Kids walk into kindergarten with big dreams for themselves -- writing their names, making friends, and if they're lucky, maybe even learning about new species of dinosaurs. Though they may not express it this way, young children see school as the key to unlocking their potential, the first step to becoming an astronaut, a veterinarian, a firefighter or whatever they aspire to be when they grow up. Their families, too, have high hopes for what the next 13 years will bring, counting on educators to prepare their children for the future cognitively, socially and emotionally. But unfortunately in many classrooms across the U.S., these kids and their families discover that the education system's goals for them are much less ambitious than their own. Throughout elementary school, then into middle and high school, students are guided to academic milestones that are simply too low, targets that should be baselines rather than ceilings.

Amid a pandemic implosion, these startups showcase the strength, diversity and adaptability of America's entrepreneurs--and provide hope for the country's economic future. Even in the most challenging times, the best entrepreneurs find ways to excel. The 25 small companies listed here--all of which have less than $50 million in 2019 sales and fewer than 200 employees--are successfully navigating this turbulent year, even as some of their founders cope with personal losses from Covid-19. Some make things that are increasingly critical, such as software that improves hospital operations or robots that clean schools. Others have shifted to adapt to the pandemic, such as the extended-stay hotel operator using its rooms to house displaced international students and traveling doctors, or the maker of rolling buffets that started producing plexiglass dividers. These small-business standouts showcase the strength, adaptability and diversity of America's entrepreneurs, giving us hope for the country's economic future.