A recent survey revealed that 41% of Americans rate local businesses, such as shops and restaurants, as their most desired neighborhood amenity. Yet small businesses are under siege as COVID-19 has transformed how we live and work.
The novel coronavirus rendered ⅓ of small businesses in the U.S. non operational in April as the virus took hold according to the Facebook Small Business Report. And more than 60% of small business owner under a survey predicted that their revenues would continue to shrink for the next 6 months or even longer. Now, economies across the country are trying to determine what’s appropriate in terms of reopening as a new surge in cases takes hold.
As the pandemic kept rolling across the world and no one can answer how and when this crisis will come to an end, we all have to acknowledge that reopening is just the beginning for many small businesses. No more such thing as business as usual, small businesses are adjusting to the new normal, tailoring their strategies, and finding whatever works to keep their business stay afloat, with limited business hours, face mask requirements, communication changes, and contactless payments. Others have transitioned to completely new business models, taking their brick and mortar shops completely online, or transforming from a restaurant into a bodega, or in worst cases, closing their doors for good.
Small business owners and workers need help from the public now more than ever. If you are looking to support the small businesses in your community during this time, but don’t know how, here are some good tips to start.
- Write an online review: If you, like many, have been strapped for cash during this recession, consider supporting a small business for free. Compliments don’t cost a thing online, so rate your favorite local business or businesses online with positive reviews.
- Ditch cash altogether: Help protect workers by ditching coins and dollar bills in favor of credit cards or even better, Apple wallets. The virus can live on cash so eliminate the threat from worker’s day by doing a contactless transaction instead.
- Purchase gift cards: If your favorite restaurant isn’t open for dine-in yet, support them by investing in a future purchase. Gift cards allow you to give businesses cash today while saving you cash in the future. It’s a win win!
- Monitor your symptoms: Now more than ever, it’s important to take responsibility for your health. If you don’t feel good, don’t go outside–and definitely don’t go inside a business. You’ll risk infecting customers, workers and forcing the business to shut down for days or weeks to sanitize.
There are many ways to support local businesses and help them build resilience facing the pandemic. Don’t be afraid to get creative, or to message a shop owner and ask how you can best contribute. You can also check out more tips from The Zebra to support small business during COVID-19.
Want to help? For more tips to support small businesses, check out the infographic below.
The Graphic Resource: TheZebra.com.
