Helping Small Businesses through the Coronavirus
We’ve been waiting for it to hit for the last few months; now it’s here, and it’s spreading fast. While I think it is now more important than ever to practice social distancing and to stay home where possible, it is easy to forget that isn’t realistic for many people – for those who own local businesses that simply isn’t an option. All our favourite small, independent businesses are being hit perhaps the hardest in these turbulent times. Whilst the big, blue chip companies are likely to have enough cash flow to help them through this period, it is much harder for small businesses who rely on a daily stream of customers to keep their doors open. With these new lockdown rules that are potentially going to get more severe, that daily stream has dried up and these businesses need our help.
If you’re wracking your brains thinking of how you can help small businesses in need, here are some ideas. Do let me know if you have any other ideas so we can help promote them and drum up as much support as we can.
Shop local: make the decision to purchase as much as you can from small, local retailers as opposed to large supermarket chains. It’s much more difficult for small businesses to stay afloat during these times, so your helping hand is very appreciated.
Order takeaway: while our favourite cafes and restaurants are closed for meals, there is still the option of ordering takeaway. This is a great and low risk alternative – many food outlets are also offering a new form of contactless delivery.
Take a virtual fitness class: with independent gyms, yoga studios and fitness clubs being hard-hit by these new rules, many of our favourite instructors have taken it online. This is an awesome way to keep fit and pass the time during self-isolation, and helps these businesses stay afloat.
Use your voice: most of us these days are very plugged in to social media. This can be a powerful way to raise awareness and affect change. Help us continue to spread the word about small businesses and how we can support them. Make sure to follow their accounts, give them likes and share their posts as well.
Donate supplies: many charities are completely inundated and overwhelmed during this time. Provisions are in short supply, so please do what you can to donate any excess you have access to. Donating to food banks is also a great way to help those in need right now.
Purchase a gift certificate: this gives your favourite businesses a short-term cash boost while giving you something good to look forward to once life returns to normal!
Take advantage of the internet: many independent businesses have an online presence, which they are using to reduce contact during this time. Many who do not are currently rushing to get their websites up and running (so please be patient with them). Utilising these offerings are a great way to show your support.
Start up a conversation: ask your favourite businesses how you can best help them through these times. It’s also a good time to get businesses thinking about how they can innovate and do things differently and more efficiently where it makes sense. Maybe you can use your skills and help them in this area.
When this is over, go and support your favourite small businesses like crazy. They will need all the help they can get, and let’s face it – what would our lives be like without them?!
If you haven’t already, check out my post on 27 Small Businesses You Should Support Right Now, or perhaps you may want to have a go and create your own list to share! Either way, if you think of any other great ways we can support our businesses, let me know in the comments below or drop me a dm.