Small businesses need our support to stay alive. When this all passes, because one day it will, we will be thankful for those times when we spent a little extra at the small town coffee shop because that meant they could pay their bills that month. Upgrading from a 12-ounce iced vanilla latte to a 16-ounce iced vanilla latte with almond milk might mean a little extra money going into their employees’ pockets. 

This is a confusing time. Corporate businesses (for the most part) will be able to stay alive and function once business goes back to the usual hustle and bustle. Small town businesses are going to be the ones that take a huge hit, or stores located in small towns in general. 

Grand Forks is a popular location. There is Target, Chick-fil-A, Applebee’s, etc. But there are also small town stores that you can only find around the Grand Forks area. We have Joe Black’s, CURIOUS boutique, Bully Brew Coffee and many other small businesses. These are the places that need the extra love and support.

There are many ways to help support your local businesses and not just by spending a few extra dollars. You can help with the following:

• Have patience: A little extra love and understanding during this time goes a long way. 
• Overuse ‘thank you’: We are all doing the best we can during this situation and a genuine ‘thank you’ goes a long way during this time. 
• Consider buying gift cards: this allows for the businesses to get the cash flow they need now and you (or another) can be on the receiving end of this at a later time. 
• Consider online shopping to support: Plato’s Closet in Grand Forks has put up their merchandise online. They are allowing curbside pick-up to avoid shipping fees. There are lots of local businesses that have transitioned to online shopping, check them out! 

Every single one of our lives have been flipped upside-down by this ever-changing world. Spread love and patience during this time to help ease this transition into uncharted waters. Spending a few dollars on lunches at small businesses or writing a good review about a business may help a business open the next day. 

There is some relief available to these businesses, however, we as community members can be the ones that help them as much as possible during this time.