Trophy Club, TX (September 15, 2020) – "Give Small, Help Big in 76262" is the latest initiative to support our small local businesses, while assisting families in need, born out of the unprecedented times of COVID-19.
Businessinsider.com reports, "More than 99% of all businesses are small businesses, and they employ about half the US workforce. Most small businesses lack the cash reserves to weather a month-long interruption, and forecasts indicate more than 2 million workers could lose their jobs in just one week as a result of the coronavirus pandemic".
At the early onset of the virus, in partnership with Small Business Roundtable, Facebook conducted a survey and found "about 31% of the owners surveyed were no longer operating, with 11% expecting to fail in the first few months of the pandemic".
CDC.gov has outlined ways for businesses to adjust to the pandemic, including relying on local communities for support. We have especially seen this support on social media where local business posts are shared and recommendations are given via Facebook, such as Keep it in Trophy Club, Roanoke, Texas Friends and Neighbors, The Foodie Feed, What’s Up, Trophy Club?, and many other neighborhood groups.
Tracey Hunter, Admin for Keep It In Trophy Club, says her group evolved to "solely support local businesses" and "expanded to include our neighbors in Roanoke". Clubs and organizations such as the Metroport Chamber of Commerce, Trophy Club Women’s Club, and Trophy Club Rotary Club have also created their own initiatives.
"With the economic downturn and the challenges associated with COVID-19, many of our local businesses could use our support", says Heather Hancock (President, Trophy Club Rotary Club). "We’re selling yard signs to let local businesses know we’re here for them and to encourage residents to shop local. All proceeds are used to help our small business owners. We’re excited to partner with Give Small, Help Big in 76262, as this initiative fits right in with our efforts".
Even municipalities, namely the City of Roanoke and Town of Trophy Club, have shown their support by spotlighting local businesses via their websites and social media platforms. Trophy Club Mayor, Nick Sanders, explains, "Community means more than a physical location on a map. It does include our physical 4.2 square miles, but also our residents and business with their employees. When we all come together supporting each other we become ’community’. Supporting our local business means we sometimes need to be deliberate in where we shop, eat and purchase services."
Mayor Scooter Gierisch tells how at the onset of COVID19 "the City of Roanoke saw the need to assist impacted businesses. We established an economic stimulus package in which Roanoke businesses affected by closure and reduction in seating capacity could apply for the stimulus.
Each business that applied and met the criteria was able to receive up to $3,000. We were able to inject over $175,000 back into our Roanoke establishments. Our Council is continuing to seek ways to help offset the negative impact of canceled events, like Celebrate Roanoke. We’re hoping to host a December Christmas Celebration if we see COVID19 begin to dissipate. We are truly grateful for other organizations and individuals that are giving assistance during the tough patch we’re all experiencing".
Individuals are also doing what they can to support their friends and neighbors who are suffering from these devastating financial effects. Local residents and business owners, Erica Cawley and Candice Hill contacted me with their desire to create a program where not only they could help local businesses, but also those in need. No stranger to supporting her community, Erica facilitated last year’s Trunk or Treat in Roanoke, where the proceeds were donated to Roanoke Food Pantry. She "wanted to help local families while also supporting local businesses", but knew she couldn’t do it alone.
"While seeing many of our friends and businesses suffering", Candice and her husband, Travis (who grew up in Roanoke and also lived in Trophy Club), knew they "had to find a way to help struggling families" in their close-knit community.
After some fast and furious brainstorming, "Give Small, Help Big in 76262" was created. Small local businesses, organizations, clubs, and community leaders were contacted for feedback, and not only were they eager to participate, several stepped up to the plate and became Sponsors. Lily Moore (Lily Moore Realty) said, "With my businesses based in Westlake and my children attending Byron Nelson High School, I felt this was the perfect opportunity to show my on-going support for my local community".
Roanoke Trading Company (RTC) owner, Laura Hanley, explained how she was "an advocate for local businesses" long before she was a small business owner, herself. Laura believes "local businesses are the heartbeat of our community and we must continue to support them in order to see our communities thrive". Trophy Club resident, David Palafox (Palafox Construction Group), knew that he and his team "would want to support this initiative any way they could" in keeping with their long history of giving back.
How can YOU help? Visit our Facebook page to order "Give Small, Help Big in 76262" t-shirts and proceeds will be used to purchase gift cards from small local businesses. These gift cards will be distributed by the Roanoke Food Pantry to local families. Since March, they’ve seen a huge uptick in need, so we’re happy to provide these gift cards to supplement their services. In addition, please patronize, refer and recommend your favorite local businesses any way you can...even a little, helps a lot! Like our Facebook page and join our group, "Give Small, Help Big in 76262" to learn more.
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