fbpx Skip to content

Five ways to support local businesses

Five ways to support local businesses

Small businesses are doing it tough. 2020 kicked off with some of the most devastating bushfires Australia has ever seen. Towns across Australia, especially in regional areas, suffered huge property losses. Since many were effectively ‘no-go’ zones during the peak of the tourist season, local businesses took a huge financial hit.

No sooner had the weather cooled than COVID-19 hit. The resulting lockdowns saw small businesses shuttered across the country. This double blow means that local business needs our support more now than ever.

Local businesses are the life blood of a community. They bring jobs, growth and innovation to the area. They also give back to their communities by sponsoring local sports teams, running fundraisers, and helping to raise the profile of their region.

Here are five ways you can help support local business during these tough times.

1. Buy fresh food from local producers

Buy fresh fruit and veg from your local greengrocer: many will also sell locally-produced cheese and milk, along with various dry goods. Local butchers often have the best cuts of meat and are happy to offer cooking tips. Because your food hasn’t travelled as far, it will be higher quality and better tasting than the offerings from large supermarket chains.

2. Check who might be offering delivery

During the first lockdown, many businesses who don’t usually offer pick-up or delivery options switched to offering this service. And it’s not just limited to takeaway food. Greengrocers, butchers, florists and even local bookshops have continued to offer delivery services throughout the pandemic.

If you’re quarantining, limiting your outside shopping or just want to buy a gift for a friend, don’t limit yourself to the big department stores and supermarkets. Check your local shops first.

3. Buy gift cards for later

You may not feel safe going for a massage or out for a celebratory dinner just now. Purchasing a gift card is a way to support your local stores and give yourself something to look forward to at the same time. If you give a gift card to a friend, you’re also promoting awareness of the business and bringing them new custom that will help them into the future.

4. Promote local businesses to friends and family

If you’ve got a favourite cafe or experienced great service at your local hair salon, tell as many people as possible! Getting comments on that unique pair of earrings or new leather wallet? Share where you got it from and encourage the commenter to have a browse.

If you see that local businesses are running promotions or have new product lines, share with as many people as possible. Marketing campaigns are expensive and often beyond the reach of small businesses, so free word of mouth is a powerful way to help out.

5. Send a care package to a loved one

Many of us know someone who’s doing it tough right now. If you have relatives in aged care, friends stuck in the Victorian lockdown or people who can’t come and visit thanks to border restrictions, reach out. A bunch of fresh flowers, a few carefully chosen bottles of wine or a selection of local cheeses can put a smile on almost anyone’s face.

When times are hard, sticking together is the thing that will bring us through. If you want your local businesses to still be there on the other side, now is the time to support them.

Related articles from the view

Jan 22, 2019

The Australian Farmers’ Markets

You may have heard the term ‘paddock to plate’ before. The trend has caught fire across Australia over the past few years, and it’s opening up new possibilities for consumers and farmers alike. What is it? Paddock to plate refers to the Australian food scene that focuses on quality, sustainability and local produce. It’s partially…
Read more
  • General
  • Residential
  • Rural
Mar 26, 2020

Help for home owners during COVID-19

These are troubling times. COVID-19 has already meant large scale changes to the way we live and work, with more to come. With social distancing and shutdown orders expanding across the country, a huge number of us are worried about our economic security. Many people have already lost their jobs, especially those who work in…
Read more
  • General
  • Home Loans
  • Residential
  • Rural
Jul 2, 2018

Purchasing a business – what you need to know

You’ve always dreamed of your own little cafe, or a new opportunity has landed in your lap, you’re looking for business premises. While many business owners choose to lease, there are a number of reasons why buying a freehold might be right for you. Buying a commercial property gives you control over the layout, without…
Read more
  • Business Broking
  • Commercial
  • Business
  • Commercial
Oct 15, 2018

Selling in Spring: tips to stand out from the crowd

The sun is out, the flowers are in bloom, and your house is looking its absolute best. The days are longer, making it easy to schedule inspections. The sun is stronger, streaming into your home in a celebration of airy lightness. Your garden is green from the winter rains and blooming with spring colour. And…
Read more
  • General
  • Residential
Apr 6, 2020

How to enjoy an Easter staycation

As Australia battles to get the COVID-19 epidemic under control, the message from the Government is clear. Stay at home. Don’t travel. The ban doesn’t just apply for overseas travel. Domestic travel interstate is no longer possible, as most states have formally closed their borders. Thinking of booking an airbnb on the coast? That’s out…
Read more
  • General
  • Residential
  • Rural