Things You Can Do Right Now to Support Small, Local Businesses in Your Community

How You Can Support Small, Local Businesses NOW

As a small, locally owned business the coronavirus pandemic is shaking us at our core. We’ve found ourselves in a time of uncharted territory where uncertainty runs high and change is quick-moving. “Social distancing” has monopolized our lexicon, popping up everywhere we turn and we just don’t know what’s next.

We know that it’s not just us though. So many small businesses are being devastated in Boston and around the world and it’s now only beginning. We kicked off our 2020 tour season this past weekend only to have to shut down operations a couple days later. We work with so many other small, local eateries in the Boston area that are being affected as well.

Now more than ever is the time to support and shop small and local as we need you!

Here are 7 simple ways to support small, local businesses during this difficult time:

Purchase Gift Cards

One of the best ways to support your favorite small, local businesses now is to purchase a gift card from them for you or someone else as a gift. This puts income directly into the business which helps immensely right now and allows you or the person you gifted to to use the gift card at any time from inside or outside your home.

You can purchase gift cards from Bites of Boston HERE.

Shop Local Online and Off

Photo Credit: Formaggio Kitchen

While it’s tempting to shop from the big names online and off right now because it seems convenient, take a pause and see if you can maybe instead shop from a local business whether in person or online. Maybe they deliver or offer online ordering. This small shift can make a big difference.

Get Takeout!

This is the time to really support your favorite small, local eateries by still ordering from them if they are operating for takeout. We know that you’ll still get cravings for your favorite foods, as we certainly are, so be sure to check and see if your favorite local spots are open for takeout and delivery. Some are even giving discounts and many are offering no-contact delivery to keep things safe and still let you enjoy your favorite grub.

Many of our tour partners are open for takeout and delivery so we highly recommend supporting them! Here’s who’s open:

The Elephant Walk

Cinquecento

Formaggio Kitchen

Bootleg Special

PICCO

South End Buttery

FoMu

Whole Heart Provisions (Allston)

Roxy’s Grilled Cheese

Regina Pizzeria

Bell in Hand

Beantown Pub

Follow their Social Media Pages and Engage

While in-person business is mostly on pause the online realm is ramping up. Now is the time to follow your favorite small, local business’s social media pages and engage with them! You can do things such as like, comment, tag friends, share their stuff, and participate in giveaways and contests. Showing interest in their page and engaging is a great way to keep supporting your favorite businesses from the comfort and cleanliness of your own home.

Plan and Book an Event for the Future

If you know you’ve got a special event coming up later in the year such as a birthday or a work party, consider planning it with one of your favorite small, local businesses and even booking it now while business is slow. This gives them business to count on in the future which is a great thing for them.

Check Out Virtual Offerings

Many small, local businesses are quickly moving their offerings online to keep their community engaged. Be on the look out for new activities that you can participate in online with your favorite local businesses. Have you always wanted to take up yoga? Support a local studio or teacher by taking class online. What about painting? Have you always wanted to start painting? Support a local artist online. The options are really endless!

Check out: Rachel DeSimone Yoga & Laurel Greenfield Art

Spread the Good Word!

Simply tell all your friends and family about your favorite spots! Spread the good word about what you are doing and share this post with as many people as you can. That is one of the best ways you can support small, local businesses is by telling people about them!

We appreciate any and all support and cannot wait to be back up and running! Thank you for your support or small, local businesses!