Five Ways to Support Small Businesses From Home
It’s no secret that the spread of COVID-19 is interrupting our daily routines — not to mention putting the lives of people across the globe at risk. We’re only seeing the beginnings of how these changes will affect our economy — and small businesses are already beginning to suffer due to (rightfully) enforced social distancing and self-quarantining tactics. Local coffee shops, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, shops — they all stand to suffer due to the economic slump we’re in the midst of entering. Now more than ever, it’s important to support our communities and the people working tirelessly to keep them afloat — especially small businesses.
It’s easy to become discouraged in moments like these — but as long as we are doing everything and anything we can to support the people and institutions that make our communities wonderful, we’re contributing to a better tomorrow. That’s why we’re following Hoboken Girl’s example and figuring out ways to support local entrepreneurs as best we can during this uncertain time (shout out author Erica Commisso!) Check out our tips on how you can best support the places you love and cherish in your backyard!
shop online
Small, local retailers are increasingly present online — whether on their own sites, a blog, or with an Etsy shop. You can still grab the wares and goods you love from these online shops — help the places that make your town, city, or neighborhood special by purchasing product!
give the businesses you love a social shoutout
Let business-owners know you’re on their team by tagging them + loving them up on your social platforms. Write up a blog post about the perfect vibes your favorite coffee shop permeates, make an Instagram story of that pasta dish you can’t miss when eating out (even if it’s just a #tbt), or even DM their social accounts and ask how things are going. This temporary dip in business will be especially difficult on newer businesses. It’s important to keep their name and business buzz alive anyway we can!
In fact, I think I’ll plug one right now! Giobatta is the latest to come from Chef Francesco Buitoni, and is a delicious, amazing Italian spot that just opened up in Tivoli, NY. If you find yourself in the area, pop on by! Their to-go kale pesto with gnocchi is the ultimate comfort food.
take your favorite foods to-go
Tons of small businesses are adopting special policies that will still allow you to grab and go. Like Nourished Juice Co., for instance! They knew their community relied on them for immunity boosting beverages — so they’re putting on curbside deliveries. Give your favorite spots a call and see if they’re one of them!
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giftcards, giftcards, giftcards.
Birthdays are coming, anniversaries, Mother’s Day is around the corner… there’s always a reason to have a gift on hand. Buying gift cards from your beloved small spots is a great way to boost cash influx and stay afloat. Grab one the next time you can stop by (or order one online!)
Psst — we promise not to tell if you use it on yourself.
drop a very happy rating on yelp or facebook
It may be hard to believe right now — but this will wind down. And when it does, the best spots in town will be so very grateful for a bunch of five star reviews to greet them. Whether it’s a restaurant or a retail store, now’s the time to reminisce on your positive experiences in an establishment you love and share them with your community.
do the best you can
This is a pivotal moment in history — we’re living through the first pandemic of this scale in many of our lifetimes. But that doesn’t mean we have to let the despair and scariness win! There are lots of ways to live in the light even in these trying times. I hope you’ll implement some of these practices if you can — your community will thank you!
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