Now that we’ve entered phase three, under the Restore Illinois plan, additional businesses have been permitted to resume services at limited capacities with social distancing measures. If your favorite small, local, and independent businesses have reopened here are a few ways you can help.
Buy a gift card for a family member or friend
Many stores offer online gift cards so you can purchase one for a family member or friend and have it sent directly to their inbox. If you are sending a gift card to someone vulnerable when it comes to Covid-19, your grandparents, or a more elderly neighbor, for example, choose a restaurant, cafe, or store that offers curbside pick-up, or better still, delivery.
Shop local, online
A lot of businesses have taken their operations online. Not just businesses, but nonprofits too, that would otherwise be gearing up for summer camps and fundraisers. A great example is the Springfield Art Association, which is now offering take and make kits for all ages and abilities, which can be purchased online.
Share your support on social media
If you are on Facebook or Instagram, you can support the businesses you love by sharing their content, re-posting, or posting about items you’ve purchased. Whether you’ve ordered lunch from your favorite café, cakes from a bakery, or dinner from a restaurant, you can post about how great your purchase was on Facebook or Instagram.
Leave a review
Another great way to support a local business is to provide a Google or Yelp review. You may even have the option to leave a review on their website. If you want to support a B2B business you could offer a testimonial or you could provide a recommendation on an employee’s LinkedIn profile.
Follow guidelines
When visiting a store, restaurant, or the gym, for example, make sure you comply with social distancing measures and wear a mask indoors. Help protect the staff; if they get sick, they cannot work and provide for their family. Cafes and restaurants are permitted to serve groups under 10 outdoors, so this is the perfect time to get some fresh air, enjoy a coffee, lunch, or dinner on your favorite eatery's patio (makeshift or not).
A thank you goes a long way
Saying thank you, whether it’s an extra tip for your server, a thank you note for the owner, or a message to their Facebook page or email to say thanks for their services, goes a long way, especially during hard times.
If you have any questions for our business team check out our business banking page https://www.wbsb.net/business-banking/