart Love Affair is a new advertising company that was was already in the works when the pandemic hit. Founded by entrepreneur Beverly Hammond and four other co-founders, this advertising agency based in Toronto, Ontario were having second thoughts about launching the new business when the economic closures began, but it was too late to back out. By the time they could consider turning back, the gears were already in motion. Certain legal agreements had already been signed off and Broken Heart Love Affair had to dive in to the odd, coronavirus impacted advertising market.

Yet the company, launched on March 27th,  and has found some success. Some of their current clients include Everest Insurance, Kids Help Phone, and Kruger. Even better— more business opportunities appear to be coming for Broken Heart Love Affair despite the coronavirus pandemic. It appears that this advertising agency will be able to do well anyways.

There’s no question that starting a business during a global pandemic may seem like a crazy idea. Some may even say that now isn’t a good time to do so. But these three businesses are proof that it is possible. What matters is creating a business that fills a need caused by the pandemic that will help people and/or businesses.