13 Ways to Help Small Businesses During the Pandemic

Small business owners have been hit hard by the pandemic. Many have struggled to secure needed loans and some have suffered greatly due to shutdowns, limited operations, and added costs. It's a massive challenge, but there are things you can do to help the small businesses in your community.

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It may be easier and cheaper to shop at a national chain than a local boutique. But if you were a customer of a local place before the pandemic hit, try to spend some of your money there now that it has reopened.

Many local businesses have websites. They may not be as flashy as the big retailers, but there are tools that have made it easier for more small players to offer safe and secure digital shopping. If your favorite store does not offer this feature and you can't visit, consider calling and offering to place an order over the phone for delivery or to pick up at a later date.

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Gift cards can generally be ordered online or over the phone. They give the business needed cash now in exchange for the ability to shop there when you're comfortable doing so.

Don't just shop local, tell people you're shopping local. Take to your social media pages to share your shopping experience and tout local businesses.

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Some businesses had the misfortune of opening during the pandemic. That's a tough thing to have to deal with as starting a new local business is hard enough as it is. Consider visiting a shop that opened just before or during the current crisis.

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Can you provide a service that a small business might need and not be able to pay for? If you can, consider offering up your help so the business can meet its needs while conserving cash.

Can't get needed pandemic-related supplies? Maybe a local business operating in an adjacent space has a supplier that can help. Need custom masks or promotional gear that you never would have considered before this? Ask and maybe a local printer or clothing company can help.

The team working to keep the local coffee shop open or the folks keeping the dry cleaner running, they get hungry. Send them lunch from a local eatery and it supports two businesses while also picking up people's spirits.

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Struggling small business owners may not make it to the holiday shopping season. Do some of your holiday shopping now to help them get there.

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Local clothing stores and boutiques have been hit especially hard. Many were forced to close for months and have reopened to a world with limited demand. Consider upgrading your wardrobe and you're likely to find some great deals as these retailers look to sell off merchandise that has been sitting on their shelves.

If the same person cuts your hair or gives you a manicure every time consider paying them for a missed appointment or two. Many of these workers are independent contractors and some were not able to file for unemployment.

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Word of mouth can help local businesses. Consider going to platforms like Yelp to give the places you really like positive reviews. That can be a big driver for people looking for local services or new places to shop.

You can help small business owners by helping their workers. Many may be getting by with less hours or even reduced wages. Help out by tipping where it's allowed and being as generous as possible.

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