Small ways to help your favorite small businesses

If you've been following the latest news updates, you know that retailers and restaurants across the United States are closing in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Governor Beshear recently closed all non-essential retailers in Kentucky following his earlier decision to close dining areas in restaurants and bars across the state.

When businesses are forced to close down for everything except carry-out and delivery, they lose exposure and customers, and, as a result, money. Many small businesses in Louisville have been forced to lay-off or temporarily furlough workers until they start recovering from forced closure. Luckily, there are lots of ways we can help those workers as well as small business owners right now!

Feast BBQ is offering carry out and online ordering.

Eat Small!

Look, the fact is, corporations like McDonald's, Starbucks, and Yum! Brands are going to make it out of this pandemic relatively unscathed. A dip in sales over a couple months won't force them to shutter their businesses or lay off dozens of workers. On the other hand, local restaurants might not be as lucky. Many small businesses rely on those daily sales to make their rent payments, and if that money suddenly isn't coming in, they don't have a lot of options. Local restaurants, cafes, and breweries like Bearno's, Gravely, Feast BBQ, Royals, Heine Brothers', and Naive are still offering delivery, drive-thru and curbside service (and yes, that applies to alcohol too). Don't forget to share your meal on social media to encourage your followers to eat small!

(Eat local tip: many restaurants are being forced to lay-off and furlough their servers for the time being, and other servers are losing tips now that in-restaurant dining is closed. Now would be a good time to tip more than 20% for those employees facing an uncertain financial situation).

Shop Small!

If you're stuck inside all day, you might be going a bit stir-crazy. At a certain point, you've already done every productive activity you can think of and still have time to spare. That's when you turn to online shopping. And yeah, it's natural to go from H&M's site to Forever 21's site to Zara's site. But wouldn't it be much more fulfilling to check out a small business's website? If you're dreaming of summer and a time where all of this is over, you might want to buy a new swimsuit. If so, Iloshe sells bright and fun handmade swimsuits! (I just bought one in yellow and orange!) And if your friend had to postpone her wedding until the fall, check out The New Blak so you're ready with a stylish dress or jumpsuit when her big day finally arrives! Plus, The New Blak is offering free shipping on all orders right now, so it's the perfect time to buy an ethically and sustainably made top or dress.

(Shop local tip: if your favorite local store doesn't have a "shop-able" website, try their Instagram profile! A lot of local shops are selling items via social media right now).

The New Blak is offering gift card deals and free shipping.

Think Small!

What's the smallest but mightiest thing you can purchase from your favorite business? A gift card! When you buy a gift card to a local shop or restaurant, you're giving them money they can use right away. When you buy a meal or a garment, you're paying for the materials used and for the service. But purchasing a $50 gift card to use at a later date could help that business make rent this month. And lucky for you, The New Blak is selling $150 worth of gift cards for just $100! Just add the $100 gift card and the $50 gift card to your cart, and the $50 one will show up as free. Similarly, Taco Luchador is offering 20% off ALL gift cards right now.

Start Small!

Sometimes the best thing you can do for a business is also the smallest thing. Offer your favorite local and small businesses a positive Google review, a share on Instagram, or a recommendation on Facebook. Your likes, comments, and shares give that business some much needed exposure and encourage other customers to shop or eat there! You can also send a brief message of support to your favorite small businesses to let them know that you're sticking with them during this crazy time. Your solidarity and encouragement mean more to those business owners than you know!

My hope is that those who are still going to work right now will stop at Heine Brothers' instead of Starbucks for their daily cup of coffee and will swing by Taco Luchador instead of Taco Bell on their way home. And if you're shopping online to relieve some stress, remember to check out your favorite locally owned shops like Work the Metal, White's Mercantile, and Stella's Resale Boutique. If we stay calm, stay safe, and stay local, Kentucky will make it out on the other side of this pandemic stronger than ever.