Helping our local Small businesses

By Andie Chilson

With all of the fear and anxiety surrounding the Corona Virus, some of us are wondering, “What’s going to happen to all the wonderful new small businesses that are just starting to sprout up in Waco?” In an effort to help out our favorite local shops during this slow time, we’ve compiled a list of ways for you to help out small businesses, generally, as well as some ways you can show your support for some local Waco favorites.

Tips for helping small businesses:

1. Buy gift cards: Buying gift cards at your favorite small shops that you can use later will help them out tremendously while business is slow.

2. Shop locally online: Most businesses have an online shop where you can find some of your favorite products. Consider shopping your go-to small businesses online instead of ordering from larger retailers.

3. Order in: Order takeout from your favorite local restaurants to limit your exposure to others while still supporting small restaurants that may be otherwise vacant. A number of restaurants as well as delivery services are offering discounts as incentives to order in during this time. 

4. Be extra generous with your tips: If you do decide to order in, consider tipping a little more than usual to help out your favorite local eateries.

Here are a few examples of how to show your support for local Waco shops:

Mamaka Bowls: The new smoothie bowl shop in Waco just is offering in-store pickups as well as curbside deliveries. When you order online, you can write the description of your car in the notes section. When you arrive at Mamaka, all you have to do is text (469) 248-5988 with your name and that you’ve arrived and someone will bring your food to your car, sealed and with gloves on.

Waco Cha: The bubble tea truck will continue to operate at its usual location next to White Elephant boutique Tues-Fri this week, noon-5:30pm for all to-go orders and now offers curbside pickup. Co-owner Jaja Chen said that social media sharing and reposting is another great way to help out. Waco Cha is offering gift cards for $20 or $25. Promo code is WACOCO.

Link to Waco Cha gift cards: https://squareup.com/gift/7PDST6CWDGHTC/order.

Wine Shoppe: The Wine Shoppe is offering in-town delivery and asks that Wacoans opt to shop their selection of wines instead of going to big-box stores.

Revival Eastside Eatery: Offering family style meals to take home.  Follow their Facebook page for details.

Check social media for your favorite local restaurant or shop to see what they are offering.  Now more than ever, it’s time to shop local!


Helpful resources for small businesses

-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created a toolkit to help small businesses and their employees navigate the virus: https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus-response-toolkit

-Disaster assistance loans for small businesses from the SBA: https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-newsroom/press-releases-media-advisories/sba-provide-disaster-assistance-loans-small-businesses-impacted-coronavirus-covid-19

-Citi Bank will waive small business customers’ monthly service fees: https://online.citi.com/US/JRS/pands/detail.do?ID=covid19

-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has proposed legislation to help small businesses. The proposed legislation would 1. cancel the payment of all payroll taxes, which are typically paid by employers in March, April and May and 2. expand loan programs for small businesses that have experienced revenue loss in the wake of the virus. https://www.uschamber.com/letters-congress/letter-us-government-leaders-coronavirus-response


Andie Chilson is a senior at Baylor University studying journalism and creative writing. She is originally from Houston, but Waco has quickly come to feel like a second home to her. Andie enjoys writing and digital content creation as a way to express her creativity and help people spread their message. In her free time, you can find her reading anything by Brené Brown, doing yoga or exploring downtown Waco. Andie is so excited to be working as part of the Act Locally Waco team this semester!

The Act Locally Waco blog publishes posts with a connection to these aspirations for Waco. If you are interested in writing for the Act Locally Waco Blog, please email [email protected] for more information.

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