Support Small Local Business, 20 Ways to Do So!

Kapital Solutions operates worldwide, but never forgets its local roots. Here are our 20 ways to safely and effectively help and support small local business to survive the pandemic:

1. Write a positive online review
   This is a good time to finally get around to reviewing your favorite local business on Facebook, Google, Trip Advisor, etc. Good reviews can give businesses a big credibility boost and are an easy, free way to show your favorite small businesses that you support them.
   
2. Pre-pay for future appointments
   If you have the ways to do so, offer to pre-pay for upcoming appointments with your usual service providers. While social distancing stops you from going to get your hair dyed, joining music lessons, and so on, pre-paying for your following appointment can be a great aid to small companies during this time.
   
3. Skip the reimbursement and take a rain check!
   If you paid in advance for an event, a class, or a service, consider taking credit for the future instead of asking for a refund. These businesses will appreciate not needing to issue so many refunds right now.
   
4. Show gratitude
   Keep optimism up by acknowledging grocery, pharmacy, or healthcare personnel and truck drivers (to name a few) to let them know that you’re being grateful for their hard work. Thank a local business or a front-line employee to show your appreciation.
   
5. Buy a gift card to use later on
   When business is operating as usual again, you will be back to visit your favourite restaurants, stores, and other local businesses. Purchasing gift cards online or by phone for future use is a wonderful way to help out now. Contact a local business and ask about the options they have available.
   
6. Subscribe to a local business’ e-newsletter
   Collecting electronic newsletters from regional businesses is a wonderful way to remain up-to-date on their offers, products, knowledge, and more.
   
7. Shop locally online
   Local stores and vendors may have closed their (physical) doors, but several still run online stores. Search for them on social media or check the business’ site for links to their online market.
   
8. Buy local food for delivery or takeout
   Various restaurants are now offering takeout at the same time they close their dining rooms. Encourage these local diners by getting your food or drinks to-go and enjoying it at home.
   
9. Reach out to a small business owner
   Take a moment to reach out to a small business owner and check in to see what you can do to support them – let’s take care of each other.
   
10. Post your favorite local product
    Take a photo of your favorite product to purchase locally and post it to your social media accounts.
    
11. Participate in a virtual class
    Individuals who work in training or professional development are finding innovative ways to move their order online. Subscribe to an online fitness class, paint night, or performance with a local business.
    
12. Outfit your new workspace
    Working from home? Have supplies delivered to your doorstep – support a local business while making your new workspace more functional.
    
13. Shop over the phone
    Various organizations accept orders and payment over the telephone, so pick up your phone and make a request to your favorite local retailer, restaurant, and service providers! Some are even proposing delivery or front door pick up.
    
14. Tag a friend in a post from your favorite local business
    This will help out local companies to reach future clients and gain more exposure.
    
15. Plan a future outing
    Make a list of places and companies you would like to visit. Share your list online and make plans to go with friends when it is safe to do so!
    
16. Don’t cancel
    If you have the means to do so, continue paying your memberships and subscriptions even if they have been temporarily suspended. Our local businesses need us more than ever!
    
17. Commit to future work
    While you may not be able to start that home renovation project right now, your contractor will appreciate you committing to future projects. Lake of Bays is home to many quality builders and experienced crews.
    
18. Share a post from your favorite local business
    Help your favorite businesses reach a broader audience by liking and sharing their information on social media.
    
19. Add photos to a Google business listing
    According to Google, companies with photos get 35% more clicks through to their sites than companies that do not have ones. Share your experiences by adding your favourite photos of local businesses’ services and products to help drive more traffic to their websites.
    
20. Donate to local non-profits
    Donate online or by telephone – they need us now more than ever.

At Kapital Solutions, contact us and our team of experts will be more than happy to further discuss with you the endless possibilities to support a local business.