This new virus, COVID-19, is wreaking havoc on the modern world, and all social norms are changing, so we must comply. Unfortunately, from shutting down restaurants to firing employees, the coronavirus pandemic has adversely affected today’s society and continues to do so. 

In addition, the government has to create new emergency rules for keeping us safe that all the people must follow. As you probably know, the most important rule is to stay home during this pandemic crisis. However, this main rule affects all small businesses and entrepreneurs who probably have succeeded in setting up a company with difficulty and hard work. So, this is why it is very important to support your local businesses, especially those that are your favorites.

So, read on to find out how you can support your favorite small business!

You can provide moral support

Even if you can’t physically go to their store or buy their products, you can offer them moral support. What does that mean? Well, you can share their posts on social media, subscribe to their newsletters and help them promote themselves online. 

“Even if you’re limiting spending, you can support your local shops by engaging with and sharing their social media posts or signing up for their email newsletters. That moral support is going to offer some hope to business owners who are struggling during this time,” said Laurie Monteforte, president and CEO, Strong Mountain Media, Inc.

You can support them financially

Even though you can’t take advantage of their services right now you can still help them financially. All you have to do is to pay for a service and then not use it. The truth is that your payment will definitely matter for your favorite local business because all small businesses need support during the coronavirus pandemic.

“From one small business owner to another, I am highly mindful of where I spend my money and do my best to support small businesses whenever possible. Pay for services even if you are unable to use them if you have the resources to do so. Examples: You have a cleaning service come to your home. Pay them anyway to NOT come. You may see your hairstylist on a regular basis. Pay him/her anyway and do not go,” says Romy Taormina, CEO/Founder, Psi Health Solutions, Inc., the maker of Psi Bands.

Give them positive feedback on social media

If you haven’t done this before, well, now it is time to write a nice comment and leave a positive review on their website or their social media accounts. In this way, not only will you encourage other people to try their services and products, but you will also influence others to give their opinion as well, and this is really beneficial for a small business.

“I own a small photography business in Rhode Island. Photographing mostly weddings, we’ve been hit hard by the Covid-19 outbreak. I’ve suggested that one way to help small businesses that do not cost any money and just take a few minutes of time is to leave a positive review of your favorite small businesses’ Google business page. Not only will that help the business attract customers in the future but it’s also a morale boost for the business to see nice things being said about them,” said Kathryn Wallace Yeaton, a wedding photographer with Brave Hearts Photography.

Join a new hobby recommended by your community

All companies suffer some changes during this period and they also need your support, especially the small ones. But there are some businesses that offer certain tips and hobbies for their community that can be performed virtually as well. 

“We created The Quarantine Kit…and have already sold over 1,000 kits to people who want to learn a new hobby! The kit provides the tools to learn how to knit: chunky yarn, needles, a pattern, and a way to connect with our team through virtual “how-to” tutorials. The therapeutic, meditative benefits that knitting provides has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety – definitely something we all need right now! During this crazy news cycle, we hope this news is a bit uplifting – albeit silly but definitely true to our brand,” said Megan (Schaefer) Teggart, director of communications for knitwear brand Sh*t That I Knit.

You can still buy your favorite products from salons

Even if we are not allowed to go to the salon or spa during the coronavirus pandemic, but we can go over there to buy some products that we can use at home. Of course, this does not mean that you have to leave the house, because you can order online. 

“I think we should encourage our customers to support their local beauty practitioners, salons, and spas by purchasing products from them. Products can still be mailed or left for customers outside of the building. Every beauty establishment usually has product lines that they sell. At ElinaOrganics, we manufacture our own products from scratch that we distribute to many spas and medical offices. We also retail online to customers,” said Elina Fedotova, owner of Elina Organics Spas in Chicago and Kalamazoo.

Work with them

Of course that not only individuals can help small businesses because there are a lot of other companies who want to help them too. In fact, they can help each other in so many ways. For instance, they can buy products from each other, make donations or promote themselves through a collaboration.

“Our firm has long realized that the community has enabled us to thrive and, given that, we have a duty to give back. To that end, we are supporting local businesses in a number of ways, including by buying large amounts of gift certificates so they can have some extra cash flow during these times. But our goal is always to have as large an impact as possible, so we are working with other business leaders who will be matching our efforts. And we are letting them know that we will look for ways to support what they are doing to help the community,” Jay Edelson, founder and CEO of plaintiff’s law firm Edelson PC, tells Reader’s Digest.

You can request a refund

Before requesting a refund to your bank, you should contact your favorite small business to help you. Doing this, you not only will help them a lot but you will have some benefits as well. 

“Most businesses are extremely happy to offer you a refund–and not just because it’s the right thing to do during these chaotic, uncertain times, but because it actually saves them money: Businesses can lose $3 or more for every dollar lost to chargebacks, when you factor in the loss-of-product, punitive fees, penalties and more. So do the right thing, and ask your local business directly for a refund–instead of first turning elsewhere. They’ll be very grateful you did!” said Monica Eaton-Cardone, COO ofChargebacks911.

Follow their tips and tricks

Certain small businesses give you the opportunity to create certain ideas, and you will help them a lot if you choose to follow their advice and prove it with a picture. For example, if a small company that produces natural cakes or juices posts a recipe and encourages you to do the same, they would appreciate it if you would make that pie, take a photo of the results and post it to your online platforms.

“For us, we want to know what you’re baking at home. We’re always, always happy to share recipes with folks (and know our industry friends and family are too!). Reach out to your favorite restaurants via DM and ask for our recipes. Tag us in your baking (or cooking) projects! With kids home from school, too, we imagine people are looking for a project–get them involved and let us know how you’re doing. We’re here for you!” said Greg Rales, baker and owner at Red Gate Bakery.

You should donate to food banks as well

You and other people need food during the coronavirus crisis, but unfortunately, there are a lot of individuals who do not have money to buy food for themselves and their family and food banks need donations to help them. A food bank is a non-profit, charitable organization that distributes food to those who have difficulty purchasing enough to avoid hunger. So, they need your donations to help other people. 

“We are honored to provide 5,000 meals for our neighbors with Tarrant Area Food Bank. In a season of financial insecurity for many and with children out of school, families are relying on these organizations more than ever. Donating to your local food bank has an immediate impact,” said Carly Burson, the founder of sustainable women’s fashion brand, Tribe Alive.

Tell them directly that you support them

Do you have a favorite small business and you do not know how to tell them that you support them, especially when our society is going through a lot of changes and they are the most affected? Well, all you have to do in this case is to tell them directly that you support them morally or financially. So, write a nice, positive and motivational message and send them only good vibes. They will definitely appreciate it! 

“Send businesses an email or message about something they’re doing well, which will serve as a good reminder during this crisis,” Rubeena Ianigro, Founder, The Gray Muse.

Tell others about your favorite small business

Supporting a small business does not mean that you have to send them financial and material aid, but you can help them by promoting their services and products. How can you do this? Well, you can write about them on social media or just tell your friends about them. 

“You can significantly assist a small business by sharing the word about them with people you know whenever possible, whether through phone, email, social media or in-person conversations. By mentioning your favorite small businesses (and their products that you love) to your friends and family members, you help out those companies in building their brand awareness and earning more customers which is a huge support for them,” said Hassan Alnassir, founder and owner of the toy company Premium Joy.

Buy gift cards and use them when it is safe to go outside

If you choose to buy gift cards you will actually help a small business. Even if the coronavirus pandemic keeps us stuck into the house and the restrictions multiply with each passing day, this does not mean that it will always be like this. In addition, society will return to normal and the epidemic will ameliorate, so we will safely leave our house soon. So, if you want to help your favorite small business you can buy some gift cards and use them when everything will be back to normal. 

“In Charlotte, NC, many restaurants including Peppervine are completely shut down as they don’t offer delivery/take-out as well as don’t have the means to currently offer that service. In this case, locals are encouraged to buy gift cards to the restaurant and use at a later date once the restaurant is safe to reopen,” said Jaclyn Webb, senior account executive at Wagstaff Marketing.

Donate to your local shelter

Unfortunately, this coronavirus pandemic has also affected people who volunteered at these animal centers, so all these animal shelters now need donations more than ever. You can support them and not only will you save some innocent lives, but you will also be happier because you are doing a good deed.

“Many shelters that rely on volunteers have had to cancel volunteer services in efforts to flatten the curve,” says Burson. “Reach out to your local shelter to hear the needs and find out how you can step in. We are partnering with our local shelter to provide sack lunches to those in need.” ⁠