In only a few short weeks the pandemic has created a storm of economic uncertainty and financial hardship, with small businesses among those being hit the hardest. Those required to temporarily close are unsure how long they’ll be able to stay afloat without an income, while many essential businesses have been forced to lay off workers or find alternative ways to sell their goods.
It’s heartbreaking to see small businesses struggling for survival. Their owners overcame numerous obstacles and worked incredibly hard to get where they are today, only to potentially lose out because of circumstances far beyond their control. If businesses in our area begin to succumb to these unfortunate circumstances, it would not only hurt the local economy – we would lose crucial components of our community.
Fortunately, you can support your favorite local businesses in several ways. Completing even one thing on this list could make a huge difference for a small business either right now or in the coming months as establishments are allowed to reopen.
Overall, we need to support small businesses – and one another – more than ever. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by an endless stream bad news, but there are also countless stories of kindness and positivity emerging each and every day. Mr. Rogers once said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”
During this time of insecurity and adversity, try to not only look for the “helpers” – challenge yourself to become one. Acts of kindness don’t have to cost money, and you also don’t need to go above and beyond. Simply do the best you can. Even the smallest act of compassion can have a huge impact on someone in need.
submitted by Melissa, Portage County Business Council Intern
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