Crowdfunder to help business

Small businesses in North Lanarkshire are being asked to pay it forward in these unprecedented and uncertain times.

Many small businesses are already facing a sharp downturn in income due to COVID-19.

A new campaign – Pay it Forward – has been launched by Crowdfunder and the small business support network; Enterprise Nation.

Businesses in North Lanarkshire who choose to participate will be provided with the tech and tools to enable them to pre-sell their services now, on a promise to their customers that they can redeem them later.

There will be access to free training for small businesses, to help with online sales, cashflow support and legal support.

PM Boris Johnson recently issued guidance telling people to“avoid pubs, clubs and theatre”, meaning almost everyone is set to spend more time indoors, reducing vital income for small businesses.These businesses still need a regular flow of cash to pay rent and staff wages.

So how does Pay it Forward work?

They can offer their services now, for example; give customers the option of booking meals, rooms, event tickets etc now by setting up their own campaign with Crowdfunder, who will cover fees for the platform and transactions.

Rob Love, founder and CEO of Crowdfunder, said: “This is a really difficult time for everyone and there are lots of different things people are worried about including their jobs. One thing people can do if they can afford it, is support local businesses.

“Through Pay it Forward, we are committed to throwing Crowdfunder’s resources behind keeping business alive through this crisis.”

Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: “We’ve pledged to offer a package of support and guidance to small business and those on the high street to help keep them afloat in these unprecedented times. We’ll be offering training and the latest information on how to access the latest government support all in one place. We must hold our nerve and move forward together and Pay It Forward is a brilliant and practical way to coordinate targeted support.”

Small businesses can set up their own campaign at: crowdfunder.co.uk/ pay-it-forward