A few months ago, when we were all planning and preparing for a new, exciting year ahead, none of us could have predicted having to adjust to this unprecedented pandemic. There isn’t one small business that hasn’t been impacted, in one way or another, by COVID-19. While we all continue to do our part of #FlatteningTheCurve and #StayingHome, here are the best ways you can support your favorite small businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs while social distancing.
Donate to local charities + non-profits
While times are tough for many of us right now, one way we can spread a little kindness and positivity is by giving back to our communities when we can. Even if you don’t have much to spare, give them a shout out to your friends and family on social media. Trust me, and I’m sure you probably already know this, but even the simple gesture of spreading the word about their awesome efforts and showing people where/how they can donate goes a long way!
Plus, donating doesn’t always mean giving money. There are tons of ways to give back to our communities, whether it’s through donating masks, gloves, sanitizers, or anything that can help people in need during this crucial time.
Order take-out from locally-owned restaurants
Many restaurants have been offering take-out and delivery options to help keep their doors open while we’re self-isolating at home. As much as we all crave Chick-Fil-A and (insert other fave guilty pleasure chain restaurant) 24/7, let’s try to choose locally-owned restaurants more often to help out some of our local friends.
Opt for local coffee shops
Okay, ya’ll. I know I’m not the only one missing those weekly (okay, daily) visits to local coffee shops to get some work done or for an afternoon pick-me-up. As someone who spends at least 40% of their week working from local coffee shops, I’m heartbroken that some of my favorite spots are struggling right now. So, going hand-in-hand with supporting locally-owned restaurants, support local coffee shops, friends. Although we can’t spend our days working or studying in those coffee shops right now, most are doing pick-up, drive-through, and curbside orders. Starbucks and Dunkin will understand. 😉
Shop local online
While it’s easy to think of larger retail stores like Target or Nordstrom when shopping online, don’t forget about those awesome boutique stores sprinkled around your city or even a city you’ve visited before. Do they have online stores? Social media shops? Etsy shops? Do they ship to you? Chances are, they probably do and will! One of my favorite ways (also pro tip for you, friends) to search for “local” shops to browse or buy from is to search #shoplocal or #shoplocaldallas on Instagram. It’s “Dallas” for me, but plug in your city and see what comes up!
Spread the word about your favorite small businesses
Word of mouth is and will always be one of the best ways to market your small business. In fact, 92% of people will take their family and friends’ word for it on whether or not to buy from certain businesses, as opposed to trusting other forms of advertisement. Now is as good a time as any, if not better, to help spread the word about your favorite local small businesses. Small business owners, this is your time to shine! You know people also love to see? Small businesses supporting other small businesses.
While this time is tough and devastating for a number of reasons, the best way to get through it is to support our friends, neighbors (in storefront & at home), families, and our communities as much as we can–all while social distancing, of course. As small businesses and entrepreneurs, it’s important to stick together and support each other in times like this, even if things aren’t easy for your own.