Months into the COVID-19 pandemic and with ever-changing regulations, our business community needs your support now more than ever. There are many ways you can continue to safely shop and support our local businesses and nonprofits!
Shop local first
Our local businesses often do not have the same resources that larger chains do when it comes to financial assistance and recovering from uncertain times like these. Whether you’re getting your morning coffee fix or stocking up on food and necessities, we encourage you to look to our local businesses first. Not sure where to start? Our business directory provides searchable list of local businesses.
Shop local, online
Many retailers have websites where you can buy their products, goods and services online. If your favorite local retailer doesn’t have an online store, many may be willing to take an order over the phone and pick it up, or possibly have it delivered – it never hurts to ask!
Order takeout or delivery
The majority of our local restaurants offer takeout and delivery options. Many businesses are even offering to bring take out orders directly to your car for you. Check out our list of local dining options and help support our local restaurants!
Stay Subscribed
If you have an ongoing subscription at a gym, or with a stylist, or similar business, consider keeping it active – even if you’re not going to show up right now. If you are a business owner and rely on B2B contracts like with your local cleaning company of coffee vendor, consider keeping those contracts running as well, regardless of whether you business is operating (and assuming you are financially able to do so). Many of these small businesses rely on that regular cash flow to keep things open.
Business to Business Collaboration
If you are a local business owner, take this opportunity to collaborate with your business community to see how you can help one another overcome challenges. A local grocery store may have a need for the staff you had to reduce hours for. Collaborating and understanding the unique challenges of different businesses will lead to solutions that benefit everyone.
Buy a gift card
Unable to shop or dine-in right now? Buy a gift card from a local business to use later on. For those not wanting to visit in person, many businesses will offer to mail or email you the gift card upon request.
Purchase Chamber Checks
The Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism offers Chamber Checks. They are the same as cash and can be spent at any Chamber member business. The business deposits them into their account the same as a regular check. The customer does receive change if they do not spend the whole amount. To order Chamber Checks, please email Casie at casie@faribaultmn.org, or call 507-334-4381
Utilize social media/chamber marketing platforms
Social media can play a huge role in supporting the local community. Share specials or snap a photo of your favorite dish from local restaurants. Leave a review and share it after receiving great service from your local landscaper. Lead by example in encouraging your online following to support local businesses.
We’re encouraging all local businesses to share their hours, specials, inventory, etc on the Shop the 'Bo Facebook page.
Donate
The COVID-19 outbreak will undoubtedly present new community challenges for our local non-profits to address. Now is a great time to donate to the causes and organizations you care most about.
Tip a little extra
If you are financially able to do so, tip a little extra to the restaurants, salons and other service industries you may visit. These service workers may not have the privilege of income security, and a little extra can go a long way.
Practice Compassion
In these times of uncertainty, it is important to remember that many will be stressed and anxious. Be patient with one another, practice compassion, collaborate, and remember that by coming together as a community, we will get through this.
You can also visit our COVID-19 Business Recovery page, which provides valuable resources and updates.
