Small business rescues itself
Despite allowances for in-person shopping and limited restaurant dining returning across the state, Pennsylvania small businesses are finding consumers are still hesitant to come out. Several local organizations are taking a proactive approach in promoting their town’s small businesses and helping them prepare for what could be a slow summer.
Organizations such as the Oakmont Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Greensburg Project put up listings for area businesses that reopened during transitions to the yellow and green phases. The lists provided a hub for area residents to check reopening dates, available services and safety requirements for different businesses.
Community groups also launched creative marketing campaigns meant to draw attention to locally owned shops and restaurants. The McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation hosted a contest in April where randomly selected winners received gift certificates and products from businesses offering online sales.
Discover Dormont held a “Summer of Dormont” raffle featuring gift cards from local businesses, and hosted “Dormont Dine Outside Day,” an outdoor dining event to support local restaurants.
The Mt. Lebanon Partnership and the Office of Economic Development began a marketing campaign, part of the “recovery phase” of the township’s three-part plan for local businesses. Goals include creating an ongoing business recovery task force and helping businesses set up websites and mobile platforms for online sales.
Consumers have been slow to return to public activities, and many businesses are operating at 50% capacity or through limited appointments. It’s unknown how long the Pennsylvania economy will be stunted by the coronavirus pandemic, and if there will be a return to past restrictions. Now more than ever, community members need to invest in each other.
These community organizations are taking into account safety and flexibility while constructing programs. Their efforts set an example for how a community can rally around its small businesses during a time of need.