Five Ways to Support Local Businesses During COVID-19
March 08, 2021 | Tags:
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it for more than year now. We’ve all been impacted in different ways, but one of the largest populations to be disrupted are small business owners. Due to a decrease in revenue from the 2020 statewide shutdown, customer capacity limits and other implications from the pandemic, many businesses are struggling to stay afloat. The good thing is, there are many ways we can help!
If you’re looking to support your favorite local establishments, here’s how you can start.
Order takeout or delivery from local restaurants
If you aren’t comfortable dining at a restaurant yet or your local businesses have low capacity limits, ordering takeout or delivery is a great way to patronize restaurants from the comfort of your home. Most restaurants and eateries have adapted throughout the pandemic to offer this option to its customers. Additionally, food delivery services, such as Uber Eats or DoorDash, have made it even easier to get your food to your door hassle free.
Buy gift cards from your favorite shops and salons
If you don’t have a specific need for a service or item, but still want to support your favorite establishments, gift cards are the perfect solution. This way, the business receives payment right away and you are able to use the card whenever you please. This helps stimulate the business and economy, especially for services you know you will eventually need.
Continue patronizing your usual stores… online
Another impact the pandemic has had on consumerism is the hastened move to online shopping. Many small businesses who previously didn’t have the website capabilities to sell their items online now have updated their websites to do so. This is great for those consumers who don’t feel comfortable in-store shopping or are looking for the convenience of having their items delivered to them.
See if your services, providers or classes have virtual solutions
For small business owners who offer a service, the pandemic has caused them to completely change their business models. One way they’ve combated this is through offering a virtual component. Whether you’re looking to take a lesson, consult a doctor or join a workout class, check first to see if a virtual option is available so you can continue to safely patronize these businesses.
Share store promotions and show support on your own social media channels
The power of social media can be immense for local establishments. By simply sharing or posting about your favorite shops and restaurants and tagging their page, you can help generate interest and free advertising for the business. Participating in any online promotions and contests is another great way to show your support from home too.
At Medical Mutual, we care about the health and well-being of Ohio businesses. One way we support small businesses is through our employee incentive program, Mutual Appreciation. This program encourages 3,000 Medical Mutual employees to shop with our customers through regular prize drawings, special promotions and other sales opportunities. Since the inception of this program, our employees have spent nearly $200 million with our customers, most of which are small businesses. To learn more, visit our Mutual Appreciation page today.
For more information and updates on COVID-19, please visit CDC.gov/coronavirus.