Small businesses don’t usually have the same level of profit as Walmart or Amazon, but they have been hit especially hard in 2020.
From lockdowns forcing them to shut down for months to people seeking delivery options that they can’t offer, they struggle to stay afloat in hard times when large retailers succeed. Now more than ever, small businesses need our support.
My husband is a farmer, and this year was really tough on his business.
April-November is the busiest time of the year because our local Farmer’s Market is in full swing. Families walk around and enjoy samples, listen to music, and purchase items from our Farmer’s Market.
Because of the quarantine, vendors were forced to do all their business online–which definitely hurt many small businesses like ours.
With the holiday season in full swing, it’s obviously helpful to buy gifts from small businesses this year. However, that’s not the only way you can help them stay open during this difficult winter.
These gestures towards small businesses will surely be appreciated, even if you won’t be spending money.
No matter your resources, you can contribute something worthwhile to a struggling entrepreneur!
Spread the Word
If you’ve purchased something from a small business in the past, show it off on social media.
Be sure to tag the business in your post and talk about why you love their products in your caption. Even if you can’t buy from them again right now, you can encourage others to do so!
Nominate Them for Awards
If your community gives awards, grants, or other recognition to businesses who are nominated for them, consider putting your favorite small business’ word out there.
If they win, they’ll reap the benefits.
If they don’t, they’ll be uplifted by the fact that someone in the community appreciates them.
Be of Service
Do you know how to design graphics or websites? Do you have publicity connections? Can you provide another kind of service to a small business for free?
If so, make yourself available to a small business that wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford something they need. You can even use the experience to boost your resume!
Buy Stocking Stuffers & Gifts for All Occasions
Stocking stuffers tend to be less expensive than large gifts, so you can buy more than one. When you give them to your loved ones, include a business card from the store you bought them from.
You can also purchase gifts as well as gift cards for various small businesses.
If customers don’t purchase items, then small businesses will be forced to close.
Send Out Holiday Cards
Even if you don’t think a business owner would recognize you, include them on your holiday card mailing list. On the card, thank them for all that they do for your community or how much their work means to you.
Heartfelt messages don’t need to be reserved for loved ones, so don’t be afraid of sending some to a few new people this season.
Donate to Their GoFundMe, Kickstarter, or Patreon
Some businesses use online fundraising platforms to recover from losses or support new projects. This is especially true for artists and small startups.
If you have a few dollars to spare, consider donating to a business’ fundraising campaign. If you can’t donate, tell others about the fundraiser on social media – it will still help.
Whether you have money, skills, or encouragement to give to small businesses, any support you can offer is worth giving this holiday season.
After all, your favorite department stores aren’t shutting down, but your favorite local shop, artist, or independent sellers might have to.
Your support may help a business stay open for a little while longer!
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