Title: A note on resilience in the face of adversity when small droplets trigger big changes

Authors: Amélie Wuillaume; Alex Ferritto; Frank Janssen

Addresses: Louvain Research Institute in Management and Organizations, Université Catholique de Louvain, Place des Doyens 1, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium ' Louvain Research Institute in Management and Organizations, Université Catholique de Louvain, Place des Doyens 1, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium ' Louvain Research Institute in Management and Organizations, Université Catholique de Louvain, Place des Doyens 1, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium

Abstract: Disaster events, such as the COVID-19, have the potential to threaten lives and economies. Some people and ventures are disrupted while others react. This paper focuses on the response of such individuals and ventures to this unexpected pandemic. This research is specifically based on a detailed exploration of a large set of initiatives that have emerged in the face of the pandemic. These initiatives are either the result of the adaptation of existing ventures or have been newly created in response to the pandemic's consequences. The findings suggest that the conditions of COVID-19 prompted individuals and ventures to show resilience. This study shows that they adapt and develop initiatives that create value which differ in terms of: 1) magnitude; 2) timeline; 3) kind and describes the process that enables the quick response of these initiatives.

Keywords: adversity; disaster; resilience; value creation; COVID.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEV.2025.151370

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing, 2025 Vol.17 No.3, pp.249 - 273

Accepted: 24 Jun 2024
Published online: 26 Jan 2026 *

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