Due to the Coronavirus, many businesses have started to go online, while others can not due to money problems or other issues such as businesses needing human contact instead of video chatting. Businesses that can not go online due to needing to be in person are nail and hair salons, pet groomers, courthouses, and way more. Early on during this pandemic, various states started ordering non-essential businesses to close for the meantime. Since the COVID-19 pandemic in March, more than 100,000 small businesses have permanently closed in the United States alone.

To prevent more businesses from permanently closing, there are many ways to help support small businesses. One way you can help is by buying gift cards. This is useful since small businesses of your choice will be getting some money and you can buy their products from whichever store you choose in person once everything opens up again.

Another way to help and support small businesses is by getting delivery. A lot of stores have gone online now and just because you may not be able to go to your favorite places in person does not mean you can not buy and enjoy their products or foods. Plus taking less trips outside to stores gives people a lesser chance at being exposed to germs or exposing others.

One of the best options is to tip or make donations. Some businesses have websites or ways to donate. Donating once in a while can help and you can spread the word by telling others about it too. The more people that hear about it, the more likely that some small businesses will not have to close permanently. Even if certain stores do not have a way to place a donation, you can also leave a good tip for employees if they allow it, which can make a difference.

Many small businesses are suffering or have already had to permanently close during this pandemic. To help stop the numbers of businesses closing, there are many ways you can make a difference and help them.