Supporting Independent Businesses in Times of Crisis

Normally we use this space to try and offer advice and lessons to business families or those who work in family businesses. But with our current public health crisis and subsequent social distancing, quarantining, and shut-downs, we’d like to take this opportunity to discuss how this affects family businesses--most of which are smaller, local, and/or independently run--and what you can do to support them during this difficult time and difficult situation.

Here in Minnesota, all “non-essential” businesses are currently closed by order of the Governor, and in more heavily affected areas of the country, these sorts of decrees are even more expansive, with mandatory curfews and such. For those businesses that can remain open, they have to juggle a myriad of struggles: reduced revenue from people staying home and not shopping, extra precautions necessary to keep staff happy and healthy, and the anxiety of not knowing when they may be forced to shut down next. For almost all these businesses, the expenses don’t stop--rent needs to be paid, utility bills keep coming, and staff still need to be provided for. So how can you help?

A Trying Time for Business Families

First of all, take a moment to check in with those you know that own, manage, or work for small businesses, as all this stress is almost certainly taking its toll on mental health, financial health, physical health, and more. When we’re being asked to stay distanced from each other, we’re lucky to live in a world that makes it so easy to connect remotely, and reminders that we are not alone can be a massive help in getting through difficult times. This is especially true with business families who may all be experiencing similar hardships together.

Second, find ways to support these businesses in whichever way you can. If you’re financially able, support temporarily closed businesses by buying gift cards, which puts money directly in the business’s pocket during a time when they may be trying to survive with zero revenue. If your favorite restaurant is closed, see if they’ll accept reservations for down the road when they anticipate to be open again--this commitment might just be the “light at the end of the tunnel” they need to maintain hope! And of course, share info with your friends and family about what can be done to support their favorite businesses.

Lastly, if you’re a business owner or are part of a family business, consider using this time to reinvest in what makes your business succeed. Use the extra time you have to determine ways to improve your leadership, best practices, and plan for life post-Covid-19. Make time to connect with your community, and support others in whatever capacity you are able. Remember: We are all in this together. 

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