Supporting Small Business During the COVID-19 Crisis
Small businesses are the backbone of local communities— providing employment opportunities, attracting talent and growing local diversity, and inspiring innovation with new products and new solutions for existing ideas.
But, whether it’s your favorite local book store, a mom-and-pop pizza shop, or at-home entrepreneur, we all know a small business that is struggling in the wake of the global crisis. So, how can we help the businesses that have built our city and continue to support the local economy during these challenging times? Check out these 5 ways you can help out the small businesses in your neighborhood.
1. Writing Reviews
You don’t have to make a purchase to make a difference! We have all gone to Google, Trip Advisor, Yelp, and social media to find a neighborhood’s must-stop-shops. Taking some time to review your local coffee shop or post positive write-ups of your favorite boutique can have an incredible impact on a small business in your community. It also gives you a Saturday activity while you stay home and stay safe. (You can find other time passing activities here.)
Not sure what to say? Click here for a guide to writing a killer online review!
2. Getting Social
Social media is a powerful tool, especially as we all practice social distancing. Facebook, Instagram, and your other social media channels offer a unique opportunity to endorse local business. We have all seen the post that call-out businesses that have remained opened, but how can you help beyond following these posts and using them to find your next take-out order?
Getting active— Share posts from the small businesses you frequent and follow. Sharing can be a great way to help others know your favorite businesses are open, or if they have begun selling online. (Pro Tip: See if they have an Etsy Shop and share reviews of products you have bought!)
Provide recommendations— Facebook has a great tool that allows users to ask for recommendations in the local area. If you have a friend that has asked for recommendations, suggest a local small business or a local at-home entrepreneur. In turn, asking for recommendations is another tool that can help you search for small businesses to purchase from, instead of a big-box retailer.
Pittsburgh Businesses Still Open or Selling Online
3. Reach out to at-home entrepreneurs with small projects
Do you have project you have been putting off, like arranging your faux wedding florals or need product photos for your business? Find a local entrepreneurs who can help. Many at-home entrepreneurs work on a project basis and cannot take on regular project work, due to social distancing and the current crisis. By reaching out to them, you are not only supporting a small business owner, but you are eliminating some future headaches. (Just remember to spray all physical item transferred with disinfectant or using disinfectant wipes to prevent possible spread of disease.)
4. Investing in Through DIYs
When you are thinking about updating your home or apartment with new décor, it can be easy to look to Amazon or an online craft provider like Michael’s or JoAnn Fabrics, but this is a golden opportunity to support a small business. Before clicking order, research for local businesses that offer craft kits! Several businesses are offering DIY sign making kits, paint classes shipped to your home, and even simple sewing projects you can do alone or with your kids!
Looking to get social? Invite your friends to a virtual craft party! Each friend purchases the DIY kit and then jumps online for a video chat, or virtual hang-out, where you all craft together! (Bonus: pick out your favorite bottle of wine and share a toast to overcoming the distance and friendship).
The Wooden Loft DIY Kits To-Go
Make Your Own Food and Drink Kits
5. Make Etsy Your New Shopping Mall
If you are missing the mall, you don’t have to look any further than Etsy! Many local small businesses have Etsy shops and if you know the name of the store or the store owner, it is easy to search and browse. If you are not sure if your favorite shops have a store on Etsy, many times you can visit their website or social media pages.
Even if you decide to purchase from a seller who is not local, you are supporting a small business or at-home entrepreneurs. Here are some more sites and blogs to help you out:
Looking for the best take-out restaurants in Pittsburgh? Check out our recent blog “Eating in Pittsburgh, Now!” by Alex Goodstein, a Pittsburgh Food Blogger and Instagrammer.
Authored by Alizabeth Leng, 2020 PYP PR and Social Committeefiled under: Press Release