[Updated on 5/5/20] Shopping at small businesses in your community has always been a key factor in keeping local economies strong. However, now more than ever it’s crucial that you support businesses in your area every chance you get. 

Keep Shopping (Safely)

You may be wondering how you can support local businesses and protect yourself during this unprecedented time, but you can. It’s so important that you do as our small business owners are the backbone of our national economy. Here are some tips for supporting local businesses and protecting yourself. 

Buy from Local, Independently Owned Businesses. You can help the small businesses you love stay in business by buying their products and services. In fact, many small businesses are operating online and by phone now. And buying local means you’re not only supporting community businesses, but you will get your products faster than if you ordered them from an online megastore. So give them a call!

Buy Gift Cards. You can use them once the business reopens. In the meantime, you’re providing the business with the income it desperately needs to stay afloat.

Buy Something Extra. While you’re buying a gift card, maybe get one as a birthday gift for a friend as well.

Order Carry-Out. Restaurants throughout the nation have moved quickly to make it easier for customers to order carry-out food and either pick it up curbside or have it delivered. Lots of other small businesses are also offering curbside pickup.

Be Flexible. Many small businesses are trying out new ways to meet their customers’ needs and keep themselves solvent. Whether it’s an online class offered by your favorite yoga studio or phone video concierge shopping in your favorite bookshop, give them a try.

Donate Your Ticket. If you have a ticket for a performance that has been canceled because of the pandemic, donate it to the arts organization rather than asking for a refund.

Leave a Review. This is a great time to leave positive reviews of your favorite local businesses on Yelp, Google, Facebook, and other social media. Not only can it help drive traffic to these businesses, but the business owners and workers would probably appreciate the emotional support right now.

Don’t Forget the Farmers. Farmers’ markets throughout the country are closed because of the pandemic — but farmers still have crops and food products available. Check the website of your local farmers’ market for information about how to support farmers and buy their produce until the market reopens.

Paradiso is Here for You

We want to see our commercial clients succeed, and during these trying times, we will do our absolute best to keep everyone informed of the benefits and programs that they have available to them. Together we will get through these difficult times and forge ahead as a stronger community and country. 

For any questions in regards to your current policy or if you are new to Paradiso Insurance, give us a call at 860-684-5270. Our team is here to help in any way we can.