Some tips for helping small businesses survive the COVID-19 shutdowns

State executive director of the National Federation of Independent Business

State-specific numbers aren’t available, but a National Federation of Independent Business survey released on Monday said 76 percent of the nation’s small business owners report that they’ve been affected in some way by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Most owners say sales are down, while 23 percent say the coronavirus has affected the supply chain. One in five owners surveyed by NFIB said the outbreak hasn’t affected them, but most think it will eventually.

Small business is critical to the health of Florida’s economy. According to the latest figures from the U.S. Small Business Administration, small business accounts for 99.8 of all employers in the state.

Washington understands this. President Trump just signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security [CARES] Act, a $2 trillion economic stimulus package that promises to help small businesses and others affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

We can make a difference, too. There are simple ways each of us can help Florida’s small businesses right now:

Get takeout or deliver, or go through a drive-thru. We might not be able to go out and eat, but a lot of restaurants have kept their kitchens open. Also, if you get delivery, please tip the driver.

Shop small businesses online. Shops may be closed, but many retailers and service providers are still taking and filling orders.

Buy gift cards or gift certificates to local businesses. Buy them now to spend them once the outbreak is over.

Protect service workers who need to enter your home. Before calling someone like a plumber or electrician to come to fix a problem, check the temperatures of everyone in the house and let the technicians know whether anyone is showing symptoms of the coronavirus.

Supporting small businesses is important because they’re owned by and employ our family, friends, and neighbors. Small businesses do a lot to help our communities. We should return the favor.

Florida’s small business owners are determined to get through this, and they’re ready to deliver the goods and services their customers need while following the rules and keeping everyone as safe and secure as possible.

Supporting local stores and restaurants now will lessen the financial impact COVID-19 is having on our communities. Remember: When we help small businesses, we help everybody.