Want to help small businesses during the pandemic? Here’s what you can do

Many local businesses have been ordered to shut down, and millions of people are not going out right now.

With the coronavirus pandemic causing people to social distance, many are getting what they need from large online businesses, leaving local businesses suffering.

The impact of the pandemic on small businesses could be devastating, CNN Business reported.

In Seattle, a survey found 60% of small businesses were considering wage and staffing cuts, and 35% said they may need to close their businesses.

“With the rise of social distancing, local businesses are withering on the vine,” the survey said. “Uncertainty hangs over the city. Restaurants are slow or shut down entirely. Gyms are brightly lit and empty. Stores are quiet. When will it end?”

Facebook has said it would offer $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 small businesses that need assistance, Variety reported. ABC News reported that many small businesses don’t know how they will pull through the pandemic.

Here are a few ways people have suggested helping small, local businesses.

Buy a gift card

In some states, restaurants and non-essential businesses have been shut down entirely.

Businesses say a good way to keep them afloat is to buy a gift card or gift certificate to use when people are no longer social distancing.

“If you don’t want to venture out — please purchase gift certificates to help sustain us and then treat yourself for a special day later,” Trang Tran, the owner of a nail salon in North Carolina, told The Charlotte Observer. “Our small business supports our family and our beautiful technicians support their families with your amazing patronage.”

Order in

Many local restaurants and food establishments have started offering takeout and delivery options as they shut their dining rooms.

Other local places have partnerships with delivery services such as DoorDash, Postmates and Uber Eats.

Some people have suggested ordering extra food and stocking up on your favorite meals while you’re stuck indoors.

Leave an extra tip

More than half of American jobs are at risk because of coronavirus, CNN reported.

If you have the ability, leaving an extra tip for those serving you can help while they deal with cut wages or hours, or fear layoffs.

At a popular restaurant in Houston, a group of customers left a tip of $9,400 to help them through the pandemic, KTRK reported. The staff split the tip evenly and each worker received about $300, the news outlet reported.

This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 4:26 PM with the headline "Want to help small businesses during the pandemic? Here’s what you can do."