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8 Ways to Support Small Businesses During the Coronavirus Pandemic

By Kyrie Collins, Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock-Lone Tree Publisher March 18, 2020

According to one study, as many as 75% of local businesses are at risk of not surviving the current pandemic. These businesses are owned and operated by our friends and neighbors. They tend to operate on a pretty small margin and usually don't have vast cash reserves.

We, as a community, can come together to help the local businesses we love (and the people they employ) make it through this challenging time. As topsy-turvy as the world feels right now, life will return to normal eventually. Together, we can ride this out and come out together on the other side.

Here are a few ideas that will help them now... and all year round!

1.) Purchase a gift card.
Many businesses offer e-gift cards that can be purchased online. If your favorite business doesn't, try calling them to see if you can purchase one over the phone. This will bring money into the business now and give you a shopping or dining experience to look forward to later.

2.) Change your habits.
Do you normally shop at King Soopers? Consider small locally-owned grocers like Farmgirl Foods (Castle Rock), Spices N Beyond (Parker), or Tony's Market (Castle Pines).

Do you have a family birthday, anniversary, or graduation coming up? Place an order with your favorite ice cream store or bakery. 

Instead of ordering gifts from Amazon, choose an assortment of games, toys, books, and graphic novels from an independent bookstore or toy store.

Does your child take classes somewhere? Your local martial arts studio, gymnastics studio, or art instructor may sell items like t-shirts, water bottles, or class supplies.

3.) Get social with them!
Follow and/or like their social media pages. It helps businesses to grow their online presence.

Are you following us? We love connecting with our readers through social media, especially on Facebook and Instagram! Come join the fun!

4.) Engage with them on their social media pages.
When you share, like, or comment on a business's post, it shows Facebook that you like that business IRL and Facebook will keep showing you that business's posts.

Not only that, the more popular a post is, the more likely it will continue to show up in others' newsfeeds too, giving that business even more exposure. When you share a post on your own Facebook page, you help a business reach people they might not otherwise be able to.

Tip: Facebook allows you to choose "See First" for up to 30 of your favorite pages and/or "Get Notifications" when a page has a new post.





5.) Leave a positive review.
Whether it's on Facebook, Yelp, Google, or somewhere else, the value of a positive review can not be overstated. Not only will it help other potential customers know what you love about a business, it will help the business owner to feel appreciated and supported too.

6.) Don't cancel your membership.
Whether it's for your child's parkour classes, your local gym membership, or a monthly massage, your recurring fee will help small businesses keep the lights on. Many local businesses are looking at creative ways to continue to stay connected with their customers online, from Facebook Live events to workouts posted on YouTube.

7.) Prepare for summer.
It might be hard to picture right now, but summer is just a few months away. Now is the time to plan for summer and reserve those spots for camps. Businesses and organizations will appreciate that support! Visit the 2020 Macaroni Kid Douglas County Summer Camp Guide to learn about more than 40 local camps!

8.) Plan a party.
Have a birthday party to plan for later this year? Reserve a location or entertainer now. That support — and a down payment — will give small business owners a boost during a scary time for them. Our Birthdays & Special Occasions Party Planning Guide will help you find the one to make your celebration extra memorable!