Helping Small Businesses Survive COVID-19

By Kieran Westlake

The COVID-19 pandemic is arguably on course to be the most destructive economic issue since the GFC due to its unprecedented nature and scale of the outbreak.  This is especially true for individuals and families living week to week, as well as businesses that are reliant on ‘face to face’ customer transactions.

There’s no denying that Coronavirus has led to a downturn in restaurants and cafes across the nation. Below are some easy and cost-effective ways to support the industry and raise some awareness around how we can help to minimise the effects on all local businesses, their owners and their staff.

1. Continue to frequent your favourite cafes and restaurants while we are still allowed.

Gatherings of over 500 people is out, which could eventually affect shopping centres and the business in them. Still, until then, we can continue with our daily lives unless we are required to self-isolate.

Even if shopping centres are out, most restaurants and café have an average capacity of 50-60 people! 

So check government guidelines before you entirely stop your normal life.

2. Get it delivered!

Supermarkets too hectic for you? Not comfortable or not allowed to go to the restaurant?  That restaurant is open and offering delivery?

Awesome, get some of that deliciousness delivered!

3. Buy pre-paid goods and services

Does your favourite restaurants, and cafes offer pre-paid products and services?  Buying these can help that business cash flow there costs until things go back to normal.  You can then come and redeem all the goodies then.

Examples of these are

• Pre-Paid Coffee cards – Buy ten and get twelve
• InKind house accounts like https://rebrand.ly/VIP_SuperBowl 

4. Help businesses communicate

Like, comment on and share their social posts.  Write a review. Post that foodie photo. Sign up to their newsletters to be first in the know about special events, discounts and new menus.

Written by

Kieran Westlake, Advocate Director @ Bloomed Capital.  Kieran has over 20 years of experience owning, running and financing hospitality businesses across five countries.  He is also the President of the Australian Specialty Coffee Association, the peak industry body for Australia’s Coffee Industry.

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