How to support Local Businesses during the COVID-19 Outbreak

COVID-19 has presented all of us with a big challenge. With the borders being closed, events being postponed or cancelled, as well as the delay of the cruise ship season, local businesses on the island are facing economic uncertainty. Many local restaurants have made the decision to close, reduce hours of operations, and some of them will be closing very soon. When possible, the best thing that we can do as a community is to support them, more than ever.

It is very important to follow the advice of our government. If you are sick or need to self-isolate, do so. At the same time, please do not forget to support local restuaruants and businesses, who usually operate on small margins. Shop at locally owned stores, eat from local restaurants and cafes, and help your neighbours in this time of uncertainty.

As we social distance ourselves, in order to help support local businesses, the people they employ and the charities they support, we can help by doing small things:

1. Order food delivery

If you can not go out, which is recommended, order food delivery from a local place. We are very lucky to have many great options in the city which offer delivery or are signed up in delivery apps where you can order from; such as Skip the Dishes, Doordash, Uber Eats and Tutti. You can also order online from some restaurants and some of them are offering free delivery and special promotions!

Check out local updated delivery information here

2. Grab Take-Out

Many local restaurants are now offering take-out. Simply call or order throught their websites. They are posting their menu items in social media to make it easier to choose.

Check out local updated take out information here

3. Buy a Gift Card for later

Support small businesses by helping them pay bills now, and enjoy your food later! Buying a gift card will help eliviate some of the overhead costs that can’t be reduced, such as rent. Some local restaurants and small businesses sell their Gift Cards online, you don’t even have to leave your home. Some others are doing special Gift Card sales and promos, which can be very convinient for both ends.

Check out local updated information here

4. Shop Local

Rather than shopping in big retailers to stock up, shop from your neighbor’s local business, your favourite local coffee shop, independent bakers and butchers. Even small purchases make a difference and will help them keep afloat through the rough times. Some local businesses have online stores where you can buy what you need directly from your home.

Check out local updated information here

5. Like, comment and share on social media

Understand the hard decisions. Check in with small business owners and employees and let them know that you’re thinking of them and excited to visit them soon! Give them a shout out recommending your favourites, sharing your food photos, interacting with your local restaurant on social media; this can help them increase their engagement and attract a much bigger or new audience. You can also help by writing a positive online review.

6. Leave a generous tip

Be kind. Whether you are buying a service from a local restaurant or a local salon, always tip! Every dollar counts.

6. Share

Help us to spread the word and show your support for independent local businesses. Whether you work in the industry or simply love going out to dinner, sharing this information may be significant. Simply screenshot or share this post in your social media to spread the word!

Click and share this link to see information about your local businesses during the COVID-19 outbrek

Click and share this link for local businesses to fill out the form to keep track of the restaurant information during the next days

Friendly reminder that this article is in no way sponsored and we are not doing this to gain anything, but to share our support and spread the word. Thank you for reading and Thank you for your support!