With the number of coronavirus cases climbing each day, we’re all aware that businesses have had to close their doors, move their teams remote, and figure out a new way of working for the foreseeable future.
“Work from home life” might be fun for a minute, but for many small businesses, it can be devastating to their bottom line. Fortunately, there’s still a lot you can do to support them.
Here are nine things you can do right now to help support your favorite small business owners (be sure to scroll to the bottom for a list of companies you can help today):
1. Buy a Gift Card
Chances are your favorite small business already has an online presence, and if they don’t, you may have been notified that to stay afloat during this weird time, they’re now offering gift cards. If you have a few bucks to spare, buy one. Even if it’s $10 or $20, it can help small businesses weather this storm. Plus, it’ll uplift the owner who probably does a little happy dance every time they receive an order anyway.
2. Prepay for Services
Are you going to need a haircut in the next six months? Get in touch with your salon and ask if you can prepay for your next haircut. Or maybe you’ve only got three classes left in your class pack for your local fitness studio. Buy another class pack now — you know you’ll use it once things start to open up again.
3. Engage on Social Media
Following, liking, and commenting on the social media accounts of small businesses is absolutely FREE. Take a minute (or 10) to show small businesses some love on their social media channels. If you want to go a step further, share one of their posts or Instagram stories to your feed.
4. Forward a Brand Email
Ok, so your inbox is currently inundated with coronavirus and COVID-19 subject lines. Everyone is scrambling this week to switch up marketing campaigns and shine a light on this time of uncertainty. Feeling overwhelmed yet? I am, but as business owners, we also can’t ignore what’s happening and keep our mouths shut. We need to lean into it, adapt, and make sure our communities know we’re still here.
If you recently received an email from a brand that you love that has an option to buy a gift card, a special discount, or just some food for thought, forward it to your friends and family who might be interested. It will help build brand awareness for the company.
5. Shop Local Businesses Online
Businesses that were once only available to you in real life are now moving online. You can stream fitness classes, order takeout, and join classes or webinars online. Webinars and online courses are nothing new. But, for some business owners going the digital route (because… #socialdistancing) IS new. You can show your support by buying a class online or buy something (or a gift card) from an ecommerce business even though they’ve been online since day one.
6. Buy Presents for the Future
Make a list of all of your friends and family who have birthdays or life events coming up in the near (or even distant) future. Buy their gifts now. Dare I say it, but you could also get ahead on your holiday shopping for 2020.
7. Be Patient
Shifting to a completely remote set up and potentially moving everything online line, for the time being, is a massive shift for some businesses. If your order takes a bit longer, or you don’t hear back about a question that you have as quick as usual, be understanding. We’re all doing our best.
8. Say Thank You
Plain and simple. If you’re not in a position to support a small business financially. Let them know you’re rooting for them. Say thank you for what they do, what they make, and for continuing to build community even during the coronavirus outbreak. You can do this in the form of a social media comment, a direct message, or a response to one of their recent email campaigns. It will be appreciated. Promise.
9. Offer to Help
You might have some free time on your hands while all the restaurants, gyms, and other social gatherings are canceled. Maybe you can help a friend who has a small business? It would have to be remotely, but I’m sure there’s a way. Even if it’s just a pep-talk. Reach out to see how you can help your friends continue to run their business right now.
Scroll on to Support These Small Businesses Today
I’ve included a comprehensive list of small businesses that range from fitness to jewelry, beauty, and service-based businesses that you can show your love for today.
DO, Cookie Dough Confections
Who they are: World’s first gourmet edible & bakeable cookie dough.
Aaram New York
Who they are: Handmade natural hair oils.
JULAHAS
Who they are: Natural, seasonless, free-size Capes.
Pink Moon
Who they are: Retail + wellcare space designed for women.
Bawdy Bookworms
Who they are: Romance book subscription box.
Neophyte Jewels
Who they are: Handmade jewelry and accessories.
Me Do.
Who they are: Comfort-first children’s clothing company who help children learn while getting dressed.
styleNmotion
Who they are: Simplifying wardrobes and helping women feel confident.
Kali Active
Who they are: Premium boxing gloves and accessories.
Seecaas
Who they are: Comfy and fashionable footwear.
Blank Studio NYC
Who they are: Sisters offering a creative space for clients to create and connect.
KAZMALEJE
Who they are: Hair tools made for curls.
Violets Are Blue
Who they are: Natural skincare products safe for the body and environment.
Squared Away
Who they are: Connects military spouses with companies who need extra hands on deck.
Mavely
Who they are: App that connects everyday women and a network of retail partners.
ALLY Shoes
Who they are: Pain-free heels for power women.
GIAPENTA
Who they are: Lingerie that solves daily issues women face with their intimates.
Féroce Eyewear
Who they are: Direct-to-consumer eyewear brand empowering women to choose high quality at an honest price.
Here and Now
Who they are: A creative branding agency.
Brevity Jewelry
Who they are: Concise, simple, yet meaningful designs.
Serenity Threads
Who they are: Handmade jewelry and accessories designed with the beach in mind.
MIRAY
Who they are: Handmade accessories designed to reflect your individuality.
Soul Simple
Who they are: Social and emotional learning resources for parents and teachers.
Verte Consulting
Financial Advisory Services for Women-owned Businesses
Etymology Jewelry
Who they are: Mixed media jewelry handmade in New York City.
TITOV
Who they are: Size inclusive comfy bras and basics that aren’t boring.
Reign Skin and Hair
Who they are: No-fuss natural hair care.
Lucin Candle Studio
Who they are: Handmade candles.
10 Grove
Who they are: The first genuine direct-to-consumer bedding company.
The Good Rub
Who they are: Natural and organic body care products.
Mouse Loves Pig®
Who they are: Organic, handmade toys.
Canary + Co
Who they are: Bags designed with women in mind.
ReadiSpex
Who they are: Eyewear holder.
Hey Girl Decor
Who they are: Modern decor and design company.
Park Fitness BK
Who they are: Fitness studio
WILL LANE
Who they are: Athletic wear.
Teach Wellthy Coaching
Who they are: Helping women entrepreneurs level up their Instagram to create community and make money.
Dabira Candle
Who they are: Luxurious, toxin-free aromatic candles at an affordable price.
Moonlit Skincare
Who they are: Ethical, sustainable skincare products.
LIKHÂ
Who they are: Handcrafted, artisan products.
41 Winks
Who they are: Eye masks.
Anet’s Collection
Who they are: Art inspired scarves.
SoulMate Yerba Co. LLC
Who they are: Tea company.
Love, Indie B.
Who they are: Indie beauty marketplace stocking clean, natural, vegan, and sustainable beauty and skincare products (and telling the stories of brand founders).
Radiance & Romance
Who they are: Jewelry to enhance your natural beauty.
Marie Hunter Beauty
Who they are: Cosmetics and Fragrances for the Modern Muse.
Your Adventure Rx
Who they are: Recreational therapy experiences are holistic complements to traditional mental health therapy.
Kind Lab
Who they are: CBD rich products for better living through nature.
Delia Organics
Who they are: Natural and organic skincare.
Mala & Me
Who they are: Vibrational jewelry that empowers you to experience more love, peace, and joy.
Lilla P
Who they are: Mix, match, and layer wardrobe staples that take the stress out of getting dressed.
Knickey
Who they are: Organic undies for everyday.
We are Wild
Who they are: The first all-solid skincare system designed for everyday recreation.
Local Color NYC
Who they are: Boutique clothing store specializing in small independent brands.
Altress
Who they are: Custom dresses designed by you and sustainably made on-demand.
AMANDA PEARL
Who they are: Sustainable luxury gems donating a portion of sales to a new cause each quarter.
Rhodes Boutique
Who they are: Lifestyle boutique in Charleston, South Carolina.
Soukra
Who they are: Home décor and fashion from Tunisian designers
Nourish & Refine
Who they are: Natural skincare and candles.
Tom Foolery
Who they are: Jumpsuits redesigned (use the ladies room without any mishaps).
Proclamation Goods
Who they are: Two pans. One modern Dutch oven. A lifetime of meals.
Brief Transitions
Who they are: Postpartum women’s mesh underwear.
SHAKTIBARRE
Who they are: The yoga-barre empowerment hub.
Kinfield
Who they are: Essentials for The Great Outdoors.