Growing up around small businesses

I grew up surrounded by small business entrepreneurs. My dad and his siblings owned a successful chain of restaurants throughout Lahore, Pakistan. Some of my earliest memories are heading straight to the restaurant every day after school to devour a steaming plate of ginger chicken (the house specialty) while sitting in my dad’s office. Next door was an independent bookstore that felt like a second home. Further down, there was a full-service grocery/electronic/clothing store where I would banter with the owner and his son. The best days were presenting my parents with a report card boasting good grades. This meant a rare and glorious visit to the family owned arcade on the far end of the strip mall. We were a tightknit, hardworking small business community. We were a family.

Our support makes a HUGE impact

While I might not be employed by one, small businesses are my passion. The current crisis has taken a tremendous toll on all businesses, but more disproportionately on small businesses. It’s been heart breaking to visit my favorite small businesses and see their optimism for the future replaced by despair as they face the current reality. They are all fighting, and barely hanging on. We can help!

Here's a great example from one of my peers, Sarita Rao, on how we can do our part to support our favorite small businesses! These simple actions go a long way.

Now, more than ever, my family and I have been making a strong effort to support the businesses in our community. This past weekend we arranged a virtual video dinner with 5 other local families. We asked that each order from their favorite family restaurant and share the story of the business. We chose an Asian food theme, and my family picked Sushi from our favorite local place. Others ordered from local Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants. Our goal this week is for each family to give the others’ restaurants a try. We are looking forward to this Friday where the theme is virtual karaoke combined with a fast-casual food theme.

Share your ideas!

I’m sure many of you are doing similar things to support your local small businesses. I would love to hear your ideas. When you support a small business, you are supporting someone’s dream!