Unity is strength. A case study of regional businesses in inner Mongolia during the COVID-19 pandemic

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic had a direct impact on retail sales, resulting in the closure of commercial establishments due to a nationwide lockdown. This reduced customer base and the consequent decline in operating profit directly threatened the survival of businesses. A platform was established by the food federation and small and medium enterprise federation of inner Mongolia in response to this so to assist local food enterprises in cooperating both internally and externally thus jointly exploring the market to encourage the growth of local and regional economies. Research findings indicate the effectiveness of the initiative in terms of resource integration and information sharing to address the overstock of commodities and shortfalls in cash flow. On the basis of qualitative research and the platform adopted, 20 interviews with experts were conducted, a new business model has been formed that may be exploited by other regions during and post-pandemic times to stimulate economic growth.