SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES, SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

Through the pandemic, most of us have adjusted and adapted to a new normal, whether that’s teaching our kids at home or working remotely. We are staying closer to home and doing what we can to keep our families healthy.

But small business owners have had the additional — and enormous — challenge of trying to keep their businesses open so they can take care of their families financially.

Most businesses, including restaurants, retail shops and attractions, were forced to shut down in March, or were severely limited. Government loans and assistance helped these businesses stay afloat, and with guidance from the state through the summer, they’ve been able to safely reopen.

However, there are still social distance rules that keep them from operating at their full potential. Restrictions will be in place until COVID-19 cases drop significantly or there’s a vaccine. And we don’t know when that will happen.

Many have been creative and innovative in an effort to increase their revenue and keep their employees working. For example, restaurants constructed outside dining areas; retail stores introduced curbside pickup and more online shopping options; entertainment venues, like the Tupelo Music Hall, created drive-in concerts. Places like Cowabunga’s changed their offerings entirely — usually a play area full of kids, they shifted to remote learning support.

All of these changes have helped, but it is critical that we support small businesses through this difficult time.

Small businesses are woven into the fabric of our communities. When we purchase from them, the money stays in the local economy, and they support us by hosting fundraisers and community events. Most importantly, the owners and employees of these establishments are our friends and neighbors.

Their survival is key to continued growth and investment into the cities and towns where we are raising our kids.

I urge you to buy local this holiday season if you can. Buy a gift certificate for goods or services. You can also help by spreading the word about a business on social media or sharing and liking their posts on Facebook. Support struggling arts venues by buying a voucher for tickets to a future performance.

If you don’t want to shop in-person, buy online or by phone. Pick it up curbside or have it mailed or delivered.

The best gift we can give as we wrap up 2020 is our support for our communities.