Small businesses are the lifeline of our community, essential to the economy in Spokane. When they close or cut back hours, it affects more than just the business. It affects our town, our neighborhoods and our families. That’s why it is important for us to support our local businesses when we can.
There are lots of ways that you can lend your support to our community, some without spending money. Let’s start with how you can help with only a bit of your time.
Share on social media
Follow, Like, Comment and Share posts from your favorite local businesses on social media. Did you pick up take-out food? Take a photo, post and tag the restaurant. It’s a free way for you to promote what they do and help spread the word for those who may not have a large marketing budget.
Write a review
Here’s another free option to help. Get on Google, Facebook and/or Yelp and write a review about the local businesses in your area. Positive reviews contribute to the reputation of a company and may lead to potential new customers for a business.
Volunteer
Offer your skills online. Maybe a restaurant has a website, but the menu is not on it. Offer to update their website to help get more orders. Apply those same skills to social media and raise awareness of the business via postings.
Be kind and caring
As businesses work through closures or staff shortages, we can all be understanding of the situation. If a food order is late, please be empathetic and practice patience and realize that it may be due to circumstances the store is facing. Be sure to offer a thank you. A smile goes a long way and costs nothing.
Shop locally
When you can, put locally owned businesses in the front of your mind and shop with them. Many small retailers have moved to online shopping. If you prefer to shop from home, be sure to check out local websites so that you can buy directly from them.
Buy gift cards
Some businesses may be closed temporarily to the public due to mandates or staff shortages. During these times, purchasing gift cards now for later use can help a business remain afloat today.
Order Take-Out/Delivery
Whether you prefer to dine in or get take-out, ordering from your local eatery can help a restaurant stay open. You will get your favorite dish and the staff can stay employed.
Tip well and often
If you can afford it, tip a bit extra. Many service employees rely on tips. With cutbacks in hours, an increase in tips can help keep income up.
Pre-buy now
Do you have gifts you need to purchase for birthdays, anniversaries, etc? Buy them now and keep on hand for when you need them.
Online services
Perhaps a service you normally utilize is closed. Many of these services may now be offered online: therapists, personal trainers, lawyers, financial planners, tutoring for kids. Check them out and consider continuing their services.
We have several social media sites that you can visit for ideas on what you can do and how you can help.
- Support Spokane Local Bars and Restaurants
- Spokane Quaranteam
- Support Spokane Local Business
- Food Finder Spokane
- Spokane Event Finder
- Spokane Small Business and Entrepreneurs
- Spokane & Cda Small Business & Events
Because we are part of Spokane, it is important to us to keep our community alive and thriving. Together we can support Spokane by helping our small businesses. Do you have more ideas of how we can all help? Drop us a line and we will add it to our list.
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