How to Support Local Florida Businesses
5 Ways to Help Small Businesses Survive Covid-19
As Florida is placed under a statewide stay-at-home order, many small businesses are experiencing slowed sales or are shuttering entirely. These small businesses are what make our homes in Amelia Island and Jacksonville great, offering unique personality and color to our communities. Like you, we want to support these companies and business owners wherever possible. Read on for five ways that you can contribute so that we can enjoy these places again in the future.
Shop Locally When You Can
Not all local businesses have been closed – those deemed essential by the state are still open, including local grocers, pet stores, and more. If you can, seek these options out before stopping by Publix or Target to get your groceries for the week.
Plus, be sure to check out some of your favorite shopping spots to find out if they’re offering online ordering. Many businesses are venturing into digital options, whether it’s through their website or social media. To show its support, eBay recently launched “Up and Running” to help small businesses get online quickly and with minimal cost.
Buy a Gift Card
Buying gift cards is a great way to pay now for some fun later. Websites like Support Local, which currently has over 20 businesses in the Jacksonville area listed, make it easy to shop for gift cards in one place. Another site, Help Local Thrive Again, was created by Jacksonville locals. Participating locations are matching their first $500 in gift card sales with a $500 gift card donation to first responders, medical staff, and others on the frontlines.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or getting some birthday and holiday shopping done early, gift cards offer local businesses the funds they need to stay secure during these difficult times. Plus, since gift cards can be purchased digitally, you can stay safe while you support from home.
Choose Donations Over Refunds
If an event you’d bought tickets for has been canceled, consider forgoing the refund in favor of a donation. This can help support theaters and other small venues so that they can reopen when the time is right. Even better, the donation is tax-deductible for you. If you haven’t bought tickets but still want to donate, Amelia Community Theater, the Florida Theatre, and Theatre Jacksonville all have online donation options too.
Order Food for Pickup or Takeout
Many small restaurants are offering online ordering with curbside pickup or delivery options. Get creative and order from several different places for an at-home restaurant crawl. Governor DeSantis has also lifted the ban on alcohol delivery, so you can bring the cocktail hour to you. Cheers!
Share the Love
Above all, it’s important to express our thanks to small businesses both striving to remain open and those forced to close. Consider posting a “thank you” on social media and tagging your favorite restaurant or store. Or, share a review on Yelp or Google to show your support and introduce others to the business. Sharing some positivity can go a long way!
Craving some wild-caught fish? Timoti’s is currently offering online ordering for pickup at our Nocatee and Fernandina Beach Locations. We also have gift cards available, which can be found on our mobile order site, so that you can enjoy fresh seafood in the months to come.