It can be challenging to maintain a steady income when customers aren’t flowing in and out of stores, so small business owners are getting creative and finding ways to help each other out. Here are five ideas and examples of how small businesses are supporting each other during the pandemic.

1. Promote fellow SMBs on your social media accounts The Cold Pressery promotes other local businesses in their Instagram stories. This is a completely free way to raise awareness and drive traffic to fellow small businesses.

2. Sell products from small business owners Miller Box Co. makes a point of featuring products from like-minded small businesses. If you sell products or curate gift boxes, this is a great way to support the SMB community.

3. Host small business owners in store If you own a store that’s open during the pandemic, consider inviting fellow business owners who don’t have a physical store to host pop-up events. Many of these businesses usually sell products at public markets and events that have been cancelled during the pandemic.

4. Donate a portion of proceeds to a local business or charity Happybeet is making a charitable donation for every one of their reusable bags purchased this holiday season. A dollar from each bag sold will go to food banks in their neighbourhood, Northumberland County.

5. Create a small-business gift guide SheEO, Sustainable in the Suburbs, Meghan Johnson and evergreen & mustard have created holiday gift guides featuring products from fellow small businesses.