How to help local businesses during these times

Small, local business owners are feeling a bit of uncertainty for these upcoming few months. A wonderful, welcoming kids’ play space just opened up in my neighborhood. Its business owner might already have some debt from the month or two of setting up the storefront. Now, with people staying home, she might not be able to quickly build up her business.

Generosity is a wonderful thing. Not only does generosity help us live more fulfilling lives, but it also helps our communities and our planet thrive. We can all jump in and help local businesses.

We all need small, local businesses in our neighborhoods. Just imagine how our world would look like if we didn’t have any local businesses around. With local businesses, you get to know the person who makes your bread and the person who creates the rules for how your kids get spoken to. You get to know how things are made, where they come from and why they were created in the first place. You get to feel a connection with people and with what you buy, and these are two wonderful things.

I want to share simple ways for how we can help local businesses during these times.

Leave a stellar online review.

Reviews make a big difference for small local businesses. I think it would mean a lot to business owners right now to feel appreciated, to know that you’re thinking of them and that you have their best interests at heart. If they receive several online reviews from past customers right now, they will feel supported and encouraged to keep going. And they do need the support right now. It only takes a couple of minutes to leave a review, and it’s completely free.

Start a local drive to support local businesses and local employees.

If you know of a business or an employee who needs extra money to pay rent etc. during this time, how about starting a local drive to support them? You can use a website like Go Fund Me (and I’m sure there are others available as well), or simply send an email to your neighbors and ask them if they can help. I’m not suggesting you give money outside of your means. But if you can spare a few dollars, your act would surely go a long way.

Buy a gift certificate, to use later.

Invest in gift certificates that you can use later. Or, ask the business what options they offer to book time/sessions/classes or buy products in advance.

Tip generously.

Many employees will not get paid when places close down. You can help them cope by tipping them well. You don’t even need to buy from them in order to tip them. You can simply visit them and say hey, thanks so much for always being kind and happy whenever I stop by here. Here’s something for you, just because I wanted to say thanks.

Send an appreciation letter/email.

A simple email or a simple letter will go a long way. You don’t need fancy stationery, a blank piece of paper will do. We are stronger when we bond together and show appreciation to each other, aren’t we?

Here’s a script you can use for a letter:

Dear team at [insert business name],

I wanted to send you a quick note to tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve created at [insert business name]. Thank you so much for working together to provide me and other customers with such a wonderful [space, store, salon, etc.]. Every time I visited you in the past, I [felt well taken care of, thoughtfully approached, was provided with an amazing *product type*, felt happier because of the interactions I had with you, etc.].

So, thank you for everything you do. We, your neighbors, are thinking of you, and we wish you lots of well-being, joy, and lots of hope as you navigate these uncertain times.

All my best,
[your name]