While every industry around the globe has been impacted in some way by the Covid-19 pandemic, perhaps no single group has been more impacted than small business owners. The men and women who own the local businesses at the heart of every community are all crunching the numbers to see how they can reopen their operations when the days of stay at home orders and social distancing are behind us. Sadly, many of them may not be able to make it through this time of economic uncertainty. It’s the responsibility of those of us who live in these communities to help sustain these businesses through unprecedented times. But how can you and I help support local businesses that are such a vital part of our communities?

Buy Gift Cards or Gift Certificates

Many local businesses offer gift certificates or gift cards when things are operating normally. Consider contacting local business owners to ask about purchasing gift cards or gift certificates now that you can use later when they reopen their businesses. The money that they get now for those gift cards can help them pay the rent and other bills that are continuing to come in even while businesses aren’t operating.

Use Delivery or Curb Side Pickup

Many restaurants have closed their doors to dine-in options, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t still operating. While they may have changed their daily hours or even their days of operation, utilize delivery options or curbside pickup options that they’re still offering. Don’t forget to tip, as well. The cooks and servers who are preparing and delivering your food are facing as much economic uncertainty as to the business owners.

Use Your Social Media for Good

Many small businesses are still offering web-based services, but there’s always the possibility that not everyone knows about it. Make sure to share your favorite local restaurant’s menu or the deals that are being offered by your favorite local store. Help drive traffic to their online or call-in options during these times when their doors aren’t open.

Continue Paying Your Memberships or Subscriptions

If you’ve got a monthly membership at a local gym that is currently closed, go ahead and send in your membership fees. Obviously, this sort of thing depends on your personal financial situation, but if you’re still seeing steady income, go ahead and continue spending the money you’ve already budgeted for. Even if you can’t get in your gym and work out, they still have bills that they’re trying to figure out.

Use Your Talents

If you’re proficient in social media marketing or web design, contact a local business owner and see if you can volunteer your services. Even if you’re working, you may be in a position to have more free time than you used to since most social events have been suspended. Help provide a service to a local entrepreneur free of charge to help them sustain their business. This could even turn into something more permanent for you after the economy stabilizes.

Skip the Refund

Some local organizations are offering refunds for classes or events that have been canceled due to the pandemic. If you’ve paid for a class at a local business or some other event that has been canceled, consider skipping the refund and letting the business owner keep the money. Again, this one depends on your personal financial health, but if you’re able to view the money as already being spent, it could make a big difference for someone else.

Donate

It may sound unheard of to donate money to a local business, but these are unprecedented times. While many of us are donating to local food banks and other charitable organizations, consider donating to a local business. While these aren’t non-profit organizations and won’t come with any sort of tax write-offs, it’s still a noble and worthy cause.

Eventually, our economy will normalize. In the meantime, we can do our part to support local businesses by continuing to provide funds and show your loyalty to the businesses that make your town what it is.