How to support local businesses during mandatory restrictions

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in March

2020 transformed lives in ways many might never have imagined possible. Social distancing recommendations and restrictions on gatherings of more than a handful of people had a ripple effect on the economy that adversely affected many small businesses.

Small businesses are the backbones of local communities. According to the Government of Canada as of December 2017, the Canadian economy totaled 1.18 million employer businesses, of these 97.9% were small businesses. Small businesses employed 8.3 million individuals in Canada, or 69.7% of the total private labour force.

The accommodation and food services sector is the second largest small business industry. Many of these businesses have been hit especially hard as more and more of their regular customers stay at home in the wake of government advisories promoting social distancing.

Small businesses are vital to local communities, and there are ways to support them and help them stay COVID-19 outbreak.

* Order delivery. It’s still possible to enjoy foods from your favourite local restaurants. Many restaurants that had not previously done so have begun to offer delivery services, be it curbside or at-home, and this can provide a great respite for families who have had to cook three meals a day at home for their entire families for extended periods of time. Curbside delivery has made it possible to get takeout meals without compromising social distancing recommendations.

* Purchase a gift card. Gift cards can help small businesses generate revenue at a time when their doors are largely closed to the public. This can be vital to these businesses survival, and it gives consumers something to look forward when life returns to normal.

* Help market local businesses. Spread the word when local businesses deliver in the wake of the restrictions put on them due to COVID-19. Share these experiences via social media or online reviews, and urge your neighbors to patronize these businesses.

Local businesses are suffering during the COVID-19 outbreak. But communities can come together to support business owners and their employees to help these vital businesses stem the tide.