Small Businesses Close , While Large Industries Thrive , Amid Pandemic.<br />'Newsweek' reports that between February <br />and April of 2020, the number of active <br />business owners declined by 3.3 million. .<br />'Newsweek' reports that between February <br />and April of 2020, the number of active <br />business owners declined by 3.3 million. .<br />According to one study, in June of 2021, <br />there were 37.5% less small businesses <br />in the United States than just one year earlier. .<br />According to one study, in June of 2021, <br />there were 37.5% less small businesses <br />in the United States than just one year earlier. .<br />'Newsweek' points out that the significant decline <br />is a tangible example of just how dramatically<br />the pandemic has impacted the economy.<br />At the same time, some larger industries have <br />managed to thrive, thanks in part to creative <br />thinking and innovation in a time of crisis. .<br />At the same time, some larger industries have <br />managed to thrive, thanks in part to creative <br />thinking and innovation in a time of crisis. .<br />Grocery stores turned to curbside delivery and at-home delivery services to accommodate customer concerns and meet safety guidelines. .<br />Grocery stores turned to curbside delivery and at-home delivery services to accommodate customer concerns and meet safety guidelines. .<br />Other industries thrived as a result of an unprecedented rise in demand. .<br />Agricultural exports for the United States <br />are expected to hit $140.5 billion in 2021, <br />up $5.5 billion from 2020. .<br />'Newsweek' reports that the USDA called the agricultural industry "income inelastic" as people's need for food guarantees demand. .<br />Other industries that have flourished amid <br />the pandemic include home improvement, <br />as well as food and beverage manufacturers. .<br />Other industries that have flourished amid <br />the pandemic include home improvement, <br />as well as food and beverage manufacturers. .<br />According to one study, food and <br />beverage sales grew by 12% in 2020. .<br />According to one study, food and <br />beverage sales grew by 12% in 2020.
