<p>When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, communities around the U.S. rallied to help small businesses by launching “shop local” initiatives, purchasing gift cards and starting fundraising campaigns .</p>
<p>Now that states have begun to roll back social distancing restrictions and vaccination rates continue to climb, small businesses still need continued support. </p>
<p>“When we shop local, the statistics have shown us that more money is put into your community, which you then benefit from,” says Ash Cintas, founder of City Shoppe, an e-commerce platform serving local retailers and products in multiple cities. </p>
<p>Every dollar that’s spent locally helps businesses get through this challenging time so that we keep our communities and the character of our cities, she says. </p>
<p>We talked to small-business owners to find out how consumers can best support them as they slowly transition out of the pandemic. Here are five of their tips:</p>
<p>1. CHANGE YOUR MINDSET</p>
<p>Put small, local businesses at the forefront of your mind — and your shopping list. Although large retailers like Amazon or Walmart offer speed and convenience, ask yourself, “Can I purchase this from a small business instead?” Patrick Connelly , co-founder of Stellar Villa, said in an email.</p>
<p>“It’s important to remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best,” said Connelly, whose company sells art from Brooklyn, New York. “ Oftentimes, small businesses can offer unique products (opposed to mass-produced), a more personal experience and superior customer service when compared to huge corporations.” </p>
<p>2. DO YOUR RESEARCH</p>
<p>Explore your local area, browse for small businesses online and, if you travel, check out the businesses in those areas too. </p>
<p>“Depending on where you live, most communities have pop-up markets, flea markets and, of course, local boutiques,” says Cara Luke, owner of Hope Street Candle Co. in Providence, Rhode Island . “(They) are really needing people to come and shop, and at least where I live in Rhode Island, they’re still taking a lot of precautions to make sure that consumers feel safe.”</p>
<p>Luke recommends searching online or local community publications to see if there are business directories in your area that highlight small businesses to support. A city’s chamber of commerce website may have a list of small businesses , or you can check sites like Tripadvisor or Yelp. </p>
<p>3. TELL A FRIEND</p>
<p>Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth marketing. Tell your friends, family members and co-workers about your favorite small and local businesses — and suggest that they do the same. </p>
<p>“Small businesses are at a distinct disadvantage to being found online compared to their large counterparts,” JB Manning , owner of Wimberley Puzzle Company in Wimberley, Texas, said in an email.</p>
<p>“Telling our friends, neighbors and social media world about great products with excellent service will be not only the key to success for small-business recovery but future growth as well,” Manning said. </p>
<p>4. GET DIGITAL</p>
<p>Instead of just following your favorite small businesses online, share them with your own followers. If you have a particularly enjoyable visit or purchase, create a post and be sure to tag the business.</p>
<p>Subscribe to newsletters, attend virtual events or workshops, add local products to gift registries and write reviews.</p>
<p>“If you love what we make or had a great experience with our team, share it,” Zox CEO Jason Kuipers said via email. Kuipers and his brothers have been selling collectible wristbands in Los Angeles since 2011. </p>
<p>“In a time where many people only bother to leave a review if they’re upset, letting others know when you’ve found a company that goes above and beyond helps more than you could ever realize — it’s how even small brands end up with a big following,” he said. </p>
<p>5. THINK CREATIVELY</p>
<p>If a shop near you is struggling, consider launching a fundraising campaign, volunteering to set up a booth or sell goods at a flea or farmers market, donating your professional skills or helping to organize an event in support of small businesses in your area.</p>
<p>Avani Modi Sarkar , co-founder of Modi Toys in Edison, New Jersey ,recommends supporting local businesses in <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/small-business-grants?utm_campaign=ct_prod&utm_source=ap&utm_medium=mpsyn">small-business grant</a> competitions. </p>
<p>“I have entered a couple of grant competitions where finalists were selected based on the number of votes they garnered from their supporters. This is the easiest way to support a small business since it doesn’t cost a dime,” Sarkar sa id via email. </p>
<p>When in doubt, talk to local small-business owners about what they need and where you can help. And remember, the pandemic has been a tough time for small businesses and consumers alike, so a little kindness and compassion can make a real difference.</p>
<p>_______________________________</p>
<p>This article was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Randa Kriss is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>.</p>
<p>RELATED LINK:</p>
<p>NerdWallet: Small-business grants: Where to find free money <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/small-business-grants?utm_campaign=ct_prod&utm_source=ap&utm_medium=mpsyn">https://bit.ly/nerdwallet-free-money</a></p>
