Support locally owned businesses

Support locally owned businesses

Show up for small businesses: 5 simple ways to support locally owned businesses

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. Whether in a busy city or a sleepy suburb, we depend on the many beloved local shops and services that contribute to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods. Where we shop matters, and now more than ever small businesses need our support as they recover and rebuild from the effects of the pandemic. (BPT) 

Small businesses will play a vital role in helping communities around the world get back on their feet. They account for more than half of global employment, and COVID-19 has hit them hard. As a result of the pandemic, 43% of small businesses say they only have money to last six months. Women- and minority-owned businesses have been hit especially hard.

The pandemic has changed the way we shop, work, and live — rapidly increasing digital commerce including online shopping, delivery services, and curbside pick-up. For small businesses to meet these new essential expectations, they must adopt digital tools across their consumer experiences and back-office operations.

As a long time champion of small businesses, Visa is committing to help 50 million small businesses around the world enhance their digital offerings as they begin to reopen and rebuild. This includes the easy-to-adopt contactless payment technology that has become as much a part of the safe shopping experience in stores as face masks, hand sanitizer, and glass screens, and e-commerce technology online.

As individuals, we all play a vital role in supporting the success of locally owned businesses to help our communities thrive. Every effort adds up, so consider these five simple things you can do to support local small businesses:

ARDELLES LOCAL BUSINESS

Make shopping locally a habit

Exploring neighborhood businesses is not only good for the economy, but it can also make you feel like a real part of your community. Make a daily effort to shop from small businesses for your needs — you’ll likely discover new locally sourced goods, and service providers who cater directly to local taste. From food and clothing to haircuts and car repair, there are many small business owners who would love the opportunity to help you. Use the Back to Business search tool at usa.visa.com to quickly search for local businesses that can help with your needs.

Pay it forward with a gift card

Supporting small business owners now is critical for small business owners. Buy gift cards for neighbors, friends, and family as a thoughtful gesture to brighten their day, or just for yourself for future use. It a great way to support local merchants with a revenue stream while they’re operating under limited circumstances — keeping their doors open and workers employed.

Become part of the community on social

Social media platforms have become more than a marketing tool for small businesses — they are vibrant digital communities and can be as unique an experience as walking around Main Street. Sure, you can help grow a small business’s online presence by liking them on social media. And leave them a positive online review so others who might shop there feel confident they’ll have an excellent experience. Even if they don’t have a social media page, you can mention them in your posts to remind your network of your favorite local businesses. But you can also get involved: Yoga studios, wine shops and taprooms, local craft centers and more are all offering virtual experiences and online transactions that keep one-to-one connections alive.

Get it curbside, or on your porch

Although social distancing has changed the way some small businesses can work, many are going above and beyond to meet customer needs. Ask about options like curbside pickup or touch-free delivery, which are becoming another indispensable part of our new normal. Buy online-pickup, in-store orders including curbside, jumped 87% year over year by late March, according to Adobe Analytics. And as shops re-open brick-and-mortar locations, many owners are integrating social distancing, increased cleaning and reconfiguring in-store layouts to help keep customers and employees healthy.

Purchase with purpose

By choosing to make a purchase from a small business, you help support an entrepreneur’s dream and help them get through extraordinary times. You’ll also find that many small businesses in your community are reaching out to help others during the pandemic — whether it’s a restaurant donating food to front line workers, or a local distillery making hand sanitizer for the neighborhood. To help support small businesses during this time when many are struggling, there are ways you can get involved just by shopping. Pay with your Visa card and you’ll be entered for a chance to win $2,000 in small business gift cards and to pick a small business to receive a $5,000 grant from Visa1.

With more than 30 million small businesses estimated in the United States alone, you have the power to make a difference. These tips can help you support local businesses now, so the community prospers in the future.

1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 or older. Void in PR & where prohibited. Ends 07/19/20. For full official rules, including details on non-purchase entries and the link to the grant terms go here: https://usa.visa.com/pay-with-visa/visa-sweepstakes.html.html.

 

One thought on “Support locally owned businesses

  1. Views: 3

    0

    0

    Share This

    Read Time:3 Minute, 36 Second

    Fun, On-the-Go Health Hacks
    Sweet and Savory Crunchy Popcorn Health Hacks. Make every bite count with whole-grain popcorn snacks, as many people start getting back into normal routines, they’re returning to familiar on-the-go lifestyles by heading back to work, traveling to new destinations and enjoying time with loved ones. (Family Features)
    While you get out to explore and gather with family and friends again, remember you’ll need fuel for your adventures. According to a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, most Americans fail to get enough whole grains each day, opting instead for mostly refined grains.
    Foods like tasty whole-grain popcorn offer an easy health hack so you can make every bite count. Try getting in the habit of popping 9 cups of popcorn in the morning and dividing it into two containers. Season one container with salt and herbs, the other with a pinch of sugar and cinnamon so you can alternate between sweet and salty throughout the day. Bringing delicious options like these while on the go can help satisfy hunger pangs while adding the fiber your body needs.
    Because mouthwatering whole-grain popcorn is versatile and 3 cups is equal to one serving of whole grains, it’s a simple yet flavorful option for meeting dietary recommendations. It can be a breeze to add it to snacks like Blueberry and Pomegranate Power Bars, Crunchy Popcorn Trail Mix or Sweet and Savory Curried Popcorn. You can even satisfy kids’ cravings with Grab and Go Pizza Popcorn, a six-ingredient recipe made in a matter of minutes.
    Visit popcorn.org to find more nutritious snack ideas.

    Sweet and Savory Curried Popcorn
    Yield: 8 cups

    8 cups unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn
    1/3 cup ghee (clarified butter) or coconut oil
    2 tablespoons brown sugar
    1 tablespoon honey
    1 teaspoon curry powder
    1/2 teaspoon cumin
    2 teaspoons flaked sea salt

    Place popcorn in large mixing bowl.
    In saucepan over medium heat, melt ghee, brown sugar, honey, curry powder and cumin; stir until dissolved. Bring to light boil; remove from heat.
    Toss ghee mixture and salt with popcorn; transfer to serving bowl.

    Sweet and Savory Crunchy Popcorn Health Hacks
    Crunchy Popcorn Trail Mix
    Yield: 9 cups

    5 cups popped popcorn
    3 cups whole-grain oat cereal
    1/3 cup raisins
    1/3 cup peanuts or other nuts
    1/3 cup sunflower seeds
    1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
    6 tablespoons brown sugar
    2 tablespoons light corn syrup

    In large, microwavable bowl, stir popcorn, cereal, raisins, nuts and seeds; set aside.
    In small saucepan, heat butter, brown sugar and corn syrup until boiling; cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour over popcorn mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
    Microwave 3-4 minutes, stirring and scraping bowl after each minute.
    Spread onto greased cookie sheet; cool. Break into pieces and store in airtight container.

    Blueberry and Pomegranate Power Bars
    Yield: 12 bars

    Nonstick cooking spray
    8 cups popped popcorn
    1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
    1 cup dried blueberries
    1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
    1/2 cup whole natural almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped
    2/3 cup honey
    2/3 cup light brown sugar
    2 tablespoons butter or margarine
    6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted

    Line 13-by-9-inch pan with foil; spray with nonstick cooking spray.
    In large bowl, combine popcorn, oats, blueberries, pomegranate seeds and almonds.
    In small saucepan over low heat, boil honey, brown sugar and butter 2 minutes. Pour over popcorn mixture and mix thoroughly.
    Using damp hands, press mixture firmly into prepared pan. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. Cut into 12 bars.
    Dip bottoms of bars into melted chocolate. Place on wax paper-lined pan; refrigerate until ready to serve. Store in tight covered container in refrigerator.

    Grab and Go Pizza Popcorn
    Yield: 6 quarts

    6 quarts popped popcorn
    olive oil cooking spray
    1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    2 teaspoons garlic salt
    2 teaspoons paprika
    1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

    Place popcorn in large, sealable plastic container or 2 1/2-gallon plastic sealable bag.
    Spray popcorn lightly with olive oil cooking spray.
    Sprinkle cheese, garlic salt, paprika and Italian seasoning over popcorn and shake to distribute evenly.
    To serve, scoop popcorn into reusable plastic cups.

    SOURCE:
    Popcorn Board
    Support Local Businesses

    Share

    Share ThisRelated Posts:A Naturally Sweet Yet Savory DishHealth hacks for living life to the fullestCrunchy Jalapeño Poppers SnackCrunchy Buffalo Baked Veal Cutlet SandwichesSpicy Yet Savory PoppersSavory Zucchini and Fontina Muffins

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *