Brampton's small and locally
owned businesses continue to struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we approach the holiday and winter season,
they need our support more than ever.
Local small businesses are essential
to Brampton's economic health and contribute to our downtown and
neighbourhoods' vibrancy. Despite demonstrating incredible resiliency in the
face of unprecedented challenges, small business owners are worried about the
future and their ability to survive the next several months. They have a long
journey ahead to recover from the pandemic's devastating impacts and are
counting on our continued support.
What are we asking you to do?
As a business owner, employer, leader and resident
in the community, we are calling on you to rally your teams, customers and partners to
generate even more support for small retail, restaurant and service businesses
through the holiday and winter season to ensure they can continue serving our
community.
Where can I find information
on small businesses in my neighbourhood?
·
Click here for a list of open food
establishments operating in the City of Brampton during COVID-19. Please
contact the food establishment directly before placing an order. To add a
restaurant, please email tourism@brampton.ca
·
The Brampton Business Directory is an employer census of all
brick and mortar businesses operating within the city and features
over 9,700 records.
What are some safe ways to
support local businesses?
There are several ways individuals can support local businesses,
including:
·
Engage with local businesses through your social
media accounts and show your support for Brampton businesses on social media by
promoting your favourite businesses using a Support Local graphic and the
hashtag #SupportLocalBrampton
·
Many restaurants are offering delivery and
pickup, but check for delivery options at places other than restaurants. Your
local toy store, flower shop, bookstore or clothing boutique may not have their
usual storefront, but many are providing delivery or curbside pickup.
·
Doing your holiday, birthday or other special
occasion shopping at a local store or buying gift cards for local services,
entertainment, etc.
·
Buy gift cards or credit for later from your
favorite restaurants, stores, and service providers
·
Purchasing food and beverages locally for
virtual holiday celebrations and other special occasions
·
Share local restaurant delivery menus on your
social media pages
·
Leaving a review online if you have a wonderful
meal or receive exceptional customer service at a restaurant, store, or
personal service provider
·
Spreading the word and encouraging your family
and friends to also support local businesses
·
Check to see which of your services/providers
are now being provided online. Therapists, tutoring, yoga, personal trainers,
coaches, financial planners, lawyers, music classes for kids - all of these can
be continued through videos or online conferencing.
·
Tip service workers extra.
·
Keep paying your memberships and subscriptions,
even if they have been suspended.
·
Are you a website designer, developer, or a
social media expert? Offer your services to local businesses that don’t have an
online presence to help them sell and promote online.
·
If you learn of a unique promotion or idea from
a local business, share it online. Local businesses usually don’t have huge
marketing efforts, you can help spread the word through social media.
·
Start an online contest / drawing for local
business gift cards and services.
·
Just give a donation. Cash is always
appreciated.
What are some creative ways my
business can support local businesses?
Businesses in Brampton can help support local businesses by:
· Issuing a challenge to
employees like “5 Days of Local Support” and celebrating their contributions
online or in employee communications
· Purchasing locally for
employee holiday gift exchanges
· Purchasing food and beverages
locally for virtual holiday get togethers
·
Launching a voluntary giving initiative to support a neighbourhood food
bank or charitable organization
Who can I contact if I have
any questions related to supporting small businesses in Brampton?
If you have questions or require additional information, please contact
the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre team at bec@brampton.ca