Trying Times call for Creative Solutions
While our community deals with the effects of COVID-19 precautions, it is vital that we come up with creative ways to support our local businesses in a responsible and safe way.
There has not been a time in recent memory (and perhaps ever) that the importance of supporting your local economy is both this crucial and historically challenging. Thankfully, Greater Peoria is home to a resilient, innovative, and resourceful population.
What Shoppers can do
Most importantly, we must all do the things that keep our community healthy: stay home as much as possible, wash your hands, avoid hoarding tendencies, and keep social distancing. But that does not mean we can’t do little )and BIG) things to support our local businesses.
Find out if your favorite local store has an online shop
Buy gift cards to use later
Get takeout/delivery
Tip big
Like and share your favorite local businesses and how you engage with them while sheltering, use #ShopLocal365
Maintain your memberships
Call a retailer and arrange a curbside pickup
And so much more!
Small Business Owners
Stay up to date on regional resources and helpful events at gpcovid.com. Disaster Loan Assistance information, webinars, government programs, and other business guidance is available.
Reopening Illinois - May 29th
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released a set of guidelines for businesses able to reopen in Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan. The entire set of guidelines can be found here. The website includes a toolkit for all businesses that includes letters, posters, signage and social media materials.
The website also includes individual guidelines and toolkits for specific industries that are allowed to reopen or further reopen in Phase 3, which is presumed to begin on Friday, May 29.
Local Gift Cards
If you have gift cards available for sale, you can also add your business to the Support Local initiative.
