Premier Doug Ford made an announcement in the afternoon of January 3, 2022, scheduling Ontario for the fourth lockdown since the pandemic started. We have been here before. This type of news can feel so discouraging and creates barriers in rediscovering our sense of normalcy as a province. What do we do now, how can we rebuild our sense of community? Since the beginning of the pandemic, small businesses have been negatively impacted but have also proven to us they are tenacious in the face of adversity by pivoting to online and delivery-based business models. Small business owners are hopeful for a bright future. Local businesses are important for a healthy local economy, they provide niche goods and services and contribute to the identity of surrounding communities. How can we help small businesses survive and continue to thrive in the midst of pandemic uncertainty?
Let’s dive in further and explore what small contributions we can make and different incentives that are offered that can make a world of difference.
Social media creates a stage and shines a spotlight on small businesses. You can find so many amazing ways to show support and kindness to small business owners, and it has emerged as one of the best ways to stay connected. You can share photos and reviews of your purchases from local businesses on social media, you can comment and like their posts, or take part in any virtual classes, seminars, or workshops that local businesses offer. Local business owners are also trying to spread the love: one example is the various businesses that have created incentive plans to offer discounts if a customer shows proof that they supported another local business. This has been featured on Instagram pages from local Hamilton businesses including Andiamo and Nurse Injector Nikki. Let’s keep this trend going, a small act of supporting small businesses can help keep their doors open.
Recently trending on various platforms are hashtags like #takeouttohelpout, inspiring people to continue enjoying restaurant food in any way they can. If you want to keep supporting restaurants during lockdowns, order some takeout or delivery! On the topic of restaurants, Taste of Burlington is hosting their winter prix fixe program with an assortment of Burlington restaurants such as Paradiso, Industria Pizzeria and Bar, VIC Caters and Bakery, Pepperwood Bistro, Lettuce Love Cafe, Jacksons Landing, and many others. This program launches in February, be sure to check out these offers when the time comes. It will be worth the wait.
Burlington Chamber of Commerce is another amazing tool to utilize in supporting small businesses. On their website, you will find a link for business support resources — if you are a business owner yourself, take advantage of these resources and information sources. They outline business support and resources and include a business benefits finder, financing programs, and other links to guide you in the right direction. Here is the link: https://www.burlingtonchamber.com/business-support-resources/
If you need assistance tracking down small businesses to try out, the following link will take you to an article that gives more advice on how to shop local, and lists of various local businesses that would love your support. There are over 400 entrepreneurs relying on us to keep their doors open.
Our community needs us now more than ever, and even in a world that feels so chaotic and troubling, we still have the ability to make a change. So next time you are considering Walmart or Amazon, remember that they aren’t suffering like small businesses are. Your Walmart shopping list could save your community’s favourite local shops. These are our friends, our neighbours, and our relatives, let’s show them how much we care.
Sources:
CDC Small Business Finance. Jan. 22, 2021. 21 Ways to Help Small Businesses in 2021 (Even w/o Money). Blog post. Url: https://cdcloans.com/support-small-business-covid/ (accessed Jan. 23, 2022).
