Right now, small Aussie businesses are doing it tough.
After months of battling severe drought and the devastating bushfires in different parts of our country, the current coronavirus pandemic has forced many businesses that might’ve just started rebuilding to partially or fully close down yet again.
It’s human to feel powerless, but a unifying thought that can serve as a small comfort is knowing there’s power in what we do with our wallets. For those who are in a financial position to be able to make non-essential purchases, we can choose to do so in a way that supports small businesses.
Below, you’ll find a list of things you can buy from small Aussie businesses right now, if you’re able. Because if you were thinking of buying something anyway, why not do so and give someone doing it tough a helping hand?
1. Produce and ingredients.
We’ve done a comprehensive roundup of where you can purchase food and beverages if your supermarket is bare, here.
For people after fresh produce, consider going directly to the source. Sites like Pocket City Farms (Sydney), Nan and Pop’s Fruit Shop (QLD), Charlie’s Fruit Online (Brisbane), Fruit and Veg 2 U (Sydney) and Hillview Farms (Sydney) allow you to buy their produce from their website and offer either pickup or delivery options.
People living in Sydney, Greater Sydney and Newcastle regions can also use Your Food Collective which offers a comprehensive selection of fresh fruit and veggies, meat, dairy, pantry items and ready-made meals. Think about purchasing produce from smaller operations where you’re able to do so.
2. Meal delivery.
There are so many different meal delivery services available at the moment, which are great if you aren’t able to or don’t enjoy cooking, or you’d like to assist someone you know by ordering meals to be delivered to their door.
3. Snacks.
This includes snacks too! Think about local dairies, cheese makers, honey farms, chocolate makers and the like.
4. Home office supplies.
For those who are still employed and are able to work at home, you may be in need of office supplies. Many large retailers are selling out – now is a great time to support smaller retailers.
5. Yoga mats and exercise equipment.
If you’re looking for at-home fitness equipment, buy from small business! In particular, there are so many great Lady Startup yoga mats out there.
6. Alcohol.
This one is pretty self explanatory.
Yes, there are lots of big businesses that do booze delivery, but small guys do too! There are even businesses doing cocktail delivery.
Another way to help small business is to buy your wine, beer and spirits direct from the makers. For example, many wineries in SA are still rebuilding after the bushfires there – jump onto their websites and purchase directly so they see every cent.
7. Online fitness programs.
Many are now offering online subscriptions to fitness programs so you can keep doing your workouts, Pilates and yoga training with some normality.
8. Coffee and takeaway.
Check in (virtually) on your favourite local cafes, restaurants, eateries and takeaway spots. Many will have updated their social media accounts to inform whether or not they are still open for business.
A lot of places have put in strict social distancing measures to ensure everyone’s safety. For example, implementing online ordering systems and going card-only to avoid the changing hands of cash, and setting up areas for people to order and collect their purchases in accordance with social distancing guidelines. You can also buy coffee beans and grounds from your local cafe to make coffees at home while still supporting them.
Many businesses are now delivering safely too, so you can order directly through them rather than a food delivery app to ensure 100 per cent of your money goes straight to the source.
9. Home items, homewares and luxuries.
Not everyone is in a position to spend money on anything other than the bare essentials, but if you are looking to purchase home items and luxuries, do so will a small business!
There are so many wonderful, creative and mindful small businesses making beautiful things to look at – from candles and prints to kitchenware and even hand sanitiser.
10. Loungewear and activewear.
Again, if you’re staying at home to work, chances are you want to do so in comfy loungewear and activewear.
Thankfully, Aussie small businesses do great options for both.
11. Parenting/baby items.
Kids always need things, but many new mothers or expectant mums might now find themselves needing things they thought they’d be able to nip out to the shopping centre for. Luckily, there are a lot of great small businesses in the parenting space.
12. Beauty vouchers.
Many beauty service-based businesses and sole traders like makeup artists, beauticians, skin therapists, hair stylists, cosmetic tattooists, massage parlours, facialists and more have had to close their businesses.
While you can’t access beauty services now, you can pre-purchase appointments or buy a voucher for a friend to help support these businesses until they re-open.
13. Flowers.
Many florists are still delivering (safely) which means there’s never been a better time to send someone some flowers, should you be in a position to do so.
Contact local florists in your area or check out their socials to see who is still operating. The other night when I asked for florist recommendations who’re still trading with deliveries, I had an influx of suggestions of fantastic small businesses who are able to put together gorgeous, affordable bouquets and deliver them in a way that complies with social-distancing measures.
14. Puzzles, books and games.
Looking for things to do while self-isolation at home?
Stock up on old school hobbies like books, puzzles and games from small business retailers.
For more info on great small businesses to support, check out the Lady Startup and Spend With Them Instagram accounts.
Feature image: @yellow.willow.yoga and @ok.wines.