This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
By Alex Held, BizLaunch
Calling out to all our cool quarantine kids, we’re still #BizStrongArlVa and because Arlington loves its small businesses, we wanted to share with you how you can show your favorite small business some love.
https://twitter.com/AEDBizLaunch/status/1248619723907981312
On April 10, BizLaunch and the Arlington Restaurant Initiative along with community partners such as the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization, Rosslyn BID, Crystal City BID, Ballston BID and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, kicked off a day long tweet storm highlighting local businesses and providing timely information. Throughout the day residents tagged their favorite local business using the #BizStrongArlVa and small businesses highlighted their products and services, unique ways in which they have pivoted and special hours and pickup or delivery options.
#BizStrongArlVa
Pick your #bandana or #necktube color and let your personality shine #arlingtonva! ——@ReadyArlington @ArlingtonDES @ArlVAChamber @RepDonBeyer #supportsmallbusiness #saveyourlocalgearshophttps://t.co/aBRfN2xtBs pic.twitter.com/bPq5CMUxDB— Casual Adventure (@VACasualAdv) April 10, 2020
While the campaign garnered over 1.5 million impressions in one day on Twitter alone, there are many more days throughout the month in which small businesses need your support. Many people in our community have contacted us asking what they can do to support small businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are three easy ways in which you can be #BizStronArlVa everyday:
Patronize Small Business: Many small businesses have gone to incredible lengths to pivot, keeping their customers and employees safe during this time. Most retail establishments are offering either online sales and/or curbside pickup. Restaurants have also pivoted and focused on their curbside and delivery operations.
And keeping to Arlington’s reputation as the fittest city in America, most fitness centers have begun to offer classes and workouts virtually. Not sure what’s open? Check out our online directory to view a list of Arlington restaurants, retailers and service providers open. If you’re an Arlington business and open, let us know by submitting your listing.
Gift Cards: During the COVID-19 situation, many small businesses are facing challenges with cash flow. Purchasing gift cards from your favorite small business are a terrific way to support them during this time by giving them a much-needed lifeline and future business once the economy reopens. Arlington CAN-DO has compiled an extensive one stop shop where customers can purchase gift cards from their favorite local business.
Share the <3 on Social: See a small business on social media offering a special, why not share it with your network? With our community engaging with one another virtually more than ever, small businesses can generate additional exposure through social the more people like and share their content. The more <3 the more impressions. Use the #BizStrongArlVa on twitter and continue sharing and tagging your favorite local businesses.
While you are abiding with the Governor’s stay at home order, we hope you continue to support your favorite local business where you can and together, we can be #BizStrongArlVa every day.
https://twitter.com/TripAdvisor/status/1248684950724935689