It’s Groundhog Day…. or Groundhog Week(s)! Covid Covid Covid – Lockdown Lockdown Lockdown! Today, Auckland is still in Level 3 as well as the extended Waikato border but unfortunately, I think this is here to stay for a bit longer yet. How are we going to continue to get through this and what can we do to help our local economy and businesses stay afloat?
Level 2 & 3 and whatever other versions there are around at least opens up a few more businesses. We acknowledge that these times are incredibly tough for so many especially for those small local businesses who rely on foot traffic, local residents and face to face customer contact. While a lot of businesses function better in Level 3 and even more in Level 2, we are still far from being at full capacity. Our small businesses need support from us all now, more than ever just to survive.
What makes a community and how it survives is a collective of everyone who lives and works in it and all those little family-owned businesses who rely on local customers to keep on going. The United Nations defines Community Development as:
“a process where community members come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems. Community led development is about empowerment and working together.”
With that said, next time you need bread, milk, some meat, fruit or vegetables, think about options other than your big chain supermarket and give your local bakery, butcher or fruit and veg shop a visit. They will really appreciate your custom and you will feel good that you’ve in some way helped.
Takeaways are back as a thing in Level 3 and Level 2, and I know this excites so many people who are dying for their next MacDonalds or KFC fix. Before you rush off to those fast-food chain stores, think about the choices you have in your own backyard. Could be curry, fish and chips or Chinese or even just a barista made coffee from your local coffee cart or café. You’ll be making a difference to these small businesses and playing a part in keeping your community humming
Here at 3rd Arm Admin, we are all about supporting local business. Following the last lockdown, as a team we introduced a monthly shared lunch where we took turns at buying food from local cafes and eateries hoping that in some small way, we were helping to make a difference to these businesses and the community. We are grateful that we are in a position to continue with this and to continue being able to help local small businesses.
On saying that, not all support is about purchasing something, there are many ways to support a local business that doesn’t cost you anything:
- Write a positive review on either Facebook, Instagram or Google review
- Make a suggestion to friends and family about a great place to visit
- Follow local business on social media, comment and like their posts
- Sign up for newsletters and engage with your local business
As you can see, there are many ways to support small business. Let’s all do our bit and help our local community to thrive.
Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any queries or concerns about anything to do with your business by phoning 04 2329199 or leave your details below and we will contact you.
