(Image is courtesy of Wix)
Small businesses are truly the foundation of a strong economy. Not only do they contribute to the authenticity and enrichment of a community, but they also create an opportunity for inspiration and innovation. The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on these businesses, who have struggled to maintain steady revenue throughout the global lockdown. During this time, small businesses need our support more than ever. In this article, we will be discovering ways in which you can lend a hand to small businesses in your community in this difficult time.
Shop Local
Due to decreases in sales revenue during the pandemic, small businesses have had significant losses. It is important to shop at the businesses in your community as much as possible. Rather than visiting a big corporate chain, see if you can purchase your necessities at a local store! When you shop locally, you are supporting your local economy. When you do this, more jobs are created, economic stability is improved, and tax revenue is kept local.
Infographic displaying the impact of shopping locally within a community (BBB, 2019).
Buying from local stores and services also promotes environmental stability. Industrial pollution is a leading cause of pollution worldwide, and by giving your money to big corporations, you are giving in to more packaging, transportation emissions, and large production facilities.
Purchase Online or Through Delivery Services
Due to the pandemic, many local businesses have closed their doors in order to keep their community safe. Instead, they are providing safer services such as restaurant takeout, product delivery, or online shopping. Support the small and local businesses in your community by purchasing through these provided services, allowing you to continue shopping for your favourite items while ensuring the health and safety of all.
Purchase a Gift Card
One of the easiest ways to help out your favourite small businesses is to purchase a gift card. During this time when sales may be declining, purchasing a gift card gives businesses continued revenue to cover expenses including staffing and bills. You can save it to use later or hand them out to friends as gifts!
Promote their Social Media
Social media has been a great tool to connect with others while physically isolated. For businesses, social media platforms allow them to reach large audiences to provide updates, promote products, and connect with their customers. With social media, supporting our favourite local businesses is as simple as liking a post, tagging a friend or following their page.
Leave a Good Review
Customer reviews are extremely important as small businesses grow their brand. If you have had a positive shopping experience, it can never hurt to leave a good review. It can even help a business boost credibility and improve search rankings.
Reach Out
During this difficult time, it's more important than ever to connect with others. Reach out to local businesses in your community to offer support, make a donation, or simply share a message of positivity or encouragement. Ask them what you can do to help. Perhaps they are in need of a website, media page, or advertisement help. If you are able to do so, offer your expertise.
Spread the Word
Spread the word about local businesses and what services they are offering during the pandemic. It can also be beneficial to share this article with friends and family, and to encourage them to support their favourite small and local businesses as well.
As we continue through this surreal year, the future of many small businesses is uncertain. During this time, it is important that we offer our support to these businesses. They fuel a thriving economy, make up the uniqueness of a community, and spark innovation and inspiration for generations of entrepreneurs to come.
References
BBB. (2019, April 23). 10 Ways Small Businesses Benefit Their Local Communities. Retrieved October 23, 2020, from https://medium.com/@BBBNWP/10-ways-small-businesses-benefit-their-local-communities-7273380c90a9
Dunne, D. (2020, April 16). How to Support Your Favourite Small Business During COVID-19. Retrieved October 23, 2020, from https://smallbusinessbc.ca/article/how-to-support-your-favourite-small-business-during-covid-19/
Article Author : Victoria Huang
Article Editor : Edie Whittington, Sherilyn Wen