7 Ways You Can Support Local Businesses

OK, this cartoon doesn't have anything to do with this blog post, but it really made me laugh. Toilet paper has been the gotta have item. Why? No idea.

BTW, anyone need toilet paper? I may have a little extra...😉 

Now, on to the topic for today's post.

​"When you support small business you support a dream."
- Author Unknown

Many of those dreams are taking a hit right now, but one of the silver linings to this cloud is our desire to get back to community, local community.  There is nothing like a stay-at-home order to make you appreciate what your community means to you!  It sure has me. While I am all too aware of what is going on globally, I find myself focused locally. I want to do something to support those in our area because our local businesses are struggling.

​How can we support our small, locally owned businesses? Here are some ideas.

1. Join a CSA – Our local farmers are hard hit by all the restaurant closings. Their standing orders with area restaurants are cut way down because of the many restaurant closings, and so their income stream is drastically reduced. By joining a CSA and paying up front, or in installments, you provide much needed income to local farms at the beginning of the growing season when they need it most.

2. Patronize your local farmer’s market – Some farmer’s markets are changing their locations and/or formats to make them safer for their providers and customers and compliant with the current restrictions.  While you'll have to leave home to do it, you can stay safe and still support your local area farms and small businesses by attending.

3. Support the area restaurants you love by buying gift certificates for use later on, as well as by ordering take-out.

4. You may not be able to get your hair cut or get your house cleaned, you may not need your nanny, but if you can afford it, you can still pay them, buying their services ahead at a time when that income can make a difference.

5. Schedule non-emergency services ahead, the plumber, the electrician, home maintenance, a salon, a cleaner, services that you would have arranged for during this time but that now must wait until the stay-at-home order is over. This offers these service providers the emotional and financial support of knowing that they have business scheduled for the near future.

6. Look for your favorite local businesses on-line. They may have adapted for on-line sales if they didn’t have them already. Also, some exercise classes and educational classes that used to be in person are now being offered on-line. Check them out and support them when you can.

7. Many businesses are working with drastically reduced staff. Be kind, be patient and say thank you. Let people know how much you appreciate their efforts.

We can stay at home, AND we can offer local support to those who really need it right now.