With governmental restrictions growing by the second, more and more local Quad Cities businesses are being forced to close their storefronts, leaving employees and business leaders feeling uncertain, and without steady cashflow.
Whether you’re practicing social distancing from the comfort of your couch, or you’re just trying to manage your way through the forced family fun newly instated in your home, we’ve rounded up a few creative ways you can continue to support businesses across our community.
Be Patient
Remember, we’re all in this together! It may not be easy on you but think about the difficult position this crisis puts our favorite local shops, restaurants, and organizations.
Local business owners are working around the clock to manage dramatically reduced staff, and unexpected changes to the way their businesses operate. The easiest thing you can do, as a patron, is to practice patience.
Shop Online
Swap your usual Amazon order for something a little more local! Consider ordering your best friend’s birthday gift from a local boutique instead. It’s a great way to support small, while also practicing social distancing.
Purchase A Gift Card
Make sure your favorite restaurant or store is getting the income they need when they need it the most. The easiest way you can do this? Purchase a few $25 gift cards or certificates to use at a later date.
Order Takeout or Delivery
Many local restaurants have had to shut their doors, but they are still offering delivery and carryout services. That being said, you have our full permission to order out tonight!
Ordering a pizza, or Pad Thai from your favorite mom-and-pop shop not only helps keep the business going, but it also provides the necessary income for workers and delivery drivers. You can even check with your favorite meal delivery services, including UberEats, Grubhub Good2Go QC and DoorDash, who are now offering contact-less deliveries to keep everyone healthy and germ-free.
Tip Extra
With fewer patrons visiting local restaurants, wait staff, delivery drivers and even owners are experiencing a shift in their take-home pay. Can you afford to spare a little extra change? Consider being extra generous when you tip!
Say Thank You
Spread a little gratitude and goodwill to everyone you come into contact with! Whether it’s a conversation with a co-worker as you work from home or a quick phone call with your meal delivery driver, take a few extra seconds out of your day to pause and say, “thank you!” It can be easy to forget, but it can make all the difference!
You can do your part to help your favorite small businesses stay afloat throughout the crisis, all it takes is one simple action to spread positivity and goodwill across the community!