Firms that employ fewer than 50 workers make up 91% t of the businesses in the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area. While small businesses make an enormous contribution to the economy, they also give our communities their unique personalities.
Unfortunately, the necessary responses to COVID-19 have had an adverse effect on many of our cherished small businesses. In some cases, they’ve have even been forced temporarily to close to the public. In others, they have had to reduce foot traffic, requiring them to reinvent their business models.
Small businesses are able to change direction with great speed, much like a sleek sailboat. At the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, we are inspired by the ways nimble small businesses quickly found creative ways to sell their products and services.
Here are just a few examples:
- First Class Catering now operates a farmer’s market called Blackerby’s Market.
- Viewpoint Books takes phone orders and provides delivery and drive-thru options on books, puzzles and games.
- Lucabe Coffee Co. utilizes an order-ahead app and offers curbside pick-up.
- Boutique Elise and Lockett’s Ladies Shop, downtown clothing retailers, offer personal shopping using technology and one-to-one customer service.
- The iMechanic electronics repair business uses a robot for customer interaction.
- Advantage One creates more large-scale banners and collages to celebrate high school graduates when demand for tradeshow displays declined.
These are just a handful of the survival strategies we’ve witnessed.
Equally inspiring has been hearing stories of how members of the community have supported them. If we value these businesses, each of us must do our part to support these businesses and their employees right now. Here are some simple ways to do just that:
- Shop local when possible.
- Order food from restaurants that offer carryout or delivery services.
- Tip a little extra when you can.
- Buy gift cards from beauty salons for later use.
- Leave a positive review on the Facebook or Yelp page of a business you love.
- Sign up for an online yoga, spinning or cardio class from your favorite fitness business.
- Consider donating your community’s relief fund through United Way or Heritage Fund.
Whenever you are interacting with any business outside of your home, always remember to heed the recommendations from public health officials. For example, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, go alone, and practice physical distancing.
This storm isn’t over. Our entire business sector will take time to recover from this financial pain, but by working together as a community, we will recover just as we always have.
Cindy Frey is the president of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.
