Ways To Support Local Businesses During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Updated March 16th.

Fear of the Coronavirus is keeping people away from local businesses and restaurants. Instead of supporting big box stores and chain restaurants, take some time to support locally-owned restaurants and businesses including boutiques, nail salons, coffee shops, independent bakers, those who were affected by the Houston Rodeo closure, and more.

Let’s come together as a community, show our local support and be apart of the Live Local Movement, follow these tips.

-Support The Local Economy

One of the best ways to help the local places you love is by supporting them financially. There are dozens of ways you can do this, from frequenting family-run shops and restaurants to using local service businesses. Montgomery County has a large amount of small, locally owned, businesses that need our support.

-Purchase Gift Cards

Purchasing gift cards directly from your favorite locally owned businesses and restaurants will help them get money in their pockets now, during these challenging times. Once things have calmed down, treat yourself to an evening out using the gift cards you purchased. Local businesses will greatly appreciate this gesture.

-Eat Local

Join a local foodie group on social media or download the Link-Local App to discover the many local restaurants that Montgomery County has to offer.  From amazingly fresh Italian food at Pallotta’s Italian Grill to a food truck park, Deacon Baldy’s, offering a wide variety of options- our local area has it all.  Local Restaurants are keeping cleanliness at the forefront, more than ever, to ensure your safety. Go out and say hello to your local owners, they will greatly appreciate it, and even get you your order to-go if you prefer to eat at home. If you have any questions about what each restaurant is doing to ensure cleanliness and safety, most have posted on their social media pages.

-Support Local Restaurants By Ordering Online

Most restaurants offer delivery services such as DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats. Chef Chan’s in The Woodlands even offers local delivery and curbside pickup options. Ordering online helps you avoid crowds while still supporting local and enjoying a delicious meal.

-Shop Local

Take a break from frequenting your favorite chain stores and shop local. Locally owned businesses typically offer more unique goods while providing amazing customer service. Facebook groups have been created for those affected by the Rodeo closure, which will guide you on where to shop to support those local business owners, both in-store, and online.

-Support Local Businesses Online

Supporting a local business online is the easiest way to support local, without spending a dime. Leave an online review, like a local business’s Facebook page, share a local business’s Instagram story or share a post with your friends. Doing one of these things will be greatly appreciated by the local business and show your support.

Let us know how you are supporting local. We would love to hear what everyone is doing during this time to give back to the community.

Related Links and Articles:

Local Restaurant Owners

Curbside Pick Up Information for Restaurant Owners

https://www.restaurant.org/Articles/Operations/4-steps-to-successful-curbside-pick-up

This is Grubhub’s SOPs for delivery – You can use it for curbside as well and use a little flair with the process!

https://learn.grubhub.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Food-delivery-training-101-Whitepaper.pdf

Good info from Restaurant Assn.

https://restaurant.org/Covid19

Texas not closing restaurants and bars

https://abc13.com/6016925/

Some business financial relief options

https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-newsroom/press-releases-media-advisories/sba-provide-disaster-assistance-loans-small-businesses-impacted-coronavirus-covid-19

Local Business Owners:

Bank Provisions – (This information is advised to seek more information, not to be misunderstood as guidance!)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/03/12/list-of-banks-offering-relief-to-customers-affected-by-coronavirus/#5e60246a3ee3

Department of Labor Specifics

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/pandemic

CDC – Business related measures

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html

IRS – Corona Virus IRS provisions

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus