11 Ways You Can Help Small Businesses During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Small business owners have faced calamitous times due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many have seen their stores and restaurants temporarily shut down, and even though they can now reopen, it's with limited capacity as well as questionable demand.

As consumers and members of the community there are ways we can help. Shopping and eating local helps, but there's more you can do.

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It may be easier to go to that national coffee chain than to patronize a local one, but it's likely worth the added effort. Most small restaurants have set up ways to allow you to buy from them even if it's not as simple as a drive-through window.

Small businesses need customers and many lack the money to properly advertise. Have a favorite place? Tell your friends and be an advocate for companies you like. Word of mouth matters and you can help by spreading the good word.

ALSO READ: How to Start Investing During a Pandemic

Small business owners have to do extra cleaning and figure out how to social distance. If you are a regular somewhere that business may be happy to have you pitch in as much-needed added manpower or to volunteer any other special expertise you may have.

Gift cards can create new customers and they put cash in the business' hands. Send them as gifts to friends, colleagues, and anyone else you know who might get converted into a customer.

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If you really love a local business buy some gift cards but put off using them. That's essentially giving the company an advance of cash while you still make your regular purchases.

ALSO READ: Why Retailers Love Gift Cards (And Why You Should Be Wary of Them)

Anyone who works a tip-based job is likely suffering even if they are back to work. Tip a little more (or a lot more) than you normally would if you're in a position to do so.

When you head back to a service business (like a hair salon) don't just pay for that day's visit. Pay for a visit or two that you missed. It's a big gesture but it's one that goes a long way toward helping the people you rely on recover faster.

Were you holding off on doing something around the house? Maybe you want to make a repair or upgrade something? Why not do it a little sooner than planned in order to give work to a local contractor or tradesman?

ALSO READ: 7 Expensive Home Repairs You Need to Be Aware of

People often look to the internet to figure out where to shop and eat. They do this not only to discover new places but also to learn what other people think of those places. Make sure you review your favorite local businesses positively on all the popular platforms.

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Bought something that you don't like? Maybe it doesn't fit quite right? Consider donating the item to those in need rather than bringing it back to the store for a refund. The store keeps the sale, someone else gets helped, you get a tax deduction, and maybe you even go back to the store to buy something else.

The best thing you can do is to actually support local business with your wallet as they struggle with the pandemic. Make sure you shop small and local as often as you can -- maybe even at times when you might have otherwise opted to go to a national chain.

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