You can help local businesses get back on their feet in 2021
Local businesses need your help to stay afloat and thrive in the new year.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The pandemic caused millions of businesses around the country and hundreds right here in the Lowcountry to close their doors at some point.
Some will never reopen.
Small businesses add up to big money in our country. According to experts, 44% of U.S. economic activity is generated by small businesses. And 80% of American small businesses were impacted by the pandemic.
Restaurants, locally owned shops and fitness centers were hit especially hard. The development of a vaccine means hope.
But small business expert Gene Marks says business owners still have a long way to go. A past columnist for both The New York Times and The Washington Post, Marks now writes regularly for The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine and The Guardian.
“Unfortunately the next few months are still going to be challenging for everybody around the country including South Carolina mainly because until the vaccine really takes effect we’re gonna be still looking at economic slowdown. Hopefully we can return to normalcy in the second half of the year,” Marks said.
But Marks says there are four simple things you can do to help your favorite restaurant or shop.
- Order out more - Lots of people still don’t feel safe eating out, but even delivery or pick up means money to help pay employees.
- Buy gift cards - This puts money in the pockets of a small business now and you can enjoy the food later.
- Overtip employees - Whether you eat in or get take out, be sure to generously tip the employees. So many businesses are struggling to keep their doors open, and that means their employees are struggling to pay their bills too.
- Follow the business online and give it a good rating - Your recommendation could result in new customers. That’s because lots of people go online to read reviews and experiences, to decide if they want to give a business a try.
Marks says ultimately, saving small businesses will take commitment from the entire community.
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