As “Stay at Home” efforts continue to be a priority for Florida (and most of the country) this month, we are doing our best to adjust to this new normal. One of the things we’ve been focused on is finding ways to help each other however we can: We are all in this together.

This week, we thought we’d share a collection of creative ways we’ve seen people supporting small businesses in our community. Whether you are looking to financially support them or show them you care in other ways, there are ideas on the list that you can use to make a positive difference for somebody today.

Take a look and let us know what else we can add to the list! We hope you are all well and don’t hesitate to let us know how we can support you as well!

Take advantage of “contactless delivery” from dozens of local restaurants: If they don’t have in-house delivery drivers, many restaurants are using Uber Eats, Grub Hub, and DoorDash now.  Delivery services also are sources of income for people in our community who have already lost their job or are trying to stay afloat financially with all the recent closures and reduced working hours.

Consider New Offers from Local Restaurants and Businesses:  Rather than closing down completely, several businesses have opted to make changes in what they offer and how they operate so they are following state and local guidelines while staying in business.  In the Destin area, Pizza by the Sea – Market Shops at Sandestin now has make your own pizza kits for kids, Emerald Coast Wine Cellars will ship local wine to your front door, Happy Helium Destin will deliver balloons for small at-home celebrations, and Fancy Grass will deliver large yard decor to your home for celebrations (and will be offering Easter egg drops!).

Many shops are offering porch pickups and local deliveries now too.  You can visit their social media profiles to find out what they have available now.  

Speaking of social media, that’s another great way to support local businesses.  Take some to to visit and like their Facebook and Instagram pages, comment and share their posts with your friends, or leave them a positive review.

Not only can you leave reviews on social media, you can also leave positive reviews on Google, Yelp, Wedding Wire, The Knot, and more.  Reviews help businesses stand out to prospective customers and can give a business a boost of confidence in times like these!  It’s also an easy way to show your support without spending money.

Support your favorite Health & Wellness Professionals (hairstylists, barbers, manicurists, massage therapists & more) by prepaying for your next service or purchasing a gift card.

Are you enjoying live streams from your favorite musicians, chefs, artists, and more?  Consider sending them a tip for their performances! 

Shaunae Teske (@shaunaeteske) suggested several ways to support photographers that can also be used to support a number of small businesses – Reschedule appointments, sessions, or events instead of just canceling, order albums and prints or products from previous sessions, schedule sessions for the future, like & comment on social media pages, or engage with their Instagram stories.

Do you have other creative ideas to support small businesses or individuals in our communities?  Share them with us in the comments below so we can add them to the list!