5 Ways to Support Small Businesses in Your Community During the COVID-19 Crisis

We're all feeling the impact of COVID-19 in some way or another.

In British Columbia, our provincial government declared a state of emergency to amid the spread of COVID-19. Each day we're seeing an increased number of provinces declaring a state of emergency and ordering many small businesses--including restaurants, cafes, spas, and any non-essential businesses--to close for the foreseeable future.

This is devastating to communities and business owners who are now forced to close their doors. The good news is, there's plenty we can do to support them!

Here are five ways you can support your small business community right now:

1. Order Takeout & Delivery

Just because your favourite restaurants or cafes may have shut their doors, many of them still offer takeout and delivery options. Not only does that keep the business going, it also provides income for service-based workers. Companies including Ritual, Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes and DoorDash are responding to the current situation by providing contact-less deliveries or pick-up options. If you don't see your favourite places on these platforms, encourage them to signup to start generating more revenue streams.

Several grocery stores are also offering online delivery or pick-up options through companies including Instacart and PC Express.

2. Buy Gift Cards

Buying a gift card goes a long way. You can invest in a wide range of service-based businesses, restaurants, grocery stores, retailers, cafes, etc. now and save it for later when life returns to normal. Purchasing a gift card injects cash directly into the business immediately. Consider friends and family - Gift cards make fantastic gifts for any occasion!

3. Shop Locally Online

98% of all businesses in British Columbia are small businesses. This is an opportunistic time to consider learning more about your local small businesses - who they are, what they offer, their mission and purpose - and helping them before it's too late.

Many local small businesses have online stores. I'm a big fan of supporting businesses that fall under this category because they provide unique, user-friendly ways for us to connect with their brand, learn about their product or service, and buy products in a moments notice. Some local Vancouver Island-based businesses I've recently discovered online include: Goldilocks Wraps - an eco-friendly alternative to plastic food wrap, and Wayward Distillery -  Canada’s first distillery to produce spirits using 100% BC honey.

The total annual impact of BC's wine industry is $2.8 billion. As wineries are temporarily shutting down due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there's an opportunity to support them by becoming a wine club member and ordering online. In BC for example, Painted Rock and Moon Curser, among others, offer free wine club memberships and special discounting for members.

Brick and mortar shops may have shut their doors for now, but we can continue to discover and interact with local businesses online.

4. Explore Digital Alternatives

Companies are coming up with creative ways to stay in business. I've seen local gyms offering remote memberships for a reduced price, and both yoga instructors and mindfulness professionals providing remote classes at no cost. Service-based businesses are using technology to prevent business disruptions. Support these small businesses and sole proprietors as much as you can - many of them are volunteers or paid hourly.

Starling Minds is an example of a local Vancouver-based business helping individuals improve their wellbeing through their digital mental health programs. To help combat stress, anxiety, and worry related to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are offering free & confidential programs.

5. Be Patient & Kind

Remember, a smile, wave, or even just a simple thank you (from >2 metres away) can go a long way. Spread gratitude and goodwill to everyone you can. In many cases, businesses are working at a dramatically reduced capacity, and may be experiencing supply chain disruptions and back orders. So whether it's the delivery person, check-out clerk, or a customer service representative, I encourage you to be extra considerate and empathetic. Many small businesses are working hard just to stay open and serve their community.

Xero is committed to standing behind small businesses during this challenging time. Xero's Business Continuity Hub on Xero Central was created to help support you, your people and your business through the uncertainty of the global COVID-19 outbreak. New resources and information will be added to this page as they become available.

Refer to the Business Continuity Hub for critical up-to-date information from government agencies in regions in which Xero operates including: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Africa.