In times of uncertainty, small businesses are often the first to suffer. As the coronavirus wreaks havoc worldwide, SMEs may not only struggle but actually buckle under the economic pressure. Just as it is on us as a community to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is also on the community to support small business owners as they fight to keep their companies afloat.

Here are a few ways you can support your local businesses without compromising your social distancing:

Send flowers or treats

Who couldn’t use a little bit of cheer during this tough period? Send a bouquet from a local florist like florette.ae or a delicious fruit platter from Fruitful Day if you prefer something edible. Both are guaranteed to put a smile on your loved ones’ faces!

Order meals from a local restaurant, not a global franchise

F&B outlets are hard hit as people bunker down in their homes. If you are ordering in, order in from a local restaurant or café rather than a global brand. Go one step further and call the restaurant directly if they offer delivery services rather than using a third-party app, as this will help protect their margins.

Get your home sanitized

This couldn’t be timelier! There are some fantastic cleaning businesses in the UAE that focus on home sanitization. Ward off germs by booking the services of a company like Healthy Home.

Have a small family photoshoot

Since you’re all spending more time at home, why not get that photoshoot done that you’ve been meaning to book for ages? Schedule a mini session with an on-location photographer like Zoom In Photography and you won’t even have to step outside your house.

Comment & share

If you can’t support a company financially, simply promoting a local business you care about can be incredibly helpful. Likes are not as impactful – go one step further and comment on or share their posts.