At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the only thing we currently know for sure is that we don’t really know what lies ahead.

Businesses the world over have had to pivot, and be flexible, and some will fare far better than others in the months and years to come.

Perhaps what is most important is the ability to adapt, in order to find a way to keep people connected, both to your business and through your business.

Driven by their roots as community builders and connection catalysts, Ideas Cartel recently launched Cartel Connect Online (CCO), which provides members with supportive, constructive and inspiring experiences.

That includes online curated content like live webinars, video masterclasses, health and wellness events, and digital community connection through forums and chat rooms.

For R99 a month, through the website and app, members can plug into the connection ecosystem, gaining access to remote business coaching from leading names, skill-sharing, remote leadership and more.

This week’s events include a seminar on dealing with children whilst working from home, discussions with entrepreneurs regarding plotting a path forward, and a talk on looking after plants at home.

Friday will see a breakfast chat with sporting legends Tim Henman, Kevin Pietersen and Shane Warne, where you can ask them questions you like from the comfort of your home.

For more on the seminars and talks, check out the full list of events here.

Back to the app, and the incredible practicality of CCO’s delivery of groceries, accessed under the ‘Personal Shopping’ section of the app (Android and Apple Store).

Essentially, it’s all the benefits of a delicatessen to your door. This service is available to the public, but members always get more – Ideas Cartel throws in a little extra every time.

Ideas Cartel has teamed up with local farms and artisanal suppliers to support small businesses and provide high-quality, fresh ingredients.

Sourced directly from farmers, bakers and butchers under an essential services licence, this ‘delicatessen to your door’ service is available through the Ideas Cartel app.

There is also the option to order packed bags and boxes.

Family Fruit and Veg Boxes consist of a beautiful range of fresh fruits, vegetables, free-range eggs and raw honey from local farms, restaurant-quality meats from family butchers, fresh milk and yoghurts from nearby dairies, and breads and pastries from Ideas Cartel’s very own independent baker.

Every pre-packed bag and box contains a combination of one week’s worth of food, but if you feel like spoiling yourself, you can top up with additional luxury items.

There is also the option to order a Braai Bag, a Fruit and Veg Box, or a Donation Box, which provides fresh, nutritious food to those who need it most.

During lockdown, deliveries are available from Tuesday to Friday, and the service will continue to operate beyond the lockdown period.

Orders for Tuesday or Wednesday deliveries and collections should be placed by 3PM on Monday, and orders for Thursday or Friday should be placed by 3PM on Wednesday.

Collections are also available from midday (12PM) until 5PM at Ideas Cartel, 1 Sandhill Road, Cape Town (known as The Foundry), and deliveries aim to be made during the same time.

Through the service, Ideas Cartel hopes to support local small businesses, as well as alleviate some of the pressures we’re all currently under.

Again, you don’t have to be a member to order (download on Android and Apple Store), but it’s not often you find an app, and a membership, that covers such a wide range of services and opportunities for R99 a month.