Another day, another lockdown. By now we know, that you know what to do. Its time to show our local businesses our support in any way that we can.
This latest rendition of lockdowns will see restaurants close for dining (again), retail at 25% capacity, gyms fitness and yoga studios and other small businesses close.
Our local small businesses need us again folks.
Lets do some quick math about how you can have a big impact with only $25.
1. SHARE THE LOVE (THIS IS FREE!)
We know that not everyone has the capacity to support financially. And that's ok! Every time a business gets a positive review or online interaction it boosts their social media/websites, and helps other people find the businesses you know and love. These are invaluable to a small-business's visibility online.
- Its FREE to share, like, comment on your favorite small-business and brand's social medias.
- Share a special offer or post from your social media on FB or IG stories.
- Take it a step further and do a google review and/or testimonial.
- Find a local hashtag and tag your post/share so others can find it too. We started the hashtag #shoplocal613 years ago, and its become a great resource for Ottawa businesses.
Still not sure what to do? Why not send your favorite business a DM or email, tell them how much you love what they do and ask how you can help.
(Photo credit: @thedreamlandcafe)
2. ORDER TAKEOUT
It's no secret that one of the hardest hit sectors has been restaurants. And they need our help again with all indoor/outdoor dining being banned again.
- Plan a local takeout night and if you can, order directly from the restaurant to keep as much money in their bank accounts as possible.
- Buy treats from a local bakery and surprise your kids with breakfast-dessert in bed #bestparentever
- Some restaurants are taking orders a few days ahead- look up your local faves to see how they are handling their takeout right now.
- If you have the capacity to do so, leave a tip for the staff.
(Photo credit: @capitalflorist)
3. SHOP LOCAL FLORISTS + PLANT SHOPPES
Order flowers/plants from a local provider.
Not so fun fact. Not only did florists work through lockdowns in spring 2020, but flower growers were hit with un-seasonal frosts and lost thousands of dollars in product... lets make spring 2021 brighter for these creative folks.
- Make a special someone feel the extra love by sending them flowers... Double win by ordering local and brightening someone's day!
- Did you know that plant lady is the new cat lady? Find your awesome local plant expert and buy a new plant for your at-home-office.
- Order dry-flower arrangements that last longer.
4. BUY LOCALLY MADE GIFTS
Local Canadian cities are bursting with local makers and creative entrepreneurs. Need gifting through this lockdown? Consider shopping a local maker.
- Find your local gift shoppe and explore their local or handmade section.
- Find your local makers on etsy.
- Shop direct from your favorite makers.
5. BOOK INTO A VIRTUAL CLASS
A lot of local yogis and fitness providers have been hit really hard over the past year, being shut down and/or classes affected by limited capacities- and have taken their offerings online. Same goes for local crafters and DIY workshops.
- Connect with your favorite yoga/fitness instructor on social and explore their online classes.
- Do a DIY virtual workshop with a local maker.
- Book into a boot camp.
- Find local meditation, reiki, dance experts.
6. HIRE A LOCAL MUSICIAN/DJ
Musicians and DJs have all but had their business disappear this past year with weddings and bars being shut down.
- Zoom parties feeling a little stale? Hire a local musician to crash your next zoom party night with your friends.
- Take a virtual music class.
- Hire a musician/DJ for your next virtual meeting for a fun lunch break for your team.
7. SHOP YOUR LOCAL BODEGA
We get that a lot of our essential shopping mostly needs to get done at big box stores.
- Find a new recipe and hit up a neighborhood bodega for authentic ingredients.
- Explore hard to find ingredients at specialty grocer's.
- Don't have a local bodega? Check out your local farmer's market to see if they're running through lockdown as essential retail and support local food providers.
8. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BREWERIES + DISTILLERS (19+)
Most Canadian cities are brimming with talented local brewers (distillers + wine producers). And because of the monopoly on the Beer store a lot of them cannot be purchased in one central spot.
- Visit a local breweries or distillers retail shoppe.
- Some breweries are doing home deliveries- order online!
- A lot of emerging and established micro-brewers release new (and limited edition) beers. Support their new releases!
(Photo credit: @dominioncity brewery)
9. GO TO A LOCAL BIA WEBSITE
Local BIA's are in touch with the small-businesses in their communities on a daily basis. They understand what these businesses need right now. Find their social medias or wesbite, they are a great resource for what's happening in your city, how you can help, and list all of the businesses in their area.
Find a list of local Ottawa BIA's HERE
10. DO. YOUR. PART.
And the most important thing we can do. Do our part so that we can get those numbers back down so our small businesses can re-open soon.
Above all. Be kind. This is hard on everyone in their own unique way.