There’s no question about it: The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed our world. And even if you are one of the fortunate few who has managed to not be directly impacted by the virus itself, odds are you are still feeling the effects. This is especially true for small business owners who have spent the last year struggling to stay afloat amid widespread lockdowns.

But even as virus numbers decline and vaccines continue to be distributed by the millions of doses each and every day, we are by no means out of the woods. Small business owners today are not only endeavoring to recover from the catastrophic effects of the past 12 months, but also to cope with continuing volatility and a climate of uncertainty.

So what can you do to help these entrepreneurs, those who are not only the backbone of our national economy, but also the heart and soul of our communities?

Why It Matters

As our world works to return to some sense of normalcy after the upheaval of the pandemic, you may wonder why supporting small businesses should be at the top of your priority list right now. The fact is, returning again to the life we once knew depends on turning our attention and our efforts where they are needed most. And that, in the majority of cases, means our own hometown and the independent local businesses that simply don’t have the kind of resources that big box stores and multinationals enjoy.

In fact, in a study of Indiana small businesses in April 2020, researchers found that only 33% reported that they could survive six months under lockdown conditions. Now we are entering one year since the advent of the virus and the initial imposition of the lockdowns, and while restrictions have assuredly been eased, we are far from back to normal.

Many small businesses that have managed to survive thus far by implementing important new policies are still struggling to survive. And that means that not only are communities at risk for a surging tide of unemployment, but also for the loss of the unique local culture that small businesses provide.

What Is To Be Done

As insurmountable as the challenges of overcoming the pandemic may seem, it is possible to make a change, one simple step at a time. And when it comes to supporting local small businesses, you don’t have to invest a king’s ransom. A few simple strategies can mean all the difference for your local mom and pop shop.

Dine Remotely

Many small businesses are now offering special services to keep their customers safe while holding on to their business. For example, many local restaurants are increasingly turning to curbside pickup and contactless delivery to offset the losses from lockdowns and capacity limits. However, it’s important to order food directly from the business itself when possible, as third-party delivery apps like Uber and Doordash take huge cuts from the sale and can sometimes leave the restaurants in worse places than they started.

Prioritize Safety

When you do opt to visit a small business in person, remain vigilant in your efforts to prevent community spread. Wear your mask, practice social distancing, keep your hands washed, and use sanitizer. This won’t just help to keep you and your loved ones healthy, but it will also keep virus transmission rates in our communities low, which will increase the likelihood that small businesses will be able to remain open and even increase their operating capacity.

The Takeaway

These are truly unprecedented times, but the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t have to change your community or drive your favorite local shops out of business. With a few simple steps, you can help protect small business in your community!

Beau Peters is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest with a passion for purpose-driven business content.