How to Help Small Businesses During the Coronavirus Outbreak

With the new strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading around, many governments are recommending social distancing to prevent transmission. While this is great for keeping the virus more contained, it can be financially difficult for small businesses that rely on foot traffic. If you’re a customer, you can still find ways to support your favorite local businesses to help them stay afloat. If you’re a business owner, do your best to stay calm and check if your country or state can offer you any financial aid.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Buying from a Small Business

1. Buy products off of the business’s website if they have one. Try searching for the name of the business online to see if they have a website or an e-commerce store. If you can, purchase a few extra products than what you would normally buy so you can stock up and help the business make more money. Opt for delivery to avoid contact with people, or use in-store pickup if the business is local and you’re feeling healthy enough to go out.
   
   • If the business doesn’t have a website, call them and see if there are other ways that you can order products from them.
2. Purchase gift cards so you can shop at a later time. Many businesses are willing to offer vouchers or certificates for the time being so you can still support them without spending a lot of time in the store. Ask the business if they offer gift cards and find out if they have an expiration date so you know when you need to use them by. Get a gift card for the regular amount you would spend if possible so the business still has a source of income.^[1]
   
   • Some businesses may allow you to buy digital gift cards or vouchers so you can order them online. Check the business’s website to see if they have any promotions listed.
   • If you go to the store to buy your gift card, wash your hands as soon as you can to keep them disinfected.
3. Order takeout or delivery from local restaurants. Even though many restaurants are closing dine-in services, you may still be able to order from them. Try calling the business to see if you can place a takeout or delivery order from them directly. Otherwise, check on delivery apps to see if they’re listed there. Usually, you can place your order for pickup if you don’t want to pay for delivery fees.^[2]
   
   • The restaurant’s drive-thru window may still be open even if the lobby is closed. If you aren’t sure, call ahead and ask.
4. Tip extra if to help support wait staff and delivery drivers. Many food service workers won’t get as much income from tips during the outbreak, so it can be a stressful time for them as well. Try to add at least 5% extra onto your tip if you’re able to help support them. If you aren’t able to leave a large tip, give as much as you comfortably can.^[3]
   
   • If possible, try to tip ahead of time through the delivery app using your credit or debit card since you can easily spread bacteria when you use cash.
   • You may also use person-to-person payment apps like Venmo or Cash App for tipping. Just ask the driver if they have an account so you can transfer money to them.

[Edit]Getting Financial Assistance as a Business Owner

1. Apply for a disaster relief loan if your country’s treasury offers one. Visit the website for your country’s treasury or chamber of commerce and look for a page about coronavirus or COVID-19 assistance. Check the details and eligibility for the loan your government can offer you and follow any prompts on the screen to start your application. Fill out all of your business’s information and submit the application when you’re finished. You should get a response within a few business days, but it may take longer due to many businesses applying.^[4]
   
   • It usually takes 2–3 weeks for financial assistance to come through, but it may take longer.
   • You may also be able to find information about small business associations in your country that can match you to other private lenders.^[5]
2. Check your state's Chamber of Commerce site for aid if you’re in the US. Search for your state’s Chamber of Commerce department or visit the governor’s website to find resources and information about the COVID-19 outbreak. Read through the loans or grants that your state has to see what you’re able to qualify for. Fill out any applications or send query emails to the officials listed on the site to see if you qualify for aid.^[6]
   
   • The benefits you receive may vary by state or even local government.
3. Reach out to your bank to see if they’ll waive service fees. Contact your financial service provider and ask them about what measures they’re taking during the outbreak. Ask them about waiving fees for withdrawals or monthly services so you aren’t spending as much money that would normally be profits. Make sure you’re aware of any additional terms, such as repayment or interest percentages, so you aren’t surprised by them later on.^[7]
   

[Edit]Tips

• Encourage sick employees to stay at home so they don’t spread coronavirus.^[8]
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds after going to a public place, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing to help get rid of bacteria.^[9]

[Edit]Warnings

• Avoid going to stores or restaurants if you feel sick or have symptoms of coronavirus.^[10]
• Coronavirus can spread even if you don’t actively notice symptoms. Do your best to keep between you and other people, and especially avoid physical contact with anyone who’s been sick.^[11]
• Avoid touching your face if you haven’t washed your hands since you could easily transmit COVID-19.^[12]

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/michelinemaynard/2020/03/13/5-ways-to-help-your-favorite-restaurant-survive-the-coronavirus-crisis/#34cdadbf5d08
2. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/michelinemaynard/2020/03/13/5-ways-to-help-your-favorite-restaurant-survive-the-coronavirus-crisis/#34cdadbf5d08
3. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/yes-you-can-order-food-delivery-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-heres-how/
4. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
5. ↑ https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-newsroom/press-releases-media-advisories/sba-provide-disaster-assistance-loans-small-businesses-impacted-coronavirus-covid-19
6. ↑ https://www.uschamber.com/co/chambers
7. ↑ https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/small-business-resources-for-surviving-coronavirus
8. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html
9. ↑ https://www.who.int/gpsc/clean_hands_protection/en/
10. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
11. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
12. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html