Supporting Local Businesses During Covid-19

 

The impacts of COVID-19 continue to reach far and wide with seemingly no end in sight. While the county continues to implement and enforce new safety measures, many small businesses continue to suffer immensely, including the many that make the South Bay and surrounding communities so special. Here are some ways that you can help support those you love most:

 

Many restaurants remain open for takeout, curbside pickup and contactless delivery. Although restaurants were able to open for a brief period, the current rollback mandated outdoor dining only. Many restaurants have created innovative ways to allow guests to dine outdoors at their establishments by building dining platforms that extend to the sidewalks and in some cases parking areas. This is a win-win, giving patrons an opportunity to get outside and enjoy a meal out of the house, while providing much needed business to these establishments. Check out the downtown areas of Hermosa, Manhattan, Redondo/Riviera and El Segundo’s Main Street for some awesome options al fresco.

 

Another great way to support local restaurants AND help feed frontline and essential workers is through programs such as LA-based organization Frontline Foods. This organization allows members of the community to purchase/donate meals for delivery to hospitals and organizations that need it most. To date they have served over 28,000 meals to over 80 hospitals, fire stations, and COVID-testing facilities across LA, and have invested over $470,000 back into the local restaurant economy. For more information, visit Frontline Foods.

 

Another industry that has been harshly impacted is local fitness. Also given the green light to open, but only temporarily, many studios and gyms have also been forced to get creative and offer outdoor fitness classes. Community favorites like Anytime Fitness and Afterburn have transformed their parking lots  into outdoor gyms, allowing members and newcomers an opportunity to get outside and safely maintain their fitness during quarantine.

 

While some categories have been allowed to open or modify their business, some – such as hair salons, nail salons, spas, etc. – have been shuttered for much of quarantine since March, which is a tremendous blow to their business and future. One of the best ways to support these businesses is to purchase gift cards or vouchers for later use. This keeps cash coming in during these difficult months. Check with your favorite service-based businesses to see what kinds of opportunities they are offering to stay afloat. They need it.

 

Hermosa resident Brian Cooley started a GoFundMe to help raise money for downtown businesses in Hermosa Beach. As stated on the fundraiser page:

 

Right now, the future of our local culture and character in Downtown Hermosa Beach is at stake as the global pandemic threatens to close a number of our independent businesses, from restaurants and cafes to retail boutiques and specialty shops as well as our favorite service businesses — all forced to operate at greatly reduced capacity. These businesses have been doing all they can to protect and ensure the well-being of our community and to slow the spread of COVID-19. These are the same businesses that have long shaped the culture of our City, and continuously support our local schools and non-profits.

 

The Downtown Hermosa Beach Small Business Relief Fund exists to provide independent small businesses with much-needed money to take advantage of these opportunities and to improve the overall environment for residents in our downtown business corridor.

 

To donate to the fundraiser, visit Go Fund Me

 

What other ways are you helping to support local businesses? Let us know and give a shout out to any of your favorites!