Restrictions and government assistance varied, but for small business owners the challenges were similar.
Five years on, we hear from three entrepreneurs about their experiences - the manager of a tourism company in Tanzania, a bar owner in England, and a former gym owner in the US. What have they learnt? And has it changed the way the operate and make decisions?
If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: businessdaily@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Sam Fenwick Producer: Josh Martin
(Image: A coffee shop owner serves a customer in the US. Credit: Getty Images)