Right now is a challenging time for many local businesses during COVID-19. But, a thriving business community is a part of what makes Northern Nevada such a special place to live. As consumers and citizens, we can help entrepreneurs and employees in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions for how you can make a difference and support Northern Nevada businesses during COVID-19.

What You Can Do To Support Northern Nevada Businesses During COVID-19 While Staying Safe

1) Order take out or delivery from your favorite restaurant

After a few days of eating pantry food, you’re probably going to want something to eat that you didn’t prepare. Luckily for you, many of your favorite spots are offering take-out and delivery options at this time. Several websites are compiling updated lists of which businesses are doing what. Here are a few to check out:

2) Buy gift cards 

While you may not be able to go in person to the stores, restaurants, and entertainment you love, you can buy gift cards now that will provide business owners with cash flow.

3) Use local meal prep services to get fresh food delivered

Several local meal preparation services will bring freshly cooked eats right to your front door—no lines required! Check out Mother of Macros, which offers healthy and mostly gluten-free meals in recyclable and sustainable packaging. Meal Prep Reno will also deliver healthy meals to your door, including big batches of staples such as rice, protein, and vegetables.

4) Get hand sanitizer from a local maker

When Pantry Products, a local small-batch modern apothecary, saw the shortage of hand sanitizer, owner Michelle Czark and her team started cranking out more batches. Now, they are partnering with their fellow business in The Basement, 7 Troughs Distilling, to create a high-proof alcohol ideal for hand sanitizers. Order some hand sanitizer online, and pick up some of Pantry’s nail and cuticle essential oil and lotion to soothe those chapped paws.

5) Think about how you can continue in-house services

If you can afford to continue to pay for in-house services such as cleaning, laundry, dog walking, or music lessons at this time, do so. See if you can arrange to use the services later with the provider. This will help keep these independent contractors solvent and able to pay their bills, too.

6) Beauty and the tip

Many local hair salons, barbers, and nail shops are closing to comply with city regulations. Most of the people you depend on to look your best are independent contractors and depend on your appointment to make their rent. Even if your appointment was canceled in the next few weeks, give an extra tip to your esthetician, hairstylist, or other beauty professional to help them weather this time.

7) Shop online

While many in-person storefronts may be closed, online shops stay open 24/7. See which of your favorite local businesses offer online shopping, and patronize them that way.

8) Work out how you’ll workout 

As many gyms and fitness centers are reducing hours or closing altogether, several are offering online learning options. For example, Yogahood in Midtown Reno is offering a full slate of classes online for $25 per month. If your gym is closing temporarily, consider how your membership dollars will ensure that this business will be able to open its doors once the immediate threat of COVID-19 has passed. 

9) Make it rain

Tip the service workers who you interact with over the next few weeks even more generously than usual. Most are dealing with reduced hours, income insecurity, and potentially housing insecurity. Give what you can afford, and consider it an investment in our local economy.

10) Check-in on your regulars

You may not be seeing your favorite business, barista, bartender, or barber over the next few weeks—but that doesn’t mean you should lose touch! Connect with them and see if there’s anything you can do to support them during this time.

11) Give some love on social media

One of the best ways you can help local businesses during COVID-19 is to share their content online—and it doesn’t cost a thing! While everyone has different financial situations and income, we can all afford to give a word of gratitude or kindness. Leaving a glowing review, share a post that resonated with you, or drop a GIF in the comments section of their latest post.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again—we’re all in this together. If we want the businesses we love to be around when the immediate threat of COVID-19 has passed, then we all must do what we can to support them now. 

At Dickson Realty, our team of local experts is committed to supporting our community. If you’ve got another way to support Northern Nevada businesses during COVID-19, we want to hear all about it! Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.