As the COVID-19 situation rapidly evolves, many of the small businesses that make Austin unique have been forced to close their storefronts to help stop the virus from spreading.
While we may not be able to quantify the way a particular community’s businesses set the scene for its residents’ daily life, their economic impact is measurable. Data from 2017 shows that on average, for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 of it stays within that local economy, compared to only $43 from large businesses.
Here are some things we can do for our favorite local businesses to help show our support during this unprecedented situation:
Shop your local businesses online.
Many of the things you need on a daily basis (or to entertain yourself during social distancing) can be purchased online from local shops. When you can, support your local businesses by shopping them first, instead of a national chain or big box store. Past YWA speaker series guest Jane Ko (A Taste of Koko) has a list of her favorite local shops, many of them with online shopping available.
Order in.
On the heels of already-lost business due to the SXSW cancellation, restaurants and service industry workers are taking a big hit as a result of COVID-19. Fortunately for us, they’ve been incredibly creative in pivoting to curbside pickup and delivery (in some cases, including your favorite margaritas). Pick up or order in, and leave a nice, big tip to say thank you. This list from Eater Austin is a great place to start, but check your favorite spots’ social media accounts, too!
Buy a gift card.
For restaurants that have fully shut their doors, stores without online shopping, or to support the stylists at your salon, think about buying a gift card you can use once we’re all free to socially un-distance. This keeps some money flowing into the business and will go a long way in showing your support. Another way to support salons and other services is to reschedule your appointments instead of cancelling them.
Stream your workout.
Like restaurants, gyms and fitness studios have been forced to change their strategies. Many have answered the call by offering streaming online classes. Not only will this help your favorite trainers stay in business, but you’ll get some extra movement in your day. Past YWA speaker series guest Melody Afkami (Melody DanceFit) already provided online classes, and Visit Austin also has a list of gyms and studios offering streaming online classes.
Be a cheerleader.
If you have people that you know and love who are being impacted by business shut-downs, spread the love on social media. Let your network know how to support them — by online shopping, purchasing gift cards, trying out their curbside pickup, whatever the case may be. Even if we can’t patronize shops in person, there’s no better time to raise awareness and support your community.
Now is the time for us to come together (by staying apart, of course) and show support to the people who help make Austin the city that we love. And don’t forget all the nonprofit organizations who still need our help — check out our last blog post for some ideas.
Share Your Business
We want to share the great work you do. If you’re a YWA member with your own business, tell us about it by sending an email to marketing@youngwomensalliance.org.
