COVID-19 has taken over our society, ushering in social distancing standards and stay at home orders. While your favorite non-essential business might have closed their doors for the foreseeable future, there are still several ways you can support them throughout these difficult times.
1. Buy All the Things
It’s no secret that COVID-19 has affected the economy, especially as state and federally mandated shutdowns continue into their second month. However, you can still show your support while helping stimulate the economy. If you have the financial means, continue buying your favorite goods. Purchase a baker’s dozen of scones from your neighborhood cafe. Find your friend’s Etsy shop and buy handmade art to spruce up your home office. If your favorite local business is not offering deliveries at the moment, consider purchasing a couple of gift cards. The businesses will receive the proceeds immediately, and you will be able to treat yourself to a shopping spree once everything has reopened.
2. Share All the Things
If you’re not in the financial position to support your favorite small businesses, there is still plenty of ways to help. And your most powerful tool lies at your fingertips — social media. As you’ve probably noticed, people are getting more creative when it comes to creating content. Usually confined within their own four walls, creators must come up with new and exciting endeavors in order to engage their audience. Your favorite small businesses are probably joining the fray and putting out their own fresh content. Simply sharing, liking or commenting on their posts could boost their engagement, gaining them new fans and followers.
3. Try All the New Things
You’ve probably considered picking up a new hobby during quarantine. And it’s not a bad idea. You might as well do something to distract you from constant contemplation about whether or not Carole Baskin killed her husband. If you’re planning to become the next DIY-master, consider buying all your supplies locally. (Elcpinellas.org) Want to learn to crochet? Buy your hooks from the local yarn shop. Interested in puzzles? Discover some unique finds and support local artists in the process.
While the current state of affairs looks a little bleak at the moment, you have the power to spread positivity and support through your personal outlets. While you may be “social distancing,” you can still keep your favorite small businesses close beside you and help ensure that they will be able to reopen when this global pandemic finally subsides.
