How you can support local
NOW that you are equipped with some reasons as to WHY you should support small business, here are some action steps on HOW you can support them. Here are some small, but big, ways to help support local businesses: Instead of purchasing items from large stores, try to purchase things from a business local to your area.
Buy a gift or gift card at a local business in your area and give to a friend, family member, or co-worker. This will introduce the company to someone new and allow for the “shop local” mantra to spread.
Promote their business! Share and like their social media accounts or posts on your own accounts.
The combination of businesses being required to temporarily shut down and people staying home has caused small local businesses to suffer. Some of this will be temporary, but some business owners will be forced to shut down for good. The government is doing what it can in terms of financial relief and other initiatives, but that can only go so far and for so long. Ultimately, it’s going to be up to us, the local communities and customers, to support these businesses.
Most businesses, whether large or small, are feeling a financial strain right now, and are worried about the future. But if you need to buy something, try your local shop first. If you still have an income, try ordering from your favorite local restaurant once a week.
Many restaurants are offering delivery and collection but check for delivery options at places other than restaurants. Your local toy shop, flower shop, bookstore or clothing boutique may not have their usual storefront, but many are providing delivery or collection.
Buy gift cards or credit for later from your favorite restaurants, stores, hair salons, spas, childcare providers and hardware store.
Share local restaurant delivery menus or reviews on your social media pages
Check with the businesses you frequently shop with. They may have altered their services to fit the temporary ‘new normal’. For example, your local cleaners now may provide a disinfecting service, or maybe a toy store is now selling homeschool supplies.
If you still have steady income and the financial means to do it, continue to pay your cleaning people, hair stylist, nanny, etc. They need us and we need them.
Check to see which of your services/providers are now being provided online. Therapists, tutoring, yoga, personal trainers, coaches, financial planners, lawyers, music classes for kids - all of these can be continued through videos or online conferencing.
Are you a website designer, developer, or a social media expert? Offer your services to local businesses that don’t have an online presence to help them sell and promote online. These are just some of the ways we can help small or independent businesses in our community survive this crisis.