Top Five Ways to Support Our Small Businesses During Recovery

When the pandemic hit, communities around the country and here at home in Waterloo Region, rallied to help small businesses by purchasing gift cards, shopping online, buying takeout and delivery once a week, launching “shop local” initiatives and starting fundraising campaigns.

Now that vaccinations rates have greatly increased and the province has added new vaccination programs and scaled back on capacity restrictions, our small businesses still need continued support.

When we shop local, statistics have shown that more money is put back into our community. Every dollar spent locally helps businesses get through this challenging time, so that we keep the vibrancy and uniqueness of our communities alive.

As our small businesses slowly recover from the biggest fight of their lives, here are some ways we can all continue to support them:

1. CHEAP ISN’T ALWAYS THE BEST OPTION

You’ve already been putting small, local businesses at the forefront of your mind — they need you to keep making them a part of your shopping list. Although large retailers like Amazon or Walmart offer speed and convenience, ask yourself, “can I purchase this from a small business instead?” Often, small businesses offer unique products, a more personal experience and superior customer service when compared to huge corporations.

2. HYPER-LOCAL

Business Improvement Areas are a great resource for finding local, small businesses to support cool pop up enterprises, eye-catching art projects, vibrant markets and other interesting community events. Check out www.uptownwaterloobia.com – as an example. As part of their pandemic recovery plans, small businesses are working hard to adhere to safety guidelines and keep their customers and staff as safe as possible.

3. PSST….PASS IT ON

Word-of-mouth advertising is the best! Tell your family, friends and co-workers about your favourite #shoplocal businesses – the products you bought and the services you experienced. And, don’t forget to post about it to your hundreds (or thousands!) of social media followers! 4. LET’S GET DIGITAL

Subscribe to newsletters, attend their virtual events or workshops, add local products to gift registries and write positive Google reviews about your favourite small businesses. If you have a particularly enjoyable visit or purchase, create a post and be sure to tag the business.

5. BE KIND AND PATIENT

We are all tired of lineups and waiting and our patience is wearing thin. Did you know that since the lockdown lifted, there has been a labour shortage as businesses sprinted to get out and hire staff – all at the same time? The struggle is real and some businesses haven’t even been able to open for regular hours because they can’t find good people – not to mention that the ones working are getting burned out.

Small businesses have been through many ups and downs as they continue to navigate the new normal – all while striving to do what they’re most passionate about – and that’s serving you! Please remember to be patient and kind.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Tracy Van Kalsbeek

Tracy joined the Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area (BIA) as Executive Director in April 2018 after three and a half years as Executive Director at the Stratford Perth Community Foundation. She is also a Board member and Chair of the Waterloo Regional Tourism Marketing Corporation.