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Five Ways Your Business Can Show Support to Other Local Businesses and Organizations

Author: Leah Edwards
A pink graphic says "Support One Another and Practice Kindness From a Safe Distance"

Despite the uncertain times that many business owners are facing, remember that we all can “get by with a little help from their friends.” Lifting others up is a great way to strengthen your community while giving yourself something positive to focus on. Here are five ways you might be able to offer support for your local community even when times are tough:

If you are able, dedicate an area of your business for a good cause. Are you able to help organize meals or offer your lobby as a pick- up spot for families in need of assistance while their county’s public schools are closed? To support fellow businesses, there might be opportunities to offer the use of your company vehicles to help those who had to unexpectedly transition to a delivery business model overnight.

Sponsor a local restaurant through your Facebook page by offering a small gift certificate to be drawn each day, encouraging others to try them via to-go or delivery. Many non- essential businesses, from salons to museums, have had to temporarily close their doors. Tag the Facebook pages or websites of some of these local businesses and encourage your followers to purchase gift cards for future.

When possible, another effective way to show your support of the local business community is to offer discounts for those most heavily impacted.. Whether it’s the housing industry, the healthcare industry or the retail and hospitality industry, consider which sectors have the highest need and focus your assistance there.

Do you have a little extra time on your hands and maybe you’ve been through a recession before? Offer to support an up-and-coming local business owner that might be weathering a crisis for the first time. You may be able to mentor them during their time of need, providing valuable information or, at the least, a listening ear.

In situations where getting out and about is not possible, creating business connections digitally is a great option. Create an Eventbrite event and publicize through your local social channels. Invite local business and organization owners and curate a list of topics for conversation. By continuing to move forward with business conversations, this can spark ideas and possibly bring valuable insight for a challenging time.

  • Support local nonprofits and small businesses with your resources

If you are able, dedicate an area of your business for a good cause. Are you able to help organize meals or offer your lobby as a pick- up spot for families in need of assistance while their county’s public schools are closed? To support fellow businesses, there might be opportunities to offer the use of your company vehicles to help those who had to unexpectedly transition to a delivery business model overnight.

  • Drive traffic to local businesses through your social channels

Sponsor a local restaurant through your Facebook page by offering a small gift certificate to be drawn each day, encouraging others to try them via to-go or delivery. Many non- essential businesses, from salons to museums, have had to temporarily close their doors. Tag the Facebook pages or websites of some of these local businesses and encourage your followers to purchase gift cards for future.

  • Provide discounts or donations to struggling businesses

When possible, another effective way to show your support of the local business community is to offer discounts for those most heavily impacted.. Whether it’s the housing industry, the healthcare industry or the retail and hospitality industry, consider which sectors have the highest need and focus your assistance there.

  • Offer your experiences and strengths to those in need

Do you have a little extra time on your hands and maybe you’ve been through a recession before? Offer to support an up-and-coming local business owner that might be weathering a crisis for the first time. You may be able to mentor them during their time of need, providing valuable information or, at the least, a listening ear.

  • Boost local business morale and strengthen connections by hosting a digital event

In situations where getting out and about is not possible, creating business connections digitally is a great option. Create an Eventbrite event and publicize through your local social channels. Invite local business and organization owners and curate a list of topics for conversation. By continuing to move forward with business conversations, this can spark ideas and possibly bring valuable insight for a challenging time.

Audrey Hepburn once said, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” Use your resources to assist others around you. Do not give up hope in this challenging season. Even when the future is uncertain, focus on what you can do right now. For more ideas to help your community during the coronavirus, visit FASTSIGNS today!