by Katie Morgans

There is a plethora of uncertainty and anxiety going around in the world right now due to the COVID-19 outbreak and small businesses are taking a major hit with the changes being implemented in cities across the country.

In addition to the concern that small business owners are having about the future of their companies, they have also had to make some hard decisions such as letting go of employees and closing stores in order to pay their bills.

Although we are currently limited in the ways that we can support some of these small businesses, there are still things that we can do to show our love towards them. Keep on reading to find out how!

• Buy a Gift Card

Eventually, stores will be able to open their doors to the public again. But for now, buying a gift card from your favorite restaurant, coffee shop or store is a great way to support them at the present moment and you will be able to get use out of it later!

• Shop Online

Simply choosing to purchase something online at one of your favorite shops is a great way to support a business in the safety of your own home. It is a great time to get some gift shopping done early or treat yourself to something. Even better, you don’t even have to leave your bed or get off of the couch to do so. Just be sure to request minimal packaging if able to do so.

• Share the Business on Social Media

Social media has become an incredibly powerful tool for businesses to introduce people to their brand. Even if you don’t have a lot of followers, sharing the brand on your social media or mentioning it to a friend or family member goes a long way and helps give the brand more exposure to potential customers.

• Get Takeout/Curbside Pickup

If any of your favorite bakeries, coffee shops or restaurants are currently offering takeout or curbside pickup, now is a great time to purchase some yummy food! Personally, I know I’ll be picking up takeout from my favorite Chinese restaurant and coming home to binge-watch Love Island. Just be sure to ask for less single-use plastic!

• Sign up for Newsletters

Another great option if you aren’t in a position to be spending extra money is to sign up for the newsletters that brands put out. Little things such as this are a great way to show a brand your support without spending any extra cash, which they will appreciate a lot right now.

Hopefully these ideas will help inspire you to support a small business in any way that you can! Do you have other ideas or tips for people looking for ways to support small businesses? We’d love to know.