9 Ways We Can All Be Small Business Superheroes Right Now

If you’re like us, one of the many scary things about the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe is the sense of powerlessness it imposes. Feeling powerless is normal enough in the face of something so massive in scale and unprecedented in our lifetimes. Still, that doesn’t make the feeling much easier to deal with.

But a lack of individual control over the crisis doesn’t mean we can’t take individual actions to help our fellow human beings. Even while maintaining social distancing measures, small actions can help others while restoring some of your own sense of agency.

One easy way to help is to support small businesses. Below are 9 relatively simple things many of us can do to help out. Of course, what you can or can’t do depends on your own economic situation.

Social distancing and shelter-in-place orders are important for mitigating the spread of the virus. But these measures mean many restaurants and other small businesses are really hurting. One way to help? Buying gift cards for friends or even just for yourself. This way, the restaurant or small business sees some cashflow immediately, while you or your friend can enjoy a nice meal or outing after life returns to normal. Eater has more on the topic if you’re curious; their article is focused on Portland, Oregon, but still generally useful.

If you can afford to pay someone to clean your house for you, then you’re probably in pretty good financial shape. Your housecleaner, however? Not as much. The same goes for gardeners and those in similar occupations who often live paycheck to paycheck. Even if you want to maintain social distancing and cancel that appointment, consider paying your housecleaner or gardener anyway. Odds are they could really use it right now.

You probably can’t eat at a favorite restaurant right now, but you can still get food from local spots through food-delivery apps and services such as Postmates and Uber Eats. The economic benefit here is twofold by giving much-needed business to restaurants while also providing work for delivery drivers.

You’re not the only one who can’t eat at favorite restaurants right now. Your mom can’t, your brother can’t, your co-workers can’t. If ever there was a good time to buy someone else a meal, this is it. Order a Sunday dinner for someone who lives alone. Order lunch for the staff at a local bank branch to say thank you to front-line workers and to support a locally owned restaurant.

By now you’ve heard video conference platforms such as Zoom, Houseparty, and Skype are booming. And it’s not just the WFH crowd or happy hours. Local businesses and organizations have quickly migrated on line with an array of classes, performances, and activities. From yoga and meditation, to Kickboxing sessions, to home coffee roasting roundtables, the options from small businesses and local organizations, like the YMCA, are endless.

Many small businesses are eagerly marketing and trying to sell on Instagram, Facebook and other social channels. You can help amplify your favorite store’s story by liking, commenting and, most importantly, sharing their posts, videos and other content. More small businesses are trying out Instagram live, for example, and you may find some really interesting and fun events to tune into. Engaging with small business owners on social can spread the word about their story and help their bottom line.

Online shopping doesn’t mean big box store shopping. Check out your local neighborhood suppliers—green grocers, book stores, hardware stores. Chances are during the shelter-in-place you can continue to shop online from family-owned businesses in your community. When you spend locally, you’re helping your own community retain jobs and keep storefronts open.

Shutting down the economy to fight a virus doesn’t only mean businesses suffer. It also means nonprofits start to feel funding slow – and at a time when many face increased demand for their services. Donating to a food bank can be done from your couch, and is a good way to put your money toward an organization that already has a powerful infrastructure and network in place. If you want to learn more about this option, your city or county community development agency will likely have recommendations of local nonprofits in your area to which you can donate.

Last and certainly not least, empathy and compassion are important in the best of times, but they are crucial right now. If you’re out at a store, restaurant or pharmacy, do people seem a bit unfocused or crabby? Consider the emotional and psychological – not to mention physical – toll this global pandemic might be taking on them and their loved ones.

We think we’d all do well to treat one another with just a little more care these days.