While grassroots campaigns to support small businesses are popping up on fundraising sites, and there's been a rallying cry for ordering takeout from local restaurants, many of us are already stretched and limited in the amount of financial support we can give, no matter how much we love them. With that in mind, we must band together to support local businesses. #### Use social media to interact with their material and to expand your network. Almost everyone has a social media presence, and while our networks may differ in size and reach, a following of any size counts as a network. Many small businesses are turning to their social media followings to help them disseminate vital company information and publicize fundraising possibilities, and consumers are ready to help. Many customers are unaware of whether establishments are open or closed as well as whether or not they have limited hours or capacity. Many eateries that previously did not offer takeout are now using delivery platforms or launching with limited hours and menus. Protests have had some impact on certain stores in Nepal, but they are still open behind shuttered windows. Moreover, there are numerous supermarkets and grocery stores. Resharing these vital updates to your networks not only offers the small business greater visibility but you may also provide someone who is in your network with important information about a business or product they require right now. When it comes to sharing fundraising information, we understand that resources are tight and that every transaction is scrutinized more closely than before. If you can't give money to a company, try sharing their fundraising information along with a personal story about why this company is so important to you. When you tell your friends and family why this company is important to you, they are more inclined to donate and support you. Any exposure you can provide to the smaller firms you care about will be extremely beneficial to them and may be able to help them get through these challenging times. #### Consider donating your time or talents for free. Many have something to provide small businesses that aren't in the form of money. We understand the value of our professional experience, which typically comes at a hefty cost. Many smaller companies can't afford to take on extra expenses right now, even if they desperately need them. That is why now is the ideal time to provide your services for free. Many businesses, for example, are seeking legal guidance on how to negotiate insurance claims for business interruption or rent deferral negotiations with landlords. Many businesses are unable to afford legal expenses at this time, and consumers with legal experience may be able to provide pro bono advice on some of these crucial concerns. We've observed a spike in interest in the loan and financing categories on Mero Rating, however, a quick funding can frequently come with debilitating terms and exorbitant interest rates. If you have a history in banking or finance, can you advise small businesses to obtain the best financing to ensure their long-term success? The switch to digital platforms has been a common challenge for many firms in recent days. Even in the age of big players like Daraz, many small and local businesses rely solely on brick and store operations. Many of these firms will need to come online as soon as feasible to succeed. Consumers with web development or e-commerce platform experience may be able to assist in some cases. Here, too, creative services play a role. Small businesses who are new to social media may want guidance on social media strategies as well as assistance with writing text for their social channels. Moving to a digital platform may necessitate the skills of photography or graphic design to get their products online. Offering your creative skills to a local business could help them quickly update their products and branding. So think about your skills and whether they could be helpful to any local or small businesses you admire. You could discover that assisting your favorite restaurant in setting up a social media profile or mom and pop shop around the block in setting up an internet store is beneficial. #### Organize a clean-up and repair crew made up of volunteers. Many companies have been damaged or impacted in some form as a result of the global protesting and riots during the past few weeks. Damage to small enterprises may have occurred, necessitating repair or cleansing. Consider working with these local businesses and forming community clean-up teams to assist in making these repairs and cleaning up the businesses and streets where they are located. Consider organizing donations or drives to support clean-up efforts if you can't risk being near others and getting infected with Coronavirus. You may start a fundraiser from the comfort of your own home using one of the many fundraising sites available to help businesses acquire the money they need to rebuild swiftly. Ask local businesses what they need to get back up and running if you have access to donated construction materials. You may also give masks, hand sanitizer, and other personal protective equipment to help clean up crews and employees stay safe while working to rebuild these businesses and communities. #### Leave feedback about businesses. At Mero Rating, we understand that to improve the world, businesses must hear from their customers. Consumer feedback is more important than ever in helping businesses change and rebuild rapidly. The open review platform on Mero Rating allows you to inform both businesses and customers about a genuine experience you've had with a company. An open review site gathers a community's experiences and advises other consumers on what to expect, especially in a period of social distancing when conventional spheres of influence such as friends and family are less available. When you submit a review on Mero Rating, you can contribute to this community by letting businesses know how significant their service has been or how they have room to improve their operations. Your opinion can assist small businesses in making informed decisions that protect their employees and customers while also allowing them to get back up and running as quickly as possible.
