How to Support Small Businesses during COVID-19
Everyone is feeling the effects of COVID-19 in a different way. Some are dealing with job loss. Others are dealing with mental health or physical health struggles. Whatever it looks like for you, we want to know we hear you, and we are in this together.
We love our small business community and know just how essential they are to not only our local economy but to our friends and neighbors who own them. For us, we are passionate about ending youth homelessness and want to be able to employ and give youth the chance to develop job and life skills in order to help them live a stable, fulfilling life.
But to do that, we absolutely need the support from you…our community. And we believe many other small businesses and our non-profit partners are in a similar situation. There are over 9,000 non-profits and nearly 500,000 small businesses across the state of Minnesota. All are undoubtedly facing setbacks or even closing their doors for good due to COVID-19. Here are some ways you can support your small business community during this time:
Share on social media
Word of mouth is HUGE for small businesses and non-profits. We absolutely love it when our community comes out to support us. If you are unable to support a small business financially right now, sharing your passion for it with your friends and family is a great, supportive way to get more people behind a product or a cause.
Support financially
This one may seem obvious, but financially supporting small business can look very different across the board. Whether it's through a one-time donation, a monthly donation, a product purchase, or a takeout order, you should feel good about your support!
Another innovative way to support a small business financially is through starting your own fundraiser. We are kicking off a peer-to-peer fundraiser for WFC in September called "60 for 6,000" where individuals pick a physical activity and have 60 days to commit to 60 miles in honor of the 6,000 youth who experience homelessness every day. If you're interested in participating or learning more, click here.
Volunteer your time
This may be a little trickier, but small businesses are always looking for passionate individuals to support their cause. Whether you have experience in business or just simply want to volunteer with everyday tasks, if you reached out to your favorite small business or non-profit and ask how you can help, we doubt they'd turn it down!
Have any other ways you support your favorite small business? Let us know! And, as always, stay safe and well. We're rooting for you and so thankful for your support.