Supporting Small Businesses During a Crisis—Buy a Gift Card
In these uncertain times, it’s easy to panic.
It’s easy to stress.
It’s easy to feel helpless.
But thankfully, we live in a digital world. Social distancing doesn’t mean that you can’t see your best friend’s face while talking or call your grandmother to make sure she’s okay.
We have so many virtual tools at our disposal to get ourselves through these uncharted territories. And we can employ those tools to help others…and boost the economy, as well.
Supporting Small Business
Small businesses employ nearly half of our private workforce. It’s no surprise, then, that they are considered “the backbone of America.”
But as restrictions tighten and we are forced to spend an undetermined amount of time in our homes, rather than working, shopping, attending events, etc., those small businesses lose their customers, their employees lose out on hours and pay, and those businesses may need to shut down temporarily or permanently—leaving their employees without the income they need to support themselves and their families.
So, how can YOU help?
You may have seen posts circulating on social media about buying gift cards to help support local businesses. Think of it as a microloan to your favorite pizza place or clothing boutique.
Businesses collect gift card revenue as soon as it is purchased, therefore, it will allow them to continue paying their overhead expenses and employees just a little bit longer. Then, after this pandemic is over, and when their business picks up again, you can gradually redeem your gift cards for products or services, or gift them to family and friends on special occasions.
Most businesses, even “mom and pop shops,” are capable of conducting online or phone orders and can issue a digital gift card so that you can support them without potentially spreading COVID19.
Compile a List
Start by creating a list of the small businesses you frequent. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Local restaurants/bars/clubs/breweries
- Hairdresser/Barber
- Clothing boutiques
- Home good boutiques
- Family photographer
- Handymen
- Maid services
- Lawncare
- Babysitters
- Dog walker and/or groomer
- Drycleaner
- Locally owned grocer/pharmacy
- Fitness centers
- Indoor playgrounds
- Bakeries
- Tutors
- Swim instructors
Every single person can make a difference.
We can’t control the virus, but we can control our actions.
We can control how we respond.
Democrat or Republican.
Black or white.
70-years-old or 20.
We’re all American.
We’re all human.
Let’s get through this together.